. ♪ ♪ ♪ >>> in yangon, the capital city of myanmar, it's dark. blackouts are frequent, with the ancient power grid. but sources of light there are in the street cast an eerie yellow-orange hue. for almost 100 years under british rule, this was rangoon. in 1948 after helping the british fight off the japanese, there was a new taste for self-determination, the country gained independence. after a decade of instability, however, the military consolidated power and never let go. elections? they came and went. the results ignored, opposition punished, or silenced entirely. burma, now myanmar, where orwell once served as a colonial policeman, where he first had grown to despise the apparatus of a colonial state, make more orwellian than imagined, in a nation where even having an opinion could be dangerous. >> i am very honored to be here at this university and to be the first president of the united states of america to visit your country. >> morning in yangon, to nearly everyone's surprise, there have been some huge changes in recent months. >> diffic

myanmar or burma? >> myanmar, because that is the original name since the 13th century. >> she has also spent time in prison. but after coming out aft three years, she became in the minds of many, an apologizist for the regime, fairly or not, i'll leave to others. >> sometimes, i think it is only after the military that things happened. it became a frozen state, like snow white. dead. >> but her many well known books on the culinary traditions of myanmar make her a compelling advocate for burmese foods. >> so you're very passionate. >> it is just i like to eat and i eat like a pig. >> this is yangon's restaurant. >> i think the best of our food, i'm going to order a lot of salads. it is good to be sort of like a tasting thing. >> there is pig head salad, long bean salad with sesame and fish sauce, even this salad, indian style. everything is out there first time. no second course. >> no, no, if i'm invited to a friend's house, the table would be covered with dishes, covered. >> and it is really about t

i'll lose a leg amputated al sabah week myanmar as a developing country don't have enough experience in such large scale catering the local like we're getting a lot of experience in the sea games project i which is supported by this multinational companies ideas on how well when any extreme me. about twelve history. he's not the only motivation. oh and p who is now must eat innovations. i'm saying is be a great business potential for expansion. our companies that have seen that scene at me and i pass them up to the market that he'd like to read this and if you don't get to eat while we're in the process who hailed the flight deck to make this a faithful. i'll be in that the teenage brides have really my stepdad and then people will know us by how well a contribution to the country. he was the least cool motion once he gets to be handled by a forty five again go team supported by taking them to win a source of b c setting the wheel and stupid for words as he gets a chance to win i don't know anything about the seeking of the motown buy a lottery ticket. again the hobbit and support th

more tourists are coming into myanmar. tourists were able to bring more money and spend more. >> since a government took obvious, it introduced a wave of political, social and economic reforms. encouraged by the move western country suspended sanctions. foreign investment has been pouring in since. even though the world bank named myanmar as one of the worst places in the world to do business, citing a lack of transparency, it is seen as one with enormous potential. >> people want an instant reaction. it's a step by step process. give them a chance. >> mindful of a need to attract foreign vestment, the government introduced tax breaks, land leases and promised to draft new laws. >> the world bank forecast myanmar's economic growth for this year and the next. it's worried about inflation. with the country being one of the poorest in east asia, the rising cost of living could affect the majority of the population. it's mainly food and accommodation crisis. an impending increase has people more worried. worried enough to stag

achievement from myanmar. they are proud of their achievement in their new capital, and there's a lot of effort put into making the country look like it's successful, making the government look like it's successful and part of this is because of grave fear about the success of aung san suy kyi's party, the national league for democracy. >> south korean leaders joined china and denouncing a japanese prime minister's visit to a shrine. yasukuni is a symbol of japan's aggression during the world war ii. >> 100,000 people were killed during uganda's long civil law. the rebels lord resistance army targeted civilians. they were chased out of sudan. many bodies are now being laid to rest. we have this report. >> patrick's mother lucy was shot dead by rebels from the lord's resistance army. he is going to dig up her grave and take her body to the ancestral home. friends and family are here to help. she was killed when rebels attacked a camp for the displaced. they massacred people living there. >> everything was put o

the last time myanmar hosted the games was in 1969. it missed out on other opportunities when the military ran the country. the return of the games after 44 years is a muj source of pride for these and the hoping that a bit of home advantage will help them win medals. >>> al jazeera, myanmar. >> legalizing the marijuana trade, politician he passed a bill allowing people over 18 to use the drug. the law was chme championed, poy studies he thinks the law is visionary. >> the problem is, the solutions to so much of the drug war have to be counterintuitive. that is to say the obviously knee jerk solution is often the wrong one. what i mean by this, this is a prop i use, it is a children's toy, a finger trap. the knee jerk reaction is to pull. but the harder you pull, i the e you get stuck. but if you push in a little bit, you get released, what they're doing is pushing organized crime out of the scenario. >> russia and u.s. have ended a 13-year agreement to convert soviet nuclear bombs into civilian use. >> tom ackerman has the story. >> t

the last time myanmar hosted the games was in 1969. it lost out on other opportunities when the military ran the country. a huge source of pride for the athletes, a hoping that a bit of home advantage will help them win a capitol but they feel a huge sense of pride that these gauges actually are returning to the country. now, this is a country that's had to catch up in a sense in the last few years with the technology, with infrastructure, with facilities, so the fact that myanmar is able to host this event even though it's just confined to southeast asians is a source of pride. they'll be able to watch an international sporting event in their country. of course for the government they're hoping that there will be some spillover economic events, economic benefits from these games, there are thousands of delegates, officials and athletes in this country for this 11 day event and some of them will hopefully be extending their stay and giving a boost to tourism. >> thank you for that florence. >>> debate lasted almost 13 hours but as moni

but as reported from bangkok it wasn't myanmar who finished on top. >> reporter: the last time myanmar hosted these games was back in 1969. the government was hoping it would provide a chance to hoe case it's ongoing reform process and wo woo others. for some sports fans it was all worth it. although we spent a lot of money on hosting the games, it was worth the money. we're very proud of our country. >> i'm very glad and happy the games have opened myanmar to the world. everybody around the world is interested in our country, so i'm very thankful to our government. >> reporter: while there was a lot to be proud of the games also had it's black eyes from questionable judging decisions to a riot following myanmar's loss in a football match. some overran the pitch and others tore down seats in the stadiums. fans outside set fire to billboards and even to hats and their own t-shirts. rocks from thrown at police who huddled in response with water canons. thailand will finish top of the medal table. one coming on the volleyball when the thai women beat vietnam. >> i'm glad to see the develo

the self the station games kicked off in myanmar on wednesday and after a spectacular opening ceremony competition is now in full swing. pmr is attempting to reach out to the world and fed to the garrison is at the games press center in the capital. how blessed are the second competition here this team simply take my pics that's held every two years. wednesday spectacular opening scare when he kept the dumplings after its two cats in march a new ally in front of the wash and international audience the game to the country's first in more than forty years to come ahead of the two thousand fourteen oz summits which new marble a chair. why were slid up the capital mankind than the one that hasn't seen for decades and says that the newly built thirty thousand seats eighteen twenty two dealers across the region. as president thinks he was among the spectators and it is what we are the seed teams represent an important opportunity to show it worked out its reform program has benefited the country. this is an opportunity for the guests in for two seconds to get to know the culture and heritage

. >> after decades of isolation, myanmar's real estate is booming but not everyone is catching cashing in. but winter storms disrupt festive plans for travelers in the u.k. >> al jazeera america is a straight-forward news channel. >> its the most exciting thing to happen to american journalism in decades. >> we believe in digging deep. >> its unbiased, fact-based, in-depth journalism. >> you give them the facts, dispense with the fluff and get straight to the point. >> i'm on the ground every day finding stories that matter to you. >> in new orleans... >> seattle bureau... >> washington... >> detroit... >> chicago... >> nashville... >> los angeles... >> san francisco... >> al jazeera america, take a new look at news. >> hello again this is al jazeera. reminder of the top stories. two members of the turkish government have resigned because of a corruption probe. described the investigation as a dirty setup against the government. >>> the u.n. security council has unanimously approved sending more peace keepers to south sudan. the united nations believe thousands have been killed in more

why a number of farmers in myanmar are finding themselves in the dark. >> welcome back, you're watching al jazeera. thailand's prime minister yingluck shinawatra called an early election. tens of thousands marched on her office. there's said to be a carnival atmosphere. eight died in a train accident in jakarta. the passenger train collided with a lorry and one carriage burst into flames. >> france's defence minister says troops are sending fighters in. they've been deployed after days of violence between rival militias in which hundreds have died. there's reports from the capital bangui. >> people find refuge in a church in bangui. even if it has no protection from french and african force, it is better to sleep hear than home. church bells are silent. it's the only ring to learn of danger that man had no warning when sell ebbinga killed his family. she thought seleka would not target wives and children. >> when i cam back, my wife and two children were dead. the baby was on the bed covered with clothes >> this is one of the first times we have seen french soldiers on foot in large num

myanmar host hosted in 1960 buts not had opportunity since. myanmar was accused of picking up obscure events and dropping more established one. but to people here such criticisms matter little. the games are a huge source of pride. >> this is a symbol of the changes happening in our country. >> i'm very proud of our country and of our people because we can host this event. i'm thankful to our leaders. >> reporter: many of the events will be held in the purpose built stadium complex in the capitol. the local newspapers reports that the government spent $13 million on this event. >> reporter: for the government it's a chance to prove to neighboring countries that they remain committed to diplomatic reforms. >> reporter: and it may come 17 hours late but juventus is not out of the champion. the matches with delayed, but the teams picked up where they left off. 22 minutes in with more snowfalling in istanbul. the italians just needed a draw to go through, but wesley snyder denied them that. well, interest there is a three-way race for group f. nap

the south-east asian games will come to an end in myanmar. it's been a major event for a nation recovering from decades of unrest. while the host bagged 84 gold medals, the tournament was not without its problems. >> the last time myanmar hosted the games was in 1969. the government hoped it would showcase its reform process and woo international confidence. despite low attendance, for some local sports fans it was worth it. >> translation: we spent a lot of money, but we are proud. it's been 44 years. it's word the money. we earnt a lot of medals and we are proud of our country. >> translation: i'm hope myanmar has been open to the world. >> there was questionable decisions and a riot when myanmar lost a match. angry spectators flooded on to the pitch and threw stones. fans set aside billboards. flags, hats and t-shirts. rioters threw stones at police who huddled behind shields and responded with water canons. the big winner was thailand who finish top of the medal table. one of the highlights where the thai women beat vietnam in the finals.

in myanmar it's luring thousands of poor people from the countryside. >> it's 19th century technology, combined with 21st century entrepreneursh entrepreneurship. this is a farm ir turned prospector lured to the oil pits by the thought of easy money >> translation: when i heard about it i dreamt of striking a pot of gold. >> he got family and friends to help him by equipment. it's not fancy or high tech. it serves his purpose. on a good day he makes $45, a small portion in this country. it comes at a risk. >> there are some dangerers, like mechanical problems and fire, there's no rules and regulations. >> whatever oil he extracts it sold to small-time buyers who make $2 a bucket. business is brisk in the midafternoon. the middlemen who sell to oil refineries are looking to cap a deal. >> oil was discovered in myanmar in the 19th century, during the military regime's rule. in a civilian government that took over several years ago, the state oil company returned it to farmers. that led to an oil rush. >> small thriving villages set up by those drawn by the prospect of quick money. resta

the last time myanmar hosted the games was in 1969. it missed out on other opportunities when the military ran the country. the return of the games after 44 years is a huge source of pride for the athletes, and they are hoping a bit of home advantage will help them win a few more medals. >>> pakistan has sent its first women's team to india for the world cup in tough competition involving tag-team wrestling. in a country where religion is sometimes at odds with modern values, team members say they found a lot of support. >> reporter: here in india's state it is not uncommon to see female athletes getting ready for a game. but it is for this team from pakistan. it's the first time the country has sent a women's team to this international tournament. players say that is because before, it was believed to be too tough for women. >> translator: before it was only thought of as a man's sport. now ideas are changing that women can do the same things as men. and there is a lot of support to prove women can play the same sports as men. [ cheer

. >>> i'm on the trail of an rush on myanmar where mere $300 can make anyone an oil prospector. new york, here are the headlines this hour. >> al jazeera america is the only news channel that brings you live news at the top of every hour. >> a deal in the senate may be at hand and just in the nick of time. >> thousands of new yorkers are marching in solidarity. >> we're following multiple developments on syria at this hour. >> every hour from reporters stationed around the world and across the country. >> only on al jazeera america. ♪ >>> the top stories on al jazeera. tens of thousands of people have braved the rain in south africa to pay tribute to nelson mandela. more than 90 heads of state made the trip to johannesberg to remember the leader. >>> two french troops have been killed in the central african republic. >>> ukraines president says he is willing to release some of the protesters arrested. thousands are still camped out in central kiev. >>> thailand's prime minister has issued an a emotional appeal to clear the streets and accept new elections. but as harry faucet

six out of 10 young people in myanmar are hooked an heroin. poppy production is widespread in the golden triangle. >> we go there to see the extent of the problem. >> the mountains of the state, beautiful, imposing and dangerous. this is where poppies are grown, and the heroin produced here casts a chateau on the state. in this sebbing clueded shed. three university students are looking for a daily hay. $35 worth. enough for two hits each. they don't want to be identified. they say they have been doing this for years. >> translation: this addiction had a negative impact on my life. >> the rate of heroin abuse is high enough for aid groups to minimise. >> we have found five used syringeses. statistics on drug abuse is difficult to come by. some say they collect up to 40,000 used needles every day, just in three towns. >> in this mostly christian state is a church that fights drug addiction. a spokesman says 55% of young people here abuse heroin. recovering addicts signed up for a program. they tried to kick the habit, but hasn't succeeded yet.

>>> one state in myanmar, seemed to be looked on heroin. we'll finder out why. the cricket career of jack callas comes to an end. looks like he bowed out with a win, we'll give you the details. >>> another sporting great. the formula 1 michael schumacher fighting for his life. more in the news center. >> doctors treating him in france are refusing to predict an outcome for the motor racing champion saying he's on a life-threatening injury. >> he's one of the greatest formula 1 drivers of all time. but michael schumacher is known to be an experienced skier. he fell and hit his head on a rock. he'd been wearing a helmet. within ten minutes the 44-year-old was air lifted off the piece before being transferred to the university hospital in gre grenoabl foran operation. his condition listed as critical and his surgeons indicating he had suffered a bleed on the brain. >> it is too early to say what the prognosis will be. i think seeing the force of the blow his helmet had partially protected them. someone in a similar accident without the helmet wouldn't be here today

. >> after 44 years, the south-east aeroplane games are back in myanmar. the host is putting on a 4-hour extravaganza, designed to impress its visitors. 11 nations with 5,000 athletes came together to compete in more than 30 events. myanmar hosted at the games in 1960. they were not given other opportunities. since 2010 a civilian government has been in charge. they started the game, it's not without controversy. myanmar was accused of the event. to the people here, such criticisms matter little. the gales are a huge source of pride. it's a symbol of the changes that happened in our country. >> translation: i'm proud of our country and people. we can host this event. >> many of the event will be held and a purpose-built stadium complex in the cap tam. a local newspaper reported that the government spent $340 million on this offence. >> they have aime bishes sites to host the asian games. for the government it's a chance to prove that they are committed to democratic and political reforms. >> the host country doing well so far. 18 geedals, 36 in total. they

. >>> we'll report from myanmar where a number of farmers are battling the government in court. >>> and we'll find out why this shot from zach johnson left tiger woods with agrin in the pga in california. original, in-depth reporting al jazeera america is known for. >> to find out more about al jazeera america go to aljazeera.com consider this: the news of the day plus so much more. >> we begin with the government shutdown. >> answers to the questions no one else will ask. >> it seems like they can't agree to anything in washington no matter what. >> antonio mora, award winning and hard hitting. >> we've heard you talk about the history of suicide in your family. >> there's no status quo, just the bottom line. >> but, what about buying shares in a professional athlete? power of the people until we restore our freedo >> on america tonight a remarkable breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. >> just a miracle... >> people who had no hope now tell their extraordinary stories. >> i thought i was gonna die... on america tonight on al jazeera america >> syrian government force versus seized

everyone is interested in myanmar, and a lot of companies are taking space. it will continue for the next three, four, five, six years. >> for property owners the boom times look set to condition. she's on the look out to invest in more properties. >> i'm not worried about a bubble in housing prices because there's not much space leftin town. >> for the poor, the sudden surge is difficult. it's also showing how it benefits onlied a few. >> improving women's education is considered a stand-out success in afghanistan since the invasion of nurses in 2001, as foreign troops prepare to lead, that is looking less surgeon. >> it's a place offering more than these girls know. a quality education in real tangible skills. a path away from poverty and early marriage, and towards university and a career. since 2002, the kandahar institute of modern study has been teaching young women subject like languages, signs, and computer skills - skills that speak of ambitious. which, in the heart of taliban country, is remarkable, and dangerous says their teacher. >> we are a uniq

. >>> hundreds of angry fans set fires after myanmar lost booting them out of the semifinals. and it may have come down to a misunderstanding of the rules. >> reporter: the host nation didn't take to losing very well. what fans didn't realize is that the asian football confederation rules state that head-to-head matches. >> he said the blame is falling directly on his shoulders. the react of the fans falls with the football fans. unfortunately there seems to be a string of incident of myanmar being sore losers when it comes to their team failing to produce on the football pitch. >> reporter: angry fans set fire to and it took two hours to maintain the rioting. >> reporter: primarily the rioting was outside. people started lighting their jerseys on fire and flags, and as that spiralled, people turned their attention on the promotional materials. >> reporter: myanmar is undergoing rapid political and economic reforms. since then investors and tourists have poured in. political prisoners are being released, and people are getting used to more freedom. this outburst appears to be

after half a century of military role, myanmar has had a civilian government since 2011, which is him lamenting democratic reforms. the opposition leader says her party will run in elections in 2015, even if the constitution is not amended to allow her to run for president. >> well, today was meant to be the day when syria gave up control of its deadly chemical weapons, but officials say it will miss the deadline. >> the deadline was set as part of an international deal for syria to completely abandon weapons after a deadly chemicals attack on civilians in august. >> officials managing the complex operation say the delay has been caused by a range of actors. they insist that significant progress is being made. >> this norwegian frigate has been carrying out training exercises of cyprus, but has returned to port. its task will be to escort a cargo of chemical weapons materials for destruction abroad . the u.n.-backed mission is set to miss today's deadline to remove the most critical materials from syria. >> we are fully mission capable, and we are ready to commence operations when we

. >> there has been a surge in foreign investment in myanmar following a series of economic reforms. now a housing boom. we have reports now on how one buddhist monastery is helping out. >> reporter: it's different from the city lives they know, but they are slowly getting used to it. there is no running water and no electricity here. >> life is harsh here. we have communal toilets but they are not enough. also, bamboo houses are not strong enough to resist heavy rains or strong winds. >> reporter: they've had to move here to the outskirts because they could no longer afford rent in the city. the family said an increase of 37% became teacher a financial burden. their neighbors, too have similar stories. they live in small bamboo huts that they had to build themselves. >> this is very am driven by philanthropic spirit. when we saw the homeless, we wanted to provide some housing to them. >> reporter: the knethe new neighborhood is an hour drive, and they built a school to help ease travel costs for the families. >> this at this point has been around for less than three years and it has

. >>> the southeast asian games will come to an end on sunday in myanmar. it's been a major event for a nation still overcoming unrest. the tournament wasn't without its problems, jonathan gravnor reports from bangkok. >> reporter: the last time myanmar last hosts these games was back in 1969. 11 countries took part in 37 sports. and despite low attendances in some events for sports fans it was all worth it. >> although we have spent a lot of money on hosting the games we are very proud. it's been 44 years. i think it's worth the money because we've earned a lot of medals and we're very proud of our country. >> i'm very glad and happy the games have opened myanmar to the world. every in the world is interested in our country, so i'm very thankful to our government. >> while there was a lot to be proud of the games had its share of black eyes. angry spectators through stones, torran out on the pitch and torp seats in the stadium. and rioters burning their own t-shirts an. one of the highlights came sunday on the volleyball court when the thai women beat viet

ministers from japan in myanmar are to keep working together on the air emerging nations development they've agreed to push forward with the special economic so as industry minister to shoot some of the game and in tokyo whitney on mars minister of electric power. in mom's soul and taking note of good progress on the tool i want economic zone near the largest city of young goal he said japanese firms need to start operations there in two thousand and fifteen liters of japan's private and sectors see the zone is a key way into the growing myanmar market the two ministers agreed japan will provide financial and technical support the building power plants and to the secure electricity grid. many business leaders around the world have been turning their attention to india. not only as a huge potential market but also as a manufacturing base competition has intensified and are now facing up to the challenge of some new rivals local indian companies in each year olds can cope with their reports on the shifting trends in the manufacturing industry particularly in the auto sector. this is pa

. >> myanmar's economy once considered the gem of southeast arab shis weakening a fluster. selling semi precious stones for 14 years have seen profits double in the last two. >> when the new government took over, it opened the country and market. more tourist are coming. tourists are able to bring more money and spend more. >> since the mostly civilian government more than two years ago, it's introduced a wave of political social and economic reforce. encouraged by the move, western countries of suspended sanctions. >> foreign investment has been pouring in ever since, and even though the world bank has named myanmar as one of the worst places in the world to do business citing lack of transparency and infrastructure, the country is seeing of having enormous potential. >> it is a step-by-step process. give them a chance. >> mindful of the need to attract foreign investment, the government has introduced tax breaks, long land leases and promised to draft new laws. the world bank has forecast economic growth in myanmar to out pace its neighbors for this year and the next. it'

. >> five political prisoners released in myanmar. all the others will be freed soon, say the country's leaders. >> a warm welcome home for the palestinians released from

. >> the 27th safety eastern games came to a close in myanmar. the first time in 44 years that the country known as burma played host. 1,500 athletes from the region competed. singapore will host the games next in 2015. >> thailand finished top of the medal table with 107 goals, the thais dominating. myanmar with 86 goals and 233 medals, the most of the nation won. vietnam third with 73. >> that's all your sport. >> thank you. city with us. i'll be back with more news at the top of the hour. see you then, bye for now. sf ... >> welcome to al jazeera america. i am richelle carey. here are the stories we are following for you: further into chaos, diplomats work to end violence. intention storm caused havoc saturday. should you be on the lookout for more today? in the wake of a controversial shooting in dallas, peace are reaching out to their community. >> in south sudan, battles between militia's loyal to the president are escalating.

seven in ten youth in one stay in myanmar are hooked on drugs. and we'll have all the details in sport. >> an egyptian court has sentenced supporters of mohamed morsi to prince for two years. they were convicted on charges of rioting to sabotage. it is one of scores of cases o. >> experiencedss journalist who is have worked over the past two decades, and they are demanding that staff be released immediately. >>> the people of aja were trapped by rebels. the town lies on an important road leading to the capitol. >> following intense fighting for more than two weeks the syrian government says its army managed to evacuate 5,000 residents which were under attack by the rebels. the government news agency posted this video of families in desperate need of help. >> it's been very hard for us. no food, no water or electrici electricity. the children were cold and starving. >> an industrial town, most of its residents are jews who mostly support president assad, who is a an alouite himself. hundreds have been killed supportedly for their support of assad.

. >>> myanmar's opposition makes an appearance at the asian games. ♪ >>> welcome back. it's one of the world's favorite nuts, but the ka shoe is at the center of a global row. fair trade activists are urging the eu to set up proper conditions. >> reporter: europeans love cashew nuts. more than a quarter of all ka shoe nuts processed in in india end up here in europe, with the uk, france, and germany accounting for about half of the salty snack consumption. it's the cashews that end up in supermarkets which is the vast majority that have fair trade campaigners up in arms. trade craft researched the average wage for workers, and calculated for the average $4.10 bag of nuts, the supermarket earns $1.69 while the factory worker earns $0.05. by that calculation, 60% of the entire value of the cashew is kept in europe. retailers campaigners say must be rained in. >> more than half of the world's cashew cuts are processed in in india. >> reporter: these women are just a few of the nearly 1 million cashew workers across india. at this government-run facility not much as changed

everyone is interested in myanmar, and a lot of companies are starting to take space, and that's going to continue for the next three, four, five, six years. >> reporter: for property owners like this, the boom times look set to continue. she is on the lookout to invest in more properties. >> translator: i'm not worried about a bubble in housing prices, because there's not much space left in town. >> reporter: but for the pour the sudden surge in property prices has been difficult. it's also ancation of how economic progress here appears to benefit only a few. >>> like everything else, christmas changes over time, whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on who you ask. up next a look at it means as religion and culture converge on the holiday >>> welcome back, everyone to al jazeera america. i'm tony harris. here is a look at your top stories. world leaders are taking steps to protect the citizens in south sudan. >>> attention target shoppers first the store said the credit and debit card information of 40 million customers was hacked. now target says some of those customers

. >> the party of myanmar's opposition leader aung san suy kyi says it will take part in the 2015 elections. the constitution currently bans the nobel peace prize winner running. they boycotted the 2010 elections saying they were un-democratic. >> anti-government protests in thailand are entering their seventh week, aimed at removing what protesters referred to as budget. >> to the people in thailand it's a familiar sight. in 2005, the country has seen various round of street protests. this one in 2005/2008. protesters say the deposed leader calls the shots. just like in 2006 the main opposition party - some analysts believe the decision is tactical. >> the last 20 years they have never won an outright victory. therefore they felt, one, it's impossible for them to have a big chance to win. it may be in the back of their minds, whether they admit it or not. >> the boycott could prompt a crisis. under thai law they have to win 20% of votes. in 2006 several seats were declared vacant because of this, prompting the constitutional court to annul the results. before an election could be held, the

. >> hundreds of football fans rioted in myanmar. they spilled out on to the field setting fire to billboards and flags. fans threw stones at police. it's the first time in more than four decades that the south-east asian games were hosted. most brides and grooms in india marry people their family chooses. spouses must come from a good family, have a decent job and fair skins. the quest for matrimonial perfection marginalised millions. >> this woman noticed small white patches on her body 13 years ago. over time the medical continue destroyed the skin pig t eights op her arms and face. because of this, a 39-year-old police officer is worried she'll never find a huss backhand. >> since my skin started losing colour i felt ignored a rejected. i gave up looking for someone. >> they are trying to find her someone to love. an organization hosts match-making sessions to hep three people navigate the competitive market. the stigma attached to the condition makes finding a companion almost impossible. >> if they get married some of the child

. >> the united nations is asking if an inquiry into allegations of trafficking of myanmar rev anies. reuters report that thai workers were handing over rohingyas saying the stateless muslims were taken across southern thailand and held hostage in camps near the border. >> a british royal marine has been convicted in a court martial for murdering a fighter in afghanistan. alexander blackman will spend two years in prison. two others were acquitted from the 2011 clear. blackman was recorded by a helmet camera. the video shows him shooting the afghan and admitting to breaking the geneva convention. >>. >>> fewer syrian refugees are able to cross into jordan because of heavy fighting between the army and syrian rebels. they have a new route. we have this report on the frontier between jordan and syria. >> trickling down on foot from no man's land to jordanian territory. hundreds of refugees escape fighting and destruction in their country. they have walked several kilometres in the cold and rain to get this far. 80-year-old outside damascus arrived with her mentally challenged son, sayin

. >> in myanmar, buddhist pagodas stand alongside mosques. followers of both faiths have lived side by side for centuries. but as a military run dictatorship transitions into a free and open nation, religious violence threatens to tear the country apart.

it's also the highest dps its assessments by the un agency and the myanmar government began in two thousand to the country is the wild second largest it can grow up how to of common stock yemen's government has said it wants to eliminate the state's crop production by twenty fourteen. instead it has actually more than doubled and seven on seven hits. the report notes that the money from poppy cultivation is essential for the touch as many as an ethnic minorities who are reading the spirits in securing tea and coffee tea the un agency says the earth and its color and economics in new shoes on even if the pm as a cash call is to be white cops. and that's going to back up i'll pretend i'm sure the attacks on how warm and cool. you do. still struggling with he told its citizens to whom and to increasing the rate of one of the entropy. she will come good news indeed so don't open til tuesday. from boeing the world. people in tokyo chevron pearl the coldest day of the season on wednesday the workers and one tourist attraction are offering customers a tried and tested method of keeping themselves

anyone at the place maybe call the staff soldiers high ranking military men altogether changed from myanmar news source the colbert report blues the roots of yemen's violence are more complex than they first appear. this attack is quite unusual including not only the fact that it was not just a suicide bombing but as you say there were militants that stormed the defense ministry afterwards and engaged in a firefight with with members of the security forces and these gunmen were apparently according to reports dressed in military fatigues so this is quite an interesting and coordinated attack that's just it concludes and the former forces associated with silly in the former the former ruling party in yemen tends to blame these attacks on al qaeda militants because that helps to ensure u.s. military aid and and financial aid to the two yemeni government but i think we have to understand that this is part of a political transition that's taking place right now and there's a great degree of instability so if we have to understand that there is some intense political rivalries that are happening

nine members of the association of southeast asian nations ranked in the top twenty including vietnam myanmar the philippines and malaysia asked why they didn't view china as the most viable overseas location. many many factors mentioned of rising labor costs and difficulty in securing workers. another reason was political risk stemming from strained relations between japan and china. ellis take a quick look at a global economic calendar. first on wednesday the us federal reserve will report on the latest economic conditions and alterations in the country. the october report pointed to an increasing lack of transparency in the economy that was in part because of the impact of the government shut down. the european central bank will hold a regular meeting of its governing council on thursday the ecb cut its key interest rates to zero point two five percent in november financl markets are waiting to hear what the ecb president mario try he will say about the regional economy. at his news conference. revised third quarter us gdp day now will come on on the same day the initial reports said the u

the best items are made of jadeite, found almost exclusively in myanmar. the u.s. has and imports of it from them southeast nation because of concerns over over labor and human rights. >> market demand has always been high, but in the past five years , there has been a significant increase in prices for jadeite. stone is up for auction next month and could go for a bargain price. four hundredis thousand dollars, but as of late, pieces have been selling for several times its estimate. take a look at this ring. for $2.5 million, five times its estimated value, to an asian buyer. but jade is not the kind of commodity invest in for a quick buck. it has a relatively small niche market in china and asia. of course, to get top dollar, it helps to have specialized knowledge, so you do not end up with any old lump of rock. the massive security breach of credit and debit card data at target is evidence of the increasing threat consumers face in securing personal information. anchorfree is one started trying to protect you. app protectsshield you from identity theft and unwan

they would carry me the morning after those festivities to faraway burma, myanmar, which would lead to much writing about aung san suu kyi. they would take me to thailand for a lovely trip up river where i could wave happily at the people who smiled back when smiled upon. they would take me to gaza, yes, and much writing about the palestine/israel impasse. to the west bank, to india, to all kinds of amazing places. like, for instance, petra in jordan. who knew? i would find myself raising a nation of chickens in between travels and visits to holy people in oakland, woodacre and -- [inaudible] my cushion, the fountain, the peace because of my attention to some of the deep suffering in the world sometimes seemed far away. i felt torn, a condition i do not like and dot no recommend. and do not recommend. and then in a dream it came to me. there was a long asphalt highway like the one that passed by my grandparents' place when i lived with them as an 8 and 9-year-old. my grandfather and i would sit on the porch in the still georgia heat and count the cars as they whizzed by. he'd choose re

. >> thai immigration workers hand over myanmar refugees to human trafficking rings. an inquiry has been called for. rohingya muslims are taken from detention centres and handed to criminals who are waiting offshore. the u.n. general assembly elected jordan to the council to replace saudi arabia. jordan was chosen after saudi arabia rejected the seat in october. it was a protest against the council's failure to end the syrian and israeli conflicts. conciliatory moves towards iran, chuck hagel made the comment during a dialogue, saying the u.s. would discuss steps to bolster security in the renaling jog. hagel says that the u.s. must continue diplomatic engagement in the middle east, maintain planes, ships, tanks and 35,000 troops. >> for decades iran has exported instability and violence across the region and beyond as it developed its nuclear program. iran has been a profoundly destabilising influence in a nuclear armed iran would pose an unaccee threat to regional and global facility. we brought time for meaning negotiation, not for perception. all of us are clear e

they're ahead of vietnam and host myanmar. is. >>> well, there's much more sport on our website. the champions league draws power top story there, there's also details there on how to get in touch with our team using twitter and facebook. that's all in sports for now, darren back to you. >> thank you? now it's an international holiday to celebrate the day of reconciliation. beings a statue mass been revealed offing nelson mandela. 24 hours after his state funeral. from pretoria, reporting. >> a statutes of the new and old. the flags on the union buildings no longer at half-mass, this an opportunity for the country to pose. ooms nation without nelson mandatmandela. >> we have to respect his legacy and see what we do, to make sure it is not forsaken. >> the statute be looks out over the valley, the state, blacks were feared and key spied. -- d. mandela changed the attitude of many. adamant that the drive to eradicate the last vestiges of racism will continue. >> we're an incredible democracy. our legacy must be mr. be mandela's legacy. >> one man can't speak: in too few have too mu

malaysia take on myanmar, who shared the bronze. thais continued domination on the track. holding on in the 4 by 100 metres race by a photo finish. the thai women completed the 4 x 100 metres double, crewing to goal. >> thailand are on top of the tally with 59 goals and 153 in total. they are ahead of vietnam. there's more on the website. check out aljazeera.com/sport and how to get in touch with the team on twitter and facebook. >> thank you, stay with us. there's another full bulletin of news straight ahead. stay with us. you >> welcome to al jazeera america. i'm del walters. these are the stories we are following for you: barrel bombs raining down on people caught up in syria's civil war - women and children among the dead. >> the house goes home, the senate trying to wrap up their voting >> china on top of the world, first-ever photos from the moon.

. >>> myanmar has released political prisoners. more are expected to be freed next week. >>> south korean leaders have joined china in the japanese prime minister's visit to a war memorial. it has been condemned as a provocative act. they see the shrine as a assemble of aggression during any second world war. >>> a doctor accused of child trafficking has gone on trial. she admitted that she stole seven babies. she told the parents their babies were very sick, and then sold the children. >>> an estimated 100,000 people were killed curing uganda's long civil war. many human remains are only now being laid to rest. malcolm webb reports. >> reporter: patrick's mother was shot dead by rebels nearly ten years ago, now he is going to dig up her grave and their her body to their ancestral home. friends and family with her to help. she was killed when rebels attacked a camp for the displaced, and massacred people living there. >> they were [ inaudible ] and revenge was brought on the civilians. >> reporter: the survivors fled. those that ca

. >> the party of myanmar's opposition leader ann son runnir presidential. the national league for democracy said i.t. was undemocratic. >>> protestors say they want prime minister yingluck shinawatra to resign. >>> since 2005, the country has seen various rounds of street protests. this one, similar to the ones in 2005 and 2008, are target ed at the shinawatra family. still calls the shots through his sister, the current prime minister. just like in 2006, the main opposition party will boycott snap elections scheduled for february. some analysts believe the decision is tactical. >> youth right victory, being government is not because they win the election. therefore, they probably felt, been, it's impossible for them to have a big chance to win. in this coming election. that maybe in the back of their mind, whether they admit it or not. >> but the boycott could prompt a crisis just like it did seven yeerlings. under thai law, unopposed candidates have to win at least 20% of eligible votes. in 2006, several seats were declared vacant because of this. prompti

. >> the party of myanmar's opposition party say they will contest the 2015 elections. it currently bans a nobel prize winner running for president. they boycotted the elections after it was deemed undemocratic. >>> thailand's anti-government protests have claimed another life overnight on friday. continuing violence as election approaches is pushing thailand further into political crisis. one protester was shot dead and four others were injured while they were sleeping in their camp. they were shot from a moving car. according to protesters. >> they parked in the corner of the street and started firing right at the guards. i was sweeping the street when the car came and started firing at security guards. >> talks are resuming in northern ireland to reach an agreement on the bitter issues that divide communities. let's go to our european news center. >> reporter: well, the man charged with getting the deal richard said the final agreement must be reached by monday. talks broke up without agreement, but he said the deal after months of simmerly resentment and violence is

. >> southeast asian games host myanmar have set their sights on a target of 100 gold medals at this year's event. the first full day of competition. a gold in the cross country cycling team relay on thursday, ahead of thailand and vietnam. they currently sit fourth in the title with five goals and 24 medals altogether. the men's football tournament, thailand beats indonesia 4-1, putting the thais in control. >> england and australia cricketers start. england must win if they want to avoid handing the iconic you are not over to the aussies. for the captains, the occasion is even more important, both playing their 100th test match for their countries. >> starting tomorrow, i think tomorrow said crucial for us as a team to make sure we start well. whether that's been the battle with the ball, again, really happier to go watch training. i think that's been one of the most pleasing featurion of this team over the past 12 months is the way we have been preparing has held us in good stead on the field. >> as a sport, we've made a conscious effort. we have to look forward in this game rathe

a rare occurrence in the final of one of the big races at the southeast asian games taking place in myanmar. these are the closing moments, finishing in a dead heat. the photo finish couldn't separate the pair, even down to a thousandth of the second, so both rewarded gold medals. that's all in sport for now. >> that's amazing. >> while the european space agency hope to map the night sky in 3-d, it's just launched it's mission. it's likely to give us an unprecedented view of the universe. >> the successful launch of the rocket from europe's french guyana. onboard, the billion dollars space telescope. it will be parked in the near shadow, around 1.5 million kilometers away. from here without the sun's glare, it will be able to survey the surrounding tars with unprecedented precision. >> it's probably one of the biggest things we don't know is however away the stars are. it will define those positions to within 1% or better so for the first time, we'll have a 3-d map of a large chunk of the galaxy. >> it uses two telescopes to track the movement of distant stars. each has five mirrors, focusi