Archive - Aug 11, 2008

Cindy Sheehan to Run Against Speaker Pelosi

Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan is now officially on the November ballot.  The mother of an Iraq war veteran killed in 2005 gathered enough signatures to run as an independent for Nancy Pelosi's congressional seat.  But the grassroots campaign is struggling for the support of many of Sheehans own fans, who think she's veered too far off her anti-war focus, and that there are far worse members of congress that need to be removed from office than Speaker of the house Pelosi.  From San Francisco, Andrew Stelzer reports..

STREET AMBI

• Campaign to End Rafah Crossing Blockade
• A Look at the West's Response to the Russia-Georgia Conflict
• New Fund Aimed at Helping Workers Caught in ICE Raids Post Bond
• West Coast Climate Convergence Kicks Off
• Remembering Mahmoud Darwish

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• Russia Pushes into Georgian Territory, But Disputes Extent of Invasion
• Indian Police Open Fire on Caravan of Kashmiri Fruit Vendors, Killing Separatist Leader
• Former Thai Prime Minister Seeks Asylum in the UK
• Bolivian President Survives Recall Referendum by Large Margin
• Riot in Montreal After Police Fatally Shoot Youth in Volatile Neighborhood
• Cindy Sheehan Secures a Spot on the California Ballot to Challenge Nancy Pelosi

Gaza's ruling Hamas party held a rally Sunday at the Rafah crossing terminal in the region's south, demanding the terminal be reopened. Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Gaza to welcome the Free Gaza boat, a ship filled with aids workers and human rights observers who say they're challenging Israel's occupation of Gaza. FSRN's Rami Almeghari has more.

Russia has expanded its military attacks in Georgia – and is ignoring Georgia's call for a ceasefire. The conflict, which began in South Ossetia last Friday, has now spread to another separatist region.  As the war expands, western countries are cautiously criticizing Russia for what they call 'disproportionate force'.  FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

A new fund is being established to help workers caught up in ICE raids
post bond. Posting bond greatly increases the chance for a fair trial,
by giving the detained the chance to see a lawyer and seek out legal
options. The National Immigrant Bond Fund has raised $200,000 to assist
with bonds, but some say as the raids increase so will the amount of
money needed to provide legal protection for those caught up by ICE.
FSRN's Karen Miller reports.