‘Aussies can take on the world’

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 31 Januari 2015 | 20.01

Watch the match highlights of Australia's Asian Cup Final against the Korea Republic.

James Troisi has put the Socceroos back into the lead after some fantastic lead up work from Tomi Juric.

Socceroos midfielder Massimo Luongo has opened the scoring for Australia in the Asian Cup Final against the run of play.

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW the live coverage of Australia's Asian Cup final against South Korea.

Score: Australia 2 (Luongo 45m, Troisi 105m) South Korea 0 (Son (90+1m)

LIVE MATCH CENTRE: VIDEO, PLAY-BY-PLAY, STATS AND LINE-UPS

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

10.30pm — IT'S A GREEN AND GOLD CONTINENT

James Troisi provided the winner for the Socceroos. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has been crowned champion of Asia after a thrilling 2-1 win against South Korea in tonight's Asian Cup final.

James Troisi's extra time strike proved the difference as the home side delivered a performance a whole nation can be proud of.

"It has to be our biggest achievement, we won a trophy," former Socceroo John Aloisi said.

Massimo Luongo — who was named player of the tournament — further enhanced his reputation as a man to carry the national team into the post-Tim Cahill era by scoring the opening goal.

South Korea spoiled the party by equalising in second half injury time, but Australia bounced back in extra time.

"I'm no good for words right now, I'm just super proud of everyone ... I couldn't be happier," Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said.

"The courage the players showed tonight was enormous.

"I knew we'd finish stronger. We pride ourselves on being fit ... it was just a matter of taking our chances and we did it."

Postecoglou was thrilled with what the victory could do for the game in Australia.

"I know the whole country will be off their couches and won't be able to sleep tonight," he said.

"Hopefully from now on our Aussies can take on the world."

The only negative on a banner night for the world game Down Under was what appeared to be another serious injury to Robbie Kruse.

Continue reading for all the highlights of the game.

Troisi celebrates his goal. Source: Getty Images

Matthew Spiranovic celebrates the win. Source: Getty Images

Tomi Juric made a difference after coming off the bench. Source: Getty Images

10.10pm — TROISI GIVES AUSTRALIA THE ADVANTAGE

James Troisi, you beauty. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA is back in front in tonight's Asian Cup final after a James Troisi goal late in the first period of extra time.

Tomi Juric was critical in the lead-up, wriggling his way past a South Korean defender on the touchline and crossing the ball into a dangerous area.

Troisi did the rest and now the Socceroos are 15 minutes away from the Asian crown.

9.50pm — SOUTH KOREA FORCE EXTRA TIME

Korea Republic's Heung-Min Son hits the equaliser in injury time. The Asian Cup final is heading for extra time.

SOUTH Korea has forced the Asian Cup final into extra time with a late equaliser.

Heung-Min Son slotted a goal past Mat Ryan in the first minute of injury time to stun the home crowd.

Australia has 30 minutes to try to win the game. If neither side scores, we'll head to penalties.

9.25pm — KRUSE SIDELINED WITH INJURY

Robbie Kruse's night is over. Source: Getty Images

ROBBIE Kruse has been forced off the ground with what appears to be another serious lower leg injury.

The unlucky forward, who missed last year's World Cup after tearing his ACL, collapsed in the 68th minute and despite a valiant attempt was unable to continue.

James Troisi has been subbed in as his replacement.

9.20pm — SOCCEROOS HOLDING FIRM

Tim Cahill was unable to find a way past the South Korean defence tonight. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA is less than 30 minutes away from being crowned champion of Asia.

The Socceroos defence continues to deny South Korea and create the odd chance at the other end.

Ange Postecoglou has just made his first substitution, replacing Tim Cahill with Tomi Juric.

Cahill took his only opportunity of the game well but was unable to impact the scoreboard like he has so many times before.

8.50pm — LUONGO'S STAR RISES FURTHER

Massimo Luongo is pushing for player of the tournament honours. Source: AP

YOU can argue they don't deserve it but the reality is Australia leads 1-0 at half-time of tonight's Asian Cup final.

South Korea certainly had the better of the first half and came close several times just before the break.

But Trent Sainsbury found Massimo Luongo with a neat through ball in the 45th minute — and the rising star from Swindon Town did the rest.

Luongo took the ball and turned before firing home into the South Korean net to send the Stadium Australia crowd crazy.

Good luck keeping a lid on 'Mass Hysteria' now!

8.10pm — JEDINAK ALMOST BENDS IT HOME

Mile Jedinak is leading from the front early. Source: Getty Images

SOCCEROOS skipper Mile Jedinak showed his ability at set pieces by almost bending home a free kick in the ninth minute of tonight's Asian Cup final.

Nice lead-up work by Massimo Luongo and Mathew Leckie resulted in a free kick to Mark Milligan just outside the 18-yard box.

Jedinak curled his shot over the wall but saw it sail just high of the goal.

Australia has started well, all though Ivan Franjic has already picked up a yellow card for pulling the shirt of an opponent.

7.40pm — SOCCEROOS HAVE NO FEAR

Ange Postecoglou has full confidence in his team. Source: FoxSports

ANGE Postecoglou stressed his players won't be overcome by the pressure of tonight's Asian Cup final in his pre-game interview.

"This team's shown no fear all tournament. They haven't taken a backward step and they won't tonight," Postecoglou said.

The Socceroos coach insisted Ivan Franjic had overcome a hip issue.

"Ivan's fine. From our perspective everyone has a clean bill of health and we'll have a strong 11 out there," he said.

The final pits Australia's free-wheeling attack against the defensive solidarity of the South Koreans.

The Socceroos have scored 12 goals in five games while South Korea is yet to concede one.

PATH TO THE FINAL

Australia

Group stage: 4-1 win against Kuwait, 4-0 win against Oman, 1-0 defeat against South Korea

Quarter-final: 2-0 win against China, Semi-final: 2-0 win against UAE

South Korea

Group stage: 1-0 win against Oman, 1-0 win against Kuwait, 1-0 win against Australia

Quarter-final: 2-0 win against Uzbekistan, Semi-final 2-0 win against Iraq

7pm — NO SURPRISES FOR SOCCEROOS

Tim Cahill will lead from the front tonight. Source: Getty Images

IVAN Franjic has proven his fitness and will start in an unchanged Socceroos line-up for tonight's Asian Cup final against South Korea.

Ange Postecoglou has kept the faith with the 11 which did the job against UAE in the semi-final.

It's the first time the team has remained unchanged in the tournament.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Socceroos great John Kosmina said.

There are two changes from the Australian team which started against South Korea in the group stage.

Mile Jedinak was unavailable for that game because of injury, while Jason Davidson has replaced Aziz Behich at left full back.


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LIVE: Queensland election

While Campbell Newman announces that his political career is over, he says he leaves Queensland in a far better place. Courtesy: Nine News

WELCOME to our live coverage of the Queensland election 2015. Stay tuned for all the latest news and colour from the polls as the Sunshine State casts its vote in what is expected to be a close race.

11.50pm

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has arrived at the ALP function to address her party faithful and declare victory in her seat of Inala.

To joyful screams of "Labor, Labor" she relayed her positive thoughts about the state of the election.

"Who would have thought three years ago we would be making history tonight.

"It's still too close to call at present but I am very hopeful that we will be able to form government," she said.

"Can I congratulate our new Labor members of parliament? There's a lot more than nine!

"Can I also thank all our Labor candidates that stood for us in this election?

"Can I thank the great Australian Labor Party?"

"Can I also thank the union movement?"

"We do it tough, we stand up and we get things done," she said.

MS Palaszczuk said she also wished Campbell Newman, his wife and family all the best with the future.

She said the electorate had sent a very strong message.

Queenslanders Raylene Smith and Taylah Blandford prepare to cast their vote.

"Queenslanders do not want their asset sold," she said.

11.43pm

Looks like Daddy's also feeling happy. Former member of Inala and father of Annastacia Palaszczuk, Henry, is obviously watching the vote count and twitter feeds.

11.30pm

This.

At this point it may be fair to say Queenslanders might not all agree with this tweet.

11.10pm

MEMBERS of the LNP are preparing themselves for the worst. Labor need 45 seats to win, the tally currently has them estimated to win 44.

When asked on radio who was likely to lead the LNP now Newman was out, Member for Mermaid Beach Ray Stevens said he didn't know.

"I don't even know who's still standing after this."

10.40pm

CAMPBELL Newman has given his concession speech.

"My political career is over," he said to screams of "no" from the crowds.

"Tough, you're going to have to wear that one," he said.

Mr Newman said he had spoken to Kate Jones and congratulated her on her win.

"I can't leave here without saying a few words to Queensland.

"I respect the verdict of the people of Ashgrove.

"I thank the people of Queensland who in the 2012 election got behind the LNP team.

"I thank every single man and woman, every voter," he said.

He also thanked his wife for supporting him for 13 years, while she shed tears and gave him a hug.

10.25pm

QUEENSLANDER!!!

Kate Jones has just done her best ALP Bob Hawke impression. In a true blue Aussie celebration she said: "I'll have a beer, thanks."

She downed that XXXX like a pro.

That's how you drink a beer in Queensland. Pic: Liz Burke. Source: NewsComAu

While cries of "we hate Campbell", "this is vindication" and "revenge" came from the supportive crowd, Ms Jones took a more gracious tone.

A humble returning member for Ashgrove told news.com.au that Mr Newman had wished her all the best when he called her to concede defeat and that she wished him the same.

"I lost fair and square in 2012," she said.

"I don't believe in that (revenge).

"I went into politics when I was quite young and I didn't go into politics for those reasons."

10.05pm

KATE Jones is feeling the love in Ashgrove.

In her victory speech she has thanked her supporters for helping her save Ashgrove from being a place she "didn't want to be".

The returning member told the crowd at Northern Suburbs Hockey Club that after her 2012 defeat the community became a place "I didn't want to live, a place I didn't want to raise my children".

Kate Jones delivered an emotional victory speech where she thanked her loyal supporters in Ashgrove. Courtesy: Nine News Brisbane

But Jones was thrilled with her victory over a now debunked Campbell Newman.

"The vote here in Ashgrove sends a very clear message that we want a better way going forward.

"I've learned trust is something that cannot be bought. It is something that is earned."

Jones Promise to uphold values shown at the ballot box by the people who elected her.

"I will try my utmost hardest."

The crowd responded with "we love you" and "we hate him".

9.55pm.

KATE Jones was given the rock-star treatment as she arrived at her team's official afterparty.

The new — and returning — Member for Ashgrove arrived to cheers of "team Kate, team Kate" when she arrived with her entrance timed with nearby seat of my Coottha being called for ALP.

Rock star arrival. Kate Jones. Source: Supplied

Rock star arrival. Kate Jones. Source: Supplied

9.50pm

AT the Northern Suburbs Hockey Club where Kate Jones loyalists are celebrating news.com.au reporter Liz Burke reports she heard "I hate Campbell Newman" called out almost as often as "what an awesome night".

Former government communications officer Debbie Tucker lost her job under Newman's ruthless cuts when the LNP gained government in 2012 and said that's why she "joined Team Kate".

"She was robbed of her seat and this is just the best thing that could happen," Debbie said.

"I hate Campbell Newman."

Debbie Tucker, left, said she joined 'Team Kate' after she lost her job in Newman's job cuts. Source: Supplied

9.30pm

KATE Jones looks set for one heck of an afterparty tonight with celebrations already underway in Ashgrove.

Crowds of supporters are celebrating the returning MP's victory over Premier Campbell Newman.

Campbell Newman has phoned his opponent in the seat of Ashgrove to concede according to Sky News.

Celebrations in Ashgrove. Pic: Liz Burke. Source: Supplied

Celebrations in Ashgrove. Pic: Liz Burke. Source: Supplied

Supporter Andy, who did not wish to give his full name who has been working on Kate's campaign said: "something extraordinary has happened".

"I've been knocking on doors, hundreds of doors shaken thousands of hands and this is just awesome. I'm ready to burst into tears," he said.

And he did.

Another staffer said the extraordinary result just showed what a "nasty, nasty" leader Campbell Newman had been and people had realised

that.

"It's an awesome night, it's incredible."

9.15pm

The Queensland election has become a national sport as #qldvotes trends on twitter.

But it's a tough call as to what to follow. Sport or the election?

9pm

Sky News has called 36 seats to the ALP and 25 seats to the LNP with 45 the target for either party to win with around 27 per cent of the vote counted.

The tally points toward the likelihood of the ALP forming government. But it could still be a hung parliament.

8.50pm

TIM Nichols is back in front in the seat of Clayfield, which is just as well, since the LNP is now likely to look to him to lead the party as Ashgrove ballots get counted in Labor's favour.

8.25pm

LABOR could exact the ultimate revenge on the LNP, even if it loses the election. The battleground of Ashgrove is looking increasingly in the ALP's favour with Kate Jones looking set to take back the seat.

First counts coming in for Ashgrove show Labor candidate Kate Jones ahead on 48 per cent of the vote with two booths counted.

And overall, early counts are indicating a 9 per cent swing to Labor in an extraordinary comeback from 2012's bloodbath election.

Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk is reportedly awaiting results before making an appearance at her function in Richlands.

8pm

IN some tragic election news, the father of a family struck by lightning near a polling booth on the Gold Coast Hinterland has died.

The family-of-four was playing in the playground at Lawrence Hinde Park, Worongary, when severe thunderstorms rolled in about 3.30pm, theGold Coast Bulletin reported.

The man, his wife, and two young children, aged 18-months and 12-weeks-old, were also injured.

7.30pm

THE man touted as a potential replacement if Queensland Premier Campbell Newman fails to win the seat of Ashgrove could also have a fight on his hands.

Very early counting has ALP candidate John Martin in front with just under 200 votes counted.

7pm

POLLS in Queensland are now closed. The booths shut at 6pm Queensland time.

Let the counting begin.

6.45pm

A FATHER is fighting for his life after he, his wife and two young children were struck by lightning as a massive storm lashed the Gold Coast this afternoon the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.

Paramedics were desperately trying to revive the children at the scene at Lawrence Hinde Park in Worongary in the Gold Coast hinterland.

A poll booth worker who witnessed the incident said the lightning strike was "beyond a bang".

"There was a massive blast of light and it was beyond a bang … it just shattered the air," the worker said.

"I did not think anything of it initially but then emergency services showed up."

The scene of a lightning strike at Worongary. oic: Gold Coast Bulletin. Source: Supplied

6.30pm

Confidence in Campbell Newman's ability to hold his seat is flatlining. Former premier Rob Borbidge says it's looking increasingly unlikely Campbell Newman will win his seat of Ashgrove according to The Courier-Mail

And Channel 9's Galaxy exit poll is predicting victory to the ALP.

The poll predicts that after preferences Labor would secure 54 per cent of the vote while 46 per cent would go to the LNP.

Meanwhile, the Electrical Trades Union wants to sue the LNP for defamation.

The union says the advertisement falsely accused its state secretary, Peter Simpson, of taking money from alleged bikie criminals.

5.50pm

LOOKS like Queensland is in for some major storms all over the state. Not only is the Premier in for a heck of a fight in Ashgrove the weather has turned as well.

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for Logan, Redland and parts of the Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast and Brisbane Council Areas.

There's also storm warnings for Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

Queenslanders will need to be quick to get their votes in before they get pummelled in the rain. The question is, who will be pummelled in the election?

Wendy Edwards sent in this picture of a storm brewing off Coomera Waters on the Gold Coast. Pic: Supplied. Source: Supplied

5pm

CAMPBELL Newman could really go down swinging, according to Sky News Australia, which reports sources saying the swing in Ashgrove is currently higher than the state average.

4.17pm

IT looks like the election is starting to make some voters googly-eyed.

Where is Inala?

It's the little Aussie town everyone is talking about. While some locals say it's a 's***hole', It could well become the centre of power in Queensland.

Liz Bourke takes a look around Inala.

3.50pm

THE voting continues, with plenty of contenders for the day's "most Queensland" moment. Is it the surfers rolling off the beach and into the polling stations, the obsessive interest in where the barbecue's at, the bikies standoff or perhaps the dirty sloganning? Tell us your thoughts at stories@news.com.au.

3.30pm

A THIEF has struck at an Ashgrove polling booth, causing a distraction with a baby to rob a coffee cart of $1200, The Courier Mail reports.

Brew Booth's Liz Hope had been making coffees since 6am at St Finbarr's Parish School, when a woman plonked an 18-month-old baby on the counter and asked to borrow some sunscreen. The woman then knocked the sunscreen on the ground and hurried off while the barista was picking it up.

Ms Hope said she believes the woman was acting with a partner, who stole her float and the entire day's earnings.

3pm

UH-OH. Ashgrove's Labor candidate Kate Jones and her rival Premier Newman's wife Lisa are wearing the same dress for election day.

Both plumped for the sleeveless blue Cue frock accessorised with a black patent belt and black heels. Is someone playing a cruel joke, or does this simply show the two leading parties are just the same after all?

2.40pm

THE big story in week one of the campaign was the arrest of Twitter parody account holder Iain Fogerty, @Can_Do_Campbell. Nearly a dozen police officers took him into custody after he wore an "I'm with Stupid" T-shirt and stood beside LNP campaigners in the Valley.

But the T-shirts are back in Brisbane today. We wonder if these lovely ladies will be arrested?

2.00pm

THERE'S been even more wrangling over tactics, with a court injunction to remove Labor signs at polling booths overruled, the Courier Mail reports. The LNP had claimed Labor's "Remember to number every square" posters were too similar to ECQ signs and "misleading electors".

1.20pm

THE race is most certainly on, and things are heating up in sunny Queenland.

Voters have been taking to social media to share their political views with less than six hours until the polls close. Some were concerned with saving reef, others accused the LNP of wanting to privatise public schools while many expressed their displeasure at new rules insisting Queenslanders have ID to vote.

Community action group GetUp has claimed that the LNP has applied for a Supreme Court injunction against its how-to-vote cards.

12.50pm

WHILE there haven't been any more fights, there have been a few bizarre moments at the polls. First, there was this awkward pat/handshake from potential premier Ms Palaszczuk:

Then, there was the voter who didn't exactly choose the classiest outfit:

And then there's those who really only care about their breakfast:

12.00pm

MS Palaszczuk has been out and about at voting stations, looking confident as she handed out flyers about "keeping our assets" and joined voters for sausage sizzles and Lamingtons.

Labor's Ashgrove candidate Kate Jones has also cast her vote, at Payne Road State School. She thanked the 500 local volunteers and said she expected Ashgrove to go down to the wire, handing out how-to-vote cards to help things along.

With the Greens aiming for about 12 per cent of the vote — and their preferences flowing to Labor — experts reckon Ms Jones will once again be the member for Ashgrove.

11.40am

TEMPERS flared at the polling booth at Nambour High School at about 8am this morning after a row erupted between two men. The pair were engaged in a screaming match, but according to Nicklin LNP candidate Matt Trace, who witnessed the incident, it wasn't about politics.

A Peter Wellington campaign worker, who is an ex-police officer, stepped in to separate the two men, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported.

"They were just a pair of idiots," Mr Trace confirmed.

11.30am

HE'S been the hardest candidate to find in peanut country. It's polling day and PUP candidate John Bjelke-Petersen is nowhere to be seen. Instead, it's his wife who's out on the campaign trail.

Has anyone seen John Bjelke-Petersen? Source: News Corp Australia

11.10am

The ECQ website is still down, but you can find the location of polling booths around the state on this map. Disabled voters may have a harder time of it, however, with Queenslanders complaining of a lack of mobility access at some stations, according to the Courier Mail.

Depending on your priorities, track down your nearest sausage sizzle or cake stall using this interactive guide..

10.50am

MR Newman has cast his vote for himself, speaking briefly to the media before chatting with voters. He looked pretty relaxed for a man in danger of becoming Queensland's first premier to lose their seat.

Earlier, he told Nine News: "If I've lost in Ashgrove, essentially the government has been kicked out tonight. The Labor government will be beholden to the Greens and the chaos of Canberra will come to Queensland." He refused to speculate on who could take the leadership if the government is elected without him, saying with "difficult decisions, you lose a bit of bark along the way".

Meanwhile, even Wayne Swan is not immune to the appeal of the cakes.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and wife Lisa vote at Newmarket State School. Source: News Corp Australia

10.30am

VOTERS are hitting the polling booths in their droves, with huge queues forming at some stations even before they opened.

Queenslanders are using Twitter to share advice on quiet places to vote, as well as tips on the really important stuff — where is offering the best food. It's going to be an exciting day.

10.20am

AN oversight in Queensland's constitution might allow Campbell Newman to remain Premier even if he loses his seat of Ashgrove today as many expect he will, according to The Australian.

Anne Two­mey, professor of constitutional law at University of Sydney, said the state's constitution — drafted in 2001 — was silent on whether the premier needed to be a member of parliament.

That means Queensland could take the lead from other Australian constitutions, such as that of the commonwealth, Victoria or South Australia, and Mr Newman could stay as Premier even if he loses Ashgrove, until he found a colleague to vacate their seat and prompt a by-election.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman could keep the job even if he loses his seat. Source: News Corp Australia

The indigenous community of Yarrabah vote in the seat of Mulgrave. Source: Supplied

10am

THE party people of Brisbane have spoken, and they won't be told how to vote.

Queensland's nightclub faithful have responded with fierce opposition to anti-Labor text messages sent from some of the capital's biggest clubs on the eve of the state election.

Texts apparently sent by the owner of Katrzyna Group — which owns popular nightspots Family, Press Club and Cloudland — were sent to the club's database encouraging them think about their vote. "Be careful with your vote on Saturday," the text read. "Labor wants to shut pubs and clubs early."

The message is in response to Labor's plans for late-night venues. Patrons responded to the text messages on Facebook threatening to boycott the club and demanding an apology.

It looks like text messages don't win votes. Source: News Corp Australia

9.30am

CAMPBELL Newman can't spell it, and most people outside of Queensland would struggle even to pronounce it. If you want to sound like a politics pro, find out how to pronounce the state's Labor leader and hopeful premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's name here.

Annastacia Palaszczuk in Townsville. Source: News Corp Australia

9.20am

POLLING booths have opened, but just minutes after voting started, the Electoral Commission Queensland has already been struck by disaster — its website has gone down.

An ECQ spokespersons said their IT department is currently working to fix the issue. Find out more on the Courier Mail's live blog.

Early voters line up at the pre-polling booth at the Cairns Showgrounds. Source: News Corp Australia


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’There ain’t nothing lucky about that’

A life coach can compliment all other areas of your life. Source: Getty Images

PEOPLE come to me as a life coach for a multitude of reasons. They hate their job. They feel stuck in a bad relationship. They are crippled by fear and social comparison. They know that they are not living a life that is true to themself and are desperate to reconnect to who they really are.

In fact, my life-coaching friends and I agree that we have never had a similar client twice. This is no surprise given that everyone is unique and has his or her own story. But what does come up again and again are three key themes. These themes to not discriminate against gender, age, income bracket or any other things that seemingly make us all different. We are all much more similar than we realise.

Yes — you ARE allowed to be happy and enjoy life. Source: Supplied

Here are the three most common questions I get:

1. How do I overcome my fear?

Ah, fear. Wise old Mr Shakespeare famously said, "Our doubts are traitors, and would make us lose the good we met oft win, by fearing to attempt." There is good news and bad news on the fear question.

Let's start with the bad. Fear never, ever actually leaves us. If we had no more fears left than we would have nothing left to do here on earth. Before your first kiss, job interview, apartment, public speech, time you drove a car, took a vacation without your parents — anything — you were scared. But you did it. And it was easier the next time. And even easier each time from then onwards. To experience fears is a part of growth and life. The assignments get bigger but our fear remains. That is normal.

The good news is that you can manage your fear. Fearlessness might be a temporary feeling but understand that it is not lasting. Remember that fear means that you are doing something. Some experts say that fear is a natural response to you moving closer to your truth. You can allow fear into your life, acknowledge it but don't let allow it in the driving seat. You can say, "yes I am afraid but I am doing it anyway." Action cures fear. And the action part is entirely up to you. So take some sooner rather than later.

Cure your fears in every realm. Source: News Limited

2. Is it OK for me to want what I want?

This question is twofold. It typically means a blend of, "do I have permission to actualise my dreams?" and "am I being selfish if I pursue what I want in my life?"

The answer is yes, you do have permission — but you need to give it to yourself. No one can give it to you. So don't wait! The wonderful part is that you can decide today, right now, that you have full and complete permission to follow your dreams. This does not mean be reckless — quit your job, buy a one-way ticket to Paris and abandon your family. It means you can clear on what your dreams are, what you have the flexibility to do right now and then take action on that path. Momentum creates momentum. The journey starts with your very first step (even a Google search counts)! You would be amazed at how much time you have when you ditch the TV, have a social media hiatus or get up a little earlier. Khaled Hosseini wrote The Kite Runner while working for a hospital. Sara Blakely created Spanx while selling fax machines full time. Do what you can with what you have. There is always a way to get creative in juggling your responsibilities while developing your aspirations.

It is NOT SELFISH when you do what you love. When you allow your interests and passion to surface you become a better parent, friend, spouse. Try it for a few weeks and see. Holding back on what you have to offer the world is selfish. Show us what you got!

It's not selfish to do what you love, whatever that might be! Source: Getty Images

3. Am I talented or just lucky?

People who seek coaching are typically high producing and prolific in their field. They have experienced a good level of success and want to get further, faster. It is also no secret that most C-Suite Executives have career coaches (often within their organisation's budget).

The other question that comes up a lot is, "did I achieve my success because I really am smart or was it just a series of good luck/knowing the right people/just going for it?" Funnily enough, I was recently reading about a psychic in LA and she said that her celebrity clients question whether their big paychecks and blockbuster movies are a reflection of their talent of if good old lady luck was just shining upon them in the right moment.

The answer is simple. You attract what you focus on. Your natural gifts, energy and attention are your currency. They materialise into form once you get busy. Life works with you when you believe you are capable and focus on what you want — you meet people who can help you, opportunities arise out of the blue and your confidence naturally grows along the way. If you want to write, act, become a VP of an ad sales business no-one is going to come to your home, knock on your door and say, "I believe a talented writer/actor/sales leader lives here … This way to the top."

People who get what they want must believe in the first place that it is possible, that they have what it takes to excel and let their actions align with their goals. And they work their butt off. Ain't nothin' lucky about that. Its called living your life by design, not by default. You earned every inch of your success, smarty pants.

Want your own business? It IS possible. Source: ThinkStock

So remember this. Fear is natural but you can tame it. You give yourself permission to succeed, no one else can. And only you know what success means to you. And nothing, nothing replaces the power of action. Get busy doing what makes you happy. And watch the rest unfold as its supposed to.

If all else fails foster a little perspective. This is what the Ancient Greeks used to do — what they called "practising death every day". In 40, 50 or 60 or so years from now you will be dead, just like everyone else. What does your doubt, need for permission and delay matter then? Exactly.

More: www.susie-moore.com


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‘I just wanted to kill someone’

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 Januari 2015 | 20.01

Police collect evidence at the apartment of a Japanese university student accused of killing an elderly woman for fun Source: Supplied

A JAPANESE teenager has told police she murdered an elderly woman with an axe because she "just wanted to kill someone".

The 19-year-old, a student at Japan's prestigious Nagoya University, hacked at 77-year-old Tomoko Mori with an axe before using a scarf to strangle her "because she wasn't completely dead", the Asahi Shimbun reported.

The teen was arrested yesterday, reportedly telling investigators: "I have just wanted to kill someone since childhood. It could have been anybody."

Mrs Mori had become acquainted with her alleged murderer when she tried to persuade her to join a religious group, much to the teens "annoyance", police said.

Mrs Mori's husband reported her missing last month and their investigations led them to the 19-year-old's apartment, where they allegedly found the murder weapon.

Aiwa Matsuo, 15, was allegedly murdered then dismembered by her classmate, 16 last year. Source: Supplied

The killing allegedly occurred at the student's apartment in Nagoya, central Japan, with an axe the suspect had acquired as a junior high school student, Jiji Press reported.

On the day of the murder, she reportedly tweeted: "I eventually did it." Her name was not released because she is a minor under Japanese law.

Crime levels are low in Japan and murder is uncommon but the country has seen a recent spate of gruesome murders involving teenage girls.

In August last year a 16-year-old schoolgirl confessed to decapitating her classmate because she "wanted to dissect someone".

Mourners at Aiwa Matsuo's funeral Source: Supplied

The girl is suspected of bludgeoning 15-year-old Aiwa Matsuo repeatedly before strangling her to death. Aiwa's family raised the alarm when their daughter failed to return home after spending the day with friends.

The teen allegedly confessed to the murder, telling police she had acted alone, decapitating her victim and severing her left hand.

The alleged killer has yet to face trial.

In 2004, another school-age girl was charged with murder after slashing a classmate's throat.


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MH370 crash declared ‘an accident’

The Search for MH370 video aims to explain the activities and complexity of the search effort to date, for families affected by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, and the general public.

Sad news ... a briefing aboard the survey ship Go Phoenix searching for MH370. Source: Twitter

THE mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 has officially been declared an accident by Malaysia's Department of Civil Aviation.

In an announcement that was itself shrouded in controversy when it was initially cancelled due to the presence of next of kin, Director-General Azharuddin Abdul Rahman told a press conference all 239 passengers and crew were "presumed to have lost their lives".

He said Malaysia Airlines was immediately ready to proceed with compensation payments for families of the victims.

"This declaration is by no means the end," said Mr Rahman.

"We will forge ahead with the assistance of the Governments of China and Australia.

"MH370, its passengers and its crews will always be remembered and honoured."

The investigation was now in the "search and recovery stage" but no hope was held of finding survivors.

REVEALED: What keeps MH370 searchers motivated

MORE: The first year report on the MH370 mystery

"Malaysia continues to cooperate with China and Australia for MH370's search to bring closure to the tragedy," said the Director-General.

"The search and recovery in the Indian Ocean remains a priority."

Investigations by international aviation authorities and the Malaysian Police were continuing but both were "limited by the lack of physical evidence, particularly the flight recorders".

The MH370 search area ... released by Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Source: Supplied

"Therefore at this juncture, there is no evidence to substantiate any speculations as to the cause of the accident," he said.

"An interim statement detailing the progress of the safety investigation is expected to be released on or around the one year anniversary of the accident."

MH370 search vessel ... Go Phoenix being resupplied in Fremantle to continue the search for missing Malaysian Airline plane. Source: Supplied

The statement is likely to be cold comfort to the families of passengers and crew, wondering if they will ever know the fate of their loved ones.

A search of the southern Indian Ocean which is believed to be the final resting place of the Boeing 777 has covered 30 per cent of the "priority" area without any trace of the aircraft.

The news comes as relatives of those missing on Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 protested in Beijing, demanding that the search for their loved ones not be called off.

A relative of a passenger of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 holds a picture of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak with the writing "Please bring back my husband". Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Around two dozen Chinese relatives of the missing protested at the Malaysian embassy early today.

Police officers cordoned off the area in Beijing's Chaoyang district, and more than 50 police cars, buses and five firetrucks were deployed to the area.

Families in Malaysia were also unhappy after they appeared at a press conference earlier which had been suddenly cancelled before Mr Rahman's pre-recorded announcement was aired.

A relative of a passenger who was on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 talks to journalists in Putrajaya. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

For families of those on board, it will mean Malaysia Airlines can now pay compensation of $180,000 per victim, as required by international conventions.

For the Australian-led search effort, it is a reminder of the importance of the mission underway in the southern Indian Ocean.

Now into its fourth month, the underwater search has been a gruelling task for the crews of the vessels involved.

Working around the clock, the four vessels have been using sonar equipment attached to lengthy cables to scour the ocean floor, hoping to find some evidence of the Boeing 777.

To date not a trace has been found, but experts say that is no indication they are looking in the wrong place.

Search continues ... a Fugro autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launched from the Australian-contracted survey ship M/V Fugro Discovery as part of a new high-resolution search for MH370. Source: Supplied

The southern Indian Ocean is vast and a similar incident - the crash of Air France flight 447 in 2009 - took two years before the wreckage was found, when investigators had a good idea of where the A330 came down.

In the case of MH370, all investigators have to go on is a series of "pings" or handshakes recorded between the mute aircraft and satellites after all other ground communication was lost.

The pings have provided an "approximate" location for the aircraft's whereabouts during its doomed flight.

But even the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has conceded on several occasions they are working with probabilities, not certainties.

The current underwater search is expected to be completed in May.

Australian and Malaysian authorities have committed to continuing the search until the aircraft is found.

Hi-tech ... equipment used to search the seabed for any sign of the aircraft. Source: Supplied

Six Australians and two New Zealanders were among the 239 passengers and crew.

There has been official reason given for the aircraft's disappearance but theories have ranged from pilot sabotage and alien abduction.

There has even been speculation the aircraft was shot down by the US military because it was believed to have been hijacked by terrorists.

The International Air Transport Association is working with airlines to develop better technology to track aircraft to ensure there is never a repeat of MH370.

The Malaysia Airlines' flight was en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished from radar screens on March 8, 2014 less than an hour into its journey.

All communications were lost and its last known position was between Malaysia and Vietnam.


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Mafia’s code of silence ‘finally broken’

Marlon Brando as Don Corleone in the film The Godfather. Source: News Limited

ITALIAN police believe they are finally breaking the infamous mafia code of silence after a victim of an extortion racket co-operated with authorities for the first time.

Police in Corleone, the Mafia's Sicilian heartland, arrested an alleged mob boss and three other suspects this week after the unnamed businessman told police he could no longer afford to pay the required $565 a month in so called "protection money".

Police commander Pierluigi Solazzo told The Independent that this arrest, along with several others over the past six months, was proof the infamous code of Omerta was weakening.

"It's an excellent sign," he said.

"Businessmen already crushed by the crisis are not able to bear this additional Mafia pressure."

The businessman who ran a car showroom told police he couldn't afford to pay the extortion demand and was forced to close.

When he opened another business, he asked for his payment to be reduced but was refused, a conversation which was recorded by police.

He then agreed to cooperate with police, leading to Monday's arrest.

Corleone is the birthplace of Cosa Nostra's most infamous godfathers and home to notorious boss of bosses Salvatore "Toto" Riina, who is serving jail time for life.

The town is also famous thanks to Marlon Brando's portrayal of the Godfather in the hit film series of the same name.

Police said it was the first time a victim had chosen to cooperate, with hopes further victims would continue to speak out across Italy.

The Corleone arrests follow those made overnight where more than 160 alleged members of the 'Ndrangheta Mafia were collared in what prosecutors and politicians hailed as a historic setback for the group behind much of Europe's cocaine trade.

Italian police say the Mafia's code of silence is starting to crack in its Sicilian heartland. Source: Supplied

More than 40 arrests were made in Calabria, the secretive crime group's southern homeland.

But the bulk came in dawn raids in towns and cities across the much wealthier north of Italy, where it has spread its tentacles in recent years in order to launder drugs profits.

More than 100 people were arrested in the region of Emilia Romagna, including six alleged 'Ndrangheta bosses, former and currently serving police officers, a prominent local politician and several businessmen.

The Calabrian mob has spent decades infiltrating one of Italy's richest and most productive areas, Bologna's chief prosecutor Roberto Alfonso told a press conference in the region's capital.

Another 200 people were being investigated and assets worth 100 million euros were frozen, including a block of 200 flats near Parma.

Franco Roberti, the national anti-mafia prosecutor, hailed the operation as "unprecedented" and claimed it marked a "turning point" in the state's battle with organised crime.

"It is an impressive and decisive step against the mafia in the north. This is a deeply implanted and very dangerous criminal organisation," he said.

The 'Ndrangheta is considered the most powerful crime syndicate in Italy, having surpassed Sicily's Cosa Nostra and the Naples-based Camorra thanks to the wealth it has amassed as the principal importer and wholesaler of cocaine produced in Latin America and smuggled into Europe via North Africa and southern Italy.

That trade is worth billions and previous police operations have indicated that the 'Ndrangheta has well-established links with Colombian producer cartels, Mexican crime gangs and mafia families in New York and other parts of North America.

Mafia boss Bernardo Provenzano had been on the run since 1963 but was captured near Corleone, Sicily, a Cosa Nostra power base, in 2006. Provenzano took command of the Sicilian Mafia in 1993, after Salvatore "Toto" Riina was arrested in Palermo, also after years as a fugitive. Source: News Corp Australia

A NATIONAL MAFIA:

Yesterday's arrests were the latest in a series of high-profile operations which have confirmed the hitherto little-known expansion of 'Ndrangheta across Italy from Calabria, the underdeveloped "toe" of the boot-shaped country.

Last week police made 31 arrests in Rome in connection with an alleged plot by a branch of the group to squeeze out other criminal gangs so that they could set the street price of cocaine in the Italian capital.

In November, dozens of alleged mobsters linked to the group were detained in and around Milan, Italy's business capital, on charges of criminal association and extortion.

Those arrests provided a fascinating glimpse into the 'Ndrangheta's shadowy culture with police releasing secretly-filmed footage of men undergoing initiation into "Santa" (holy) membership.

As part of the quasi-religious ceremony, the promoted mobsters swore allegiance to their new "wise brothers" and took an "oath of poison" under which they vow to kill themselves should they ever betray fellow clan members.

The name 'Ndrangheta comes from the Greek for courage or loyalty and the organisation's tight clan-based structure has made it hard to penetrate.

It has also shown itself capable of operating extremely discreetly. Mr Alfonso said that the group's establishment of a base in his region had involved placing loyalists in companies, the professions, local administrations and the forces of law and order.

SECRET CODE UNLOCKED:

The recent series of arrests have however allowed the authorities to make headway in its fight against the group.

The operation in Rome led to the seizure of a notebook written in a hieroglyphic-style code which detailed the initiation rites and the 'Ndrangheta's hierarchical structure from "piciotto" (foot soldier) up to Godfather.

It also detailed the clan's own mystical account of how its structure and "code of honour" came into being as a result of three knights landing on an island off Sicily after being banished from Spain for avenging the honour of their raped sister.

Police were able to crack the code and interpret documents which listed drug dealers and other associates working for the clan.

Their efforts have also reportedly been helped by a rare case of a 'Ndrangheta member agreeing to give evidence against the group.

The alleged "supergrass" has been identified by Italian media as Gianni Cretarola, who is awaiting trial for his alleged role in the 2013 murder of a rival Roman mobster, Vincenzo Femia.


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‘Wear the push up bra I bought u’

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 28 Januari 2015 | 20.01

Keeping it simple. Source: Instagram

WE'RE all guilty of having a chuckle or two at our parent's expense when they text us, but chances are they're nothing compared to the texts sent by Kate Siegel's mum.

The 26-year-old has decided to make the most of her mother's musings and advice, setting up the Instagram account 'Crazy Jewish Mom', which has just hit 170,000 followers.

The account is amusing to say the least — for example, for Siegel's birthday, she received this text: "Welcome to the wrong side of 25. The expiration date on your eggs is officially in sight. Tick Tock."

Then when her mum didn't like her outfit, she texted this: "Go shower and put on some eyeliner. Ur boyfriend is here! Oy. Is this how u dress with Superjew at your apt? I'm gonna burn those sweat pants. And wear the push up bra I bought u."

And she doesn't hold back on her advice: "Reminder, exercise ur calf muscles every other day. Unless u want to end up with cankles. It runs in the family. On your Father's side."

Siegel told Buzzfeed that "My mother knows I'm posting, but she's terrible at the internet, so I don't think she fully understands how often and the scope. That said, she LOVES it. She thinks it's all fantastic advice, stands by every word, and is happy that others are benefiting from her wisdom."

"My mother, as pushy as she can be, wants nothing but the best for me," she admitted to told The Huffington Post. "I wouldn't be where I am today without her support and guidance, and I love her very much. I just hope I'm not turning into her."

Here are more of her gems:

For more from Kate and her mum, head to Crazy Jewish Mom on Instagram


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Timomatic changes his name

Timomatic is the latest celebrity to change his name. Source: News Corp Australia

TIMOMATIC is leaving his stage name behind and returning to his birth name, Tim Omaji.

The Nigerian-born Aussie singer-songwriter chatted to Nova's Fitzy and Wippa on air on Wednesday morning and declared that 'Timomatic' is no more.

Omaji, who rose to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, recently split with his girlfriend, dancer Talia Fowler, and is heading in a new direction with his music career.

The radio duo decided to have some fun with the 27-year-old Parachute singer and called him pretending to be merch reps from Sony. They threw some classic ideas at him to promote the name change.

Omaji isn't the first Aussie celebrity to change his name — TV personality Andrew G confused a whole lotta fans in 2013 when he made the switch to Osher Günsberg. This was his third name change. We first we knew him as Andy G, he then became Andrew G, followed a few years later by Andrew Gunsberg before Osher came about.

The Bachelor host later revealed on his blog how a spiritual awakening while travelling through Israel led to his most recent rebranding.

He'll always be Andrew G to us. Source: Supplied


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Family horror: Three ‘hacked to death’

Pictured on a family holiday are parents Martin and Teresa van Breda with their daughter Marli, 16, and sons Henri, 20, and Rudi, 22. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

THREE members of a former Perth family have been found "hacked to death" in their ​South African home.

A fourth family member has been critically injured and a fifth has reportedly been taken away by the police.

Businessman Martin van Breda, 54, his wife Teresa, 55, and their son Rudi, 22, were found dead in their home in an exclusive golf-course estate home ​at Stellenbosch, near​ ​Cape Town, ​yesterday morning, local time.

The couple's daughter Marli, 16, is in hospital with serious head injuries and their 20-year-old son Henri is assisting police and being questioned, South African media are reporting.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Martin and Teresa van Breda. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

It is understood an axe was found in the home but it has not yet been officially confirmed.

The family were originally from South Africa but had lived in Claremont for about six years,​ prior to their return to South Africa.

​Their son Rudi ​reportedly ​attended Scotch College.

Originally published as Family horror: Three 'hacked to death'

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Miss USA sparks Twitter storm

Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Januari 2015 | 20.01

Miss USA was asked to deliver a message on global terrorisim and her answer was to spread a message of hope and love and peace. Courtesy: NBC/WNBC

Surprised ... Miss Colombia Paulina Vega reacts after hearing she has become Miss Universe. Picture: AP Source: AP

THE Miss Universe pageant was won by Miss Colombia, but social media has been talking about Miss USA — and her message to global terrorists.

At the pageant, Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, 24, was asked what message she would send to global terrorists.

As one of the top five finalists in the pageant, Sanchez told the judges: "As Miss USA I can always spread a message of hope and love and peace."

BEAUTY QUEEN: Miss Colombia crowned Miss Universe

Close to the crown ... Miss USA Nia Sanchez in the swim suit parade. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Viewers stunned ... Miss USA Nia Sanchez in the evening gown section. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Her answer sparked debate and criticism across Twitter, with social media users posting what they really thought of her reply.

Sanchez was the first runner-up in the competition to Colombia's Paulina Vega, who took the crown this year at the official ceremony in Miami.

The 63rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant was held at Florida International University before a full house of enthusiastic fans.

The contest featured the traditional parade of eye-catching swimsuits and national costumes and performances from teen idol Nick Jonas and Dominican-born American singer Prince Royce.

Finalists ... Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha and Miss USA Nia Sanchez onstage during The 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant. Picture: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images Source: AFP

Ten judges were tasked to select this year's winner, including Cuban-American music mogul Emilio Estefan, Cuban soap opera star William Levy and Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

The Miss Universe contest started out in 1952 as a local "bathing beauty" competition organised by a swimwear company in Long Beach, California.

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega and Miss USA Nia Sanchez at the Miss Universe Pageant. Picture: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Today, the competition is more than a beauty pageant and contestants "compete with hope of advancing their careers, personal and humanitarian goals and ... seek to improve the lives of others," according to the Miss Universe website.


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The woman of terror Islamic State want freed

Japan calls for the immediate release of a Japanese journalist held by Islamic State, after an audio recording claims a fellow Japanese captive has been executed. Justin Mitchell reports.

A TV image of Iraqi suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi opening her jacket and showing an explosive belt as she confesses on Jordanian state-run television to her failed bid to set off an explosives belt. Source: AP

SHE is the would-be suicide bomber on death row, convicted of taking part in a deadly terror attack which killed dozens of people.

And now Islamic State militants have demanded Sajida al-Rishawi be released in exchange for a Japanese hostage currently being held by Islamic State militants.

The would-be bomber made headlines around the globe when she was arrested after her device failed to detonate as part of a string of deadly terror attacks at Jordanian hotels in 2005.

She has been largely out of sight in a decade after being held in a Jordanian prison and has not been seen publicly since.

But she is in the news once again following the release of a video threatening to kill security contractor Haruna Yukawa and freelance journalist Kenji Goto unless Japan paid a $252 ransom.

That deadline passed on Friday, with Tokyo saying it was still making frantic efforts to contact the jihadists.

However a three-minute video was released the next day showing a still image of Goto holding a photograph of a decapitated body said to be Yukawa.

In the accompanying audio recording, a man claiming to be Goto blames Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for Yukawa's killing, and demands the release of al-Rishawi.

Al-Rishawi said her device failed to explode. Source: AP

REIGN OF TERROR:

The Iraqi woman was sentenced to death in 2006 for triple hotel bomb attacks in Amman that killed 60 people on November 9, 2005, rocking one of the Middle East's most stable nations.

The 44-year-old was arrested four days after the attacks in which her husband Ali Hussein al-Shammari and two other Iraqis, blew themselves up.

The heaviest casualties came when Shammari detonated his explosives belt at the Radisson SAS hotel as a wedding was in full swing.

Two other hotels were hit in the coordinated attacks and most of the dead were Jordanians.

After her arrest, Jordanian authorities paraded al-Rishawi on state television for her to confess that she had accompanied her husband to Jordan to carry out the attacks.

During her televised confession, al-Rishawi displayed an explosives belt strapped across her long black robe and spoke calmly about how the operation was to have been carried out but said that at the last minute she had not managed to activate her belt to blow herself up.

She said her husband was one of the bombers, that they had travelled from Iraq using fake passports and he had shown her how to activate the explosives.

Her trial opened in April 2006, with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the al-Qaeda leader in Iraq, also on the charge sheet.

Jordanian-born Zarqawi, who was killed in a US air raid in Iraq in June 2006, had claimed the triple bombings in Amman.

Al-Rishawi, whose brother Samir Atruss al-Rishawi, a Zarqawi lieutenant also killed in Iraq, was condemned to death three months later for conspiracy in a terrorist attack.

Jordanian victims wounded in the triple suicide bombing rest in a hospital as they watch TV showing Sajida al-Rishawi confess on air. Source: AP

THE DEMAND:

In the video released on Saturday by the Islamic State, of which Zarqawi's group was a precursor, shows images of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto holding what appears to be a photograph of the slain body of his compatriot Haruna Yukawa.

The video was released with an audio recording in which a man claiming to be Goto blames Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his fellow captive's death because he failed to pay a $200 million ransom.

The voice also reveals a new demand for the release of al-Rishawi, saying the militants are no longer demanding money to save his life, but want "their sister" to be freed.

"It is simple. You give them Sajida and I will be released," the voice says.

Meanwhile Yukawa's father voiced horror and shock over his son's apparent beheading.

"I thought 'Ah, this finally happened' and was filled with regret," said Shoichi Yukawa.

"I went totally blank, I was only sorry ... I had no words," he said. "In my mind I wish very much that this wasn't true."

Abe branded the murder of Yukawa as "outrageous and unforgivable" and called for Goto's immediate release.

"I condemn it strongly and resolutely," said the Japanese leader.

US President Barack Obama condemned the "brutal murder" and offered Abe condolences while expressing his solidarity with the people of Japan.

British Prime Minister David Cameron decried the Islamic State group's "murderous barbarity", and French President Francois Hollande labelled it a "barbaric assassination".

Germany and the EU also condemned the killing by IS, an extremist Sunni Muslim group which activists say carries out near-daily executions, often beheadings, in areas under its control.

The group, which originated in Iraq and appeared in Syria's civil war in spring 2013, holds swathes of Syria and Iraq where it has declared an Islamic "caliphate".

Since then it has committed atrocities including the beheadings of two US reporters, an American aid worker and two British aid workers.

The release of Rishawi was demanded by the Islamic State jihadist group that claimed the murder of a Japanese hostage. Source: AFP

DOUBTS AND HOPE:

Saturday's video was initially met with scepticism, partly because it was not posted on an official IS channel and does not bear their usual black and white flag.

Goto's mother Junko Ishido told reporters Sunday she was left with little hope after seeing the picture of her son, in which he "looked very tense".

"Japan never abandons its people," she said. "I believe the government is united and doing its best."

Sunday's radio statement made no mention of the $200 million ransom that the group had initially demanded, but only referred to the release of Sajida al-Rishawi.

The ransom demand came as Abe pledged, during a trip to the Middle East, a multi-million dollar aid package to countries affected by the militant group's bloody expansion in Iraq and Syria.

But Abe has been defiant.

"We will never give in to terrorism, and we will actively contribute to the peace and stability of the world together with the international community. We are not wavering at all on this policy," he said yesterday.


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Abbott’s right royal knighthood stuff-up

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says the decision to make Prince Philip a knight is 'anachronistic'.

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott's judgment is being questioned by his Liberal colleagues, who say his decision to bestow a knighthood on Prince Philip was a serious mistake.

The surprise move was made by Mr Abbott alone and not passed through his Cabinet.

Liberals who spent the day at Australia Day events were met with derision and surprise from voters, who questioned the decision to give Australia's highest honour to a decorated 93-year-old British royal.

"The feedback is horrendous,'' one Liberal MP, a supporter of Mr Abbott, told the Herald Sun.

PRINCE'S KNIGHTHOOD APPROVED BY ABBOTT'S ONLY OTHER KNIGHT

SHAUN CARNEY: PRINCE PHILIP'S KNIGHTHOOD INSULTS ALL AUSTRALIANS

EDITORIAL: KNIGHTING PRINCE PHILIP IS A MISTAKE

ABBOTT STANDS BY KNIGHTHOOD DECISION

The announcement overshadowed the knighthood bestowed on former Defence Force chief Angus Houston, who was honoured for his leadership, particularly during the MH370 and MH17 disasters.

It also intensified concerns for Liberals, who are starting to doubt Mr Abbott's ability to reverse the Government's poor poll standing.

While no one is doing the numbers, increasingly anxious MPs were working the phones trying to think of a way to get the Government back on track.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Prince Philip in Bayeux, France, last June. Picture: AP

Several told the Herald Sun they did not believe the Government could continue to veer off-message for long.

One committed Abbott supporter said he initially did not believe the news of Prince Philip's knighthood.

He said the announcement derailed the Government's efforts to focus to negotiating its legislation through the Senate.

Another said MPs were so angry at the "ridiculous'' decision they would pass their feedback through official channels to the Prime Minister's Office.

A backbencher, who said he had spoken to Mr Abbott last week as the PM made a round of calls to soothe frazzled nerves, had made "all the right noises'' about focusing on Budget measures to reduce debt levels inherited from Labor.

"But here we are talking about ourselves again,'' he said.

Several Coalition MPs went public with their concerns.

The Nationals' Darren Chester said he had wanted to spend the day talking about Australian of the Year, anti-family violence advocate Rosie Batty.

"I'm disappointed to be talking about this (Prince Philip),'' he said.

Queensland Liberal Ewen Jones criticised the knighthood, saying only those appointed to the role of Governor-General should be named a knight or a dame.

Mr Abbott, an avowed monarchist, defended his decision, saying Prince Philip was "eminently suitable''.

"Prince Philip has been a great servant of Australia,'' the PM said.

"Here in this country, he's the patron of hundreds of organisations.

"I'm just really pleased that in his 90s, towards the end of a life of service and duty, we in this country are able to properly acknowledge what he's done for us.''

Opposition leader Bill Shorten, who 24 hours earlier called for a new debate on the republic, said he had no beef with Prince Philip, but couldn't understand why Mr Abbott did not choose a worthy Australian instead.

"It's a question of the priorities of this Government, and who they think makes a good Australian,'' he said.

PRINCE PHILIP: SIR GAFFE-A-LOT

To Aboriginal leader William Brin: "Do you still throw spears at each other?"

To a native woman in Kenya: "You are a woman, aren't you?

To a British student in China: "If you stay here much longer you'll go home with slitty eyes."

To black politician Lord Taylor of Warwick: "And what exotic part of the world do you come from?"

To a tourist in Budapest: "You can't have been here long, you haven't got a pot belly."

At a party in 2004: "Bugger the table plan, give me my dinner!"

To a 13-year-old boy: "You could do with losing a little bit of weight."

To a nursing home resident in a wheelchair: "Do people trip over you?"

To a penniless student: "Why don't you go and live in a hostel to save cash?"

On women in general: "I don't think a prostitute is more moral than a wife, but they are doing the same thing."

ellen.whinnett@news.com.au

Originally published as Abbott's right royal knighthood stuff-up
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Nick Kyrgios’ amazing comeback

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 25 Januari 2015 | 20.01

Nick Kyrgios celebrates his amazing win over Andreas Seppi. Source: AP

NICK Kyrgios' improbable Australian Open dream lives on after the teenager's epic fourth-round win at Melbourne Park.

Handicapped by back soreness, and struggling emotionally, Kyrgios fashioned an incredible 5-7 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 8-6 victory over Andreas Seppi.

The victory catapulted the 19-year-old into the quarter-finals, the first Australian man to reach the last eight here since Lleyton Hewitt's run to the 2005 final.

The right-hander will next face either triple finalist Andy Murray or Bulgarian 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

Kyrgios saved a match point late in the fourth set before almost blowing victory in the fifth when he led 4-1 only to be caught.

Nick Kyrgios has thrown himself into his round four battle against Andreas Seppi, but was unlucky with this point at Melbourne Park.

He eventually clambered across the line in before joyously collapsing.

"It feels so good, thankyou," he told a partisan crowd.

"I honestly didn't think I would win that match.

"I drew confidence from the match at Wimbledon against (Richard) Gasquet (when he saved nine match points), but this is incredible."

As stunning as Kyrgios was in upsetting world No 1 Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last year, this win was just as significant.

Nick Kyrgios collapses after defeating Andreas Seppi Source: Getty Images

Overcoming a huge deficit, poor discipline and an inspired opponent, Kyrgios deservedly revelled in a huge victory.

For the first two hours of the match, he was on the defensive, rattled - and bound for defeat.

Berating himself loudly to "wake up", Kyrgios just as often congratulated Seppi on his brilliant passing with "well played."

He swore, bounced racquets and chirped to strangers.

"I am. I'm trying man, I can't walk, though," he told a spectator in the second set when urged to lift.

Aussie Nick Kygrios has called out three spectators for leaving early during his heated round four clash against Andreas Seppi.

Eventually, Kyrgios did exactly that.

By the end of a 3hrs,34mins slog, he had clubbed 74 winners, 25 aces and 66 unforced errors to secure a career-high ranking of world No 35.

And he has taken the long road to the last eight and the exact cost won't be known until he resumes on Tuesday.

Desperate to make a solid start to pour pressure on Seppi, Kyrgios was suddenly on the defensive.

His fabled serve was constantly probed by the Italian, who was rewarded in the 11th game with the first break of the match.

Nick Kyrgios and Andreas Seppi embrace after their five-set epic. Source: AP

Kyrgios twice saved set points in the following game but an unforced error to concede the set was following by the mangling of his racquet.

Given a code violation for racquet abuse from Irish umpire Fergus Murphy, Kyrgios attempted to regroup.

Seppi, however, was relentless and kept the Australian tyro off balance.

Unable to convert three break points in the fourth game of the second set, Kyrgios strayed on his own delivery in the ninth game to gift Seppi a pivotal break.

Muttering to himself at the changeover, Kyrgios emerged to create another break point but was foiled by an unreturnable serve.

Nick Kyrgios struggled with his emotions during the match. Source: AP

"Every time," Kyrgios roared before Seppi ran down a dropshot and chipped a forehand down the line to claim the set.

On the brink, Kyrgios unleashed a paralysing counter-attack to break Seppi's serve for the first time, surging to 3-0.

Untouchable on serve, the rest of Kyrgios' game also elevated as he pushed the contest into the fourth set.

Once there, Kyrgios repeatedly created openings on Seppi's serve but could not capitalise.

The Canberran clawed his way to 0-30, 15-30 or 30-all in three successive Seppi service games, but could not penetrate.

Andreas Seppi just couldn't finish Nick Kyrgios off. Source: AP

Inevitably, the pendulum swung and Kyrgios, from 40-15 in the 12th game, unexpectedly faced a match point.

Kyrgios calmly averted the crisis, serving his way into the tie-break with a pair of monstrous aces.

Kyrgios twice held mini-breaks in the tie-break but still could not repel Seppi - until he rifled a backhand winner to clinch a 51-minute set.

The Australian drew first blood in the decider with a cracking forehand winner and, spying spectators leaving, he called out: "Hey, where are you going?"

Serving for 5-2, Kyrgios struck disaster as he imploded with a double fault and dodgy forehand as Seppi reeled off 12 consecutive points.

In deeper trouble when down break in the ninth game, Kyrgios survived.

And then, as the pressure built on Seppi, he pounced.

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios' amazing comeback
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LIVE: Kyrgios follows in Fed’s footsteps

Aussie young gun Nick Kyrgios has propelled himself to the quarter finals of the Australian Open with a gutsy comeback win over Italian Andreas Seppi.

Rafael Nadal has beaten Kevin Anderson in straight sets, at the Australian Open, to advance to his 28th grand slam quarter final.

Eugenie Bouchard has prtogressed to the quarter finals of the Australian Open after winning her round four match against Irina-Camelia Begu in three sets.

Maria Sharapova will face Canadian Eugenie Bouchard in the quarter finals of the Australian Open after defeating China's Peng Shway in straight sets.

Nick Kyrgios in action against Andreas Seppi on Hisense Arena. Source: AP

NICK Kyrgios has prevailed in an Australian Open classic over Andreas Seppi.

The win sees the Aussie young gun become the first teenager to reach two grand slam quarter finals since Roger Federer.

Kyrgios had to do it the had way.

Seemingly down and out after losing the opening two sets, the Canberra product produced one of the greatest comebacks seen at Melbourne Park to win in five sets, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 8-6.

LEAVE HIM ALONE: CASH SLAMS 'FEARFUL CRITICISM' OF KYRGIOS

ROUND 1 TANTRUM: KYRGIOS FINED FOR RACQUET ABUSE

'RIDICULOUS': TOMIC SLAMS SCHEDULING AFTER LOSS

Fighting mental demons seemingly all night, Kyrgios still managed to play some scintillating tennis in front of a packed Hisense Arena.

The loss stunned his Italian opponent, who had beaten Roger Federer in the previous round.

Kyrgios is the first Australian to reach the quarter finals since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005.

He is also the last Australian standing in the Australian Open after Bernard Tomic bowed out earlier today at the hands of No.7 seed Tomas Berdych.

The big-serving Czech was simply too good for the Australian in their fourth-round match, taking it in straight sets 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.

After collapsing in the first set, Tomic put up more of a fight in the second and forced a tie-break. However, Berdych once again took control in the third set, breaking Tomic to claim victory.

Bernard Tomic has been eliminated from the Australian Open, going down in straight sets to Tom Berdych.

In early Day 7 action, Maria Sharapova set up a blockbuster quarter-final with Eugenie Bouchard, easily dismissing the challenge of China's Shuai Peng 6-3, 6-0.

Bouchard survived a second set collapse to beat Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu 6-1 5-7 6-2.

No.10 seed Ekaterina Makarova also continued her good form, defeating Julia Goerges in straight sets.

Simona Halep had no trouble advancing to her second straight Australian Open quarter final, defeating Yanina Wickmayer in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

Originally published as LIVE: Kyrgios follows in Fed's footsteps
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‘I was grateful for being pregnant'

Lindt Cafe siege survivor Harriette Denny speaks out about those final hours in the cafe. Courtesy 60 Minutes.

Harriette Denny Source: Supplied

SYDNEY siege survivor Harriette Denny has opened up about her pregnancy as more horrifying details are revealed about what happened inside the Lindt Cafe.

The 30-year-old cafe worker was one of 18 hostages trapped in the deadly siege by crazed gunman Man Haron Monis.

In a preview of her upcoming interview with Nine's 60 Minutes, Ms Denny speaks through tears as she recalls the horror.

"I was very grateful I was able to experience the pure love and happiness of being pregnant," she says.

Harriette Denny broke down recalling her experience. Source: Supplied

Harriette Denny was among the last hostages to escape the siege. Pic: Bill Hearne Source: News Corp Australia

Ms Denny was among the last group of hostages to escape the cafe where she was working on a day that turned her world upside down.

Ms Denny shared her views on the fear of dying, during the siege which led to the death of her boss Tori Johnson and fellow hostage and barrister Katrina Dawson.

"At that time I remember thinking if he shoots me, as long as I don't feel it or see it coming, I'd be okay with that," she says.

She is one of a number of hostages who shared their stories with the program in a special set to air soon.

Martin Place survivors Fiona Ma (left) and Harriette Denny have spoken to "60 Minutes" reporter Liz Hayes about their ordeal. Pic: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

The network reportedly paid up to $1 million collectively for interviews with survivors by reporter Liz Hayes.

Nine has already previewed interviews with hostages Selena Win Pe and Denny's colleagues Fiona Ma and Paolo Vassallo.

It has been reported Nine has also signed Julie Taylor, the barrister and friend of Katrina Dawson who is now 23 weeks pregnant and was held inside the cafe until the siege's dramatic end.

Sydney Siege victim Selina Win Pe describes some of the horrific scenes experienced during the ordeal at the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place. Courtesy: 60 Minutes/Channel Nine


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The children turned into killers

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 23 Januari 2015 | 20.01

In the latest video released by ISIS, a child appears to carry out the execution of two Russian spies

A young child holding a gun in an Islamic State propaganda video. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

THAT the latest Islamic State video — purporting to show a young boy executing two men — shocked anyone says more about the West and what we ignore than Islamic State's vile tactics.

Because, as horrific as it is, the use — and abuse — of child soldiers, as young as eight, is nothing new.

Since 2000, the participation of child soldiers has been reported in most armed conflicts and in almost every region of the world, according to Child Soldiers International.

WARNING: This story contains graphic images which may distress some readers.

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Chilling images ... a child soldier executes Russian spies in an Islamic State video. Source: Supplied

Child combatants have been found on battlefields throughout history and in at least 19 countries since 2011.

There are no exact figures but UNICEF estimates there are over 250,000 children involved with armed groups, being used for everything from frontline fighters, suicide bombers or human shields to porters, couriers, spies, messengers and guards.

They are also used to perform domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning.

Opening fire ... an Islamic State child soldiers engages in target practice. Source: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Both boys and girls face the risk of sexual abuse, while girls are often forced into marriage.

There are reports out of The Council on Foreign Relations that girls, impregnated by their commanders, have even been forced to fight with their babies strapped to their backs.

Experts say some of the benefits of using children include that they are vulnerable, easily intimidated and easily manipulated.

Human Rights Watch says many are abducted or recruited by force, while others join out of desperation, believing that armed groups offer their best chance for survival.

"Children are sometimes forced to commit atrocities against their own family or neighbours.

Such practices help ensure that the child is 'stigmatised' and unable to return to his or her

home community," according to a HRW report.

Brainwashed ... Islamic State child soldiers threaten to kill all non-believers. Source: Supplied. Source: Supplied

"Children are uniquely vulnerable to military recruitment because of their emotional and

physical immaturity. They are easily manipulated and can be drawn into violence that they

are too young to resist or understand."

Given the widespread use of child soldiers, the recent Islamic State video purporting to show a young boy executing two 'Russian spies' shouldn't shock anyone.

The video, released last week, shows the child fatally shooting the pair after they were interrogated on camera about their alleged attempts to infiltrate the IS group in Syria.

Too late ... A Zairean Mayi-Mayi rebel child soldier drives on a truck towards the front line in Beni, 350 km north of Goma, in 1996. Photo: AP. Source: AP

The end of the video appears to feature footage of the same boy from an earlier IS propaganda video telling an interviewer he wants to grow up to kill "infidels".

In the earlier video, the boy gave his name as Abdallah, and said he was from Kazakhstan.

Abdallah's story echoes that of thousands of children who are illegally recruited, either by force or below the legal age, across dozens of countries where conflicts currently rage.

Under international law, the recruitment and use of children under 15 is a war crime.

Born to fight ... a child soldier of Uganda in 1996. Picture: World Vision. Source: News Limited

Yet hundreds of thousands of children are still being stolen into government armed forces, paramilitaries, civil militia and a variety of other armed groups.

"Sometimes they are forcibly abducted. In some instances for example in northern Uganda, the Lord's Resistance Army actually forces children to kill some of their relatives to make sure that they don't go back." UNICEF's director of emergency programs Nils Kastberg once told CNN.

In recent years, Amnesty International has documented use or allegations of use of child soldiers in numerous other countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and Yemen.

Hard-line ... Islamist teenage fighters man a checkpoint at a road in the vicinity of the presidential palace in Mogadishu, on May 14, 2009. Photo: AFP. Source: AFP

Afghanistan

Insurgent groups, including the Taliban and other armed groups, use children as fighters, including in suicide attacks, according to Human Rights Watch.

The UN also reports recruitment of children by the Afghan National Police.

Myanmar

Both state armed forces and non-state armed groups use children in armed conflict, according to Child Soldier International.

Hundreds of underage boys, as young as 11, have been recruited into the national army and deployed to areas where state forces have been fighting armed opposition groups.

Children, who are often recruited off the streets and sent into combat operations, also serve with some of the armed ethnic opposition groups.

Central African Republic

About 6,000 children in CAR are believed to be linked to armed forces or armed groups, according to War Child.

The Lord's Resistance Army has abducted children, some as young as 12, in the southeast of the country while children also serve with various rebel groups.

Chad

The recruitment of child soldiers in Chad has declined sharply since the government signed an action plan to end the practise but thousands of children have served in both government and rebel forces there.

Colombia

Thousands of children — both boys and girls — have been both forcibly and voluntarily recruited by the two armed opposition groups, the FARC and the ELN, according to a report by Child Soldiers International.

They were used as combatants, to lay mines and explosives and to carry out other military tasks. Girls were subjected to sexual abuse, including rape and forced abortion.

Children are also recruited into successor groups to paramilitaries, says Human Rights Watch.

New recruits ... an armed female child Colombian guerrilla waits with other soldiers while patrolling in the Meta region southeast of Bogota, Colombia in 1998. Picture: AP Source: AP

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

At the height of DRC's war, the UN estimated that more than 30,000 boys and girls were fighting with the government armed forces as well as various rebel forces.

Most have now been released or demobilised, but active recruitment continues in the east of the country due to renewed conflict there, according to a Human Rights Watch report.

The Lord's Resistance Army is known to abduct children in north-eastern Congo where it uses both boys and girls as fighters, and girls as sex slaves.

India

Armed opposition groups are believed to be responsible for the rampant recruitment of at least 3000 child soldiers to various conflicts across India, according to a report by the Asian Center for Human Rights.

About 500 children are believed to be involved in militant groups in the volatile northern state of Jammu and Kashmir while about 2500 are in the in eastern provinces which are Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.

Iraq

Islamic State insurgents in Iraq are using child soldiers in what may amount to systematic war crimes that demand prosecution, according to the United Nations.

But all sides of the conflict reportedly recruit child soldiers — including government-affiliated forces — as fighters, informants, suicide bombers and for manning checkpoints.

HRW says Al-Qaeda also recruits children to spy, scout, transport military supplies, to plant explosive devices and actively participate in attacks against security forces and civilians, including suicide attacks.

During the Iran-Iraq war, child soldiers were often sent out ahead in waves over minefields, says UNICEF.

Being trained ... an Afghan child, age 5, being trained as a Northern Alliance soldier in Afghanistan. Source: News Limited

Philippines

Children are recruited by rebel forces, including the New People's Army, Abu Sayyaf

Group, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The Philippine army has fabricated stories that children taken into custody are rebel "child warriors," says HRW.

Somalia

Amnesty International has called the situation in Somalia a "human rights crisis and a children's crisis" due to the scale of war crimes affecting Somali children, including the systematic recruitment of child soldiers under 15 by armed Islamist groups.

Islamist group al-Shabaab forcibly recruits children as young as 10, often abducting them from their homes or schools, coercing some into becoming suicide bombers.

Children also serve in Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces.

South Sudan

The South Sudan government has pledged to end its use of child soldiers, but continues to recruit children and has not yet demobilised all children from its forces.

Sudan

In Darfur, over a dozen armed forces and groups use child soldiers, including the Sudanese

Armed Forces, pro-government militias, and factions of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army.

Thailand

Children are recruited in Thailand as part of the armed separatist struggle in its four southern border provinces for various roles including for intelligence gathering, diversion tactics and arson attacks, according to Child Soldiers International.

Boys are also recruited by village defence volunteers (Chor Ror Bor), a government-established civil defence force which forms part of state counterinsurgency forces in the conflict-affected areas.

Joining the war ... a rebel Liberian gunman and child soldier in Monrovia, Liberia, in 2003. Source: News Limited

Yemen

The government is guilty of recruiting children as young as 14.

Before the Arab Spring, it also used children to fight Huthi rebels in the north, says HRW.

In 2011, rebel forces in Taizz deployed children to patrol roads and operate checkpoints. Some had previously served with government forces before defecting.

Syria

Non-state armed groups in Syria have used children as young as 15 to fight in battles, sometimes recruiting them under the guise of offering education, according to a HRW.

Extremist Islamist groups including Islamic State have specifically recruited children through free schooling campaigns that include weapons training. They are then given dangerous jobs including suicide bombing missions.

Mali

Islamist armed groups fighting against Malian and French forces in the north of the country have recruited children aged between 10 and 17, according to Amnesty International.

Trained to kill ... a child soldier in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003. Source: News Limited

Sri Lanka

During Sri Lanka's brutal 26-year civil war between the government forces and separatists from the Tamil minority both sides used child soldiers.

Armed groups targeted young people with their propaganda. For example, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) actively indoctrinated children in the school system. If children didn't voluntarily join up they would be forced.

The Philippines

Many children in the Philippines became soldiers as soon as they enter their teens.

A warrior's life seems attractive to many who come from fragmented families and don't attend school due to decades of war, says HRW.

Uganda

The UN estimates that 2 million children have been killed bearing arms since 1987, and three times that number have been seriously injured or permanently disabled.

Both the government and rebel armies abduct children and force them to fight while some children join willingly out of hunger or desperation.

So young ... a child soldier named Tamba, 9, holding an AK-47 assault rifle. Source: News Limited

Cambodia

In the 1980s many children joined armed groups in Cambodia to secure food and protection.

UNICEF says some rebel groups in Cambodia and Mozambique turned children into fierce warriors by subjecting them to a brief period of terror and physical abuse — 'socialising' them into violence.

Liberia

About 20,000 children as young as seven joined various fighting factions and were used in combat in 1990. The National Patriotic Front of Liberia had its own 'small boys unit', ranging in age from 6 to 20.

The United Nations Children's Fund believes that currently up to 60 per cent of the armed fighters in Liberia are under the age of 18, and that both government and rebel troops are guilty of recruiting children.


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