It’s today’s news with Kandy Korrespondent!

On Wednesday President Thabo Mbeki announced the deployment of the South African army in response to increasing xenophobic violence in Johannesburg and surrounding cities. Foreigners are fleeing their homes for mosques, churches, community centers, and police stations. According to witnesses, mobs are roaming the streets armed with clubs and bottles attacking foreign-owned businesses and homes. The BBC estimates that there are between three and five million foreigners currently residing in South Africa. Many are refugees from Zimbabwe.

In related news, according to the International Crisis Group there is a growing danger of a military coup within Zimbabwe. Moreover, the ICG doubts that current dictator Robert Mugabe will allow a genuinely free and fair election to occur since, according to recent polls, opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai seems sure to deliver a resounding defeat. The report calls for joint African mediation.

In Other News:

On Tuesday, Senator Edward Kennedy was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. The diagnosis follows Senator Kennedy’s hospitalization due to a seizure on Saturday. Fifty percent of those similarly diagnosed die within a year, the rest pass away within three years. This type of tumor is always fatal.

Check out the National Brain Tumor Foundation to join the fight against this most deadly form of cancer.

The Israeli and Syrian governments confirmed on Wednesday that they have begun indirect peace talks in Turkey with the hope of reaching a comprehensive accord. Syria wants to regain the Golan Heights territory that it lost to Israel during the Middle East war of 1967. Israel, on the other hand, wants to end Syria’s close alliance with Iran and their joint sponsorship of Hezbollah and Hamas.

Warring groups in Lebanon have reached a power sharing agreement bringing an end to the worst internal fighting since Lebanon’s 15- year civil war. Hezbollah and its allies secured the power of veto over any cabinet decision.

And Now For Something Completely Different…

A New Zealand man was arrested after trying to barter pot for some snacks at a gas station. The man had already begun to eat when he realized he didn’t have any money. He then offered the cashier 12g of marijuana and a pipe—not realizing that a cop was standing directly behind him in line.

See you tomorrow!