By Rory Weal

Christmas is just three days away, but whilst most will be spending it in the warmth of their living room with their family, thousands of people, particularly young people, will be out on the street on Christmas Day, writes Rory Weal.

By Yaqoob Khan Bangash

November 25^th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, passed almost without a whimper in Pakistan. At a time when we are endlessly discussing the latest political gimmick, the absence of any airtime given to the large-scale lack of such a fundamental right — the protection of women against violence — is simply shameful. How can we discuss issues of national security and development, when we cannot even protect over half of our population?

By Jai

The Sunday Times have formally investigated the English Defence League’s backers and have confirmed that two key individuals in particular are involved. You can read the full article here. A few extracts:

By Charles K Armstrong

The death of Kim Jong-Il, the 69-year-old leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on 17 December 2011, invites assessment of his role in North Korea's modern history and the legacy he has bequeathed to his successor and to North Korea.