World in Brief: Oct. 14, 2010

KARACHI, Pakistan
Two suicide bombers attacked Muslim Shrine for 8th century saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi, of the Sufi Doctrine. Detonating in the front entrance of the shrine when crowds were most concentrated, the bombs left approximately ten dead and sixty-five injured. Perpetrators remain unknown; however, Pakistani Taliban and Sunni Muslim Extremists are suspect, due to conflict between parties. The city has shut down all shrines for at least three months, for further investigation.

KABUL, Afghanistan
Afghan civil leaders have shot down ideas for Peace Council to broker terms with the Taliban, proposed by President Hamid Karzai. The president is accused of building a potentially corrupt council, with members directly connected to past Taliban violence; thus, not a proper representation of society. Karzai fears that these challenges will only heighten Taliban conflict further as they grow less inclined to accept any negotiation of peace.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti
The International Organization for Migration currently faces criticism for the failure to coordinate and implement Haitian relief camps with adequate conditions. Nearly nine months after the disaster, refugee advocacy groups are disgraced by the filthy state of these camps, housing upwards of a million victims. It has been determined that those seeking protection are unable to communicate with any international humanitarian leaders. Refugee International’s report demands intervention by the United Nations and immediate restructuring, otherwise facing negative repercussions.
TIJUANA, Mexico
In an attempt to eliminate Tijuana’s reputation for criminal behaviour, President Felipe Calderon’s government has launched a two-week, citywide festival promoting economic stability and cultural vibrancy. The “Innovative Tijuana” festival is a 5 million dollar celebration of significantly lower crime rates, hoping to eradicate any remaining criminal stigmatism upon the city. Dances, vendors and business discussions are geared toward the citizens to prove that Tijuana has made progress in becoming a safer society.

NEW YORK CITY, USA
The infamous New Yorker also known as the “Naked Cowboy”, is commonly found at the centre of Times Square playing his guitar in nothing but underpants and cowboy boots. Thankfully, he managed to find a suit and tie before publicly proclaiming his goal to challenge President Obama in the 2012 election. In coalition with the basic principles of the conservative Tea Party Movement, his ambitious platform includes a promise to reduce illegal immigration and defeat the Taliban – just to name a few.

–Compiled by Leeza Pece