Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa

Staff / Truthdig Aug 18, 2007 Five South African men, including former Police Minister Adriaan Vlok, have received suspended prison sentences for attempting to assassinate a prominent anti-apartheid leader 18 years ago. The intended target, Frank Chikane, who now works for the president, did not want the men to go to prison. Vlok previously sought forgiveness by washing Chikane's feet. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

American Troops Kill Six Iraqi Police Officers

Staff / Truthdig Jul 14, 2007 In a startling rejoinder to President Bush's rosy report of progress in Iraq, and the possibility of "success" in this war, whatever that means, six policemen were killed in a clash between U.S. troops and Iraqi police -- reflecting growing concerns about the infiltration of militants into Iraq's police force. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

It’s the Ecstasy, Stupid

Sheerly Avni / Truthdig Jul 3, 2007 Oakland's skyrocketing murder rate has experts scratching their heads, but cultural critic Sheerly Avni suggests that one answer lies in plain sight. Just ask the kids who are likeliest to kill and be killed, and you will learn that a major villain is the "hug drug." Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

British Police Search for Bomber Clues

Staff / Truthdig Jun 30, 2007 Now that England's streets and sidewalks have been outfitted with an elaborate closed-circuit TV system, British police are using footage from London's Haymarket district in trying to track down the party behind Friday's attempted car bombings. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Military Chiefs Have ‘Surge’ Doubts

Staff / Truthdig Jun 27, 2007 At the core of the "surge" strategy is the notion that once U.S. troops clear a particularly hostile patch of Iraq, the Iraqi army and police will move in to maintain order. But senior American officers are now raising serious doubts about Iraqi forces' ability to take over. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S. in Shootout With Afghan Police

Staff / Truthdig Jun 12, 2007 Afghan police say US-led troops opened fire on a security post, killing seven police officers The U military has acknowledged the skirmish, but said it was responding to an attack and did not confirm the Afghan casualties The Red Cross has described worsening security in Afghanistan as "a very worrying situation". Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Kenyan Police Gun Down 21

Staff / Truthdig Jun 5, 2007 Police killed 21 members of the banned Mungiki sect in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday in retaliation for alleged attacks by the outlaw group in recent weeks. The Kenyan government recently instituted a shoot-to-kill policy for the sect, according to the BBC. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

L.A. Police Chief: ‘It All Broke Down’

Staff / Truthdig May 30, 2007 As he delivered a report on the May Day incident to the Los Angeles Police Commission, Chief William Bratton acknowledged that his officers made mistakes born out of a breakdown in communication. Video of riot police firing rubber bullets into an apparently peaceful and compliant gathering of immigration protesters on May 1 sparked public outrage and an investigation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bill Maher on LAPD Bullies

Staff / Truthdig May 14, 2007 In light of the LAPD's recent storm trooper-like behavior, Bill Maher reminds police everywhere, "We want to support you -- even to love you -- but you have to remember, it says 'To protect and serve' on the side of the car, not 'What the f--- are you looking at?' " Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

L.A. Police Chief Sides With Marchers

Staff / Truthdig May 7, 2007 As many as 60 LAPD officers have been pulled from the streets, following a violent clash with protesters on May 1. Chief William Bratton has called some of the actions of the officers, who attempted to break up an apparently peaceful and lawful rally by firing 148 rubber bullets, "indefensible." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

L.A. Mayor’s Back in Town

Staff / Truthdig May 5, 2007 After traveling to El Salvador and Mexico during the week that began with a May Day clash between immigration rights demonstrators and the LAPD, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wisely decided on Friday to cut his sojourn short by five days and return home to deal with the fallout. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Unfair at Any Speed

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig May 1, 2007 This just in: Driving while black is still unsafe at any speed, even zero miles per hour. The same goes for driving while brown. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )