Excluded Headlines: Brazil cracks down on deforestation, Afghanis face hunger, freezing temperatures...

Stay up to date on the global news stories the US- and Eurocentric media overlooks, with journalist and author, Tamara Pearson.

While the media has found it hard to avoid covering the national protests in Peru today, it has ignored or under-covered the following important stories from the Global South.

Brazil cracks down on illegal loggers - Brazil’s environmental agency started carrying out raids against illegal loggers in the Amazon on Thursday. Many loggers and ranchers clear the forest without permits and on Indigenous reserves. Former right-wing president Bolsonaro had attacked the agency, Ibama, for issuing fines to farmers and miners, but new president Lula has promised to give the agency more power and resources. Source.

Pakistanis protest food prices and shortages – Parts of the country have faced flour shortages, and wheat has become very expensive. In general, as in many countries, food prices and unemployment have both been increasing. Students, workers, and activists protested on Friday and the following days in various regions. Last year’s severe floods, hoarding, and the international economic crisis are the main causes of the difficult situation. Still, the World Bank has delayed a US$1 billion loan to Pakistan to July. Source, source

Bolivia: Criminal proceedings begin against racist coup plotter – Former coup president Jeanine Áñez took power in November 2019 through a right-wing civic-military coup. That same month, she ordered security forces to repress anti-coup protestors, and the forces murdered 10 of them and hundreds were injured. On Tuesday, the country’s Prosecutor’s Office expanded proceedings against her to include genocide, homicide, and serious injuries. Áñez is already serving a 10-year sentence for the coup. Source.

Afghanistan: Over 70 people have died from the cold, 38 million people face hunger – For the last eight days, Afghanistan has experienced its coldest winter in years, with temperatures reaching -33°C on the weekend. Officials report at least 70 people have died, along with cattle – a key commodity for many. This comes as aid to the country has decreased and the US’s freezing of assets mean that over half the country currently face hunger. Source, source.

Syria speaks out against US attacks on its health sector - The Syrian government spoke out recently after the US imposed additional sanctions on the country, making it hard for public and private hospitals there to obtain medical equipment and spare parts. Over 90% of Syrians are living below the poverty line, and the government pointed out that foreign countries are using conflict as an excuse to control most of its oil fields. Source, source.

Tunisia: Protests against the president – Like Pakistan, Tunisia is experiencing inflation and high unemployment. In elections last month, just 11% of people voted, as most of the country feels the government is becoming more authoritarian. Saturday’s protest marked 12 years since Tunisians began their Arab Spring uprising and protestors called for the current president to step down. Source, source.