The News Crawler

Buffett says derivative values can be misleading Billionaire Warren Buffett has devoted nearly five pages of his letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to explaining the role derivatives played in the company's nearly $7.5 billion investment losses last year.

U.S. looks to China for support on Afghanistan: Pentagon The United States is looking to stronger Chinese cooperation on Afghanistan, piracy, and other international troubles, a Pentagon official said on Saturday after talks that he said also addressed strains over Taiwan.

Pakistan: Taliban 'lost' 2 border regions

China, US agree to resume key military exchanges

Marijuana Milestone: No More Raids on Pot Dispensaries, Says Attorney General

Budget: Good for Working, Middle Class While the wealthy suffer under the president's plan, the little guy benefits.

Wiretapping lawsuit may have its day in court The Obama administration on Friday lost its bid to halt a lawsuit charging that President George W. Bush broke the law when he authorized warrantless spying on terrorism suspects, the only such case to make it to federal court.

News Analysis: Obama’s Greenhouse Gas Gamble As part of his budget, President Obama has proposed mandatory caps on greenhouse gases and a system for auctioning permits to companies that emit them.

Charity tax limits upset many Democrats and Republicans poured cold water on President Obama's budget plan to cut down on wealthy taxpayers' charitable giving tax deductions, the second of his ambitious cost-savings plans to earn lawmakers' scorn, and underscoring the legislative minefield he is entering.

US message clear: drone attack inside Pak to continue CIA chief rejects country's plea to grant control of unmanned aircraft.

Pakistan general says Taliban 'lost' border region Pakistani troops have defeated Taliban militants in one of their strongholds overlooking the Afghan border after a grinding six-month offensive, the general leading the military operation said on Saturday.

Pakistan: Taliban 'lost' 2 border regions

Al Qaeda Helps Pakistani Terrorists Evade U.S. Snoops

The News Crawler
Free Local Business Advertising Available
Last Update: 03/01/2009	Click here for Yesterdays Edition

Headlines
Buffett says derivative values can be misleading Billionaire Warren Buffett has devoted nearly five pages of his letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to explaining the role derivatives played in the company's nearly $7.5 billion investment losses last year. U.S. looks to China for support on Afghanistan: Pentagon The United States is looking to stronger Chinese cooperation on Afghanistan, piracy, and other international troubles, a Pentagon official said on Saturday after talks that he said also addressed strains over Taiwan. Pakistan: Taliban 'lost' 2 border regions China, US agree to resume key military exchanges	Wiretapping lawsuit may have its day in court The Obama administration on Friday lost its bid to halt a lawsuit charging that President George W. Bush broke the law when he authorized warrantless spying on terrorism suspects, the only such case to make it to federal court. Broad support for Obama Iraq plan US Republicans broadly welcome President Barack Obama's plan to withdraw most troops from Iraq by the middle of 2010. Japan opposition's U.S. military remarks draw criticism Japan's main opposition party leader, who could become prime minister this year, has drawn criticism from the government for saying that he wants a smaller U.S. military presence in the country.
Connecticut
Animal rights group tries to revive parakeet case An animal rights group is asking a Connecticut appeals court to reinstate its lawsuit to prevent United Illuminating Co. from killing monk parakeets nesting on utility poles. Guilty plea in Conn. investor fraud Federal prosecutors say a former Connecticut man has pleaded guilty to defrauding investors while operating a Westport firm. State bill would decriminalize possession of less than an ounce of marijuana John Carusello has sold pipes and related products for 30 years at his Lakewood Road shop, and he would love to see his customers put those products to use without fear of jail. More Payments to CL&P Have Gone "Missing" Connecticut Light & Power reports that more customer payments are missing.	Rell 'flexible' on capping film tax credits Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Friday she was not wedded to her budget proposal capping the state's film tax credit program at $30 million annually. Long Island Sound Gas Pipeline Tapped Out The Islander East gas pipeline that would have connected Connecticut to New York through the L.I. Sound is history after the company dropped their appeal. Little Known Program Preventing Layoffs in CT State program helps businesses reduce workers’ hours without letting them go. Lawmakers To Discuss Bill to Abolish Death Penalty as a Money-Saver
United States
Guard to Pull out of New Orleans After 3 1/2 Years National Guard to pull out of New Orleans, 3 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina Gov't asks Supreme Court to dismiss Al-Marri case Suspected al-Qaida sleeper agent Ali Al-Marri is now facing criminal charges, but the Obama administration is refusing to rule out the future use of indefinite detention for terrorism suspects picked up in the United States. State caught in avalanche of job losses Unemployment in California shot up to its highest level in nearly 26 years in January, leaving more than 1 in 10 workers without a job. Brother-in-law of Al Qaeda operative granted bail Over the strong objections of the government, a federal judge in Orange County agreed to grant bail Tuesday for the brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden's alleged security coordinator in a case that is stirring debate about the FBI's use of informants. Ohio terror plotter sentenced to 20 years An Ohio man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday over allegations he joined al-Qaida and helped plot terrorist bombings in the U.S. and overseas. Haitians Look for Shift in Immigration Policy The case of Vialine Jean Paul, one of more than 30,000 Haitians ordered deported, could be an early test of immigration enforcement under President Obama. Iraq 'hero' on 'warpath' against VA Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry: Care of soldiers has been 'disgraceful.' Drug Maker’s E-Mail Released in Seroquel Lawsuit In an e-mail message, an AstraZeneca physician was praised for doing “a great ‘smoke-and-mirrors’ job” in muting adverse data. LA to seek New Orleans-Baton Rouge passenger rail from stimulus that Jindal called wasteful Video shows Wash. sheriff's deputy kicking teen Madoffed Fund Managers Accused Of Stealing From Clients Federal authorities have charged two fund mangers in New York with conspiracy, securities fraud and wire fraud. Madoff moved $164 million from UK firm to US: receiver	US to boycott UN racism conference FDIC Raising Fees on Banks, Adds Emergency Fee FDIC raising fees on banks, charging emergency fee to rebuild depleted insurance fund Curbing outsourcing would be USA's loss: India America can't have 'switch on and off' policy on trade, says Minister. Supreme Court Takes Up Native Hawaiian Land Title Conflict Struggling States Considering Legalizing Marijuana, Taxing Porn In Order To Raise Revenue Regulators shutter 2 more banks Terrorist in New York bomb plot deported A Black September terrorist who served only about half his 30-year sentence for planting three car bombs in New York City in 1973 was deported Thursday, a law enforcement official said. Schwarzenegger proclaims statewide drought emergency Court rules for state in American Indian land case The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the federal government's authority to hold land in trust for Indian tribes, a victory Security Issues Hundreds arrested in U.S. probe of Mexican drug cartel DHS to miss cargo screening deadline Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told lawmakers Wednesday that the agency cannot meet its 2012 deadline for radiological and nuclear screening of all cargos coming into the United States Pentagon to allow pictures of flag-draped coffins Firms Defraud Government, Get New U.S. Contracts Companies that defrauded the United States and jeopardized American lives received new government work despite rulings designed to stop them from receiving federal contracts, government investigators report. Arizona AG: Marijuana Legalization Could curb Meixican Drug Cartel Warfare


Politics
Senate Approves Voting Rights for DC Government swaps $25B for equity stake in Citigroup The U.S. government will exchange up to $25 billion in emergency bailout money it provided Citigroup Inc. for as much as a 36 percent equity stake in the struggling bank Louisiana bank is first to return TARP funds Iberiabank Corp. became the first bank to pull out of the government's bailout program Friday, saying it would be returning the $90 million it received from the government in early December under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Why Is Roland Burris Still A Senator? House Bill Expected on F.D.A. Control of Tobacco Both pro- and anti-tobacco forces have been waiting to learn when the Democratic Congress would bring up the F.D.A. legislation. Ron Paul Whacks Obama on Afghanistan: Don't We Know History? AIG near deal on new terms of U.S. bailout: source (Reuters)	Lax IndyMac regulation worsened exposure of depositors Had the Office of Thrift Supervision done its job, the loss of $270 million in deposits when IndyMac collapsed might have been prevented, a federal report says. Senate to investigate CIA's actions under Bush White House aides have too much power, Byrd says The longest-serving U.S. senator in history, who's one of the nation's top authorities on congressional power, is challenging President Barack Obama for naming White House policy czars who can operate without the same legislative scrutiny as Cabinet officials. AP: Gregg May Have Had Conflict Of Interest In Commerce Gregg, R-N.H., has personally invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Cyrus Gregg's office projects at the Pease International Tradeport, a Portsmouth business park built at the defunct Pease Air Force Base, once home to nuclear bombers. Judd Gregg has collected at least $240,017 to $651,801 from his investments there, Senate records show, while helping to arrange at least $66 million in federal aid for the former base
Obama
Marijuana Milestone: No More Raids on Pot Dispensaries, Says Attorney General Budget: Good for Working, Middle Class While the wealthy suffer under the president's plan, the little guy benefits. Wiretapping lawsuit may have its day in court The Obama administration on Friday lost its bid to halt a lawsuit charging that President George W. Bush broke the law when he authorized warrantless spying on terrorism suspects, the only such case to make it to federal court. News Analysis: Obama’s Greenhouse Gas Gamble As part of his budget, President Obama has proposed mandatory caps on greenhouse gases and a system for auctioning permits to companies that emit them. Charity tax limits upset many Democrats and Republicans poured cold water on President Obama's budget plan to cut down on wealthy taxpayers' charitable giving tax deductions, the second of his ambitious cost-savings plans to earn lawmakers' scorn, and underscoring the legislative minefield he is entering.	Obama Wants to Rescind Bush Abortion Rule Obama seeks to double US foreign aid Israel to get $2.77 billion in 2010; new US administration meets Syrian diplomats for first time. Third time's the charm? Obama makes another commerce pick Taking note of his Chinese immigrant roots and calling him an outstanding public servant, President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated former Washington Gov. Gary Locke as the secretary of commerce. Obama plan vows to end waste in arms programs Does Obama Have a Double Standard on Earmarks? If the Administration is serious about curbing pet projects, why are there 9,000 of them in the new spending bill passed by the House? White House seeks to end oil, gas industry tax breaks Obama to propose raising taxes on wealthy for health-care fund
GITMO/Bagram
Some Justice Department Lawyers Have Gitmo Conflicts More than a dozen new Justice Department lawyers have come from private firms representing Guantanamo Bay detainees .Republicans want ban on Gitmo detainees	U.N. Official Faults Evidence and Foreign States Linked to Guantánamo Interrogations A report says those complicit in the questioning of inmates violated a legal obligation to reject torture and arbitrary detention
Economy
Wall Street Slides After Citigroup-Government Deal Buffett says derivative values can be misleading Billionaire Warren Buffett has devoted nearly five pages of his letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to explaining the role derivatives played in the company's nearly $7.5 billion investment losses last year.	Dow Industrials Have Worst Month Since 1933 Buffett: Economy will remain in 'shambles' 667K new jobless claims; continuing claims top 5M Shrinking GDP The government said Friday the economy shrank at an annual rate of 6.2 percent.

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Saturday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 19 Wounded Obama Sets Firm Date to End Iraq War He Inherited.....Text of Obama's speech on the Iraq war Broad support for Obama Iraq plan US Republicans broadly welcome President Barack Obama's plan to withdraw most troops from Iraq by the middle of 2010. 8 Armed Group Members Detained Southwest of Kirkuk Iraqi army forces on Thursday arrested eight members of an al-Qaeda-related group during a security operation southwest of Kirkuk, according to an army official. Iraq Hands Death Penalty to 28 Cultists for Attacks A messianic Shiite fringe group has taken aim at Shiite pilgrims and fought American and Iraqi security forces in brutal clashes. Shift In Power Heightens Tensions In Iraqi City Last month's provincial election shifted the balance of power in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and the surrounding Nineveh province. The change could bring long-simmering tensions between the region's Arabs and Kurds to the boiling point	Blast targets British police patrol in Basra US soldier guilty of Iraq murder A US military jury finds an army officer guilty of the murder of an Iraqi detainee during questioning last May 3 Missiles Hit Mosul Hospital, Wound Civilian 11 al-Qaeda Gunmen Arrested in Diala Al-Qaida's 'oil minister' seized, says Iraq Britain admits rendition of prisoners from Iraq Iraqi PM says his security forces ready Iraq's prime minister said on Saturday that the country's security forces have been tested and have shown they are ready to take over from the Americans. Iran says US planning 'long-term stay' in Iraq Security developments in Iraq on February 28 IED Kills Officer, Injures 6 in Baghdad
Middle East
Gaza rockets target Israeli town Attacks strain month-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Top Syria-based Hamas leader secretly visits Gaza top Syria-based Hamas leader secretly crossed into Gaza for his first visit in decades, an Egyptian security official on the border said Saturday Abbas: Unity depends on Hamas recognizing Israel Jordan, Russia sign nuclear agreement Jordan and Russia on Thursday signed a preliminary agreement on cooperation in the production of nuclear energy, the president of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), Khaled Toukan, said. 'Bombed Syrian reactor now missile base' Diplomats say facility on site IAF reportedly bombed either missile control center or actual launching pad. UAE inks multi billion-dollar defense deals with US Deal indicates a bolstering of defense ties between the Gulf and the US in the shadow of the Iranian threat. Israel's Netanyahu gives up on alliance with Livni Israel's right-wing Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned efforts to woo centrist Tzipi Livni into forming a broad coalition government, a spokeswoman said on Saturday.	Strike paralyses West Bank Palestinians protest against Israeli plans to demolish 88 east Jerusalem homes Shi'ites hold rare protests in eastern Saudi Arabia Demonstrators demand more freedoms and rights following dispute over religious police filming female pilgrims at cemetery. Lebanese judge rejects release of four generals A Lebanese investigating judge rejected Friday a release request by the defence of four high-ranking Lebanese generals, detained since 2005 for suspected involvement in the murder that year of ex-premier Rafik Hariri, a judicial source said Friday. 'US to pledge over $900m for Gaza aid' Iran does test-run of nuclear plant A life dedicated to coups d'état A recording that allegedly features the voice of former Chief of General Staff Gen. İsmail Hakkı Karadayı, known as a major actor in the Feb. 28 process -- a military intervention in Turkey's recent history -- includes revelations on the involvement of the retired general in three military interventions in Turkey's past. Former minister says many unjustly fired during Feb. 28 process American in Egypt attacked near bomb site
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
FACTBOX-Security developments in Afghanistan, Feb 28 U.S. looks to China for support on Afghanistan: Pentagon The United States is looking to stronger Chinese cooperation on Afghanistan, piracy, and other international troubles, a Pentagon official said on Saturday after talks that he said also addressed strains over Taiwan. Facing Language Gaps and ‘Flying Trucks,’ U.S. Trains Afghan Pilots The pilots are learning to fly the helicopters of the former Soviet Union as part of a program aimed at giving Afghanistan the ability to defend itself from the skies	Afghan official: Up to 15,000 fight for Taliban Afghanistan's interior minister says there may be between 10,000 and 15,000 Taliban fighting inside his country, and the insurgent group is operating across about 17 provinces Wikileaks cracks NATO's Master Narrative for Afghanistan Karzai 'orders Afghan elections' President orders national polls to be brought forward by four months.
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
US message clear: drone attack inside Pak to continue CIA chief rejects country's plea to grant control of unmanned aircraft. Pakistan general says Taliban 'lost' border region Pakistani troops have defeated Taliban militants in one of their strongholds overlooking the Afghan border after a grinding six-month offensive, the general leading the military operation said on Saturday. Pakistan: Taliban 'lost' 2 border regions Al Qaeda Helps Pakistani Terrorists Evade U.S. Snoops	Pakistan court bans Nawaz Sharif from elective office The decision on the former prime minister, perhaps the most popular politician in the nation, is likely to set off further turmoil. Ruling triggers riots in Pakistan Pakistan Navy flip-flops on Qasab's sea route theory After declaring on Friday that 26/11 accused Ajmal Qasab did not use the sea route from Karachi to enter India, the Pakistan Navy has now retracted. The navy has said that it will go by the interior ministry's report.
Asia
Fresh mass graves found in Dhaka Bodies of border guards' chief and his wife found among 80 corpses following mutiny Tibetan monk 'shot' while on fire A Tibetan monk is shot after setting fire to himself during a protest against Beijing's rule, reports say. 3 in China pulled from burning car near Tiananmen Square Three people were pulled out of a burning car Wednesday after they apparently set themselves on fire at a crowded intersection near Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Japan ordered to pay $58M for US warplane noise A court ordered the Japanese government to pay 5.6 billion yen ($57.7 million) to compensate people whose lives are disrupted by the noise of warplanes at a U.S. air base on the southern island of Okinawa, the Defense Ministry said. Japan opposition's U.S. military remarks draw criticism Japan's main opposition party leader, who could become prime minister this year, has drawn criticism from the government for saying that he wants a smaller U.S. military presence in the country.	China enacts tough new food law Revealed: How Indian aides helped 26/11 Pak attackers 2 Indians arrested for conspiracy prepared maps, did recce. China, US agree to resume key military exchanges US links Hawala money in India to terrorism funding Cautioning that the hawala money in India is directly linked to terrorist financing, the US has suggested New Delhi to strengthen its anti-counter terrorism-finance laws. E-Cigs Aim to Burn Addiction A Hong Kong-based company has created electronic cigarettes that stimulate the act of smoking without pumping as much nicotine into the system. Maoists blow up railway station, staff feared abducted They triggered explosions using landmines and powerful explosives. Computer expert accused of terrorism in police custody Mohammed Peerbhoy suspected of involvement in Delhi blasts in 2008.
Europe
Brown, Merkel urge tighter global banking supervision British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called for more rigorous supervision of the global banking system on Saturday, a day before EU leaders meet to thrash out ways to tackle the financial crisis. Germany may arrest Holocaust-denying bishop Russian navy admits causing oil slick The Russian navy finally admitted Friday it caused an oil slick off Ireland's southwest coast — 12 days after authorities first spotted it and linked it to a breakdown-prone aircraft carrier. The Mysterious Unanimity Of The Politkovskaya Verdict	Chechen leader imposes strict brand of Islam The bullnecked president of Chechnya emerged from afternoon prayers at the mosque and with chilling composure explained why seven young women who had been shot in the head deserved to die. Beliefs: Scandanavian Nonbelievers, Which Is Not to Say Atheists Americans may believe that a society with little religion would be immoral. Phil Zuckerman, a sociologist, found the opposite in Denmark and Sweden. Civil servants attacked for using anti-terror laws to spy on public My life in child porn
Africa
Mugabe: White farmers must leave The modern human foot walked 1.5 million years ago Modern humans emerged from the African mists about 50,000 years ago, but modern human feet appeared much earlier -- at least 1.5 million years ago, according to fossilized footprints found on a riverbank near Ileret, Kenya.	Somali leader agrees Sharia law Somalia's President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed agrees to introduce Sharia law to defuse clashes with tribal leaders. Rwandan ex-priest convicted of genocide
The Americas
Chavez orders army takeover of Venezuela rice mills Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Saturday ordered the army to take control of all rice processing plants in the South American nation in a spat over prices. Chiquita seeks dismissal of death lawsuit Chiquita Brands International asked a judge Friday to dismiss lawsuits claiming the banana company paid Colombian paramilitary groups that killed hundreds or even thousands of people.	Mexican town fed up with violence turns to army In the state of Zacatecas, residents of Villanueva demanded that the military take over. The soldiers came, but drug war violence got worse. Bank Julius Baer millions of USD in trust for Mexican mass murderer and drug trafficker Arturo Acosta Chapparo, 1998 U.S. special units tap into cellphone networks to track terrorists.