#UK: Labour Ldr Corbyn Steps Away From Peace Group After They Publish "Insulting" Anti-Queen Poem

[world politic news]

Newly elected Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has cut his ties with the Stop The War Coalition - a group he has led as chairman for four years - after it published a controversial poem on the front page of is website attacking Queen Elizabeth II of "lubricating Britain's wars" and benefiting financially from them. But even as he resigned, he praised the group's works.

#SAUDIARABIA: Crown Prince Says Gov't Ready To Thwart ISIS Attacks During Muslim Pilgrimage

[world politics news]

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has stressed that the Kingdom's government and military are ready to thwart any ISIS attacks during Hajj pilgrimage, which begins next week. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, has made it its top priority to ensure a safe and successful pilgrimage season.

#KENYA: Teachers Strike Enters 4th Wk; Ruling Pty Rejects Pay Hike; Oppo. Pty Threatens To Impeach President

[world politics news]

Ruling Jubilee Party members of parliament on Friday insisted that teachers will not get a pay increase despite a Supreme Court order. The Opposition CORD Coalition threatened to impeach President Uhuru Kenyatta. Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki said public sector wages were already 10% of the budget and "unsustainable."

Pictured: (seated) Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki (left), Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Maina Kamanda, of the Jubilee Party

#BURKINAFASO: Confusion, But Quiet, After Wed. Coup By Former Military Commander

[world politics news]

A coup occurred Wednesday as presidential guard soldiers stormed a cabinet meeting and seized interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Isaac Zida. Gen. Gilbert Diendere, a long time ally of the deposed President Blaise Compaore, announced he would lead the National Council for Democracy, and run the nation.

Pictured: Ousted interim Burkina Faso President Michel Kafando (left) shaking hands with Prime Minister Lt-Col Isaac Zida during Kafando's inauguration ceremony in Ouagadougou last November.

#CANADA: Party Leaders Spar In Debate Over Syrian Refugees, Faltering Economy

[world politics news]

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau spent much of Thursday's lively leaders' debate clamoring to present themselves as the best choice to manage the economy after Oct. 19.

#GREECE: Syriza Party Struggles To Maintain Power Ahead Of Elections

[world politics news]

With just days before an election, the Syriza Party is fighting for its life after one-fourth of its members have left  to form the a new party, Popular Unity, which is more radically opposed to austerity and openly calls for Greece to exit the EU. Two polls put Syriza and the center-right New Democracy Party nearly tied.

Pictured: Popular Unity Party leader Panagiotis Lafazanis

#GERMANY: #AngelaMerkel's Coalition Partner, Christian Social Democrats, Call Approach To Migration "A Mistake"

[world politics news]

Members of the CSU - sister party to Angela Merkel's CDU - have dubbed the German Chancellor's handling of the refugee crisis a "mistake." They warn about social cost of having more migrants than native-born Germans and the fear that ISIS has infiltrated the refuges with terrorists.

#UKRAINE: Separatists Plan Spring Conference Of Secessionists Across The Globe, Including From Texas

[world politics news]

An official from the self-proclaimed, Russian-backed Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine says he will host a "summit of unrecognized states" this Spring, hoping the meeting will result in a "League of New States." The meeting will include representatives from a movement by Texans to break away from the USA.

Pictured: Aleksandr Kofman, the self-styled foreign minister of the unrecognized Donetsk People's Republic

#GERMANY: Support For "Alternative For Germany" Party Rises Amid Refugee Influx

[world politics news]

Support for the Alternative for Germany Party, which backs a tough line on immigration, has risen to its highest level in nearly four months as an influx of refugees from the Middle East gathers pace, a new poll showed. The party has 5.5% voter support, following a tumultuous summer in which its founder broke away to form a new party.

Pictured: AfD leader Frauke Petry.

#UK: Scottish National Party Planning Second Independence Referendum For 2021

[world politics news]

Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, is planning another referendum on Scottish independence, despite UK PM David Cameron's insistence that the issue was "settled for a generation" in the party's failed 2014 effort, in which 55% voted to remain within the UK.

#UK: Parliament Rejects Doctor-Assisted Suicide Bill

[world politics news]

Parliament has voted against legalising assisted suicide in England and Wales, by 330 to 118. The Private Member’s Bill from Labour MP Rob Marris was rejected resoundingly by the House of Commons late last week after several hours of debate.

#FRANCE: Two Mayors Say They Will Only Accept Christian Refugees From Syria

[world politics news]

Two center-right mayors have infuriated the French government by saying they will accept only Christian refugees, even as the first 200 Middle Eastern migrants arrived in France from Germany. Prime Minister Manuel Valls, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, condemned any attempt to distinguish between Muslim and Christian refugees.

#TURKEY: Magazine Raided By Police Over Cover Of Photoshopped Image of Pres. Erdogan

[world politics news]

Turkish police have raided an Istanbul-based news magazine after it featured on its cover a photomontage portraying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan taking a selfie at a soldier’s funeral. Anti-terrorism police seized the entire print run and blocked the magazine's Twitter account for "insulting the president" as well as "disseminating terrorist propaganda."

#GERMANY: Gov't Introduces Temp. Border Controls As Refugees Overwhelm Southern Germany

[world politics news]

Germany is planning to temporarily reintroduce border controls, beginning with the border to Austria, in view of the massive influx of refugees. The government of Bavaria called for help from federal police to help monitoring those trying to enter Germany. Nearly 10,000 entered Austria just on Sunday.

BREAKING: #AUSTRALIA: PM #TonyAbbott Ousted In Liberal Party Coup; Malcolm Turnbull New PM After Vote

[world politics news]

Malcolm Turnbull has ousted Tony Abbott as leader of the Liberal Party in a 54-44 vote, and will become Australia's 29th prime minister. Turnbull, unlike Abbott, supports efforts to combat climate change and legalizing gay marriage. Abbott's poll numbers had been weak, prompting the leadership challenge.

Pictured: Malcolm Turnbull, center

#THENETHERLANDS: Defense Min. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert Accused Of Lying To Parliament Over Military Gear

[world politics news]

Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is accused of misinforming the lower house of parliament about protective measures taken in the 1980's surrounding the use of the carcinogenic weapon cleaner PX-10. Last October, she told them the Ministry of Defense started taking protective measures for personnel in 1981. But a document from 1986 shows no protective measures were in place.

#NORWAY: Candidate Compares Anti-Smoking Laws To "Persecution Of Jews Under The Nazis"

[world politics news]

A politician from the Coastal Party - a small, socially conservative party in the far north of Norway - has compared the plight of smokers in the country to that of Jews during the Nazi occupation. The party has made the battle against smoking bans in cafes, restaurants and bars a core issue.

Pictured: Geir Finne, leader of the Coastal Party

#AUSTRIA: Chancellor Criticizes Hungarian Handling Of Migrants; Compares Transportation To NAZI Trains

[world politics news]

Austria’s chancellor criticized Hungary for its handling of the refugee crisis, likening the country’s policies to Nazi deportations during the Holocaust. In an interview, Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann likened Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's treatment of refugees to the Nazis’ deportations of Jews and others to concentration camps.

#EGYPT: PM & Cabinet Resign Amid Corruption Scandal; Oil Min. Asked To Form New Gov't

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab and his Cabinet resigned Saturday, in the face of intense media criticism and a widening corruption investigation that saw the agriculture minister arrested on corruption charges last week. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked outgoing Petroleum Minister Sherif Ismail to head a new government.

BREAKING: #UK: LABOUR PARTY TURNS HARD LEFT AS JEREMY CORBYN WINS LEADERSHIP

[world politics news]

In a major political re-alignment, hard-left Socialist Jeremy Corbyn has won the Labour Party's leadership contest in a landslide 60% of the vote, burying his three major competitors. A number of current shadow cabinet ministers said they will not take up their positions in Mr Corbyn's cabinet.

#ITALY: Comedian Leader Of Five Star Movement To Resign, Return To TV

[world politics news]

Beppe Grillo, the founder and leader of Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement party, said he plans to leave politics and return to his old job as a comedian. Luigi Di Maio, 29 is the youngest deputy president of the lower house in Italian history, and is becoming the new face of the Five Star Movement.

#SPAIN: Pro-Secession Parties Polling Shows They Could Win Slim Majority in Catalan Parliament

[world politics news]

Pro-secession parties are on course to win a slim majority in the Catalan regional parliament, a poll has shown. Catalan president Artur Mas has said that winning a majority of 68 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament in the September 27th election will suffice to push through an 18-month roadmap for secession for the wealthy northeastern region.

#VENEZUELA: Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez Found Guilty of "Incitement To Violence"

[world politics news]

Prominent Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has been sentenced to 13 years and nine months in prison. He was found guilty of inciting violence during protests in 2014 in which 43 people - from both sides of the political divide - were killed. The 44-year-old had been held in a military prison since February 2014.

#AUSTRALIA: PM #TonyAbbott Planning Major Cabinet Re-Shuffle, Potentially Axing 6 Ministers

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is reportedly planning a major cabinet reshuffle, which could see six ministers axed. Defence Minister Kevin Andrews, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane and Employment Minister Eric Abetz could all be in the firing line.

#NEWZEALAND: PM #JohnKey Says NZ Has No Mandate To Follow Australia Into Combat In Syria

[world politics news]

Prime Minister John Key says New Zealand will not take part if other countries send troops into Syria and it would take a Security Council resolution for New Zealand to consider involvement. Key met with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott yesterday to discuss the response to Syria, including refugee intakes.

#USA: #California Assembly Approves Right-To-Die Legislation

[world politics news]

The state Assembly has approved a measure that would allow California physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients, sending the proposal to the Senate, which had previously approved a similar bill.

Pictured: Debbie Ziegler holds a photo of her daughter, Brittany Maynard, the California woman with brain cancer who moved to Oregon to legally end her life last fall, during a news conference.

#CANADA: Opponents Avoiding Liberal Ldr. Justin Trudeau's Famous Last Name In Campaign

[world politics news]

Media have noticed that party leaders running against Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau - son of the late former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau - are refusing to use his last name in speeches and interviews. PM Stephen Harper calls him "Justin" to illustrate the 43-year-old's relative youth, while New Democrat Leader Tom Mulcair calls him the "third party leader."

#RUSSIA: Communist Party Seeks Fines For Defaming Current & Old Soviet Flags; Licenses For Use By Businesses

[world politics news]

The Communist Party has prepared a bill introducing fines for unsanctioned use or distortion of the Russian state flag and coat of arms, as well as state symbols used during the Soviet era. The bill, if passed, would introduce fines for those who use Russian state symbols without a license.

#EGYPT: In Move To Separate State From Religion, Egypt Bans Imams Preaching In Mosques To Seek Political Office

[world politics news]

Continuing its efforts to separate religion from the state, Egypt has banned imams from preaching in mosques while running for political office. To prevent mosques from being used as political platforms, the rule bans preachers running for parliamentary elections from delivering sermons or religious lectures in mosques once they announce their candidacy.

#GUATEMALA: Comedian Headed To Oct. 25 Run-Off As Corruption-Weary Voters Select President

[world politics news]

A popular comedian is headed into an Oct. 25 run-off election with the presidential candidates of the two traditional parties. With 81.5 percent of the ballots counted, Jimmy Morales had 25.8 percent, against 18.6 percent for lawyer Manuel Baldizon and 17.9 percent for former first lady Sandra Torres.

#THAILAND: Council Rejects Proposed Constitution That Would Have Weakened Parties; Election Delayed

[world politics news]

The National Reform Council has rejected Thailand's proposed constitution by 134 votes to 105, pushing back elections to at least 2017. All parties strongly opposed the revisions, which would have significantly weakened political parties. The military will remain in control of the government until a new charter is approved.

Pictured: Ousted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose Pheu Thai party rejected the draft constitution. Photo: Reuters

#GEORGIA: Parliament Overrides Presidential Veto on Banking Supervision Bill

[world politics news]

Parliament has overturned a presidential veto of a package of bills removing banking supervisory functions from the Georgian National Bank. The veto was overridden by the Georgian Dream (GD) parliamentary majority group with 81 votes, 5 more than required minimum of 76. Opposition lawmakers from UNM and Free Democrats parties voted against overturning the veto.

#UGANDA: Frmr. President's Son Files To Run For President In 2016

[world politics news]

Former President Apollo Milton Obote's son, retired Bishop Edward Engena Maitum will run for president in 2016. He joins 19 others who will run against Pres. Museveni. Engena's father founded the Uganda People's Congress Party, which is now headed by his brother. He's undecided whether he'll see the party's nomination.

#UK: Survey Shows Majority Of Britons Want To Leave EU

[world politics news]

A majority of British people would vote to leave the European Union - a "Brexit" - in the wake of the migrant crisis engulfing the continent, a shock new Daily Mail on Sunday poll has found. If a referendum were to be held tomorrow on whether to remain a member of the EU, 51 per cent of British people would vote ‘No’.

#NORTHERNIRELAND: UK Gov't Threatens To Take Back Welfare Powers From N. Ireland

[world politics news]

The British government is threatening to take supervision of welfare from the Northern Ireland Executive, to which it has devolved most legislative powers for the region. Two parties' politicians, particularly Sinn Féin and the SDLP, won't sign on to welfare cuts previously agreed to in the Stormont House Agreement.

Pictured: Theresa Villiers, the UK's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

#SRILANKA: 48-Member Cabinet Approved; New Sense Of Unity Hailed By Foreign Minister

[world politics news]

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has hailed the cooperative spirit in which Sri Lanka’s parliament formed a new 48-member cabinet, the first time in the country's turbulent political history they've approved a cabinet. He said it was a "reset in political culture" and paved the way for a new constitution and bill of rights to be passed.

#GUATEMALA: Pres. Molina Forced To Resign, Goes On Trial The Next Day On Corruption Charges

[world politics news]

Otto Perez Molina sat in a defendant’s chair Friday and declared his innocence in a customs corruption scandal that forced him to resign a day earlier as president of this Central American nation. He denies allegations he was involved in a conspiracy to defraud the state by letting businesses evade import duties in exchange for bribes.

#UGANDA: Non-Governmental Orgs Could Be Limited By New Legislation

[world politics news]

A bill seeking to limit the work of Non-Governmental Organizations - many based in Western countries - is currently being discussed by Ugandan lawmakers. One of the bill's clauses vaguely states that NGOs must not engage activity "contrary to the dignity of the people of Uganda." The country has in the past cracked down on groups promoting homosexuality.

Pictured: Pres. Yoweri Museveni

#HUNGARY: Laws Rushed Through Parliament To Crack Down On Migration Through Hungary

[world politics news]

As tens of thousands of migrant refugees crowded hastily-built camps, Hungary's parliament Friday rushed through legislation that cracks down on those who violate its borders. The laws give more power to police to deal with the crisis, including prison time of up to three years for illegally crossing Hungary’s border and penalties for damaging newly-installed razor-wire border fences.

#TURKEY: Parliament Approves Sending Troops Into Iraq & Syria To Fight Isis

[world politics news]

Parliament has approved a motion authorizing the government to send troops abroad and allow foreign troops on Turkish territory. The motion, which is in response to the ongoing crisis in Syria and the regional threat of ISIS, authorizes the government to send troops to Iraq and Syria.

#HUNGARY: PM Orbán Condemns Muslim Refugees as "Threat" To Europe's "Christian Identity"

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, says Europe is in the grip of madness over immigration and refugees, and argued that he was defending European Christianity against a Muslim influx. Orbán’s remarks came as he arrived in Brussels for a confrontation with EU leaders over his hard line policies.

#PALESTINIANAUTHORITY: Pres. Abbas Resigns From PLO Exec. Committee, Retains Presidency

[world politics news]

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has resigned as the chief of the Palestinian Liberation Organization along with over half of the 18-member PLO executive committee, but will retain his post as president of he Palestinian Authority. The move by the 80-year-old forces new elections for the ruling board, the first since 1996.

#JAPAN: Gov't Withdraws Plan To Lower Smoking/Drinking Age After Internal Oppo.

[world politics news]

A Liberal Democratic Party delayed formally proposing a reduction in the legal age for drinking and smoking - along with a reduction in the legal age defining a 'minor' - from 20 to 18, after immediate and strong internal opposition from party members to the proposals during a committee hearing.

#LEBANON: Demonstrators Angered By Garbage Collection Take On Weak, Divided Government

[world politics news]

Massive street demonstrations ostensibly about garbage collection has morphed into anger about the country's stagnant and "stinky" corrupt political class, which is so weak, parliament recently failed last week for the 28th time to elect a new president. The post has been empty since May 2014.

#GERMANY: #AngelaMerkel To Unveil Plan To Deal With 800,000 Asylum-Seekers Entering Germany

[world politics news]

Angela Merkel's government will assemble a “comprehensive” package to confront tide of refugees on Sept. 24. Merkel said Germany must help the more than 800,000 seeking asylum and fleeing war as Europe this year. It's the biggest refugee crisis since World War II.

#DENMARK: Prompted By Wave Of Migrants, New Law Aims To Discourage Immigrants By Cutting Benefits

[world politics news]

As of Sept. 1, a new law cuts benefits to newly arrived immigrants by 45%, aimed at discouraging immigration into Denmark. The legislation, drafted by the new center-right minority Liberal government, was prompted by the popularity of the anti-immigration Danish People's Party.

#MYANMAR: Gov't Approves Minimum Wage Rate of US$2.82/Day

[world politics news]

A minimum wage of 3,600 Kyat (US$2.82) per day went into effect Sept. 1 amid the widespread criticism by some employers and employees. he national committee for fixing the minimum wage. Some unions and workers opposed the Ks 3,600 per day (Ks 450/US 35 cents per hour) fixed wage because it's lower than government workers' wages. The wage is not applicable to the enterprises employing fewer than 15 workers and small-scale family businesses.

#MALAYSIA: Defiant PM Says He Won't Resign, Despite Mass Protests

[world politics news]

Embattled Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak poured scorn on a huge two-day rally that brought together tens of thousands of protesters demanding his resignation over a financial scandal. Large crowds of protesters camped overnight on the streets of Kuala Lumpur wearing the yellow shirts of the Bersih movement.

#EGYPT: After 3 Years Without A Parliament, Gov't Sets Oct. Election Date

[world politics news]

For the first time in three years, Egyptians will go to the polls in parliamentary elections. Egypt's legislative elections, the first since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took office, are to be contested in phases starting on October 18.  Al-Sisi allies are expected to do well in the election.

#CHINA: Central Gov't Imposes Debt Ceilings For Local Gov'ts

[world politics news]

China's top legislature on Saturday imposed a ceiling of 16 trillion yuan ($2.51 trillion) for local government debt in 2015. The decision was adopted at the close of the National People's Congress Standing Committee bi-monthly session. According to the Budget Law which took effect this year, and a State Council regulation, China should cap local government debt balance.