Climate : Key Durban document adopted despite strong protests (PRIV)
(Meena Raman, Geneva)
Despite strong concerns raised by many developing countries over the lack of balance in the report of the outcome of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Chair of the working group, in an unprecedented move, transmitted the report to the Conference of Parties (COP) under his own authority.

Mideast : Palestinian flag flies at UN agency (PRIV)
(IPS, Paris)
Amidst a sudden downpour of rain here, the Palestinian flag was raised at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Tuesday, marking Palestine's admission to the specialised agency.

United States : Former top aide offers insight on Mideast and Iran (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
In his first public address since departing from the White House, Dennis Ross, former top Middle East aide to US President Barack Obama, called for increased sanctions on Iran, a careful approach to new Arab regimes and a low-key approach to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

United States : Protestors occupy ports in Oakland and beyond (PRIV)
(IPS, Oakland)
Occupy movements in Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; and Longview, Washington claimed victory Monday when they prevented workers from loading or unloading ships at the three ports.