September 18th, 2009
World Links: End of Ramadan Marked by Protests in Iran, Bombing in Pakistan

Thirty-three people are killed when a car bomb erupts in a busy market town near Kohat, in northwestern Pakistan. The attack hit as shoppers were buying provisions for the Eid al-Fitr feast, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Members of the Iranian opposition clash with the supporters of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s ruling party during the annual al-Quds Day demonstrations. Al-Quds Day, meaning Jerusalem Day, is a day of pro-Palestinian marches traditionally held on the last Friday before the end of Ramadan. See photos of the demonstrations on flickr.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin praises President Obama for canceling the Bush-era antiballistic missile system that was planned to be built in Eastern Europe, calling the decision “right and brave.” Putin did not say whether Russia would respond with concessions on nuclear proliferation.

Marking the anniversary of the military coup that followed a pro-democracy uprising in 1998, Burma’s military government announces that it will free 7,114 prisoners, but it is unclear if any of those granted amnesty are political prisoners.

Produced by THIRTEEN    ©2024 WNET.ORG Properties LLC. All rights reserved.