FP morning brief 5/19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangkok burns after military launches all-out assault on Red Shirts

---

Top story: The Thai military launched an all-out assault on the Red Shirt compound in central Bangkok today, arresting the movement's leaders but prompting rioters to turn the city's main shopping district into a flaming battleground.

After the government rejected a red-shirt ceasefire offer earlier today, the troops moved in using live ammunition to disperse the crowd. At least six protesters and an Italian news photographer were killed in the assault. The main Red Shirt leaders gave themselves up but supporters rampaged through the city setting fire to Bangkok's Stock Exchange, Electricity Authority, and largest shopping mall. Thousands of Red Shirt supporters have also reportedly attacked city halls in two provincial capitals.

The captured leaders urged their followers, to no avail, to end the demonstrations. “We cannot resist against these savages anymore,” said Jatuporn Prompan. "I beg you. We have to end this for now.”

Iran sanctions: The U.S. has reached a deal with key Security Council swing voters Russia and China to modestly strengthen sanctions against Iran.

Afghanistan: Taliban insurgents launched an unsuccessful assault on the U.S. base at Bagram on Wednesday, failing to breach the base's perimeter.

---

Asia South Korea's foreign minister told fellow diplomats that his government believes North Korea was behind the sinking of one of its warships in March. Nine college students were wounded in the latest knife attack on a school in China. Four Indian paramilitary troops were killed in an assault by Maoists. Middle East U.S. envoy George Mitchell has begun a second round of indirect talks to Israeli and Palestinian leaders. France has released an Iranian accused of killing former Iranian Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar in 1991. A Saudi militant captured in Iraq has detailed his plans to attack the World Cup. Americas Mexican President Felipe Calderon meets with President Obama at the White House today. Honduras has dropped its case in the International Court of Justice against Brazil for sheltering ousted President Manuel Zelaya last year. Haitian President Rene Preval vowed to step down next year. Africa The Somali pirate charged with hijacking the Maersk Alabama last year pleaded guilty in New York. Chadian officials detained the head of Darfur's largest rebel group. Nigeria confirmed a state governor as the new vice president. Europe The euro dropped to a new four-year low against the dollar yesterday. German prosecutors are investigating Google for violating privacy laws. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said U.S. adoptions of Russian children should be suspended until a new agreement on the practice can be reached.   -By Joshua Keating