Human Rights Watch World Report

As a newspaper journalist for more than 30 years, now working in online media, I understand the vital need for reliable information about the world's hot spots and the world's emerging needs. Human Rights Watch is a highly respected voice and this volume gives us overviews of 90 areas around the world. In 2009, American news media is cutting way back on "foreign" reporting, both in terms of staff and space in our U.S. news reports. If we care about the world, we've simply got to take extra steps to keep ourselves well informed. Even if you're carefully rationing your book purchases this year, if you're involved in fields ranging from education and diversity -- to political activism and direct aid -- you need a volume like this to sharpen your eyes and ears into the world's most urgent needs.