Syria Moves to End Emergency Rule

After weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of cooling, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has decided to try to quell the dissent with honey rather than vinegar, overturning a national state of emergency that has lasted nearly 50 years.

Posted on Apr 16, 2011 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS

President Reportedly Flees Tunisia

The Tunisian government is in upheaval after weeks of violent protests over high unemployment and skyrocketing food prices. Al-Jazeera reported that the prime minister had taken the reins of government after President Ben Ali left the country.

Posted on Jan 14, 2011 READ MORE  |  8 COMMENTS

Dropping Temperatures Take Toll in Peru

After hundreds of children died in weather that has gripped Peru and plunged temperatures to 50-year lows, the country has declared a state of emergency. The declaration will provide funds intended to lessen additional casualties.

Posted on Aug 1, 2010 READ MORE  |  32 COMMENTS

Kyrgyzstan Extends State of Emergency

The interim government of Kyrgyzstan has extended a state of emergency announced last week after ethnic violence erupted between Uzbek and Kyrgyz groups, killing more than 100 and extending to neighboring provinces.

Posted on Jun 13, 2010 READ MORE  |  2 COMMENTS

The Dictatorship That Cried Wolf

Egypt has officially been in a state of emergency since 1981, allowing the government extraordinary powers such as the ability to arrest and detain someone forever for no reason. The Egyptian government has just extended the emergency powers for two years, using Guantanamo and the Patriot Act as political cover.

Posted on May 11, 2010 READ MORE  |  1 COMMENT

Salvador Flood Toll Tops 120

Severe flooding has killed at least 124 people in El Salvador after heavy rains soaked the country. The government declared a state of emergency as the search for more victims went on.

Updated

Posted on Nov 8, 2009 READ MORE

Pakistan May Crack Down on Freedoms

The Pakistani government may declare a state of emergency, which would grant it extraordinary powers, limit civil liberties and extend the political lifespan of embattled President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Posted on Aug 8, 2007 READ MORE  |  14 COMMENTS