The News Crawler

The News Crawler
Free Free Local Business Advertising Available
Last Update: Sunday, June 21, 2009

Headlines	Click here for Yesterdays Edition
World Headlines
Click here for Updates from Iran "EMERGENCY MEETING" Top Clerical Group That Can Unseat Khamenei Reportedly Summoned... "The Very Foundation Of The Islamic Republic Is Up In The Air Right Now" IRAN WARNS OF DEATH FOR "RIOTERS" ...AS 500,000 FILL THE STREETS Updates on the Situation in Iran: One Girl killed last night - 32 killed so far Iranian militiamen shot 300 rounds during Monday's protest Hezbollah in Iran? The big unanswered question -- a solicitation to readers. I have seen countless reports from people in Iran who believe that the plain clothes paramilitaries committing so much of the violence right now are Lebanese Arabs, possibly Hezbollah members, brought in by the Iranian government. The reasoning is that the country's police and military would not be so willing commit violence on their fellow Iranians. Hamas rejects Carter plea to recognize Israel	Agent Orange Continues to Poison Vietnam From 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed Vietnam with Agent Orange, which contained large quantities of Dioxin, in order to defoliate the trees for military objectives. Dioxin is one of the most dangerous chemicals known to man. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen (causes cancer) and by the American Academy of Medicine as a teratogen (causes birth defects). Taliban Leaders Report Progress In Secret Talks With The US, Afghanistan Right-wing group plans 30 new outposts The Land of Israel Faithful organization says this is its response to Netanyahu's foreign policy speech. 1979 State Dept Ruling: Israel Settlements "Inconsistent with International Law” Iraqis take control of Baghdad's Green Zone As the armored car carrying Westerners cut to the front of the line at a checkpoint into Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone, an enraged Iraqi leapt from his BMW and yelled at the occupants.
US Headlines
CEO warns of impending oil crisis CIA Fights Full Release Of Detainee Report Washington Post: White House Is Urged To Block Details Of Interrogation Techniques For Sake Of National Security Obama frets on debt, sees U.S. unemployment rising President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that worrying about the U.S. government's finances "keeps me awake at night" and the country needed to start planning now to tackle soaring deficits. 10 US banks to repay $68B in TARP funds Marks new phase for most visible government effort to relieve credit crisis. Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed Wrongful convictions of black men have become commonplace. But conviction of Troy Davis in Chatham County, Georgia is one of the most egregious and compelling cases in decades. You can help save this man's life. "Food, Inc.": New documentary looks into the business of food The new movie "Food, Inc." purports to show the danger lurking in mass-produced foods. Director Robert Kenner — along with authors Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation") and Michael Pollan ("The Omnivore's Dilemma") — hopes the documentary will raise awareness about agribusiness the same way "An Inconvenient Truth" alerted viewers to problems of global warming. The movie opens in Seattle on Friday, June 19. ‘US officials linked to AQ Khan’s N-network’ Top US officials allowed Pakistan in the 1980s to manufacture and possess nuclear weapons and were aware that the A Q Khan nuclear network was violating American laws, a US based watchdog has told the US Congress, citing a former CIA whistleblower. 5 more burn-pit lawsuits filed against KBR Lawyers for veterans who believe they became sick after exposure to the smoke from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan have filed five more class-action lawsuits against KBR, the contractor that operated many of the burn-pit sites for the military.	Obama's Tax Haven Reform Amounts to Chump Change By failing to stoke popular support with a clear plan, Obama has for now effectively left Congress little choice but to dicker over the details. OBAMA FINANCE PLAN 'CUTS NUMBER OF US BANK REGULATORS,' EMPOWERS FEDPresident Barack Obama will announce Wednesday the White House’s proposal for reforming the U.S. financial system. The plan will call for the closure of the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), the creation of a new consumer credit protection agency and greater powers for the Federal Reserve to supervise major financial firms. 5 Things You Need To Know About Obama's Financial Reforms NSA analyst snooped on Bill Clinton email Security agency's domestic surveillance program renews concerns in Congress. Uighurs: U.S. Let Chinese Abuse Us At Gitmo Blue Cross praised employees who dropped sick policyholders, lawmaker says Workers received high marks on performance reviews after policies were rescinded, documents show. The health insurer denies the practice is a factor in evaluations. 25 Years in Prison for Pot? Drug Warrior Congressman's Idea Is Way Obsolete Rep. Mark Kirk thinks that the magic number of 15% THC concentration in marijuana should lead to a 25-year prison penalty. Is Social Security Fair to Young People? Retirees get a huge raise while current workers struggle to keep their jobs. Ken Lewis, the CEO of Bank of America, is in trouble -- a stock collapse; a rocky merger; the worst fourth-quarter losses in at least 17 years; a stockholder revolt; an urgent need to raise more capital despite a $45 billion infusion from the federal government; and on top of that, he effectively has a new boss, President Barack Obama. The CIA Is Not the President’s Private Army The 'I' is for intelligence, not intervention, says Philip Girald
Connecticut
Sikorsky causes stir at Paris Air Show It's June in Paris, and the super models are on a different kind of runway. The International Paris Air Show kicked off Monday and Sikorsky Aircraft President Jeffrey Pino made a bold move the night SBC avoided paying taxes to state on $144.5M Utility regulators have contacted the state Department of Revenue Services about an audit of AT&T’s operations in Connecticut that indicates the company sent $144.5 million in ratepayer money to an affiliate in Nevada over 2 1/2 years, thus avoiding having to pay taxes on the income here. Blumenthal launches AT&T probe State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Tuesday his office is launching an investigation into why AT&T sent $144.5 million in ratepayer money to an affiliate in Nevada, thus avoiding having to pay taxes on the income here.	10 arrested in Conn. drug ring, including dad, son The owner of a New Haven car dealership has been accused of running a large-scale drug trafficking ring, supplying cocaine and crack cocaine to distributors throughout New Haven County. Failed Suicide Attempt Ends in Arrest A botched suicide attempt could land a Naugatuck man behind bars. Refunds to some Conn. heating oil customers Connecticut officials say thousands of state residents might be entitled to partial refunds on home heating oil bills. Dodd: Commuter Train Key To 'Smart Growth' Development In Connecticut GOP Rep. Requesting Senator Dodd's Mortgage Documents
United States
Security Issues 5 more burn-pit lawsuits filed against KBR Lawyers for veterans who believe they became sick after exposure to the smoke from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan have filed five more class-action lawsuits against KBR, the contractor that operated many of the burn-pit sites for the military. Nevada violated USERRA, lawsuit claims The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Nevada, alleging that officials violated the rights of an Army Reserve colonel by refusing to reinstate him to his job when he returned from a mobilization in 2008, and retaliating when he filed a federal complaint — by firing him and then backdating the firing. ‘US officials linked to AQ Khan’s N-network’ Top US officials allowed Pakistan in the 1980s to manufacture and possess nuclear weapons and were aware that the A Q Khan nuclear network was violating American laws, a US based watchdog has told the US Congress, citing a former CIA whistleblower. Air Force to train more on drones Report says terrorism finance laws hurt charities Federal laws targeting the financing of terrorism give the government unchecked power over U.S. Muslim charities and have made Muslims fearful about giving to charity as required by their faith, an advocacy group contends in a report released Tuesday. Courts Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Border Wall Case Judge: Hinckley Can Drive, Take Long Trips Man Who Tried To Kill President Reagan Not A Danger To Himself Or Others, Judge Rules MI Supreme Court gives judges authority in how witnesses' dress, including veils worn by Muslim women Drug War 25 Years in Prison for Pot? Drug Warrior Congressman's Idea Is Way Obsolete Rep. Mark Kirk thinks that the magic number of 15% THC concentration in marijuana should lead to a 25-year prison penalty. Rhode Island Will License Medical Marijuana Shops Education Charter Schools Might Not Be Better Research suggests that most charter students would do just as well in a traditional public school.	Corporate Greed What Are Your Maternity Leave Rights? Tory Johnson explains the legalities of maternity leave. SEC accord bars Madoff from securities industry Disgraced money manager Bernard Madoff has been prohibited from working in the securities industry under a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ken Lewis, the CEO of Bank of America, is in trouble -- a stock collapse; a rocky merger; the worst fourth-quarter losses in at least 17 years; a stockholder revolt; an urgent need to raise more capital despite a $45 billion infusion from the federal government; and on top of that, he effectively has a new boss, President Barack Obama. US Chamber and Tyson Foods Fought Workplace Safety Measures ($500,000 fine) Media PBS Bans New Religious Programming The vote by PBS's board was a compromise from a proposed ban on all religious programming. Such a ban would have forced a few stations around the country to give up their PBS affiliation if they continued to broadcast local church services and religious lectures If Text Messaging is Cheap, Why Does it Cost So Much? ABC's Tom Shine from DC: According to Joel Kelsey of Consumers Union, text messaging uses less data than almost any other service on a wireless network. "The text message is a free rider inside the so-called "control channel" Is Social Security Fair to Young People? Retirees get a huge raise while current workers struggle to keep their jobs. Civil Rights Report: Anti-Gay Killings Jump 28 Percent in 2008 Schwarzenegger says Proposition 8 may violate U.S. Constitution Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today told a federal court in San Francisco that the state does not dispute that Proposition 8 may violate the federal Constitution and called for quick action to resolve the legality of the ant-gay measure law.

Science
New dinosaur gives bird wing clue "Food, Inc.": New documentary looks into the business of food The new movie "Food, Inc." purports to show the danger lurking in mass-produced foods. Director Robert Kenner — along with authors Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation") and Michael Pollan ("The Omnivore's Dilemma") — hopes the documentary will raise awareness about agribusiness the same way "An Inconvenient Truth" alerted viewers to problems of global warming. The movie opens in Seattle on Friday, June 19.	Global climate change impacts in the United States: Manhattan floods, Chicago heatwaves and withering Californian vines: how scientists see the US in 75 years Hybrid Chestnut Trees Hold Promise as Carbon Sponges Reducing carbon levels in the atmosphere may be as simple as planting a new breed of hybridised chestnut trees, according to a new study by Purdue University Associate Professor Douglass Jacobs.
Politics
Senate Report Cites Wasteful Stimulus Spending Coburn's report lists 100 stimulus projects the senator considers dubious. US senator admits having affair Senator John Ensign, a rising star in the Republican Party, admits to an extra-marital affair with a member of his campaign staff. Ensign Whacked Clinton For His Infidelities, Called Them "Embarrassing" For Country During the height of the scandal surrounding Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky, the Nevada Republican denounced the president's conduct as "an embarrassing moment for the country."Ensign Quits Senate Leadership Post After Admitting Affair McCaskill: Obama Didn't Follow The Law In Inspector General Firing House Lawmakers Controlling Government's Budget File for Extensions on Personal Financial Disclosures Members of Congress that control government spending and oversee the beleaguered financial sector are having a hard time getting their own finances in order, CRP has found. Forty of the 63 lawmakers who still haven't filed their 2008 personal financial disclosure (PFD) reports, due May 15, sit on a congressional committee related to the federal budget, appropriations or financial sector oversight. House passes war-funding bill, despite reservations divided House of Representatives Tuesday approved by 226 to 202 a $105.9 billion emergency spending bill to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and help curb flu outbreaks. However, many lawmakers in both parties were uneasy. Extent of E-Mail Surveillance Renews Concerns in Congress Rep. Conyers' Wife Implicated In Detroit Bribery Case Taxes S. Wants Cell Phone Tax Law Repealed The Obama administration is asking Congress to repeal a widely ignored tax on the personal use of company cell phones. Doug Shulman, commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, said the 1989 law had been rendered obsolete by the passage of time and technological advances.	Health Insurance Blue Cross praised employees who dropped sick policyholders, lawmaker says Workers received high marks on performance reviews after policies were rescinded, documents show. The health insurer denies the practice is a factor in evaluations. Reform Is Needed, but Don't Use Medicare Model Somewhere between the health care extremes — no government involvement and total government control — real reform is possible. And reforming America's health care system is one of the most pressing challenges that we face. GITMO/Abu Ghraib/Bahgram Obama says Italy will take 3 Guantanamo detainees CIA Mistaken on 'High-Value' Detainee, Document Shows Feingold accuses general of misleading Congress on torture Uighurs: U.S. Let Chinese Abuse Us At Gitmo Wiretaps NSA analyst snooped on Bill Clinton email Security agency's domestic surveillance program renews concerns in Congress. Top senator: NSA not violating surveillance law Death Penalty Troy Davis Must Not Be Executed Wrongful convictions of black men have become commonplace. But conviction of Troy Davis in Chatham County, Georgia is one of the most egregious and compelling cases in decades. You can help save this man's life. Federal Reserve 10 US banks to repay $68B in TARP funds Marks new phase for most visible government effort to relieve credit crisis.
Obama
Obama's Health Care Speech: 11 Observations ABC News (Tapper) on Obama's health plan and AMA speech (2:21) WATCH: Obama Poses Strong Words to North Korea WATCH: Obama Ups Rhetoric on Disputed Iranian Elections Obama to merge bank agencies in reform plan: source The Obama administration plans to merge two banking regulators and create a federal watchdog on consumer financial products as part of a sweeping reform plan to be formally unveiled on Wednesday. OBAMA FINANCE PLAN 'CUTS NUMBER OF US BANK REGULATORS,' EMPOWERS FEDPresident Barack Obama will announce Wednesday the White House’s proposal for reforming the U.S. financial system. The plan will call for the closure of the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), the creation of a new consumer credit protection agency and greater powers for the Federal Reserve to supervise major financial firms. 5 Things You Need To Know About Obama's Financial Reforms Kids Sue Obama Over Parents' Deportations Roughly 150 Children Ask President To Halt Deportations Until Congress Overhauls Immigration Laws Is Obama Blowing It on Derivatives Reform? On Wednesday, President Barack Obama released his proposal (PDF) for regulating the Wild West market of financial instruments. The proposal includes several tough reforms, including the creation of a single national banking charter, the elimination of the weak Office of Thrift Supervision, and new consumer protection measures. But the administration's plan for regulating derivatives, which include products like credit default swaps, which many believe contributed to the financial meltdown, has a loophole you could drive a truck through.	The CIA Is Not the President’s Private Army The 'I' is for intelligence, not intervention, says Philip Giraldi Obama frets on debt, sees U.S. unemployment rising President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that worrying about the U.S. government's finances "keeps me awake at night" and the country needed to start planning now to tackle soaring deficits. Obama to create new agency Obama will call for the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. U.S. Refuses To Bail Out California Washington Post: In Face Of "Fiscal Meltdown," Geithner And Others Decide State Can Hold On, Get Budget In Order White House Intel Advisory Board Has No Members The PIAB has broad responsibility for conducting internal executive branch oversight of intelligence, and it is specifically charged with alerting the President to intelligence activities that may be unlawful or contrary to executive order or presidential directive. Obama's Tax Haven Reform Amounts to Chump Change By failing to stoke popular support with a clear plan, Obama has for now effectively left Congress little choice but to dicker over the details. New label laws will say if food or cosmetics get color from a dead insect In many cases the dried body of a little critter called a cochineal bug is used to color food and cosmetics, but by 201l the Food and Drug Administration says food containing this ingredient has to be labeled as such. CIA Fights Full Release Of Detainee Report Washington Post: White House Is Urged To Block Details Of Interrogation Techniques For Sake Of National Security
Economy	NEW Click for Economic Statistics
CEO warns of impending oil crisis US consumer prices edge up in May	Small Businesses Are Being Hurt by New Toy Safety Law

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Tuesday: 1 US Soldier, 1 Iraqi Killed; 8 Iraqis Wounded Wednesday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 5 Wounded Maliki: US Combat Help Not Needed After June 30 Bomb Strikes Minibus in Baghdad, Killing 2, Wounding 9 Kurds claim Turkish, Iranian shelling sparks forest fires Nearly 150 acres of forest have been burned in the past two months due to Turkish and Iranian shelling against outlawed groups in the border regions of northern Iraq, local officials have said.	Iraqis take control of Baghdad's Green Zone As the armored car carrying Westerners cut to the front of the line at a checkpoint into Baghdad's heavily-fortified Green Zone, an enraged Iraqi leapt from his BMW and yelled at the occupants. U.S. Sees New Threat In Iraq From Sufi Sect A militant Sufi sect could be replacing al-Qaida as a key threat to U.S. forces and stability in Iraq, U.S. officials say. The Naqshbandi army draws strength from an ancient Sufi order and from a Saddam Hussein-era Baathist fugitive.
Middle East
Iran Election Coverage!!!!! Updates towards bottom
What you need to know about the Iranian Election The Iranian political system After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranians approved in a referendum a new constitution for a hybrid political system which combines elements of democracy with unelected religious leadership. Country profile of Iran The supreme leader - the highest power in the land - appoints the head of the judiciary, military leaders, the head of radio and TV and Friday prayer leaders.Moreover, he selects six members of the Guardian Council, an influential body which has to pass all legislation and which can veto would-be election candidates. Middle East - Timeline: US-Iran ties 1953 US and British intelligence services engineer a coup in which Iranian military officers depose Prime Minister Muhammad Mussadeq, a leading exponent of nationalising the oil industry. 1979 16 January - US-backed Shah of Iran forced to leave the country after widespread demonstrations and strikes. 1979 1 February - Islamic religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini returns from exile and takes effective power What does this mean for policy BOOK REVIEW: Robert Baer's 'The Devil We Know' Reveals Some ...What about the looney-toon president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? Baer argues that he's a figurehead, that the country is run by a secretive, calculating, rational shadow government that has succeeded in controlling the Shia areas of Iraq and has gained credence with the Palestinians, Jordanians and many in Egypt and the Gulf States because it has done what Sunni Muslims have never done -- defeat the mighty Israelis. Would an Iran with Moussavi at the helm look different? - CNN.com Though the 67-year old is credited for successfully navigating the Iranian economy as prime minister during a bloody eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, he also was a hard-liner whom the Economist described as a "firm radical." He, like most Iranians in power, does not believe in the existence of Israel. He defended the taking of hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Iran in 1979, which led to the break in ties between the countries. He was part of a regime that regularly executed dissidents and backed the fatwa against British author Salman Rushdie. on the other hand..... Of Iran's population of 70 million, almost 60 percent are younger than 28 -- too young to have lived through the 1979 revolution. To them, Moussavi represents a sea change from Ahmadinejad. While the president calls the Holocaust a myth, Moussavi has condemned the killing of Jews. While Ahmadinejad has unleashed the morality police to ensure that women cover their hair in public, Moussavi has pledged his support for women's rights.Most importantly, the youth are unhappy about the faltering economy under Ahmadinejad, with the unemployment rate topping 30 percent by some accounts. They are hungry for anyone who represents change, analysts have said. Iranian Security Issues Iran's Former VP Arrested... SEVEN REPORTED DEAD... AHMADINEJAD LEAVES IRAN LATEST UPDATES: Foreign Press Coverage Banned, Reporters Confined To Hotels... Iran's Mousavi calls on supporters to avoid violence Christiane Amanpour asks Ahmadinejad if his opponent is safe & can't get a straight answer MOUSAVI: I'M UNDER HOUSE ARREST Police Raid ABC, NBC Offices, Confiscate Cameras... Iran jamming BBC satellites TEHRAN CELL PHONE ACCESS CUT OFF Iran Blocks Websites Supporting Mousavi Revolutionary Guards arrested? Could it be? Probably not, I'm told. But fyi. In case you hear of anything similar, let me know. According to the Cyrus News Agency, Tuesday morning 16 senior members of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps were arrested. "These commanders have been in contact with members of the Iranian army to join the people's movement," CNA reports. "Three of the commanders are veterans of Iran-Iraq war. They have been moved to an undisclosed location in East Tehran." Opposition Members Are Detained in a Tense Iran The Iranian authorities detained more than 100 prominent opposition members and unrest continued for a second day in the wake of the country’s disputed election. 'Shots fired' at Iran protest One person reported killed in shooting at banned pro-opposition rally. Mousavi ready to make his case. "Mousavi announced [Farsi] that he is prepared to participate in live TV programs to talk about his position on the elections." One of the other minor reformist presidential candidates, Mehdi Karroubi, appeared yesterday with Mousavi at the mass opposition rally in Tehran. Apparently he has a new letter out. Reader Artur writes: "Perhaps you already noticed what some Twitter sources say about Karroubi's letter to the Council of Guardians in which he names Ahmadinejad a liar. Here's the link - could someone speaking Farsi translate it to english?" President Obama: Not Much Difference Between Ahmadinejad and Mousavi Hezbollah in Iran? The big unanswered question -- a solicitation to readers. I have seen countless reports from people in Iran who believe that the plain clothes paramilitaries committing so much of the violence right now are Lebanese Arabs, possibly Hezbollah members, brought in by the Iranian government. The reasoning is that the country's police and military would not be so willing commit violence on their fellow Iranians. Many readers have sent this story that ran in Der Spiegel claiming that Iran had brought in 5,000 people from Lebanon. But the sourcing on that piece is light, and I have not seen good evidence anywhere else that firmly shows this to be the case. Iran's Human Rights Activists Being Arrested, Nobel Prize Winner Tells NPR Iran TV Accuses U.S. of 'Intolerable' Meddling as Protesters Hit the Streets "EMERGENCY MEETING" Top Clerical Group That Can Unseat Khamenei Reportedly Summoned... "The Very Foundation Of The Islamic Republic Is Up In The Air Right Now" Top Clerical Group That Can Unseat Khamenei Reportedly Summoned... "The Very Foundation Of The Islamic Republic Is Up In The Air Right Now"	Protest Videos Iran Holds Mass Demonstration To Show Support For Punishment Of Opposition Forces, Media Iran: 12 students reported killed in crackdown after violent clashes Rachel Maddow discusses the Iran situation w/ Richard Engel - especially technological Video: Garbage Men Join The Rallies... Raw Video: Iranians protesting in vast numbers against election result... Raw Video: Protest in Tehran of Iran Election Results -Vanak Square 4p... Violent clashes in Tehran Iran election sparks clashes Iran election protesters beaten Intense Fighting At Tehran University... I posted earlier about reports of violence at the university. Reader Phen emails: "I found this video from inside a dormitory at Tehran University surveying the aftermath of whatever happened there. The beginning looks a pretty tame, but as the camera advances things start to look a lot worse, it looks as though there's been an explosion or something. Absolute wreckage inside of the rooms Stunning Video: Women Beaten With Clubs, Motorcycles Charge Crowds... ABC: Former Head Of Revolutioinary Guard Contests Election... Emboldened Critics Attack Supreme Leader Khamenei... Massive Demonstrations Clog The Streets, Mousavi Appears In Public For First Time Since Election Day LATEST UPDATES: Watch Video... Crowd Chants "Police, Police, Thank You" For Allowing Peaceful Protests... Riot Police Ransack University, Smash Computers... HUGE SPIKE IN VIOLENCE REPORTED Iranians Report Major Clashes, Tanks Arriving I'm continuing to get email about a stunning piece of video showing two things -- 1) a group of riot police on motorcycles charging into a massive crowd of people, and 2) a touching act of compassion, as several demonstrators help a bruised, exhausted police officer into safety. I posted it early this morning but figured I put it up again since so many have written in about it Pro-Mousavi March In Tehran Stretched Five Miles Long The war on computers, continued. Boston Globe posts a huge cache of fantastic, high-quality photos, including this one of a dorm room computer apparently targeted by police. Cyberwar guide for Iran election. "The purpose of this guide is to help you participate constructively in the Iranian election protests through twitter." Update: Readers say that link is down. Here's a copy of the post. Tehran Protests exceeds 1 million 'Boston Globe' Iran Photo Gallery Nets 750,000 Page Views in First 24 Hours Election Results "Supreme leader" urges Iranians to support president as clashes erupt BBC: Iran's Guardian Council Agrees To Recount Iran Council Agrees To Partial Recount... US rejects victory claim by Iran's Ahmadinejad Leaked results show Ahmadenijad came in third Iranian Filmmaker says Mousavi was told he won Yesterday, twenty agents in civilian clothing attacked press offices of Mousavi‘s campaign at Gheitarieh. They broke all communication devices and attacked the campaign staff, including Mr. Kharazi and Mr Amirzadeh. They beat up the staff and when the people confronted them, they fired tear gas at the crowd. These were agents in civilian clothing! Then the agents attempted to runaway. About seven of them were captured by the people and were kept at the campaign headquarters. Next the police arrived at the headquarters and demanded to have custody of the seven captives and said "We would punish these lawbreakers ourselves." . "No, we need this to be court documented; we know that after the election, you will lose them", said Mr. Amirzadeh. Speed of Iran vote count called suspicious How do you count almost 40 million handwritten paper ballots in a matter of hours and declare a winner? That's a key question in Iran's disputed presidential election Iranian Students' Plea To Obama: Don't Accept The Results EU Accepts Ahmadinejad Victory... White House Holding Off... Other News Rafsanjani resigns Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former president and head of the Expediency Council - Iran's top political arbitration body, has given resignation from his office. Report: Mousavi Meets With Ayatollah Khamenei... With clashes continuing Sunday night on the streets in Tehran, Iran's opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi plans to make a speech to Iranians in the capital's Azadi (Freedom) square." The website of Akbar Aalami, a reformist member of Iran's parliament, says his house was attacked by paramilitaries last night. More images are posted there. According to a reader, Aalami writes that he lives in a condo with other tenants, and some of the others also work for government. He says all of the attackers were in plain clothes, but four of them were armed. Iranian militiamen shot 300 rounds during Monday's protest One of the day's most important developments -- that Iran's most senior cleric Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri had denounced the election results -- wasn't given nearly enough attention. Here's some more coverage from McClatchy Newspapers: McClatchy Newspapers: Unrest in Iran spreads to provinces as students clash with security forces Updates on the Situation in Iran: One Girl killed last night - 32 killed so far LATEST UPDATES: New Videos... Was Ahmadinejad's Victory Really Fraudulent?... Iranian Artists' Open Letter To The World... Twitter Is The New Fax Machine Iranian Soccer Players Wear Green In Solidarity IRAN WARNS OF DEATH FOR "RIOTERS" ...AS 500,000 FILL THE STREETS Iran’s Feminists Dana Goldstein has two new pieces/posts out looking at the uprising in Iran from a feminist perspective and about what the opposition might mean for women’s rights. Iranian athletes wear green in apparent protest
Twitter News From Iran The Pirate Bay helps Iran critics dodge censorship Popular file-sharing site The Pirate Bay said Wednesday it has helped launch an Internet network in support of Iranian election critics allowing users to dodge the regime's censorship rules by surfing anonymously. Follow The News On Twitter Meanwhile, here's a list of English-language Twitter'ers in Iran right now, posting updates as news breaks. Some tweets translated from Farsi Security forces opening twitter accounts 2 pose as protestors and spread disinformation??? Mother Tweets Emotional Search For Daughter Lost At Protest	How Iranians outwit the net censors. Informative article from the New York Times, published back in April. How To Follow Iran News On Twitter Twitter Delays Planned Maintenance Shut-Down In Victory For Web-Based Iranians... Photos: Protester Scales Tehran's 'Freedom Tower'... Video Shows Gunmen Turning Weapons On Protesters 7 Best Twitter Protest Tactics A few days ago, I linked to an excellent interview conducted by the Nation's Robert Dreyfuss, titled, "Iran's Ex-Foreign Minister Yazdi: It's A Coup."And now comes news, via email:Ibrahim Yazdi was arrested at 3:00 pm today in the Pars Hospital in Tehran. He was hospitalized yesterday because of some health complications. He and close to about 100 others were taken from the hospital to Evin prison.
Israel/Palestine U.S. officials skeptical on a demilitarized Palestine Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's condition that any Palestinian state be unarmed would be hard for the other side to accept, State Department officials say. 'Hamas thwarts Carter assassination' Ismail Haniyeh: We will accept '67 borders; tells former US leader group is ready for Schalit deal. Hamas rejects Carter plea to recognize Israel Israeli minister in Arab slur row Israel's internal security minister apologises after he is caught on camera using an offensive Hebrew slang word for Arabs. Footage of al-Qaida cell in Gaza airs Right-wing group plans 30 new outposts The Land of Israel Faithful organization says this is its response to Netanyahu's foreign policy speech. IDF to dismantle crossing near Jericho Army says move part of "effort to improve freedom of movement for the civilian Palestinian population." 1979 State Dept Ruling: Israel Settlements "Inconsistent with International Law” Lieberman to Clinton: Israel won't freeze settlements	Turkey Turkish judge orders man who beat wife to pass out apology fliers Ergenekon planted drugs in residences of Gülen followers A recording allegedly featuring the voice of a hit man who was involved in many operations carried out by the Ergenekon gang, a clandestine crime network that has alleged links within the state and is suspected of plotting to topple the government, has revealed that members of the terrorist organization planted bags of drugs in the residences of followers of Fethullah Gülen, an Islamic scholar. Alleged military plot really an attempt to ruin Başbuğ’A former national intelligence chief has said an alleged action plan to defame the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the Gülen movement published by the Taraf daily last Friday is really a ploy devised by members of Ergenekon, a clandestine organization charged with plotting to overthrow the government, to destroy Chief of General Staff Gen. İlker Başbuğ. Authenticity of military plot document gains more ground Two Turkish dailies have refuted claims against the authenticity of an alleged military plot against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the highly respected Gülen movement, publishing the official records kept by security forces when the document was seized in the office of an Ergenekon suspect's lawyer.
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Killing of US soldier casts light on Mosul police police investigation of two of their own in the killing of an American soldier and his interpreter is seen as a test of Mosul's police force -- the weakest link among Iraqi security forces about to take the lead in protecting the country's most violent city.	Taliban Leaders Report Progress In Secret Talks With The US, Afghanistan Al Jazeera journalists released The two producers were detained after the channel aired a report on the Taliban.
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistan orders manhunt for Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud Pakistan troops battle Taliban in the Sakhra Valley
Asia
'New government' for Tamil Tigers Tamil Tigers say they are forming a "provisional transnational government" to pursue self-rule for the Tamil minority. Agent Orange Continues to Poison Vietnam From 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed Vietnam with Agent Orange, which contained large quantities of Dioxin, in order to defoliate the trees for military objectives. Dioxin is one of the most dangerous chemicals known to man. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen (causes cancer) and by the American Academy of Medicine as a teratogen (causes birth defects).	Mali army 'takes al-Qaeda base' At least 12 al-Qaeda militants and five soldiers are killed in Mali after a militant base is captured in the Sahara Desert. Unpopular filtering software optional China has backed away from an order to load Internet-filtering software on every new computer after a major outcry by citizens used to the relative freedom of online life.
Europe
Romanians flee 'racist' N. Ireland attacks More than 100 Romanians fled their homes Tuesday night in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following what politicians called "racist attacks and intimidation." UK plans universal access to high-speed Internet Britain's government pledged Tuesday to provide universal access to broadband Internet connections as part of a plan to spur the country's technology sector and boost the economy. Why British Airways Is Asking Staff to Work for Free The struggling airline wants staff members to work for up to a month without pay, with the CEO leading the way	Greeks to register prepaid cell phones Greece's prepaid mobile phone users will now have to register their identities in a bid to tackle illegal immigration and other crime, the communications minister said Tuesday. Domestic Terror Escalates in Greece Greek anti-terror police officer shot dead in suspected terrorist attack. Germany s 'cash-for-clunkers scheme fuels sales of foreign-made cars More Germans are bypassing the BMW and Mercedes dealers in favor of using their subsidies on Skodas, Hyundais and other fuel-efficient rides.
Africa
Sudan denies undermining south A minister in north Sudan denies the government is distributing arms in the south to spread dissent ahead of a referendum. Many killed in Somali clashes Civilians and police commander caught in Mogadishu crossfire.	UN 'runs out of aid for Ethiopia' The UN warns it has run out of food to provide for nine million Ethiopians who rely on its assistance. Bubonic plague reported in Libya
The Americas
Mexico cocaine 'hidden in sharks' The Mexican Navy says it has seized more than a tonne of cocaine hidden inside the carcasses of frozen sharks. 7 men beaten, shot to death in northern Mexico