Iranian Federalism, Yes or No!

Listening to the perspectives of Iran’s different ethnic groups will be an important part of the evolution of the Green Movement. A democratic Iran will need to genuinely embrace their demands, not listen and then fail to act. At the same time, advocates for Iran’s ethnic groups will need to speak the language of democracy and civil resistance, not use the language of martyrdom and violence.iran-flag-Federalism

Uganda bombings kill 70, Islamists suspected

* Somalia’s al Shabaab lauds attacks

* Signs of a suicide bomb at one site

* No claim of responsibility for attacks

* Ethiopia says attack a ‘cowardly act’ by al Shabaab

(Increases death toll)

By Elias Biryabarema

KAMPALA, July 12 (Reuters) – Suspected Somali Islamists carried out two bomb attacks in the Ugandan capital that killed 70 people watching the World Cup final at a restaurant and a sports club, authorities said on Monday.AP_Somalia_ShababSpokesman_

Mattis steps up as US commander of Iraq and Afghan wars

General James Mattis was named on Thursday as the new head of US Central Command (Centcom) which has overall responsibility for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mattis will take over from General David Petraeus once his appointment is ratified by the Senate. In Afghanistan Nato admitted on Friday to killing six Afghan soldiers in a “friendly fire” incident.General_James_Mattis