The Taliban seems to become again an inevitable actor in Afghanistan. The United Nations (UN), the World health organization (WHO), and the Karzaï government are from now on obligated to negotiate with the Taliban to operate in the insurgent areas of east and south Afghanistan. In these Taliban dominated districts, at the frontier with Pakistan, where polio continues to infect children while it has almost disappear in the rest of the world, Afghans anti-polio vaccination teams are working with the triple authorization of the Karzaï government, the United nations, and the Taliban. A letter signed by Mullah Omar, supreme leader of the Taliban permits them to vaccinate. Without a copy...

For the past two years, Talibans terrorist attacks have made more than 2000 victims in Pakistan. The population is suffering and the public opinion is putting the blame on the merican military policy. These attacks are mostly located in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and its capital Peshawar. The suicide bombing on the 7th of December with 10 deaths and 45 people injured, is one of the last examples. It is to be feared that this situation is going to set in with the pressure made by the US Army in Afghanistan. This increasing violence is an answer to the recent incursions (June 2009) of the Pakistani army in the tribal area of the Swat valley and South Waziristan. This...

After having received and seen many videos exhibiting violent abuse of women in the Swat valley region, the Pakistani army decided to launch an offensive against the Taliban militias. Since the 15th of May, a military operation commenced in this region to eradicate any Taliban presence. Four million people were displaced in various refugee camps in safer regions. These people are collectively called IDP’s (Internally Displaced Peoples). This operation is closely monitored by the United States who promised financial support for this internal struggle. Special Envoys tell of many civilian deaths on both sides presently, but there are no official statistics. Pakistani journalists do not see...

L’Aquila is the main town of the Abruzzo province, victim in April 2009 to an earthquake. Located in the centre of Italy, the city famous for its 99 fountains, squares and churches, has been suffering for ages from tectonic movements. Massimo Berruti went to l’Aquila to report on the situation. One month later, the city still struggles to heal its own wounds. The choice of panoramic shots reinforces the feeling of horror when facing such a large disaster.

The 23rd of March marks a national holiday in Pakistan, “Pakistan Day.” This day approaches spring and the inhabitants of the Pakistani countryside use this day to celebrate the renewing of the soil. One of the most important moments of this day is the final fight of the dogs. Dog fighting only take place during the temperate season in order to preserve the health of the animals. The festivities attract thousands of people from the countryside as well tribal folk from each of the four main provinces of Pakistan. For the dog owners, it is an excellent opportunity to prove their talent and win considerable amounts of money.

Pakistan is a country with much international attention. Like most asian countries implicated in the “War on Terror,” its geopolitical and strategic importance is not to be overlooked. Its military efforts are financially supported by the United States and there is a cordial relationship between the two countries, up until the point when the US violated border agreements and entered Pakistani territory in order to pursue Taliban militants. Pakistan possesses one of the most important nuclear arsenals in all of Asia. Since the Bombay terrorist attacks, security measures have strengthened. Arrests increased, crime was tolerated at a minimum and many arrested are not in the financial...

Pakistan is a troubled country at the center of international interest. Like probably most important Asian countries involved in the "War On Terror" its role is fundamental for development of efforts in order to win this war. Cadet Colleges are the ground where children begin their education as future soldiers and officers Only the richest family can afford to offer this kind of education to their children. Unfortunately military careers are some of the most desired in light of the privileges and high salaries. It guarantees a high quality of life and important influence over "common" people. A day for cadets begin at 5:00 A.M. with physical training, then they have a light breakfast,...

Massimo Berruti is not an « Embedded » photographer. His work in Afghanistan is not just about a war. It's a story about Afghan people’s life, destroyed in their flesh and in their soul by a conflict, which has been gnawing them for a long time. Drugs, car bombs, minds that fall into madness slowly but surely. All this is present in Massimo’s pictures...but above all in the situation they document.

Mali is the fourth poorest country in the world. In this region, both taking into account genetic factors and not, there are 2 million blind among a population of 20 million. The strong natural light and the proximity of the population to the waters of the Niger river only partly explain this phenomenon. In light of this situation of dire need and sickness, a humanitarian initiative has been undertaken bythe Air Force, aided by a team of surgeon-ophthalmologists from Fete Bene Fratelli, and by the AFM AL. The seventh repeat of this mission saw 700 successful operations. As often happens in Mali; the blind are accompanied by their child-guide, chosen within their family or simply...

Pakistan, more so today than ever, is at the center of international attention. This attention has calibrated itself and is focused on the role this country plays in the struggle against Al Qaeda, and thus on its influence in the region, its ability to impose stability. In such a vast country with so many tribal areas which continue to elude government control, the difficulties are many and addressing the relations involved is both complex and delicate. The history of this republic, marked with the constant switches between democracy and military state, did not seem to deviate into a new direction judging by the February 18th, 2008 election. The results confirmed no solid majority for the...

The Rome Film Festival is the newest cinema Festival based in Italy and the first one in the city of Rome. The first festival was in October 2006 largely thanks to former mayor Walter Veltroni, and is based in the Auditorium "Music Park", built by Renzo Piano.

The Roma Residence is a group of buildings located at 451 de la Via di Bravetta, 10 minutes from the Vatican. Each building contains hundred of beds. The proprietor is Massimo Mezzaroma, a housing entrepreneur. In accordance with the town council; the complex serves as a welcome center. Over the years, these buildings have housed thousands of people. The municipality takes care of rent and loges the needy, the other tenants rent from the proprietor. In 1983, the municipality spent 4 million liras, a month, for each bed occupied by those having rights to housing assistance, and since then, has continued to pay exorbitant prices into March of 2006, when the residence was forced to close...

Italy has enormous wealth, but the housing market has stalled along with investment and product consumption. Capitalism has prefered financial speculation over production investments. This short-sighted choice is leading the country towards decline. While the politicians argue with the editors, the disparities within society increase. The two motors of development ( small and medium enterprises and social negotiation ) are failing. The country seems to be in great difficulty, finding it difficult to reach the right solution for surpassing the problems and prepare the foundation for an economic and social growth. It seems confused and undecided about which road to take. The country seems ...