News beyond the farm

A weekly e-mail news summary WORLD EDITION

For the week preceding this Saturday, November 23rd, 1996, here's what made the News Beyond the Farm:

The situation in Zaire continues to be fluid. On Nov 17th, the exodus of refugees from Mugunga Camp in Zaire to Rwanda was completed. On the same day, documents were released implying that Hutu militias which control the eastern half of Zaire intended to continue their invasion westward. In light of the changed situation, the United States announced a new aid plan Nov 19th in which only 1000 logistical troops would head to Zaire instead of the armed intervention force previously suggested. On Nov 20th, more Hutu refugees started heading to Rwanda, apparently released by militias heading deeper into Zaire. Anti-aircraft fire was reported at a US relief flight over the center of the country Nov 21st. Then, rebel leaders in eastern Zaire declared a local administration Nov 22nd. Citing a mandate from President Mobutu (who is still out of the country) despite being long-term rivals, Etienne Tshisekedi claimed to establish administrative control.

An interesting situation moves on in Belarus. On Nov 17th, thousands of people took to the streets in the capitol of Minsk to demand the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko over economic stagnation and lack of leadership and independence from Russia. On Nov 21st, Lukashenko announced a deal with parliament to make a referendum on his presidency scheduled for Nov 24th non-binding. However, parliament rejected the proposal Nov 22nd, leading to limited street protests.

They're Talking About It:

In the O.J. Simpson civil trial taking place in Santa Monica CA, the defendant himself took to the stand Nov 21st. Most analysts agree that Simpson hurt his credibility by denying EVER abusing Nicole Brown Simpson. He at first seemed unnerved by testifying, but later hit his stride and even seemed to inject humor into his testimony.

In Shorts:

The Taliban order that currently controls most of Afghanistan asked for that nation's seat in the United Nations Nov 17th; the seat is currently held by the former government.
The Russian Mars Probe fell back to earth in the ocean Nov 17th, ending fears of plutonium landing in populated areas.
The army hotline on sexual abuse had received 4000 calls by Nov 17th.
A fire in the Chunnel between England and France Nov 18th led to the hospitalization of 17 people.
CIA agent Harold Nicholson was arrested Nov 18th for passing secrets to the Russians; Nicholson had worked for the CIA for 16 years.
Toymaker Mattell purchased Tyco Toys Nov 18th.
Emil Constantinepel won the Romanian Presidency in elections Nov 18th.
The Supreme Court ruled 8-1 Nov 18th that police do not have to inform motorists that they are free to leave in certain situations.
The United States was the only country in the UN Security Council to vote against the re-election of Secretary General Bhoutros Bhoutros Ghali Nov 19th. However, as a permanent members, its veto meant that Bhoutros-Ghali was not confirmed. It is expected that he will again be nominated for the post.
Fidel Castro invited the Pope to visit Cuba Nov 19th; Cuba is the only Latin American nation the Pope has not visited.
Texaco executive Richard Landswell was charged in the discrimination case against that company Nov 19th. Ironically, he was the executive who made the incriminating tapes and released them in the first place.
The Space Shuttle Columbia blasted off Nov 19th with 61-year old astronaut Story Musgrave aboard.
14 people died in a on-ground collision at the Quincy IL airport Nov 19th.
Newt Gingrich (R-GA) was re-nominated unanimously as Speaker of the House Nov 20th.
Brian Peterson turned himself in to police Nov 20th. Peterson is the boyfriend of fellow 18-year old Amy Grossberg; the two apparently killed their baby after inducing an early birth.
A building collapse in San Juan, Puerto Rico killed 20 and injured 80 Nov 21st.
HUD secretary Henry Cisneros resigned Nov 21st.
The London subway lost power for a long time Nov 21st.
The Garley Building in Hong Kong burned Nov 21st, killing 39 people.
A Taiwanese magistrate and seven associates were murdered Nov 21st by an assassin.
The Dow Jones Industrial average closed the week Nov 22nd at yet another record, at 6471.76.
New airbag recommendations were released Nov 22nd, calling for more options for consumers and more warning labels.
A C130 transport crashed off Cape Mendocino CA Nov 22nd, apparently killing ten.
The Miss World pageant finally ended Nov 23rd in Bangalore India. Fully 1500 people had to be arrested for protesting the contest for degrading women and bringing inappropriate western values to India.
An Ethiopian 767 was hijacked Nov 23rd and diverted to Australia. The flight ran out of fuel off the Comoros Islands and crashed into the sea in full view of a hotel. 175 people were aboard; at least 54 survived including the cockpit crew and two hijackers, whose motives and identities are unknown.
Russia ordered its last units of troops out of Chechnya Nov 23rd.
An Amtrak train derailed Nov 23rd at Seacaucus NJ. Two cars and one locomotive went over the embankment, injuring 35 people, none seriously.

Finally:

A group of doctors was attending a convention in Moscow. Upon arrival at their hotel, they were warned not to say anything controversial since their rooms were bugged. One group of doctors decided to take matters into their own hands and started searching for the listening devices. Sure enough, they found a bulge in the floor, lifted the carpet, and found a plastic and metal device. After unscrewing the fastener and removing the plastic, they heard a loud noise in the room below as a chandelier shattered into pieces.

And that's what made the News Beyond the Farm.

Sources this week included All Things Considered (NPR), the Associated Press newswire, the BBC Newshour (BBC/PRI), KCBS radio news, Marketplace (PRI), the News Hour with Jim Lehrer (PBS), Newsday (BBC/PRI), Newsdesk (BBC/PRI), Paul Harvey News and Comment (ABC radio), and the Reuters newswire. Compiled by: Lance Gleich, Stanford CA