North Korea

Counterfeit currency attributed to North Korea raises deep concern due to its extremely high quality. Dubbed supernotes, their production process closely matches that of the genuine article, and the engraving is so fine it rivals that of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Unlike most of the world's counterfeit currency, which is printed on offset presses or through digital processes, supernotes are printed on an intaglio press. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing uses Giori intaglio presses for the engraved portions of its bank notes, and an offset press for the background colors. Supernotes use the same technology. An intaglio press operates by applying ink on its plates and then wiping them clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is then pressed agains

"I want to dispense with the need for affirmations, the call for absolute certainties and/or, unmitigated intelligence accuracy. Is not the mere prospect of nuclear technology in the hands of a terror sponsoring state scary enough to warrant action? ... Let’s get something fundamentally clear, even if the reports are only half accurate ... " What we all suspected may have been confirmed last week. On September 6 2007, Israeli jets bombed a nuclear reactor being constructed by Syria with the aid of North Korea somewhere along the Euphrates river - a reactor possibly built for the production of Plutonium. Find below the official U.S. Government 11-minute video showing construction of the purported gas-cooled graphite-moderated reactor at al-Kibar in an isolated desert region in eastern Syr

Freedom-house, “an independent non-governmental organization that supports the expansion of freedom in the world”, issues an annual report called “Freedom of the World” detailing ranking for freedom in countries around the world. The report ranks every country on a seven point scale in two categories - “political rights” (PR) and “civil liberties” (CL), 1 being [...]

Drastic changes appear to be taking place in Noth Korea as its leader, Kim Jong II tackles three difficult issues: who will succeed him, how to deal with the new more conservative govvernment in South Korea, and how to normalize the nation’s strained relations with Japan. The reigning Korean Workers’ Party is making appointments and [...]

By Nancy-Amelia Collins Jakarta he top nuclear negotiators for North Korea and the United States may meet next week to try to end the impasse over stalled multinational talks aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. VOA’s Nancy-Amelia Collins has more from the Indonesian capital Jakarta. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and chief nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill [...]

TOKYO (Reuters) - North Korea has been selling multiple rocket launchers to military-ruled Myanmar since the two countries restored ties last year in violation of U.N. sanctions, Japan's NHK public broadcaster reported.Quoting unspecified diplomatic sources, NHK said in a report late on Wednesday that the launchers were the same type as those deployed near the demilitarized zone separating the Korean peninsula.Diplomatic relations between North Korea and Myanmar were cut off following the 1983 "Rangoon" bombing in which Pyongyang agents killed 17 South Korean officials, but were restored in April, 2007.

Ok. This is only the qualifying match but it will be very interesting match at least. SEOUL, March 7 (Xinhua) — South Korea’s Football Association (KFA) said Friday that FIFA proposed to hold the World Cup qualifier match between South Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Shanghai instead of Pyongyang. [...]

I got an email about this from Rory over at VBS TV.I'll just go ahead an quote his email pretty much in full.The VICE Guide to North Korea on VBS.tv Hey ExpatJane,Yeah it's not just the NY Philharmonic who is getting in. VICE decided a few months ago that as far as stories go, this was one we wanted to do. So what else to do but lie and call yourself a tourist and then start filming. We are pulling the curtain back and shedding light on the darkest of countries, not just giving viewers spoon fed images like the government staged image in the New York Times. Those do nothing to capture what the hell is really going on there like our series does.It's 14 parts cause its a big story to tell, here are clips that are some of the more bizarre.The VICE Guide to North KoreaEpisode 3 - Fine dinning

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Egyptian wireless company Orascom plans to invest up to $400 million in a new mobile phone network in North Korea, one of the world's poorest and most tightly controlled societies.Hatim E. El Gammal, an investor relations official with Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E., said Thursday that the network would be the first based on 3G in North Korea.El Gammal didn't elaborate on the deal but said construction would begin "in the near future."Orascom said in a statement on its Web site Wednesday that a joint venture subsidiary, CHEO Technology, would offer services throughout North Korea for 25 years under the terms of the deal and exclusively for the first four years.Orascom, the largest mobile communications company in the Middle East with 65 million subscribers, said

Russia plumbs new depths for oil referring to a Russian official claiming the North Pole and all its oil riches after a robotic sub planted a Russian flag en.wikipedia.org says:Flag of North Korea From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Jump Flag of North Korea was adopted on September 8 1948 as the national flag and ensign read more ->crwflags.com says: and images of several flags from the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea of the South Korean flag relevant common flags for North and South Korea read more ->en.wikipedia.org says:The national flag of North Korea File links North Korea at the 1976 Summer Olympics Thailand at the 1976 Summer Olympics read more ->ultimateflags.com says:North Korea Flag Flag Adopted 9 September 1948 the new communism of North Korea this flag uses the traditional red color read more ->shopzilla.com says:Bargain prices on north korea flag store variety for north korea flag Compare prices and buy

Hoping to preserve its impeccable reputation in the foreign policy arena, the CIA has apparently been destroying tapes of harmful interrogations Al Qaeda operatives. At least two tapes were destroyed in 2005, reports the NY Times, which raises the question: If you’re just going to destroy the tapes, why make them in the first place? “We can’t have a political and economic crisis in Pakistan and keep losing to India in cricket. Please, God, help us. In Pakistan, we suffer too much.” In a country where cricket ranks alongside religion, will success in cricket help Pakistan overcome its political and economic woes? After sending a personal letter to Kim Jong-il, President Bush is on his way toward becoming pen pals with the North Korean leader. Hillary Clinton’s desire to prove her strength might be detrimental to U.S. Foreign Policy, James Fallows over at The Atlantic argues. Hoping to diffuse some of the tension surrounding his faith, Mitt Romney ha

I read this article in Time Magazine, originally from the Economist. Sun, sex and Stalinism details the logistics of travels and journeys to North Korea, where you can explore one of the most tightly controlled countries in the world. On a short leash of course. Hotels are sequestered, an escort is arranged at all times, and propaganda is always staring you in the face. Yes those are North Korean kids dressed up as eggs. GLOBAL capitalism has worked many wonders, but where in the free world can one see 10,000 children dancing in synchronisation, dressed as eggs? Many travellers harp on the propaganda: blocks of flats are topped with neon exhortations to “turn a corner in the economy” and suchlike, and murals depict hearty workers striding forward, perhaps trampling a star-spangled banner or two as they go. At Pyongyang’s “Kaeson Youth Funfair”—home of the world’s most genuinely frightening rollercoaster—the crossbow stall’s painted targets are of big-no

Have you ever remembered the President’s promise during her State of the Nation Address of taking our country into the First World in twenty years? I’m not sure how that’s coming true with news like this: More petroleum price hikes coming and Net effect of peso rise negative: Majority say well-being unchanged, but more report being ‘better off before.’ But now, she’s got company too. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea for short – which is one of the most isolated and tightly controlled country and the only remaining hard line Stalinist regime in the world – is now open for business. According to the blog North Korea Zone: The Official Business Webpage of the DPRK predicts that “The DPR of Korea (North Korea) will become in the next years the most important hub for trading in North-East Asia.” (more…)

From The Article:TOKYO (AP) --" A team of U.S. experts will begin disabling North Korea's nuclear facilities on Monday, the U.S. envoy said Saturday, marking a major concrete step by the communist country in scaling back its atomic program."It's also a big step in undoing the damage done by Clinton/Carter.

The building is on the North Korean side, a couple KPA (Korean People's Army, or North Korean soldiers) and some obviously high ranking dude in a suit. Can't quite tell, but one of the KPA's rifle may be pointed right at me.This guy is South Korean Military Police, and hard to tell by the pic but probably 6'6. I didn't want to move in any closer for the picture. This is the room that straddles the border between north and south. The soldier is standing right on the line, I am north of him, technically in North Korea. The door to North Korea. The world's tallest flag pole. Good thing it was a windy day, apparently the North Korean flag weighs 600 pounds. This is the "Propaganda Village." None of the buildings have windows. The MDL, or border proper. The small concrete divider between the buildings marks the border. The soldiers are South Korean. Like I said, I was hoping to see the classic stand-off I'd heard about, but the KPA border guys must be on break. In fact,

John Bolton continues to show a lot of courage in his opposition to the Bush administration for how they're just talking to North Korea about making a superficial agreement to stop the nuclear program (Hat tip: Hot Air Headlines): Forty-two members attended the joint meeting where Bolton reiterated his longstanding position that trusting North Korea to abide by its promises is the wrong approach,

[Editor’s Note: I’ve never traveled to North Korea, but dearly wish to do so. As an American, the likelihood is slim, alas. I envy PRC Chinese who, following the footsteps of the presumably still incarcerated Yang Bin — the ex-flower magnate, embezzler and bankrupt of Shenyang who had planned to corner the cross border trade — flit over to Shinuiju to gamble on the crap tables installed by Stanley Ho of Macao casino fame and fortune. I long, redheaded, white-skinned Chinese speaker that I am, to turn the heads and fix the eyes of those North Koreans who’ve never seen a Westerner, as I did with PRC Chinese in the early 1980s. In essence, to turn back the calendar by thirty years and re-visit ancient Asian “communism,” still on display in its only remnant, the death defying holdout. I wonder how I would apprehend it this time around. Most likely with the same desperate sadness I did then, but who knows? I find any first-hand account of N

The Six Party group working to ensure North Korea halts its nuclear weapon program is making progress. The United States has finally halted its rhetoric of anger toward North Korea and agreed to focus on solving problems instead of worsening them. Chinese delegate Wu Dawei noted “we are faced with a new season of harvest” by working together in a problem resolution manner. Christopher Hill, representing the United States, says he will shortly present a new plan leading toward denuclearization of North Korea. The apparent success of ending North Korea’s nuclear weapon program is an example of focusing on solving a problem rather than playing to the crowd with wild rhetoric. It is unfortunate that President Bush doesn’t use this approach in dealing with Iran.

North Korea vigorously denied having sold nuclear weapons to Syria or had any involvement in nuclear programs with that nation. Their nuclear envoy, Kim Kye Gwan claimed “the matter is fabricated so you can ask the lunatics to explain it.” He charged America turned its back when allies like India or Israel engaged in nuclear activities but came down strong on any nuclear programs by nations it disliked. Syria also denied any nuclear engagement with North Korea and indicated it had no interest in attending the upcoming fall conference dealing with Israel and Palestinians. A spokesperson for the Syrian government noted, “we have no interest in going just to have our photos taken.” He said his government did not believe there was any serious interest in dealing with the Palestinian issue. One thing is for certain, the Syrian spokesperson will never get a job in the Bush administration if he doesn’t want to take advantage of photo-op opportunities. But, Syria

A Pennsylvania superior court has decided children can have three legal parents. Britain is expelling four Russian diplomats in response to Moscow’s refusal to cooperate with its investigation of the death of Alexander Litvinenko. The US is returning sixteen Saudi nationals who have been held at Guantanamo to Saudi custody, following the Saudi public’s allegations that the deaths of three others were caused by abuse from US officials. North Korea’s notorious Yongbyon reactor — its main plutonium producing plant — is said to be completely shut down. And finally, it turns out raising America’s cars’ fleet mileage will create jobs! Environmental Tip of the Day: Buy Sustainably Fished & Harvested Seafood! Enjoy eating seafood? Before heading to the grocery store, take a gander at the Marine Stewardship Council’s website for an idea of which stores carry species that are environmentally-friendly to eat. Email this post...

According to Reuters:North Korea has told the United States it has shut down its Yongbyon nuclear facilities, the U.S. State Department said on Saturday."We welcome this development and look forward to the verification and monitoring of this shutdown by the International Atomic Energy Agency team that has arrived in North Korea," said spokesman Sean McCormack.UPDATE:IAEA Confirms North Korea Has Shut ReactorU.N. inspectors have verified that North Korea shut down its nuclear reactor, the watchdog agency's chief said Monday, the first on-the-ground achievement toward scaling back Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions since the international standoff began in late 2002. The main U.S. envoy on the issue, meanwhile, said that the United States is looking to build on momentum and will start deliberations on removing North Korea from a list of terrorism-sponsoring states. North Korea pledged in an international accord in February to shut the reactor at Yongbyon and dismantle its nuclear programs i

I and others pointed out years ago that the way to control Iraq was through deterrence and negotiation. The President, however, declared after 9/11 that countries were either for us or against us. He used this justification, plus the threat of the use of chemical weapons by Saddam Hussein, as the reason to go to war.But those of us on the other side of this argument wondered why the same reasoning did not apply to North Korea, especially since it was known that this country was developing nuclear weapons. Today we have evidence that negotiating with the enemy can result in achieving our aims. International inspectors have confirmed that North Korea has shut down its only nuclear reactor in exchange for oil. As this country receives more fuel it will take further steps to terminate its atomic weapons program. I sincerely wish we would have tried similar diplomacy with Iraq.

This documentary shows the daily fear that Noth Koreans live with everyday. PLOT DESCRIPTION: The winner of the 2001 International Emmy award for Best Documentary, Welcome to North Korea is a grotesquely surreal look at the all-too-real conditions in modern-day North Korea. Dutch filmmaker Peter Tetteroo and his associate Raymond Feddema spent a week in and around the North Korean capital of Pyongyang -- ample time to produce this outstanding film.

INTERNATIONAL Iran has agreed to allow UN weapons inspectors to see one of its nuclear reactors. Oil shipments to North Korea have begun. The Economist: “Beware Russians bearing gifts.” ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS Governors take the lead. McDonald’s “to make biodiesel from its own waste.” BLOGS “A country called Europe?” Another perspective on faith and the Democrats. TIP OF THE DAY Don’t leave your appliances on standby. Turn them off completely and save energy. Email this post...

North Korea has invited inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog back into the country to monitor the shut down of its main nuclear reactor, state media reports. A letter inviting a "working level" delegation to visit and monitor the suspension of the operations of nuclear facilities was sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency, North's Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday.Earlier Saturday, frozen North Korean funds that were thawed as part of a February agreement to get Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program were transferred out of a bank in Macau, China, to a Russian bank, where North Korea has an account.Ri Je Son, North Korea's director general of the General Department of Atomic Energy, sent a letter to the IAEA confirming that transfer of the funds was completed as required before the invitation would be extended, according to KCNA.Francis Tam Pak-yuen, Macau's secretary of economy and finance, said more than $20 million went from Banco Delta Asia to a North

Initially reported as accepting the request: “Russia has accepted a U.S. request that a Russian bank help end a stalemate over frozen North Korean funds that has halted progress in the North's nuclear disarmament.” Now is has been agreed upon: “Russia has agreed to help the United States break the impasse over a long-running banking dispute.” North Korea agreed during six party talks on February 13th to dismantle its nuclear programs, in part understanding they would receive $25 million in frozen money. North Korea missed its April 14th deadline for the first step, which was shutting down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor citing claims it has not received the money. Setting aside the pathetic nature of agreeing to release the funds; North Korea had the means to get the money, but refused to unless the money was transferred; as noted by someone’s Yahoo: “The communist state insists on a transfer rather than a withdrawal to prove it has regained access to the

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree against North Korea that is inline with the U.N. resolution 1718, which recalled previous relevant resolutions 825 from 1993; 1540 from 2004 and 1695 from 2006 banning: “trading with North Korea in materials, goods and technology which could contribute to North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction-related programs such as those of missiles and nuclear weapons.” “It also prohibits exports of luxury goods to North Korea and those to the North from third countries by way of Russia or Russian business corporations.” U.N. resolution 1718 reaffirmed, expressed the gravest concern, expressed profound concern, expressed a firm conviction, deplored, deplored further, condemned, demanded and decided. Perhaps this is why Putin took as long as he did in issuing his presidential decree. According to first deputy head of the State Duma Leonid Slutsky: ‘”Pyongyang isolated itself from the world comm

Pyongyang, April 30 (Xinhua) North Korea Monday strongly criticized Japan for its latest moves to upgrade weaponry systems. “The Japanese reactionaries are working with bloodshot eyes to turn Japan into a military power and realize their ambition for overseas expansion…” said a signed commentary carried out by the leading North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun. The commentary accused Japan of deploying the missile defence system and purchasing F-22A Raptors from the US. The daily said that Japan’s moves mean “an undisguised military provocation and threat and blackmail against North Korea.” Japan is reportedly seeking to buy numerous F-22s, but top US government officials dismissed the prospects for supplying the state-of-art fighter jets to Japan.

Having given up on finding anything half-decent or remotely interesting to do in South Korea, I and some friends have decided to go to North Korea. Needless to say we are all very excited in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Notwithstanding the photographs I will be able to post here, a number of unique writing opportunities present themselves. Ethics aside, possible post titles could include the following:"The Day North Korea Met a Total Spender""The Total Spender - The new Dear Leader?""The Theory of Total Spending Enjoying Rapid Growth in The Secret State""Kim Jong-Il - Yet Another World Leader Seduced By The Theory of Total Spending""North Korea Seeks Help From International Community After Total Spending Spree""The Politics of Empowerment In Postmodernity: The Rise of Total Spending In North Korea""The Contradictions of Capitalism Reconsidered: North Korea Embraces Theory of Total Spending"Whatever. You get my point. The trip in question is around $400 for a weekend (not inc

Odd that. North Korea is late or has missed its first deadline in the newest deal to with the U.S. and its multi-lateral negotiating party. According to The NY Times: “The first deadline for North Korea to shut down and seal its main facility for manufacturing nuclear weapons fuel expired Saturday with no apparent action by the North to fulfill its commitments.” China has asked the U.S. for patience. Ok, not like we have any other choice right? The Times get a dig in, with (italics mine): “The inaction leaves President Bush vulnerable to attacks from hawks in his own party, who have argued that it was a mistake to return $25 million in frozen funds to the North Koreans — much of it believed to be from illicit sales of counterfeit currency and missiles — and who doubt that the North Koreans will stop producing bomb fuel as well as give up all of its existing weapons.” Damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. But that said, allowing the release of the

North Korea - Denuclearization Action PlanThe following action plan was released in Beijing on February 13, 2007 following the conclusion of the latest round of Six-Party Talks.Initial Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement, 13 February 2007 The Third Session of the Fifth Round of the Six-Party Talks was held in Beijing among the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America from 8 to 13 February 2007.Mr. Wu Dawei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Mr. Kim Gye Gwan, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK; Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; Mr. Chun Yung-woo, Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Mr. Alexander Losyukov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; and Mr. Ch

South Korean officials are saying that North Korea is willing take steps to end their nuclear arms program, which is great progress compared to the past few years.  Chun Yung-woo said that China could possibly draw up a draft agreement in as early as Thursday. Chun said “we have confirmed that there is a consensus among the countries that there must be an agreement on the early steps on implementing the September 19 joint statement at this round.”  This is talking about the agreement between five countries, on of them being North Korea, that in September 2005 where supposed to stop their nuclear arms program. Japan’s chief delegate, Kenichiro Sasae, said “regarding denuclearization, North Korea needs to halt and seal its operations for the nuclear facilities in Yonbyong and accept verification and monitoring by the IAEA,”  and that “the initial-stage steps must be implemented in a relatively short period of time.” Negotiators from the US, Ja

*Historical - Korea Divided*North Korea's Nuclear Gamble*Kim Jong-Il Bodyguards *Images of Korea*North Korea Video Clips*Toughest Job In North Korea - Funny Commercial*North Korea Childen Of The Secret State*Kim Jong Il's Roses*Mo Kin*The Genius Kids*Smiling*Grapes of Love*Army of Beauties*Genius Kid*The Genius Kid 2*My Parents Kiss*Six Dancing Girls*The Elevator Girl*Bush Evil*The Black Whistle*The Wise Uncle*North Korea Funny American Video*State of Mind*N Korea Talks Set To Resume*North Korea Trip On Audio*North Korea Video Archives*Asia Entertainment Videos

President's Remarks on United Nations Security Council Resolution on North Korea, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The South Grounds 3:30 P.M. EDT. In Focus: National SecurityPresident George W. Bush comments on the passing of a resolution by the United Nations concerning the actions of North Koreabefore departing the White House on October 14, 2006. White House photo by Paul Morse. THE PRESIDENT: Today

A South Korean military police walks past a signboard showing the distance to the North Korean capital Pyongyang from Imjingang Station, of the incomplete inter-Korea railway, near the demilitarized zone which separates the two Koreas, about 55 km (34 miles) north of Seoul, October 6, 2006. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon (photo and caption taken from Reuters.com) You know, when I heard about North Korea

I visited Althouse today, who watches way too much t.v., and found a bunch of good articles on men, mommies, and physiology. With oodles of comments, natch. This Natalie Angier article on motherhood is not for the squeamish, but is fascinating. That's really true of most of her writing, which I've always liked. I think we are able to be aloof about the survival dynamic in nature because we are, for the most part, so far removed from bare-bones survival. Looking at brute survival situations among humans would probably yield similar scenarios. I can think of several war stories to confirm this.Case in point: I met a woman from South Korea, in passing, who told me about her family. It was really out of the blue, but here is the story. They were in North Korea before she was born. Her father found a way to cross to the South when his life was threatened. Her mother and two sisters began to feel the same pressure, made an attempt to get across and were stopped by guards. In that moment sh

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei (Center) shakes hands with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill (Right) and North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, in Beijing. Photo by: REUTERS/Michael Reynolds/Pool On Tuesday North Korea agreed to stop its nuclear weapons program with in sixty days in exchange for $300 million dollars worth of fuel. That will amount to 50,000 tons of fuel oil. The United States, Japan, South Korea, China, and Russia were all present in the negotiations. The next phase of the disarmament will involve the reactor which North Korea has reaffirmed their commitment to disabling during these talks. The details of that agreement will be worked out in the next phase of disarmament talks. The agreement also took steps towards a nuclear-free peninsula and towards restoring relationships between North Korea and South Korea and between other Asian countries. "The parties reaffirmed that they will take positive steps to incre

Never mind all that boring news about North Korea in the six party talks. North Korea is getting some fuel in exchange for agreeing to maybe let a few international inspectors come in and have a look round. Oh, and if you are lucky, they may break up a nuclear reactor, but they won't actually be dismantling the nukes that everyone is worried about.This is much more amusing : It's a spoof movie by some Chinese of the story of North Korea's special agent 007 trying to get a vital part of their country's imports : Hennessy XO for the Dear Leader.It has been watched 2,839,288 times and received 2,119 comments on a single site alone (6rooms) as of 11:22 PM, February 2, 2007.YouTube has it in four parts(two three four), the whole 30 minute movie is available here and here too.

A country that is so deeply rooted in history is a place that all of us want to visit at some point during our lives. North Korea, the other name for Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is situated in East Asia and its capital is Pyongyang. South Korea, which has been separated from North Korea [...]

:: UPDATES Intercessors Network SHORT NOTES-mailing # 490 October 23, 2006In issue of today: * NORTH KOREA NEIGHBOURS SHORE UP BORDERS * ERITREAN EVANGELICALS TORTURED TO DEATH * PRAYER CENTER SET ON FIRE IN SRI LANKA * EIGHT CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN INDIA * CHINESE CITIES - Chaozhou * DHAKA, BANGLADESH- THE ENIGMA OF ISLAM: THE TWO FACES OF MUHAMMED By Fred Hutchison - AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM By Art Katz- NATIONAL DAYSNews of Today: Updates Intercessors Network [Link Weekly Updates - Bookmark] ::

Picking the worst country in the world is not unlike choosing rogue nations -- a parlor game that is open to interpretation, whether informed or not. What goes to make up a real hellhole? The chief ingredients are tyranny, chaos, corruption, oppression and poverty, but in most countries, the lack ...