#19 US Gets Major Heat for Human Rights Report

Every year the US State Department publishes its human rights report. The report analyzes the human rights situation in almost every country in the world. This year, the report has caused increasing irritation in a number of influential countries.

Responding to U.S. complaints, China charged that the Bush administration has no standing to criticize other countries on human rights because its own record is full of blemishes at home and abroad. "As in previous years, the State Department pointed the finger at human rights conditions in more than 190 countries and regions, including China, but avoided touching on the human rights situation in the United States," the government said in a report issued by Premier Wen Jiabao's office. "We urge the U.S. government to acknowledge its own human rights problems and stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights.

Similarly, Moscow criticized the US State Department's annual report on global human rights, saying its assessment of the situation in Russia was skewed, confrontational and aimed at furthering US political interests. In a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow complained that "Washington has long practiced double standards in the sphere of human rights, depending on whether one state or another acts in accordance with (US) political interests...These standards are particularly clearly visible against the background of what is happening now in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the military base in Guantanamo with the participation of the US armed forces."

Even Egypt was offended by the report, reacting angrily to criticism of its human rights record. Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul-Gheit accused the US of interfering in its affairs. While the report isn't intended to make allies happy, it certainly doesn't seem to be garnering a whole lot of goodwill.

#18 Bush Success Despite Protests

Faced with what appears to be the highest level of anti-US sentiment in Latin America in history, President Bush embarked on his longest trip ever to to the region. After what is perhaps the most important stop in Brazil, Bush will travel to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico before returning to Washington.

Commenting on the trip, Bush said "This is a long trip and the reason why is I want to remind people throughout our neighborhood that America cares about them...And I bring a message of hope, a message that says we care about the human condition, and a message of accomplishment." Bush rightfully noted that he has increased aid to Latin America during his presidency, "and yet we don't get much credit for it." He went on to say that "I want the taxpayers, I want the American people to get credit for their generosity in Central and South America."

Arriving in Sao Paolo, Bush was greeted with major protests, but it seems imminent that a biofuels pact will be signed between the two countries. Ethanol powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil and, together with the US, Brazil produces about 70% of the world's ethanol - a bio-fuel made from sugar cane or corn.

Besides agreeing on economic deals, Bush says he's on a goodwill tour to talk about making sure the benefits of democracy — in the form of better housing, health care and education — are available to all Latin Americans, not just the wealthy. Highlighting such issues appears to be to counter Chavez's aid to the poor and staunchly anti-US Socialist rhetoric.

While Bush’s nemesis, Venezuelan President Chavez, is on his own tour of Latin America to counter Bush’s influence and having a much more receptive response, it appears that it will be the American president who will return home with something tangible, whereas his Venezuelan counterpart will have gained in esteem, but have little else to show for.

#16 China Hits Back at U.S. (Cheney)

In response to Vice President Dick Cheney's criticism of Beijing (he said China's destruction of an inactive weather satellite last month, as well as its "continued fast-paced military build-up are less constructive, and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise"), a spokesman for the foreign ministry in Beijing accused the US of acting like a nosy neighbour. Qin Gang said China's policies were aimed only at defence, rejecting claims of opaque spending policies. "What's your response if your neighbour keeps peeking into your house through a crack in the door and yelling 'Open the door, let's see what's inside'?" Mr Qin said.

#14 Cheney Critical of China

China's recent anti-satellite weapons test and its continued military buildup are "not consistent" with its stated aim of a peaceful rise as a global power, Vice President Dick Cheney said Friday. Cheney praised China for playing an "especially important" role in the negotiations that resulted in the North Korea deal, under which the North is to seal its main nuclear reactor and allow international inspections in exchange for fuel oil. "Other actions by the Chinese government send a different message," Cheney told the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue, a private organization that promotes ties between the two countries. "Last month's anti-satellite test, China's continued fast-paced military buildup are less constructive and are not consistent with China's stated goal of a peaceful rise," he said.

#7 Palestinian Security Arrests Iranians

While there was little doubt that Iran actively worked against Israel's interests through the financing of terror activities and the use of Hezbollah as a proxy, it now appears that there can no longer be any question about Iranian involvement in the Palestinian territories either.

Palestinian security forces have arrested seven Iranians during a raid at the Hamas-linked Islamic University in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian security forces (affiliated with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas) said the men were sent by Iran to train Hamas and hundreds of weapons and a lathe for the production of Qassam rockets were seized during the raid.

In other signs that confrontation with Iran has begun, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to kidnap American citizens. This threat comes in the aftermath of the arrest of a group of Iranian nationals in Iraq by US forces.