Iran: Crimes of Fashion
With hotter weather comes the urge to shed layers, leading to the latest crackdown by Iranian police on immodest dress. More than 100 women were arrested in Tehran on the first day of the crackdown, and about 2,000 young men protested new rules forbidding sleeveless t-shirts, even in same-sex dorms.
One judge warned the campaign may backfire, and a lawmaker said the police would be better off fighting drug abuse and poverty, the BBC reports.
Malaria Fears Rise on DDT Shortfall
Uganda is short $400 million needed for a DDT spraying campaign scheduled for July. Health officials say malaria is a leading cause of poverty there, where 320 people are killed by the disease every day.
The chemical hasn’t been used there since the 1970s due to ecological concerns, but some public health advocates, including the World health Organization, now say it is cost-effective and has minimal health impacts if used carefully.
Climate Change: An Insurance Nightmare
Federal and private insurers paid $320 billion in weather-related claims over the last 25 years, but a new report finds they are unprepared for billions more in property and crop losses caused by increases in flooding, drought and hurricanes due to climate change.
The Government Accountability Office report was commissioned by senators Joseph Leiberman of Connecticut, and Maine Republican Susan Collins.
Sources:
“Anger at Iran dress restrictions”
BBC, April 23, 2007
“Uganda: No Money for DDT Spraying”
The Monitor (Uganda), April24, 2007
“U.S. Government Insurers Ill Prepared for Climate Perils”
Environment News Service, April 20, 2007