• The Iraqi Government Rejects Alleged Secret Security Deal Between Nouri al-Malaki and the Bush Administration
• US Incarceration Rates Rise to a New High
• Ugandan Military Prepares for Another Confrontation With Rebels
• Palestinians in Gaza Skeptical about Barack Obama's Comments on the Future of Jerusalem
• Ukrainian Government Blamed for Country's High HIV/AIDS Infection Rate
• Mumia Abu-Jamal Commentary "Blues for Bill Tilley"

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The Iraqi Government Rejects Alleged Secret Security Deal Between Nouri Al-Malaki and the Bush Administration

Two Iraqi parliament members are calling for a complete U.S. troop withdrawal. A majority of parliament signed a letter delivered to the US congress yesterday that said the Iraqi government would not recognize any illegal security treaties signed between Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and the Bush administration. An article published Thursday in the British paper, The Independent, contained leaked information about a potential security agreement the administration is pushing Al-Maliki to sign. Katharine Jarmul reports.

US Incarceration Rates Rise to a New High

For years the United States has hovered near the top of a list developed nations when it comes to incarceration rates. The sharp increase in imprisonment began in the 1970s and 80s with the War on Drugs and the destruction of the country's mental health infrastructure. Incarceration rates have nearly tripled since that time. The so-called "prison industrial complex" is a multi-billion dollar industry. And the incarceration rate in the United States is still on the rise, according to new numbers released by the US Department of Justice. To find out what this means for the country, I spoke with David Fathi, US program director at Human Rights Watch.

Ugandan Military Prepares for Another Confrontation With Rebels

The Ugandan army has announced they will mount joint operations with other regional forces against the Lord's resistance army rebels currently operating in the Jungles between the Democratic republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Ugandan officials claim the Lord's Resistance Army recruiting new soldiers and restocking in preparation a new offensive. This comes after Rebel leader Joseph Kony refused to sign a peace agreement. Joshua Kyalimpa reports from Uganda.

Ukrainian Government Blamed for Country's High HIV/AIDS Infection Rate

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ukraine has become a threat to Europe and the rest of the world, according to the United Nations Program on AIDS' report released in early May. Some experts are placing the blame on the Ukrainian government. They say it is failing to slow the infection rate, which is the highest in Europe. FSRN's Amy Miller brings us this report from Kiev, Ukraine.

Palestinians in Gaza Skeptical About Barack Obama's Comments on the Future of Jerusalem

On Wednesday, US Presidential candidate Barack Obama told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that – quote – "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." The remarks drew immediate criticism from the McCain campaign as well as Palestinian leaders. So much so, that Obama issued a retraction of sorts saying it would be up to Israeli and Palestinian officials to negotiate the future of the city. Obama's statements have been met with skepticism by Palestinians in Gaza – where they could cast a shadow over future peace talks. FSRN's Rami Almeghari has more.

Mumia Abu-Jamal Commentary "Blues for Bill Tilley"

Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award-winning journalist who chronicles the human condition. He has been a resident of Pennsylvania’s death row for twenty-five years. Writing from his solitary confinement cell his essays have reached a worldwide audience. His books "Live From Death Row", "Death Blossoms", "All Things Censored", “Faith of Our Fathers” and the recently released “We Want Freedom” have sold over 150,000 copies and been translated into nine languages. His 1982-murder trial and subsequent conviction have been the subject of great debate.