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Afghanistan
Iran: US is playing 'double game' in Afghanistan, fighting militants it once supported Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad used a brief visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday to lob insults at the United States and argue that international forces won't stop terrorism and will only lead to more civilian deaths.Afghan plea for 'no proxy wars' Afghanistan does not want other countries' "proxy wars" fought on its soil, President Hamid Karzai says in Islamabad. US takes risks with ties to Afghan strongman A meeting between Stanley McChrystal, the top Nato general in Afghanistan, and Colonel Abdul Raziq, a suspected drug baron, illustrates a central dilemma: relying on local strongmen to preserve stability risks undermining the broader goal of promoting good governance Marja and the drug war US picks its drug lords as Pashtun tribe prepares to battle for control of poppy fields Afghan Operation Not Accomplishing Anything Matthew Hoh, the former senior U.S. civilian representative in Zabul province, Afghanistan, says that civilian deaths in Marjah caused by Operation Moshtarak were unnecessary and that the operation isn't accomplishing anything. Hoh points to the installation of an outsider ex-con as the head official in Marjah as evidence that despite U.S. rhetoric to the contrary, Operation Moshtarak is not empowering local people. US critical of Afghan media ban US envoy to Afghanistan condemns government's new restrictions on journalists. Marine 'killed by opium-fueled private contractors' Fiction of Marja as City Was U.S. Information War For weeks, the U.S. public followed the biggest offensive of the Afghanistan War against what it was told was a "city of 80,000 people" as well as the logistical hub of the Taliban in that part of Helmand. That idea was a central element in the overall impression built up in February that Marja was a major strategic objective, more important than other district centres in Helmand. It turns out, however, that the picture of Marja presented by military officials and obediently reported by major news media is one of the clearest and most dramatic pieces of misinformation of the entire war, apparently aimed at hyping the offensive as a historic turning point in the conflict. Iraq Car Bomb Kills At Least 3 Ahead Of Iraq Elections...Iraq parliamentary election hit by insurgent attacks....Vote Counting Begins in Iraq; 38 Killed on Election Day....Maliki Holds Edge in Iraq, but Results Are Challenged....US now says violence marred Iraq poll After initially playing down the scope of the violence during Sunday's parliamentary elections in Iraq, the U.S. military has concluded in an internal assessment that at least 37 people were killed in 136 attacks. Al Maliki: Most barred candidates are ex-intelligence officers Iraq Corruption: 50 New Fraud Investigations Involving Americans, $150 Billion Investigators looking into corruption involving reconstruction in Iraq say they have opened more than 50 new cases in six months by scrutinizing large cash transactions — involving banks, land deals, loan payments, casinos and even plastic surgery — made by some of the Americans involved in the nearly $150 billion program.
4 Iraqis, 4 Iranians Killed; 20 Iraqis, 34 Iranians Wounded Only
two successful attacks were reported on election eve; however, one
was not only significant, it also harmed pilgrims visiting from
Iran. At least three Iraqis and four Iranians were killed. Another
17 Iraqis and 37 Iranians were wounded. Meanwhile, the Speaker of
Parliament, Ayad al-Samarrai, warned of years of conflict if the new
government is not seen as just and does not work to solve
discrimination. US Chief accuses Iraq politicians of ties to Iran Pakistan Report: 1 in 3 Killed By Drones In Pakistan Is A Civilian Pakistan 'arrests key Taliban leader' Another leader of Afghanistan's Taliban has been arrested in Pakistan, reports quoting Pakistani and US officials say. Agha Jan Mohtasim was arrested in the southern city of Karachi, intelligence officials said 2008 sighting of bin Laden reported A Belgian woman on trial in Belgium for involvement in terrorism says her husband -- himself wanted on terror charges -- met al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in the summer of 2008. |
Middle East Noam Chomsky Interview with Tanju Arman- March 2010- Part1 Noam Chomsky talks about U.S./Turkey relations, U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East Israel to build new settlement Tel Aviv approves plans for more illegal housing units in East Jerusalem.,,,,Biden Condemns New Jerusalem Settlements While In Israel...43 MINUTES OF ANGRY CLINTON ...Secretary Of State 'Vents Frustrations' In Long Call With Israeli Leader, Slams 'Deeply Negative' Arab League pulls out of MidEast peace talks Arab League chief Amr Moussa says Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has told him he will not enter indirect talks with Israel due to its settlement expansion plan. The demise of a 'good-for-nothing bandit' Abdulmalik Rigi's Jundallah militants are believed to have killed at least 150 civilians and police officers over the past four years. With Rigi now arrested, there is speculation his group will fall apart. For many people in Iran's Sistan and Balochistan province where most of Jundallah's operations took place, this would be a very welcome development. Iran Captures a ‘Good’ Terrorist Ray McGovern on one of the US's thugs US Has Given Over $100 BILLION To Companies Defying Its Policy On Iran....Caterpillar moves to cut links with Iran US building equipment group Caterpillar has become the latest company to bow to a lobbyists’ ‘name and shame’ campaign by announcing steps to sever trading links with Iran Europe Greece asks US to help crackdown on speculators The Greek prime minister has called on the US to help crack down on the financial speculators he blames for exacerbating his country's debt woes. Italy arrests 'Iran arms smugglers' Five Italians and two Iranians arrested for suspected weapons trafficking to Iran. Berezovsky wins poison libel case Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky wins his libel case over claims he was behind the murder of former agent Alexander Litvinenko. Ukraine’s Orange Coalition Dissolves....Viktor Yanukovych promises Ukraine will embrace Russia Asia
US Seeks to Resume Training of Controversial Indonesian Military
Unit The administration of President Barack Obama hopes to
resume U.S. training of an elite Indonesian military unit whose
members have been convicted of gross human rights abuses in East
Timor and elsewhere in the sprawling archipelago. The leadership of
Indonesia’s controversial special forces division — the Komando
Pasukan Khusus, or Kopassus — has been in Washington [...] China 'must reduce rich-poor gap' - Premier Wen New evidence indicates China may be Bankrupt Africa More than 200 dead in Nigeria violence Lethal clash in north Liberia Clashes erupt between Christians and Muslims in northern Liberian city. Somalia Food Aid Bypasses Needy, U.N. Study Finds U.S. Aiding Somalia in Its Plan to Retake Its Capital The U.S. is concerned about terrorism links between Somalia and Yemen, and its assistance could be crucial to the effort by Somalia’s government to bring order after decades of anarchy. The Americas MEXICO'S DRUG WAR heats up. exiled Alert! An All-Out Drug War Erupts In Mexico: Deadly Firefights, A Prison Raid, Casualties On All Sides…2 Americans Killed in Drive-by Shooting in Mexico A U.S. official says three people affiliated with the American consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, were killed in a drive-by shooting. Venezuela Owes $12 Billion for Seizures, Chamber Says Venezuela owes $12 billion to more than 20 companies that belong to the Venezuela-U.S. Chamber of Commerce for assets the government seized over the past three years, Venezuela's Chavez: Internet should be regulated |
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US Headlines |
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Road
salt is poisoning water bodies, study finds
TEXAS APPROVES RADICAL RIGHT-WING
HISTORY BOOKS Judge: Gov't must allow funding for ACORN The judge wrote that it was "unmistakable that Congress determined ACORN's guilt before defunding it." Congress may investigate ACORN but cannot "rely on the negative results of a congressional or executive report as a rationale to impose a broad, punitive funding ban on a specific, named organization." Breitbart confirms he was duped by O'Keefe and the ACORN pimp hoax....VIDEO: Colbert 'Heavily Edits' Interview to Mock O'Keefe, Breitbart ACORN ...ACORN Strikes Back!: 'Accountability' Campaign Demands Media Corrections for 'Pimp' Hoax Stories Ventura: 'You’re not allowed to ask' about 9/11 16 Cities Sue Weed-Killer Manufacturer For Contaminating Drinking Water Prosecutors reveal terrorism charges against 'Jihad Jane' (U.S. citizen) Federal prosecutors unsealed criminal terrorism charges Tuesday against a Pennsylvania woman who allegedly used the Internet to recruit men and women across the globe to "wage violent jihad." First 'JihadJane,' now Colorado woman held in death plot Al Qaeda suspect from N.J. worked at 6 nuclear plants An American seized in Yemen in a sweep of suspected Al Qaeda members had been a laborer at six US nuclear power plants, and authorities are investigating whether he had access to sensitive information or materials that would be useful to terrorists. How fast is your Internet connection? Ask the FCC. To ensure Americans are getting what they paid for, the FCC offers a free Internet connection speed test. FBI paid racist shock jock Hal Turner over $100,000 Where Have All the Whistleblowers Gone? By sending UBS informant Bradley Birkenfeld to prison, did the Obama Justice Department discourage more financial insiders from exposing malfeasance? Christian 'Taliban' terrorizes Texas town ThinkProgress: Militia-style group targets swingers, gays, nature preserve staff. 'KopBusters' filmmaker arrested police raided the Never Get Busted headquarters in Travis County at approximately 6 p.m. on Tuesday night. Barry Cooper has been taken into custody. Officers allegedly seized their computers, phones and other digital media. Barry is allegedly being charged with a misdemeanor offense. Candi claimed the charge is making a false report to a police officer, in relation to a sting operation her husband recently carried out against an officer in Liberty Hill, Texas. New development in 'KopBusters' arrest Vet Group Draws Terrorism, IEDS, Ahmadinejad Into Energy Debate (VIDEO) "Connection between oil and the enemy couldn't be clearer," Miller adds. "We need to break that connection by breaking our addiction. And we can by passing a clean energy climate plan. It would cut our dependence on foreign oil in half."Admiral Mullen: foreign policy is too dominated by the military The Pentagon’s top officer said the military cannot continue to do the bulk of the heavy lifting overseas, and it’s time for the State Department and other agencies to step up. Adm. Mike Mullen Ground Zero Workers Reach $657 Million Settlement a settlement has been reached in the cases of thousands of rescue and cleanup workers who sued the city over damage to their health, according to city officials. TSA worker 'tried to sabotage database' Feds: Man tried to insert 'logic bomb' into security screening database. Economy Black female avg. net worth: $5 White females have median wealth of $42,000 -- 61% of white males. U.S. Lawmakers Launch Push To Repeal NAFTA A small group of U.S. lawmakers planned to offer legislation Thursday to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement in the latest sign of congressional disillusionment with free-trade deals. The bill spearheaded by Rep. Gene Taylor, a Mississippi Democrat, would require President Barack Obama to give Mexico and Canada six months notice Insider Warned About Lehman Accounting In May 2008, the former Lehman senior vice president wrote a letter to senior management warning that the company may have been masking the true risks on its balance sheet. Crude Oil Surges, Gasoline Rises to 17-Month High on U.S. Payrolls Report THE NFL: Successful corp. socialism. The league’s business practices contradict the tenets of a free market. With its salary cap and salary floor that oblige all 32 franchises to spend the same amount on players each year, the NFL effectively prohibits any team from gaining an investment advantage over its competitors. Number Of U.S. Millionaires Soared In 2009 Job Openings in U.S. Climb for Second Month as Employers Gain Confidence... Jobless rate up in 30 states; 5 have record 82% want Wall Street regulation Harris poll: 65% say Wall Street 'doesn't deserve' the money it earns. Small businesses creating jobs Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees have created nearly 150,000 new jobs nationally since June 2009 and 40,000 new jobs in February, according to an index released for the first time this month. |
Politics CBO: Senate HCR Bill Reduces the Deficit by 118 Billion...Judd Gregg for reconciliation before he was against it.....34 Of 41 Senate Republicans Supported Passing Major Domestic Policy Legislation Through Reconciliation Pelosi Will Not Include Public Option In Final Health Care Bill ....Obama Tells Liberals Public Option Doesn’t Have Votes....Public Option Picks Up 34th Supporter...three More Senators Join Public Option Effort....Obama promises to pursue a public option later CNN: Evidence Big Pharma Owns The U.S. Government Obama's stimulus did NOT raise government spending Graham condemns Keep America Safe’s attacks on DOJ lawyers as ‘shameful.’ In recent days, prominent conservatives have denounced a McCarthyite ad questioning the loyalties of Justice Department lawyers who have represented Guantanamo detainees in the past. The ad was produced by Keep America Safe, the new group led by Bill Kristol and Liz Cheney. Today, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) added his name to the opposition: RNC document mocks donors, plays on 'fear' The Republican National Committee plans to raise money this election cycle through an aggressive campaign capitalizing on “fear” of President Barack Obama and a promise to "save the country from trending toward socialism. "It's actually, Lawrence, I think, it's worse than that. The Republicans simply don't respect American voters, and now what this shows is that they don't respect their own donors and own voters. These are a small group of people who believe they are above everybody else. ..."GOP keeps distance from RNC pitch GOP scurries to move away from presentation. Corporate entity kicks off bid for Congress Meet Murray Hill, Inc., the first corporation to run for Congress in the United States.Foreign Subsidiaries Get Political, Evan Bayh for 'Fair Elections' and More in Capital Eye Opener: March 9 The Organization for International Investment, a trade association representing U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies, has hired a Democratic lawyer to lobby against legislation that would potentially ban its members' money from U.S. politics. Utah Abortion Bill Punishes Miscarriages? Critics of a Utah abortion bill on the governor's desk say the measure to prevent illegal abortions could actually punish a woman who suffers a miscarriage. Obama advisers set to recommend military tribunals for alleged 9/11 plotters....9/11 suspects should face civilian court, UN envoys say Obama Plan To Modify Second Mortgages Has Yet To Help One Homeowner US Congress panel accuses Turkey of Armenian 'genocide' ....White House to Congress: Don't offend Turkey.....Turkey recalls US ambassador Move comes after house resolution passes describing massacre of Armenians in first world war as genocide White House Halts Armenia Vote Anti-Gay Lawmaker Reportedly at Gay Club Before DUI Arrest Obama Sends Volcker Rule To Capitol Hill; Would Put Limits On Big Banks The Obama administration waded into negotiations over Wall Street regulations Wednesday, calling for limits on the size of financial institutions and insisting that consumer protections remain a central objective of legislative attempts to rein in the industry. Senators McCain And Lieberman Introduce Bill To Authorize Indefinite Detention Bunning ends one-man filibuster Senator, whose snit cut unemployment to over 1 million, finally relents .FLASHBACK: Bunning Enthusiastically Backed Extending Unemployment Benefits That Weren’t Paid For In 2003 Next: Bunning freezes Obama nominees Senate's most stubborn Republican puts hold on presidential appointments. COINCIDENCE? Lawmakers Deny That Lobbying Affects Earmarks. Numbers Suggest Otherwise Gates: Pentagon to review Blackwater misconduct....Blackwater documents show failings Obama will reduce US weapons arsenal permanently, aides say .....Unlike Health Care, When It Comes To Nukes Cost Is No Object Science IBM invents Earth-friendly plastic made from plants Study Says Undersea Release of Methane Is Under Way Climate scientists have long warned that global warming could unlock vast stores of the greenhouse gas methane that are frozen into the Arctic permafrost, setting off potentially significant increases in global warming.Humans must be to blame for climate change, say scientists - No possible natural phenomenon,,,Humans driving extinction faster than species can evolve, say experts |
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Connecticut |
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CT Ranks 5th Worst In National Pension Report; Only 62 Percent
Funded; Some Pensions Over $180,000 Per Year
Dick Blumenthal Announces Campaign Team; Opens Offices In Hartford And Stamford For U.S. Senate Race Controversial Proposal By Gov. Rell; Concerns By Two Tribes Over Compact Keno FactCheck.org slams McMahon mailers, says they contain false claims Team McMahon also tried to tie Simmons to the controversial group ACORN. The McMahon mailer alleges that Simmons was one of ACORN's congressional chums when he served in the U.S. House: "Congressman Simmons voted with ACORN 56 percent of the time,'' the mailer asserts. In fact, McMahon claimed Simmons is a better friend to ACORN than Democrat Chris Dodd. The GOP Debate: Linda McMahon, Rob Simmons, Peter Schiff Tangle In First Televised Match On Fox TV Conn. gas prices up 7 cents a gallon Conn. town warns residents about harmful hawk Authorities said an aggressive red-tailed hawk has attacked at least five people recently in a Connecticut town, including a woman who needed medical care after being cut on the head. Conn. misses out on first round of education money CT Drug War 3rd booby trap against police possibly planted by gangs Budget and Taxes Gov. Rell Unveils New Deficit-Cutting Proposal; Ned Lamont Decries Plan As "Kicking The Can Down The Road'' The biggest single move would be spending $219 million from the $1.4 billion rainy day fund for fiscal emergencies. The money is currently earmarked to close next year's budget, but the state's dire fiscal situation is prompting Rell to propose using it in this year's budget. As such, it would create a hole for next year that would need to be filled - and Rell proposed various changes Monday to do that. |
World Wrestling Queen Says She'll Spend $50
Million To Win Senate Race
Blumenthal: Fed Misses Crucial Deadline To Roll Back Credit Rates, Fees Even as a slew of new protections for credit card users went into effect Monday, the state attorney general criticized a key federal banking regulator for undermining those efforts. Another worker injured in Conn. explosion sues Another worker injured in a Connecticut power plant explosion last month that killed six workers has filed a lawsuit accusing the companies handling the project of negligence. Conn. bill would allow people to carry stun guns Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow people to carry stun guns for personal protection. State AG targets Anthem Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has notified federal officials that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield may be engaged in a “potentially anti-competitive practice” that threatens to raise costs. Crews cleaning up Conn. train derailment Connecticut environmental officials have returned to the site of a freight train derailment in Windham to oversee the removal of four cars carrying ethanol that went off the tracks. Conn. foreclosures up 3 percent in February A new report says the number of foreclosures in Connecticut increased 3.4 percent from January to February, despite a national decline. North Branford store work to begin despite appeal Construction on a new Northford Store may begin in as little as a few weeks, even though owner Nick Demos is appealing a town approval that supports a new building, but not a drive-through lane.Webster Bank Allowed To Repay One-Quarter Of TARP Bailout Blumenthal Sues: Moody's, Standard & Poor's Accused Of Misleading Investors Attorney General Richard Blumenthal sued two of the nation's most prominent credit rating agencies Wednesday, alleging they misled investors about the soundness of certain types of investments and unfairly reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues. Bill Considered To Reduce State Dropout Rates A bill being considered by the legislature is designed to reduce school dropout rates by prohibiting a practice known as "push out," said state Rep. Jason Bartlett and representatives of two youth advocacy groups who brought students and others to the Capitol Monday to talk about the issue. Report: majority of inmates were re-arrested A study of more than 16,000 Connecticut prisoners has found that over 67 percent are rearrested within three years of their release. |
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| United States | ||
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Navy fires unusually high number of officers The Navy has fired
six commanding officers since the start of the year - triple its
usual monthly rate - including a foul-mouthed captain who was
dismissed for subjecting her crew to “cruelty and maltreatment’’
aboard a warship in the Pacific. Cryptome.org takedown: Microsoft Global Criminal Compliance Handbook, 24 Feb 2010 Cryptome.org is a venerable New York based anti-secrecy site that has been publishing since 1999. On Feb 24, 2010, the site was forcably taken down following its publication Microsoft's "Global Criminal Compliance Handbook", a confidential 22 page booklet designed for police and intelligence services. The guide provides a "menu" of information Microsoft collects on the users of its online services. Toyota knew about problem in 2007.....Drivers complain that Toyota's fixes didn't work...Runaway Toyota Hits 94 MPH, Driver Rescued By Highway Patrol...Federal investigators to examine runaway Prius Would You Miss Saturday Mail Delivery? The Postal Service Wants to Cut a 6th Day to Save Money. GreedSEC accuses Miami couple of running $135M Ponzi scheme FEMA's Sale Of Katrina Trailers Sparks Criticism Federal officials confirmed Saturday that a second suburban American woman had been apprehended in connection with a plot to kill a Swedish artist who angered the Muslim world Security Issues FAA urges $787,500 in fines for American Airlines The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday proposed $787,500 in fines against American Airlines for maintenance violations. FDA warns about Plavix effectiveness The US Food and Drug Administration is adding its strongest warning to the label for Plavix, cautioning that some patients do not respond to the blood thinner. FDA Should Strengthen Ingredient Oversight GAO: FDA should strengthen oversight of food ingredients, including spices, artificial flavors FDA warns of Salmonella risk from common flavor enhancer U.S. May Set Rule Requiring Brake Override System on Cars JFK air traffic controller let not one, but TWO kids direct planes: officials Starbucks Refuses to Ban Guns Coffee giant brews up controversy as protesters carry firearms into stores to test gun laws. Courts Supreme Court Lets Ruling Stand That Religious Displays At U.S. Post Office Are Unconstitutional Juror Brings Kids; Judge Rules Her in Contempt Carmela Khury said she was shocked and devastated when a Michigan juidge ordered her sent to jail for 24 hours after a child care problem caused her to be late for jury duty. Court ruling could complicate gay ban debate A pressing legal reality for the “don’t ask, don’t tell” standard for gays serving in the military is that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has already struck down the way it’s practiced in much of the Western United States. Ex-NY police chief Kerik 'jailed' Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik, hailed as a hero after the 9/11 attacks, is sentenced to four years in jail. A biometric ID card for all American workers? Advocates of an immigration overhaul are proposing biometric ID cards for all American workers. Supreme Court refuses to block DC gay marriage law Accused Terrorist Brought To New York For Trial An African man provided money and was trained with weapons and explosives in a bid to help a terrorist organization seeking to destabilize Somalia and attack U.S. interests, prosecutors announced Monday.
Court: Tobacco ads misleading A
Vermont judge Thursday determined that
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. misled
customers by advertising its Eclipse
cigarettes as a more healthful
alternative to other brands.
Education More private tuition vouchers on tap, as public schools face cuts $2b later, Kansas City, Mo., may close half its schools See Which States WON Billions In Education Funding ACLU Demands Mississippi School Allow Lesbian Student To Attend Prom With Girlfriend Obama Disappoints Rhode Island Teachers The president supports the school board's decision to fire teachers and staff. Former GOP insider says "Billionaire Boys' Club" dismantling education. Top Home-School Texts Dismiss Darwin, Evolution Home-schooling parents who prefer evolution say textbook publishers push Bible's origin story Police Beat Students During Campus Protests 43% say their kids' U.S. history textbooks are inaccurate Sixty percent (60%) of Americans with children in elementary or secondary school say most school textbooks are more concerned with presenting information in a politically correct manner than in accuracy. The New Poor In Hard Times, Lured Into Trade School and Debt The New Poor In Hard Times, Lured Into Trade School and Debt One fast-growing American industry has become a conspicuous beneficiary of the recession: for-profit colleges and trade schools. Uniform academic standards for US students: draft released Academics and education officials have drafted a broad outline of academic standards in English and math. The standards could eventually replace the current patchwork of state standards. |
Media Eric Massa And Glenn Beck Conspire For Train Wreck TV It was train wreck television on Tuesday evening when now-retired Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) appeared on Fox News's Glenn Beck show and insisted that he had not crossed any ethical lines with staffers In a one-hour interview with Beck that had much of the journalism world gawking and twittering in amazement, Massa offered a series of bizarre, even inexplicable explanations for his abrupt departure from office. Coming just hours after news broke that the he was under investigation for groping multiple male staffers, Massa insisted that the interactions were playful in nature, though inappropriate in retrospect. Is Undercover Boss the Most Subversive Show on Television Undercover Boss is the kind of popular entertainment that can start out as one thing but morph into something that turns a spotlight on just how out of touch America's corporate chiefs are. Controversial cartoonist endorsed by mother of police beating victim In January, Rogers became the subject of a very mixed public reaction to an editorial cartoon he drew about three white Pittsburgh police officers savagely beating an innocent black male who allegedly ran from them. In his cartoon, he lampooned those who defended the police as conducting themselves "by the book," joking that the book's title must be the "Racist Skinhead Etiquette Handbook." Colbert’s advice to GOP on the uninsured: F*ck ‘em! NYT Shareholder Now World's RICHEST Man Police/PrisonBody of oil exec found in Mississippi River Two 'Pentagon Police' Shot At D.C. Metro Station...Shooting suspect may have had 9/11 conspiracy...Parents of Pentagon shooter warned authorities Outrage growing over sex offenders Experts: Not enough police to monitor 700k registered offenders. Doc Said to Display Aborted Fetuses in Jars A Philadelphia abortion doctor had his license temporarily suspended after a patient died in an allegedly botched abortion and a raid on his office turned up what the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine said was "blood on the floor and parts of aborted fetuses displayed in jars." NYPD’s quotas mean innocent people being arrested: officer Officer Adil Polanco told WABC channel 7 in New York that his precinct -- the 41st in the Bronx -- has a "20 and one" monthly quota, meaning each officer is expected to issue at least 20 summonses per month, and carry out at least 1 arrest. If the officer doesn't meet the quota, the result can be denial of overtime pay, shift changes and denial of days off, Polanco said. Multiple People Shot At Dallas Office Building Study: Law officers home from war ‘quicker to use force’ 2nd NOLA cop guilty in shootings Fmr. officer pleads guilty in scheme to cover up police shooting during Katrina. Civil Rights Virginia orders public colleges to stop protecting gays Marine Officer: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Works One of the military's senior officers did not shy away from telling Congress this week that he thinks the current law of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military should not be repealed. Preschooler Expelled From Catholic School Because His Parents Are Gay Prom canceled after lesbian date request Lesbian sgt. outed by S.D. police After being discharged under 'don't ask, don't tell,' ACLU sues police Wal-Mart fires cancer patient over drug test Former 'Associate of the Year' smokes legal medical marijuana. Environment Perdue, poultry farm sued for polluting Chesapeake Bay Energy Department Files to Withdraw Yucca Mountain License Application The Energy Department filed to withdraw an application for a nuclear-waste repository at Yucca Mountain, formally seeking Wednesday to reverse a Bush administration policy. Is Your Organic Compost Secretly Made From Sewage? US backs ban on bluefin tuna trade The US government announced yesterday that it supports prohibiting international trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna, a move that could lead to the most sweeping trade restrictions ever imposed on the highly prized fish. Killer whales 'neurotic' in captivity Killer whales can weigh up to 22,000 pounds, and may be as long as 32 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They often travel in groups of up to 50, being highly social. Drug War Army Alcoholics: More Soldiers Hitting the Bottle Mexican drug gangs increasingly target US public land Not far from Yosemite's waterfalls and in the middle of California's redwood forests, Mexican drug gangs are quietly commandeering U.S. public land to grow millions of marijuana plants and using smuggled immigrants to cultivate them. Senate Says No To Ending Crack Disparity The compromise was that Durbin would accept Sessions' amendment to change the disparity from 100 to 1 to 20 to 1. US-born capo, drug lord's brother fight for cartel Authorities say a U.S.-born hitman is fighting the brother of a deceased drug lord for control of the Beltran-Leyva cartel, marking what may be the first time an American has risen to the very top ranks of Mexican gangs. |
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| Science | History Resources | |
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Fruit juice now a cancer threat?
Researchers claim 'many'
popular fruit juice brands contain antimony. WATCH: British Surfers Ride Rare Tidal Wave Down River Surfers have made the most of a once-in-a-decade occurrence on the British river Severn by riding a tidal wave for miles. Does IQ Determine Fidelity, Atheism? Study: Brighter adults tend to be more politically liberal, less religious. Are Smaller Condoms a Better Idea for Teens? According to the CDC almost 50% of American teens have had sex. Of those, 61% used a condom the last time they did. That’s pretty significant number of kids to be practicing safe sex. But what if despite their best efforts, the condoms these kids were using just weren’t working out for them? Einstein's greatest theory 'confirmed' Theory of general relativity confirmed by movement of cosmic bodies. Why do bonobos prefer not to dine alone? One of our closest primate relatives, the bonobo, voluntarily shares food, scientists report. AIDS virus can hide in bone marrow The virus that causes AIDS can hide in the bone marrow, avoiding drugs and later awakening to cause illness, according to new research that could point the way toward better treatments for the disease |
How the DEA Scrubbed Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Poppy Garden from
Public Memory Visitors to Monticello don't learn how Jefferson
cultivated poppies, and his personal opium use may as well never
have happened. Scouts founder held talks with Nazis: UK secret files Japan admits secret US Cold War pact confirmed Tuesday secret Cold War-era pacts with Washington that tacitly allowed nuclear warships in Japanese ports in violation of a hallowed postwar principle, effectively acknowledging that previous governments had lied about them for decades. Scientists reaffirm theory that giant asteroid killed dinosaurs |
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| Politics | Political Resources | |
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Politicians Have Numerous Options for Unused Campaign Cash After
Leaving Elected Office“The bottom line is no personal use,
obviously,"
Justice's Wife(Thomas) Launches 'Tea Party' Group Colorado Senator's Bill Would Prohibit Lawmakers From Becoming Lobbyists Utah GOP leader confesses to nude bathing with teenager RedState Editor-In-Chief: 'GOP Does Not Want A Black Man In The Senate' Anti-Gay State Legislator Got DUI After Leaving Gay Nightclub, Sources Say Roy Ashburn, "I'm Gay" State Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Calif.), the fierce opponent of gay rights who was arrested last week for drunk driving after leaving a gay nightclub, confirmed in a radio interview Monday that he is gay Eric Massa Groped Subordinates While In The Navy $100B jobs bill for local govt. Dems to unveil package to save or create local government jobs. Treasury/Federal Reserve/Bailouts/SEC/IRS Should Fannie and Freddie be public utilities? Kevin Hall: Mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac did not cause the financial crisis SEC and Federal Grand Jury Are Investigating Toyota Lifelock Settles with FTC over Deceptive Ads Defense Spending Boeing sole bidder on $40B contract With Northrop dropping out, Boeing likely to get massive Pentagon deal. Company(KBR) Under Fire For Faulty Electrical Work In Iraq Awarded Deal Worth Up Yo $2.8 Billion |
Health Insurance Experts say Americans getting too many medical tests, maybe even President Obama Doubling of maternal deaths in U.S. called 'scandalous' Deaths from pregnancy and childbirth in the United States have doubled in the past 20 years, a development that a human rights group called "scandalous and disgraceful" Friday. Palin says her family went to Canada for health care when she was young Goldman Report: Insurers Set To Raise Prices, Walk Away From Consumers Homelessness Keeping 14-Year-Old Girl Off Organ Transplant List Grayson introduces Public Option Act Congressman Alan Grayson, (D-Orlando), today introduced a bill (H.R. 4789) which would give the option to buy into Medicare to every citizen of the United States. The “Public Option Act,” also known as the “Medicare You Can Buy Into Act,” would open up the Medicare network to anyone who can pay for it. Congressman Grayson said In one day, Grayson piles up another 40 (Total = 50) co-sponsors for Medicare buy-in bill In just two days, Alan Grayson has piled up 50 co-sponsors to his Medicare buy-in bill, which is designed as a stand-alone bill rather than as an amendment to the health reform bill. Obama using 'bounty hunters' to root out fraud President Barack Obama said Tuesday he'll bring in high-tech bounty hunters to help root out health care fraud, grabbing a populist idea with bipartisan backing in his final push to overhaul the system.
Lobbying
Is Taxpayer Money Being Funneled Through The Chamber Of Commerce To Kill Health Reform? While the Chamber refuses to publicly list its membership, several confirmed Chamber members are banks which were bailed out by taxpayers and still have not repaid the TARP funds. Budget and Taxes The President's Budget: Fiscal Year 2011 This publication reviews Presidential budget requests spanning fiscal years 2008 to 2012 which include requested spending authorities from the final Bush budget to the Obama administration's projected 2012 budget. |
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Congress |
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Six Democrats Side With Banks, Ask For ‘Alternative’ To Landmark
Student Lending Reform
Senate Stimulus Money Shouldn't Go Overseas, Say Dem Senators Letter Used By McCain As Evidence Of Military Opposition To DADT Repeal Discredited Sen. Levin moves to block Blackwater’s $1 billion Afghanistan contract Senator Calls For Aggressive Financial Reform (Break-up Banks) Deplores Current 'Incremental' Steps |
House House Adopts $15 Billion Plan to Spur Job Creation House Democrats Announce Plan To Ban Corporate Earmarks Rangel: I've Asked For 'Leave Of Absence' As Ways And Means Chair Less than a week after the ethics panel found he violated House rules by taking corporate-funded junkets to the Caribbean, BAN ON ALL EARMARKS? Democrats Eye Moratorium On Earmarked Spending Projects, Idea Gains Backing In Senate House Republicans devise own rule against earmarks In an election-year appeal to frustrated voters, House Republicans promised yesterday not to stuff any of this year’s spending bills with pet projects for their districts. House approves measure to investigate U.S. intelligence actions in 1970s Argentina REP. JOHN CONYERS' WIFE SENTENCED TO PRISON TIME: Monica Conyers, a former Detroit City Council member and wife of House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.), appears headed to prison for 37 months after pleading guilty to bribery charges. (Monica Conyers says she will appeal the sentence.) |
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| White House | ||
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Obama Obama to give Nobel money to veterans, Haiti, students US public 'will pay Obama’s $90bn bank levy’ US public 'will pay Obama’s $90bn bank levy’ President Barack Obama's $90bn (£59.5bn) bank levy will largely be paid for by customers and investors and not the institutions themselves Obama picks 1st young, liberal court nominee DOJ DOJ TO REQUIRE ES&S TO SELL OFF ASSETS FROM DIEBOLD MERGER CITING ANTI-TRUST CONCERNS The Department of Justice's Anti-trust division has determined that the purchase of Premier Election Solutions, Diebold Inc.'s recently renamed e-voting division, by Election Systems & Software, Inc. (ES&S) has resulted in a voting machine monopoly. The DoJ and nine states who have joined in a lawsuit, are suing to require ES&S to divest of the assets gained in the bargain-basement priced purchase of Diebold's e-voting outfit last September. Justice Dept. asks suit be thrown out Justice Department lawyers want a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit against an FBI agent and the state police sergeant who worked to secretly investigate corrupt city police officers. Plaintiff Norval Falconer claims the two let him languish in jail for a month, despite knowing he was framed by narcotics detectives, but the Justice Department, in legal motions, countered the pair did everything they could without jeopardizing the undercover investigation. Cold Case: Coming to Grips With Racial Killings in America The U.S. Justice Department is about to conclude its three-year investigation of 108 unsolved civil rights era murders, including that of Jimmie Lee Jackson, who was shot and killed in 1965 by Alabama state trooper James Bonard Fowler. Other than Fowler, however, who was charged with murder in 2007, few of these investigations have resulted |
Baraknaphobia Former Mossad Chief: US President Pushing Islamic Agenda Paul Broun goes birther: ‘I don’t know’ if Obama is an American citizen. Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) has declared himself to to be one of Obama’s nuttiest critics, suggesting that that the President has a plan to rule as a dictator and impose “martial law.” During an interview with radio host Pete Dominick yesterday, Broun questioned whether Obama is even a legitimate President, saying he “doesn’t know” if Obama is an American citizen Tenn. CEO sends e-mail comparing First Lady to chimpanzee STATE DEPARTMENT State Dept. 'helped Blackwater guards avoid punishment’ GITMO/Bahgram/CIA-Blacksites Man claiming torture believes British agent was present, court hears Ex-MI5 chief: US hid prisoner abuse Eliza Manningham-Buller says she did not find out about abuse until 2007. Guantanamo man to sue Australia Former Australian Guantanamo detainee Mamdouh Habib wins the right to sue his government for alleged complicity in torture China denies Sweden Uighur spying China denies it is spying on Uighur refugees in Sweden, after a Stockholm court jailed a Uigur for passing information to an agent. Rove 'proud' of US waterboarding....Waterboarding Too Dangerous, Internal DoD Memo Reveals....Doocy: 'Makes sense' to give people same care as dogs |
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| Economy | Click for Economic Statistics | Financial Crisis for Beginners |
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Goldman Board Rejects Shareholder Demands on Pay No Fix? Trouble with Some Repaired Toyotas Some Toyota owners say they are still having trouble with unintended acceleration after their recalled cars were repaired, and the Transportation Department said Wednesday it is looking into their complaints. David Strickland, Toyota secretive on 'black box' data (could explain crashes blamed on sudden acceleration AIG sells Asia arm to Prudential US insurance group disposes key division to British insurer for $35.5bn to settle debt. FedEx Ally Corker Blocks Senate Aviation Bill in Fight With UPS, Unions Senator Bob Corker, who represents FedEx Corp.’s home state of Tennessee, said he will block legislation funding the Federal Aviation Administration because a provision may be added later making it easier for workers at the company to join unions. Federal regulators launch probe of big agriculture Some Obama administration officials have made clear their unease with the increasing control a handful of corporations have over the nation's food suppl Wal-Mart sees lower sales in US Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, sees a fall in US sales but reports a 22% increase in net profit. Bank Of America Ending Overdraft Fees $2 TRILLION Hole In Promised Pensions Threatens Financial Future Of States, Cities |
Rubin Passes The Buck: Deregulation's
Champion Says Nobody Saw Crisis Coming
Moral Hazard: Banks That Lobbied Hardest For Bailouts Also Took The Most Risks
The Warning
"We didn't truly
know the dangers of the market,
because it was a dark market," says
Brooksley Born, the head of an
obscure federal regulatory agency --
the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission [CFTC] -- who not only
warned of the potential for economic
meltdown in the late 1990s, but also
tried to convince the country's key
economic powerbrokers to take
actions that could have helped avert
the crisis. "They were totally
opposed to it," Born says. "That
puzzled me. What was it that was in
this market that had to be hidden?"
US borrowing rises unexpectedly Borrowing by US consumers rose for the first time in a year in January according to figures released by the Federal Reserve. Brazil Raises Tariffs on U.S. Goods, to Break Patents (Update3)
Public Pension Funds Are Adding Risk to
Raise Returns Even as big companies
are moving their pension funds out of
stocks, state governments are chasing
higher returns for their plans by making
riskier investments.
Deficit hits record high of $221 bil February marks the worst shortfall ever for a single month in the US. |
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| Iraq | Map of Iraq | |
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Falluja doctors report rise in birth defects birth defects,
with some blaming weapons used by the US after the Iraq invasion.
The city witnessed fierce fighting in 2004 as US forces carried out
a major offensive against insurgents. Now, the level of heart defect Saddam offered 'nuke deal in 1990' Talabani accuses parties of patriotic betrayal Iraqi President Jalal Talabani accused some parties without naming them of leaning towards patriotic betrayal by allying with whom regard Kirkuk part of the Arab regions. Kurdistani alliance is the only party that will recuperate Kurdistan’s reverence,
Rival to Iraq PM in Slim Lead in Disputed Province |
Iraq to establish a new Public Oil Company Iraq Minister of Oil Hussain Shahristani said that Iraq is about to establish a new fourth Public Oil Company in order to supervise developing oil fields and that after the Ministry finished from signing 10 contracts with foreign companies.
Police: US troops kill Iraqi reporter and husband Rumsfeld torture case okayed Judge rules that 2 US contractors can sue over mistreatment in Iraq. Rove claims Bush administration never said Iraqi oil would help pay for war |
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| Middle East | Map of the Middle East | |
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Iran
<Click
for video and history> Film-maker Jafar Panahi arrested in Iran Brazil rebuffs US, says it will go own way on Iran Iran's Ahmadinejad: Sept. 11 Attacks a 'Big Lie' Iran attacks US over Afghanistan Iranian President says it is the US, not Tehran, that is playing a "double game" in Afghanistan Yemen Several wounded in Yemen clashes Al-Qaida suspect from US tricked his Yemeni guard The U.S. al-Qaida suspect detained in Yemen had persuaded his guard to unshackle him so the two could pray together and then snatched his unattended gun and killed him during the suspect's failed escape attempt, senior security officials said Saturday EgyptGeneral and prosecutor charged in Turkey plot case....Turkish prosecutors free generals accused of plotting a coup Egyptian blogger trial criticised Egypt is strongly criticised by Human Rights Watch for trying a blogger who wrote about corruption before a military court. |
Israel
Hamas Officer Was Paralyzed First.. Hit Team's 26 Suspected Members 'Vanished' 'I saved Shimon Peres from plot' says son of Hamas founder Israel's president Shimon Peres is among the many who owe their lives to the son of a founder of Hamas, according to a dramatic account to be published this week. Israeli 'spymaster' dies aged 82 A former Israeli spy who played a key role in Africa, the Middle East and the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal has died.
Israeli group: Police improperly arrest Arab kids An Israeli rights group is accusing police in Jerusalem of improperly arresting Palestinian boys suspected of throwing stones.
Israeli prime minister wanted for murder in Dubai Dubai police said Tuesday they are seeking the arrest of Israel's prime minister and the head of its spy agency over the murder of a top Hamas militant in a hotel room of the Gulf city-state. MIR: Mossad's Little Helpers....New Details Emerge In Elaborate Dubai Assassination Of Hamas Officer |
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| Afghanistan | Map of Afghanistan | |
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Airstrikes kill fewer Afghans, but more dying on ground NATO Denounces an Ally The U.S.-led effort to flush the Taliban from a stronghold in southern Afghanistan has been dealt a setback by controversy over Abdul Zahir, the man chosen by the Afghan government to run the town. Taliban deputy to be 'handed over' Afghanistan says Pakistan has agreed to transfer captured Mullah Brader to its custody. Influx of refugees worries Tajiks Growing number of Afghan refugees entering Tajikistan makes job security uncertain.
Habeas Challenges for Bagram Prisoners Four men who have been
imprisoned for over a year – some for almost two years – are going
to U.S. federal court to challenge their detention at the notorious
Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The men, who their lawyers say have
never engaged in hostilities against the U.S. and [...] |
U.S. Fails To Hold Military Contractors Accountable For Waste And
Abuse In Afghanistan Infighting between militant groups claims over a dozen lives in N. Afghanistan
US unveils Bagram handover plan Afghan
government to administer parts of the
notorious jail from next week.
Two NATO Soldiers Killed in Eastern Afghanistan Start Afghanistan peace talks now, UK tells Karzai David Miliband to urge Afghan government to put more effort into pursuit of peace Captured Taliban Leader Reportedly 'Singing Like A Male Canary' UK soldier "lobs Taliban grenade back at enemy" A soldier in the British army in Afghanistan has described how he saved the lives of two comrades by picking up a live Taliban grenade and throwing it back toward the enemy. |
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| Pakistan | Map of Pakistan |
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US to supply
laser-guided bombs to
Pakistan..US
agrees to supply
Pakistan with jets and
bomb kits for raids on
tribal regions
Al Qaeda's Pakistan Lair Captured Pakistani army claims to take control of cave complex that was home to al qaeda and other militants near the Pakistani border. AL QAEDA'S AMERICAN SPOKESMAN ARRESTED...Which American Al Qaeda WAS Captured?,,,Adam Gadahn May Not Be In U.S. Custody....Pakistan: US al-Qaida suspect is not spokesman for terrorist network, as previously believed Gunmen release three terrorists from (Pakistan) police station Pakistan attack kills aid workers Militants attack the office of a Western aid agency, killing six people and wounding others, the agency and police say. |
7 hours ago · Police have been put on high
Missile 'kills Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader' in PakistanTaliban Kill 2 Alleged U.S. Spies in Pakistan
Bomber targets police in Pakistan
Xinjiang fighter 'killed by drone' Leader of Chinese separatist movement reported killed by US missile strike in Pakistan. Deadly blasts hit Pakistani city At least 45 people die in twin suicide attacks on Pakistani security forces in the eastern city of Lahore, police say. Pakistan Taliban suicide bomb kills 13 in Lahore
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| North&South Asia | Map of Asia |
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Philippine troops killed in ambush Deaths in Mindoro mark army's biggest loss in a single clash with communist group this year.
Grave likely holds East Timorese freedom fighters Nine blindfolded and buried bodies found during construction of a beachfront luxury hotel likely were East Timorese freedom fighters executed and put in a mass grave early in the Indonesian occupation, experts said Friday.
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Google to shut China search engine
'Bali bomber' killed in Indonesia Indonesia's President Yudhoyono confirms security forces killed Bali bomb suspect Dulmatin in raids in Jakarta on Tuesday. |
| Europe | Map of Europe |
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UK Gay weddings to be allowed in church Killer of Human Rights Activist Identified Russian officials say that they have identified the killer of well-known human rights activist Natalya Estemirova, abducted last summer outside her home in Chechnya's capital Grozny. Basque separatist leader arrested Eta commander captured in joint Spanish-French raid after 13 years in hiding. British War Resister Sentenced to Nine Months in Jail Yukos demands $100bn from Russia Disbanded Russian oil company Yukos takes Russia to the European Court, seeking nearly $100bn in damages. Collider to shut down for a year The Large Hadron Collider must be shut down for a year starting in late 2011 to address design flaws, the BBC has learned. Switzerland rejects plan to give animals representation in court Italy, FBI raids crack down on Mafia in US, Sicily The FBI arrested a reputed U.S. mobster Wednesday on charges he provided protection for a Sicilian counterpart operating in Florida -- part of an international sweep aimed at further crippling the storied Gambino organized crime family and disrupting its ties to the Italian mob. |
Clashes erupt at Greek strike march
Police fire tear gas at protesters as strike
over austerity measures cripples services.Riots
in Greece
Vatican Furious Over Condom Machines In Rome School Cardinal links celibacy to church sex abuse France 'may tag' abusive husbands Men seen as likely to be violent towards their wives could be forced to wear an electronic tag under new French proposals. 'Closet-Nazi' in running for Austrian presidency HOAX NEWS: Russia attacks Georgia, Saakashvili killed 7 arrested in Ireland over Swedish cartoonist plot Police in Ireland have arrested seven people over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist who depicted the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog. |
| Map of Africa | |
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Pirates hijack Norwegian tanker
90 Rwandan rebels killed in eastern Congo Al-Qaida: Freed Spanish hostage converted to Islam Al-Qaida's offshoot in North Africa said Friday it released a Spanish woman it had held captive for 100 days in Mauritania because she voluntarily converted to Islam US dismayed after Morocco expels Americans The U.S. ambassador to Morocco has expressed dismay over the expulsion of Americans accused of trying to convert Moroccans to Christianity in the North African kingdom. |
Concern over fresh Darfur fighting US
urges Sudan government and rebels to stop
violence one week after peace deal signed.
Somali pirates 'in land attack' The hijacking of three UN trucks by Somali pirates may be a cause for concern, a UN spokesman tells the BBC
SAfrican top party: Song not about killing
whites South Africa's governing party
says a leading member didn't mean it
literally when he sang about killing whites. |
| The Americas | Map of North America and South America |
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Naomi Klein: How
Socialism Protected
Chileans from
Earthquake Fall-out
Wall Street Journal
columnist makes an
attempt to rewrite
history that Chile's
"free-market"
dictator Augusto
Pinochet can be
thanked for
preventing
destruction there
Guatemala's anti-drug tsar arrested Top officials detained in connection to crime network involved in drug smuggling. US troops withdrawing en masse from Haiti Demand for Lithium Is Poised to Take Off As awareness spreads that lithium is an ingredient for hybrid cars, a hunt is under way for sources of the metal. Above, a lithium evaporating pool in Bolivia. In Mexico, 13 killed in Acapulco area, 11 others elsewhere in Guerrero |
Haiti wants more info on foreign aid Haiti Wants Refugees Back New plan for Haiti's earthquake homeless: Move back to destroyed neighborhoods. Red Cross clinics in some parts of Mexico are refusing to treat people wounded by gunshots after finding themselves caught in the drug war, with cartel hit men intercepting ambulances to seize patients and even killing a Red Cross worker this week. Bolivian leader names 18 judges Bolivian President Evo Morales appoints 18 top judges, including Supreme Court justices, ahead of December judicial elections. Venezuelan officials take control of 2 sugar mills Brazilian judge awards $1M in Air France suit A Brazilian judge has ordered Air France to pay the equivalent of more than $1 million in damages to the family of one of the victims of last year's crash that killed more than 200 people, officials said Friday |