The News Crawler

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Last Update: Monday, May 11, 2009

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Pentagon admits US airstrike may have killed Afghan civilians But the military said that the estimated death toll of the bombing this week – 100 people – was "grossly exaggerated." How the US Empire Contributed to the Economic Crisis Ivan Eland says endless war brings inflation Obama sends handwritten letter to gay soldier ousted from the military promising to repeal DADT. Arnie: high time to review marijuana law Arnold Schwarzenegger has never apologised for smoking pot – and loving it — at the height of his bodybuilding career in the 1970s. Now, as a struggling Republican governor of California reaching a crossroads in his political career, he might yet become America's most visible advocate for legalising marijuana. Pentagon's requests increased weapons spending The Pentagon's proposed $534 billion budget calls for more spending on projects like Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-35 fighter jet, a naval destroyer built by Bath Iron Works and Sikorsky's Black Hawk helicopters. Court allows cops to track cars via GPS without a warrant The decision was rendered following the denial of an appeal by Michael Sveum, who was convicted of aggravated stalking. Sveum petitioned the court to overturn his conviction, but the court ruled that police — who had obtained a warrant to track Sveum’s vehicle — did not in fact need a warrant so long as the device was on the outside of the vehicle. Judge No Longer A Believer In Unfettered Markets Richard Posner is one of the county's leading libertarian thinkers. He and his compatriots at the University of Chicago have put their trust in free, unfettered and barely regulated markets. But the title of his new book suggests a recent change of heart. It's called A Failure of Capitalism. Feds to condemn land for Flight 93 memorial "It's absolutely a surprise. I'm shocked by it. I'm disappointed by it," said Tim Lambert, who owns nearly 164 acres that his grandfather bought in the 1930s. The park service plans to condemn two parcels totaling about five acres -- land, he said, he had always intended to donate for the memorial.	CIA: 19 Dems briefed on torture Are Taxpayers Bailing Out Banks Twice? With banks in trouble, interest rate hikes, penalties being scrutinized. What Pending Credit Card Reforms Will And Won't Mean For Consumers There are a lot of things the credit card legislation that's quickly moving through Congress would do for you. It would stop your credit card issuer from piling on more fees. It would make it tougher for them to raise your interest rate. Ugly Chapter in Yahoo's History Revisited The bill would prevent companies like Yahoo!, Google, and Microsoft from helping such governments find, convict and torture citizens for engaging in democracy promotion and human rights advocacy on the internet. Timothy Geithner's Bailout Dollar Recycling May Be Illegal House votes to outlaw 'liar loans' The House voted Thursday to outlaw "liar loans," ballooning mortgage payments and other bank practices that lawmakers say preyed on consumers who couldn't afford their homes. SEC chief backs 'systemic risk council' idea The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States fell by 17 this week to 928, down nearly half from a year ago. 2001 FBI Memo Warned Of Bin Laden Aviation Cadre Two months before the September 11 attacks, FBI agent Kenneth Williams sent the below memo to bureau brass in Washington and New York warning that a cadre of Osama bin Laden disciples might be training at U.S. flight schools in preparation for future "terror activity against civil aviation targets. Spying on anti-war protestors: US Army Concept of Operations for Police Intelligence Operations, 4 Mar 2009 Whistleblower exposes insider trading program at JP Morgan
Connecticut
Conn. reports housing permits down 33 percent Sen. Gaffey Fined $6,000 in Double-Billing Travel Controversy Senator Thomas Gaffey has been fined $6,000 in a double-billing controversy regarding travel expenses to various conferences. Lieberman and Graham Urge Obama to Keep Hiding Detainee Abuse Photos Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wrote to President Obama yesterday urging him to block the impending release of photographs showing detainees abused by U.S. military personnel, reports Secrecy News, the blog of the Federation of American Scientists. Rell Signs Agreement For Limited Smoking Ban At Foxwoods In an effort to extinguish a controversial issue, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed an agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot nation Thursday for a voluntary, limited smoking ban at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Most Conn. state unions approve concessions Unionized state employees announced Friday they have agreed to concessions worth about $700 million, savings needed to help cover Connecticut's gaping budget deficits this year and the next two.	Lieberman's Campaign Fined $50,000 in 2006 Race Vs. Lamont U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman's campaign will pay a $50,000 penalty to settle allegations of improper petty cash payments made to workers during a hard-fought race in 2006 for the U.S. Senate. Wesleyan Shooter May Be Targeting School, Jews The man who shot and killed Johanna Justin-Jinich at a Middletown bookstore on Wednesday might still be in the area and could remain focused on the Wesleyan and the Jewish communities, said police. State's Highest Court Orders CRRA To Pay Member Towns The state Supreme Court rebuked Connecticut's trash-to-energy authority Friday, upholding lower court findings that the authority overcharged ratepayers in 70 towns to cover losses from an illegal, unsecured $220 million loan that it made to the now-defunct Enron Corp. Conn. confirms 11 new swine flu cases State Considers Killing Death Penalty Solar Panels Considered For City Garage Solar panels could soon be placed atop New London's Riverview Parking Garage to generate electricity for the city Connecticut expected to lose at least 40,000 more jobs
United States
Guns In Bars? Tenn. House Says OK Boy Scouts Tell Fat Leaders to Take a Hike New height/weight requirements bar some from participating in scouting events. Google: A 'natural monopoly'? For the second week in a row, reports have surfaced that government regulators are closely eyeing Google. Ex-Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu to plead guilty Former top Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu has told a federal judge in Manhattan he will plead guilty to 10 counts of wire and mail fraud. Russian court convicts US brothers on spy charges A Moscow court convicted two brothers with dual Russian-U.S. citizenship of industrial espionage Thursday and gave them one-year suspended sentences, according Russia's top domestic security agency. CIA's Lao ally faces 'outrageous' charge In a California court case that reads more like a B-movie script than a real-life international investigation, defense attorneys have moved to dismiss charges that a group of American citizens purchased a cache of weapons in a plot to overthrow the Lao government. Lawyers claim the group, which includes legendary Hmong CIA operative Vang Pao, was framed by the same government that Pao once fought for. Poor U.S. roads hit drivers in wallet Police discover composition book saying ‘Kill Johanna. She must die.’ (Wesleyan U Shooting) 2001 FBI Memo Warned Of Bin Laden Aviation Cadre - April 12, 2004 Two months before the September 11 attacks, FBI agent Kenneth Williams sent the below memo to bureau brass in Washington and New York warning that a cadre of Osama bin Laden disciples might be training at U.S. flight schools in preparation for future "terror activity against civil aviation targets." Google boss won't quit Apple job Eric Schmidt says resigning from Apple's board "hasn't crossed his mind" despite reports of a government antitrust inquiry. Second Pepsi bottler snubs buyout PepsiAmericas joins Pepsi Bottling Group in rejecting a takeover offer from PepsiCo. Judge No Longer A Believer In Unfettered Markets Richard Posner is one of the county's leading libertarian thinkers. He and his compatriots at the University of Chicago have put their trust in free, unfettered and barely regulated markets. But the title of his new book suggests a recent change of heart. It's called A Failure of Capitalism. UN: Treaty expanded by 9 more dangerous chemicals A U.N.-sponsored treaty to combat highly dangerous chemicals has been expanded to include nine more substances that are used in pesticides, electronics and other products, U.N. officials said Saturday. Losing Religion, Keeping the Faith: Religious 'Nones' Aren't as Godless as You Think It turns out that the religiously unaffiliated aren't as faithless as they've been portrayed. Teacher Retirements Might Swamp Schools A wave of retirements could create a severe teacher shortage in just a few years, a new study says. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/credit/It's one of the most wonderful times of the year for the banking industry's most lucrative business: credit cards. In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will reach into their wallets and use plastic to buy an estimated $100 billion in holiday gifts. But at what cost? (more) Drug traffickers seek complete smuggling automation	Feds to condemn land for Flight 93 memorial "It's absolutely a surprise. I'm shocked by it. I'm disappointed by it," said Tim Lambert, who owns nearly 164 acres that his grandfather bought in the 1930s. The park service plans to condemn two parcels totaling about five acres -- land, he said, he had always intended to donate for the memorial. Torture Memo Authors May Avoid Professional Sanctions Md. becomes first state in nation to protect homeless people under hate-crimes law Maryland became the first state in the nation to extend hate-crimes protection to homeless people under a bill signed Thursday by Gov. Martin O'Malley. David Simon, Creator of Acclaimed HBO Series "The Wire": As Profit Motive Guts Newspapers, Communities Lose Out Murdoch: News Corp. Papers to Start Charging for Online Content Whistleblower exposes insider trading program at JP Morgan Spying on anti-war protestors: US Army Concept of Operations for Police Intelligence Operations, 4 Mar 2009 NY FED CHAIRMAN ABRUPTLY RESIGNS Fired Gay Arab Linguist On "Maddow": I'll Fight Army "Tooth And Nail" The NYT Finally Prints "Torture" Memo to Media: Populism Is a Rebellion Against Corporate Power -- It's Not Just Stupid, Raw Anger The Dredge Report The TVA's efforts to clean up after its massive coal ash spill may create even more health hazards. Hackers breached US air traffic control systems Texas rape victims forced to pay for evidence collection Facebook urged to remove Holocaust-denial groups Ethanol Industry’s 15% Solution Raises Concerns A push to get the E.P.A. to increase the maximum ethanol content in gasoline has drawn widespread opposition. Jury convicts infomercial hawkers Two self-proclaimed stock-picking experts who persuaded consumers on late-night infomercials to spend tens of thousands of dollars on software and other products to play the market were convicted of fraud and conspiracy in federal court Thursday. US Sugar board OKs $533M Everglades deal U.S. Sugar Corp.'s board of directors has approved a scaled-back deal to help restore the Florida Everglades. Statue of Liberty's crown to re-open July 4 Court allows cops to track cars via GPS without a warrant The decision was rendered following the denial of an appeal by Michael Sveum, who was convicted of aggravated stalking. Sveum petitioned the court to overturn his conviction, but the court ruled that police — who had obtained a warrant to track Sveum’s vehicle — did not in fact need a warrant so long as the device was on the outside of the vehicle. Jack Kemp: Running a Very Different Republican Race The former pro quarterback and congressman may have failed to make the GOP a much more racially diverse party, but it was not for lack of trying SEC chief backs 'systemic risk council' idea The head of the Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday she favors a new proposal for federal regulators sharing oversight of companies that pose financial risks to the economy
Madoffed
US jails China bankers for fraud Two former Bank of China managers and their wives are jailed in the US for embezzling $485m Exclusive: Confessions of a Mortgage Scammer Mortgage crook admits crime, but blames banks for not "stopping the madness."

Science
'Anaconda' Harnesses Wave Power A new wave energy device known as "Anaconda" is the latest idea to harness the power of the seas. Its inventors claim the key to its success lies in its simplicity: Anaconda is little more than a length of rubber tubing filled with wate Research suggests children can recover from autism A small but provocative study suggests that at least 10 percent of children with autism overcome the disorder by age 9 - most of them after undergoing years of intensive behavioral therapy.	Mild Flu Could Hit Harder in the Fall It may seem as though the threat of the virus known as H1N1 has lessened. But infectious disease experts and public health officials agree: The worst is likely still to come. In pandemics of the past, flu that arrived in the spring hit harder come fall, when influenza season returned 'Hobbits' were distinct human species
Politics
Democrats want war contracts redistributed Alarmed by the increasing use of contractors to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, House Democrats are demanding that the military shift more of the lucrative work handled by U.S. companies to the Iraqis and Afghans. Timothy Geithner's Bailout Dollar Recycling May Be Illegal Pentagon's requests increased weapons spending The Pentagon's proposed $534 billion budget calls for more spending on projects like Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-35 fighter jet, a naval destroyer built by Bath Iron Works and Sikorsky's Black Hawk helicopters. Rangel Bars Any Taxes on Workers’ Health Care Ugly Chapter in Yahoo's History Revisited The bill would prevent companies like Yahoo!, Google, and Microsoft from helping such governments find, convict and torture citizens for engaging in democracy promotion and human rights advocacy on the internet. BANKS BLOCKING WAY OUT OF FORECLOSURE CRISIS Gates incensed about $300,000 NYC flyover Government Could Destroy Hundreds Of Gitmo Records Pentagon may have been ordered to cover up Iraq probe; Inspector general went to work for Blackwater Feds ready to build virtual fence along border Federal officials plan to start construction within weeks on a new "virtual fence" along the U.S.-Mexico border that they say could almost completely cover the nearly 2,000-mile frontier within five years. What Pending Credit Card Reforms Will And Won't Mean For Consumers There are a lot of things the credit card legislation that's quickly moving through Congress would do for you. It would stop your credit card issuer from piling on more fees. It would make it tougher for them to raise your interest rate. Hoekstra Wants More CIA Interrogation Documents Made Public House Intelligence ranking member Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) is pressing intelligence officials to declassify more documents that show what Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) knew about the types of severe interrogations tactics used on suspected terrorists Are Taxpayers Bailing Out Banks Twice? With banks in trouble, interest rate hikes, penalties being scrutinized. Arnie: high time to review marijuana law Arnold Schwarzenegger has never apologised for smoking pot – and loving it — at the height of his bodybuilding career in the 1970s. Now, as a struggling Republican governor of California reaching a crossroads in his political career, he might yet become America's most visible advocate for legalising marijuana.	House votes to outlaw 'liar loans' The House voted Thursday to outlaw "liar loans," ballooning mortgage payments and other bank practices that lawmakers say preyed on consumers who couldn't afford their homes. Ten largest U.S. banks need $75 billion The End of Abstinence-Only Education The President's FY2010 budget was released this morning (you can search through all 1376 pages here) and among the proposed changes it includes is the elimination of Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) funding. Afghan war costs to overtake Iraq in 2010: Pentagon Naomi Klein rips bailouts, says they feed on poor Meghan McCain: Bristol Palin Shows The GOP Doesn't Understand Sex Intelligence Report: Pelosi Briefed On Use Of Interrogation Tactics In Sept. 2002 Senate Votes To Open Up Fed Waterboarding Not Discussed At CIA Briefings: Congressional Aide CIA (Letter) Admits That Info About Torture Briefings For Dems May Not Be Accurate Docs Show Rockefeller Was Briefed On "How The Water Board Was Used" (in considerable detail) Feds Order GMAC to Raise $13.1 Billion to Shore Up Finances Vets need more comprehensive care Florida's GOP Governor to Be Outed in Explosive Documentary Released Today "Outrage" film goes after closeted hypocritical Republicans who push anti-gay legislation. Fannie Mae asks Treasury for aid US mortgage finance firm Fannie Mae asks the Treasury for $19bn (£12.6bn) in aid, as it announces a loss for the first quarter. Critics: Army Corps' $5.2M PR tab is wasteful spin A public relations firm boasts it turned around media coverage of the much-maligned Army Corps of Engineers since Hurricane Katrina wiped out sections of New Orleans in 2005 - to the tune of $5.2 million. CIA: 19 Dems briefed on torture Handwritten Notes Show Fed Oversight Bill Neutered On Senate Floor Docs Show Rockefeller Was Briefed On "How The Water Board Was Used" (in considerable detail)
Obama
Holder says terrorists won't be freed into US The Obama administration will not release terrorists from Guantanamo Bay into neighborhoods in the United States, Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress on Thursday as he sought to reassure worried lawmakers Obama budget allocates $130 billion for 2 wars President Barack Obama's proposed defense budget includes $130 billion for the nation's two wars, a figure that may not be enough.... Obama proposes end to oil, gas industry tax breaks (AP) President Barack Obama wants to end $26 billion in oil and gas industry tax breaks, calling them "unjustifiable loopholes" in the tax system that other companies do not get. White House Supports Financial Inquiry Obama sends handwritten letter to gay soldier ousted from the military promising to repeal DADT. Govt. Sticks With Bush Polar Bear Rule A rule limiting protections on polar bears remains, the AP reports. Obama proposes new rules on job training Pledging to fight the "sobering toll" of job losses, President Obama announced plans today to help displaced workers get more education and training while still keeping their unemployment benefits. Obama jabs at himself, DC's establishment (AP) President Barack Obama poked fun at himself and the Washington establishment Saturday night Obama to scrap funding for abstinence-only programmes Full Video: Obama's White House Correspondents Dinner Speech Obama Administration Sides With Union (250,000 SEIU members) on California’s Proposed Wage Cuts	Obama budget would cut or end 121 government programs Obama to propose $1.25B for black farmers President Barack Obama is proposing that the government provide $1.25 billion to settle discrimination claims by black farmers against the Agriculture Department. Obama to cut slain officers program almost in half (AP) Obama ends well-liked program for border security (AP) Members of Congress quickly denounced an Obama administration plan to end federal payments to states and communities for jailing illegal immigrants. First Gay Arabic Linguist To Be Fired Under Obama Obama Budget Bans Federal Funding For Needle Exchange, Breaking Campaign Pledge Some readers might think it unfair to blame Obama. After all, the president inherited the "don't ask, don't tell" law when he took office. As Commander-in-Chief, he has to follow the law. If the law says that the military must fire any service member who acknowledges being gay, that is not Obama's fault. Obama to Speak From Egypt in Address to Muslim World Obama to expand diplomatic corps by 25 percent President Barack Obama's proposed foreign affairs budget calls for a massive hiring drive at the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to staff a dramatic shift from military to civilian operations abroad SLEEP-CYCLE' torture tactics may be retained. CSA gaining ground nationwide Community supported agriculture: buy straight from farm.
Economy
New Jobless Claims Plunge To 601K Under Restructuring, GM To Build More Cars Overseas Unemployment hits 25-year high US unemployment at 8.9%, but job losses in April better than expected. How the US Empire Contributed to the Economic Crisis Ivan Eland says endless war brings inflation	retail sales improve Toyota Reports Worst Loss Since 1937 Raw materials surge as crude hits $58 level Commodities prices hit their highest levels in six months this week as crude oil hit $58 a barrel and a broad rally took hold among base metals, freight, precious metals, agricultural and soft raw materials...

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Wednesday: 20 Iraqis Killed, 84 Wounded Thursday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 10 Wounded Friday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 4 Wounded Saturday: 2 US Soldiers, 3 Iraqis Killed; 11 Iraqis Wounded Bomb Ruptures Iraq Pipeline, Exports Unaffected A roadside bomb ruptured a pipeline from Iraq's northern Bai Hassan oil field early on Wednesday, but the attack did not affect oil export capacity, the oil ministry said. Ex-U.S. soldier found guilty in Iraqi rape, deaths (Reuters) Iraq: Firm once known as Blackwater exits Baghdad (AP) AP - The American security firm once known as Blackwater ended its operations in the diplomatic hub of Baghdad on Thursday, bringing to a close a bitter chapter in U.S.-Iraqi relations that began with a deadly shooting by its contractors. Contractor gets probation for killing prisoner former military contractor was sentenced Friday to probation for shooting and killing a handcuffed prisoner in Afghanistan. Blackwater Remains in Iraq Despite Contract's Expiration Corruption seen at root of Iraq's lack of services	10 Kurdish Rebels Killed in Strike in Iraq: Report Oil Groups to End 40-year Exile from Iraq International oil companies are preparing to go back into Iraq by the end of the year, in spite of Baghdad’s failure to pass an oil law and continuing concerns over security. Iraq blames Al Qaida revival on U.S. release of 4,000 insurgents U.S. military says flow of foreign fighters to Iraq slowing Angry Farmers Sabotage Chinese Oil Equipment in Southern Iraq It is the second incident in less than a week involving the Ahdab oil field which the China National Petroleum Corporation is developing. Iraqi relatives urge death for US rape soldier Relatives of an Iraqi girl who was raped and killed along with her family by a U.S. soldier urged that he be given the death penalty on Friday. U.S. forces kill Iraqi boy after grenade attack The U.S. military says its troops had shot dead a 12-year-old Iraqi boy suspected of throwing a grenade at them and said it believed insurgents were paying children to help them
Middle East
Israeli troops kill Palestinian at West Bank shrine Israeli troops killed an unarmed Palestinian at the entrance to a contested biblical shrine in the occupied West Bank Wednesday, a military spokesman said. Running short of concrete, Gazans build mud homes Study: Poverty fueling Muslim tension with West Royal Sheikh Detained by UAE Over Torture Tape Allegations Lebanon arrests two more 'spies' The Lebanese authorities arrest two brothers and accuse them of spying for Mossad, the Israeli secret service. Iran president seeks second term Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registers his intention to fight for a second term as president of Iran in June polls. Netanyahu: Israel will never withdraw from Golan Parks Fortify Israel’s Claim to Jerusalem A $100 million effort to develop parks and gardens outside the Old City of Jerusalem may strengthen Israeli claims to the land. Pope, in Jordan, reaches out to Muslims Pills that are Gazans' little helpers Palestinians struggling to cope with the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the trauma of war are turning to painkillers and tranquillizers at a rate that risks triggering a wave of addiction. Controversial book sparks anger and debate over free speech in Turkey A lawsuit filed against author Nedim Gürsel on charges of insulting religious values in his novel “Allah’ın Kızları” (Daughters of God) and anger among religious circles over the “blasphemous” book have sparked a fresh debate on freedom of speech in EU-aspirant Turkey. Israel 'sleepers' unmasked in Lebanon (AFP) They were allegedly sleeper cells of spies set up by Israel to build up a "database" on the secretive Hezbollah until Lebanon unmasked them with the arrest of a retired security officer. Hamas to rebuild Gaza homes with mud bricks (AFP) The Hamas-run government in the fenced-off Gaza Strip said on Saturday that it will use mud bricks to rebuild houses destroyed during a massive Israeli offensive at the turn of the year	Egypt Jails Its Very Own 'Madoff' for 62-Million-Dollar Star Swindle Egypt: Nuke program only for peaceful purposes Foreign Ministry spokesman calls media reports on nuclear inspectors finding traces of weapons-grade uranium "mistaken and outdated." Obama renews Syria sanctions Obama administration says "serious concerns" remains despite engagement with Damascus. Report on Bethlehem faults Israel UN office says just 13 per cent of West Bank city's land is available for Palestinians. US denies Israel access to F-35 computer Attackers Blow Up North Iraq Oil Pipeline Triple Canopy Sponsors Iraq Oil and Gas Summit in Houston Iran Continues Shelling Kurds In Iraqi Territory Bomb Blast Kills 5 in Turkey A roadside bomb in the mainly Kurdish southeast region killed two members of a state-sponsored rural militia and three civilians, security sources said. Lebanese gays take fight for their rights public In the Arab world, where several nations have seen killings of gay men in recent months, it can be startling to see a rainbow flag unfurled in public. Muslim Brotherhood: Obama's Egypt trip 'useless' Ergenekon supporter Cindoruk eyes Democrat Party leadership Former Parliament Speaker Hüsamettin Cindoruk, who is better known for his stance against the probe into Ergenekon, a clandestine criminal organization charged with plotting to overthrow the government, has announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Democrat Party in Turkey Militia must stay out of election: Iran reformer A reformist challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on Iran's Basij militia and armed forces on Saturday not to intervene in June's presidential election, countering comments from a senior commander.
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Police fire on Afghans protesting civilian deaths Police fired on rock-throwing protesters angry over civilian deaths they blamed on American bombing runs in western Afghanistan, a local official said Thursday, as the U.S. military rushed a team to the site to investigate. Two British soldiers among Afghan bombing deaths giant US military base emerges in Afghanistan (AFP) In the forbidding Afghan desert, US engineers are carving out a sprawling military camp as part of a dramatic American troop build-up designed to confront Taliban insurgents Karzai to share power with Hekmatyar wanted by US KABUL: One of Afghanistan’s most wanted terrorists is to be offered a power-sharing deal by the government of President Hamid Karzai as the country’s warlords extend their grip on power. Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who is on America’s “most wanted” terrorist list, is to hold talks with the Kabul government within the next few weeks. Hekmatyar is the leader of Hezb-i-Islami, which has been fighting Nato troops alongside the Taliban.	Afghan official: 147 dead in fighting US denies 147 civilians killed in Afghan violence Afghan academic, ex-Taliban join presidency race (AFP) An internationally respected academic and a veteran of the ousted Taliban regime entered Afghanistan's race for the presidency on Thursday, signing up to contest the landmark August election. Pentagon admits US airstrike may have killed Afghan civilians But the military said that the estimated death toll of the bombing this week – 100 people – was "grossly exaggerated." Afghanistan: 4 British troops killed in one day (AFP) Petraeus: al-Qaida not operating in Afghanistan Karzai urges US to stop strikes Afghan President Hamid Karzai calls on the US to halt air strikes in his country, following an attack that killed civilians
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistan scraps Taliban peace deal, source says The Pakistani government plans to scrap a tenuous peace deal with Taliban militants and launch an even more aggressive operation against them in northwestern Pakistan, a Pakistani military official said today. Between 12,000 and 15,000 Pakistani troops already are in Swat, site of the faltering peace deal, according to the official. full story China voices concern over growing US influence Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhaohui on Thursday said his country was ‘concerned over the increasing US influence’ in the region. He said the number of foreign forces was ‘too high’ in the region. No talks unless Pakistan acts against Mumbai plotters: Indian PM Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday the peace process with neighbouring Pakistan would remain on hold unless it prosecuted those behind last year's attacks on Mumbai.	Taliban trap civilians in Pakistani war zone Gates: GIs won't be sent to Pakistan JeM militants joining Taliban in Swat: Pak Pakistan says army will eliminate "terrorists" Pakistan announces full-scale offensive against Islamic extremists The Pakistani army said Friday that it had launched "full-scale" operations to wrest back control of Swat valley from Taliban extremists, a dramatic move that if carried through will severely test the military's ability to run a counterinsurgency operation and the government's ability to handle a flood of internal refugees.
Asia
Thousands clash with police in Chinese city: rights group Thousands of protesters clashed with police in front of a municipal government building in south China in the latest in a series of land disputes, a human rights group reported. At least 20 people were injured. China land protest turns deadly One dead and several injured after clashes over land dispute in central China. American Arrested For Swimming To Burmese Nobel Peace Prize Winner's Home Man Accused of Leading Terrorist Group (behind Bali bombings) Is Seized	Singapore 'terror leader' captured Suspected attack plotter arrested more than a year after escape, officials say. Myanmar ignores US request to see detained citizen The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar said Friday the government has ignored its repeated requests for access to a detained American arrested for allegedly swimming to the lakeside home of detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and sneaking inside.
Europe
DNA Profiles To Be Removed From Database Russia, angered over spy scandal, expels Canadians Russia is expelling two Moscow-based NATO employees who are Canadian diplomats in retaliation for NATO's recent expulsion of two Russian envoys from its headquarters, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. UK judges reopen Guantanamo case Germany plans weapons registry, 'biometric' gun controls Croatian lawmaker convicted of war crimes A Croatian court convicted an opposition lawmaker of war crimes on Friday, but he vowed in a video statement to avoid imprisonment. G20 police 'used undercover men to incite crowds' An MP who was involved in last month's G20 protests in London is to call for an investigation into whether the police used agents provocateurs to incite the crowds	Russian court convicts US brothers on spy charges A Moscow court convicted two brothers with dual Russian-U.S. citizenship of industrial espionage Thursday and gave them one-year suspended sentences, according Russia's top domestic security agency. Few Russians believe Medvedev controls power: poll (Reuters) Only one in eight Russians believes President Dmitry Medvedev holds real power, exactly a year after he was inaugurated on Thursday, according to the latest figures from Russian pollsters Levada. Hindu loses open-air cremation case in Britain (AFP) An elderly Hindu man who wants an open-air cremation in Britain when he dies lost his test case at London's High Court Friday. Moscow bans gay rights parade on Eurovision day (Reuters)
Africa
Somali pirates take Dutch boat, chase U.S. supply ship White Kenyan aristocrat convicted of shooting poacher The heir to Kenya's most famous white settler family was convicted Thursday of shooting a black poacher on his estate in a case highlighting the east African nation's delicate colonial legacy. For Somali Pirates, Worst Enemy May Be on Shore Somalia’s pirates are the targets not just of those they attack, but also of sheiks and elders who are fed up with their vices. Darfur peacekeeper killed during car heist Chad: 125 rebels killed in eastern battle Mali pursues al Qaeda suspects in north: source Mali launched an operation aimed at flushing out suspected al Qaeda militants in the Sahara on Saturday and states in the region are preparing for a joint crackdown, military sources said. Somali pirates free British cargo ship (AFP) Somali pirates on Saturday released an Italian-operated, British-owned cargo ship that was seized in April, two maritime watchdog organisations said.	Somalia Islamists say at least 12 killed in clashes At least 12 people were killed and scores wounded in clashes between Somalia's militant rebels and pro-government Islamist militias in the latest fighting in the anarchic Horn of Africa state, witnesses and Islamists said. Stress, poor concentration" - Kenyan man sues over sex ban A Kenyan man sues activists who urged women to deny their partners sex for a week as a political protest. African leaders to be investigated over French personal fortunes Sudan to allow new aid groups into Darfur (AFP) Samuel L Jackson to play pirate hero The Oscar-nominated actor looks set to play Andrew Mwangura, who heads the Seafarer's Assistance Programme (SAP), a non-profit piracy monitoring group that works to release imperiled crews and vessels off the coast of Africa. Variety reports that Jackson's Uppity Films and Andras Hamori's H20 Motion Pictures have secured the life rights to the story of Mwangura, 47, a maritime consultant who receives no remuneration for his SAP work
The Americas
Some lawmakers allege fraud in Haiti election Some of Haiti's most powerful lawmakers are calling for last month's parliamentary elections to be thrown out because of allegations of voter fraud and political manipulation. Mexico says its economy is in recession Campaign Against School of the Americas Lobbies El Salvador Representatives of School of the Americas Watch visited El Salvador to ask the incoming government of the leftwing FMLN, which will take office in June, to stop sending military officers to the U.S. army academy, which has long been accused of teaching torture techniques. Venezuela Says 4 Suspected Terrorists Detained Police uncovered a cache of weapons and explosives at a Caracas apartment and later detained four foreigners on suspicion of planning terrorist acts, authorities said Saturday.	Colombia expels Kosovo liberation leader Colombia invited a leader of Kosovo's independence war for a conference on demobilizing guerrilla movements then expelled him based on an Interpol warrant issued at Serbia's request, the government said Thursday. Envoy criticizes flu 'discrimination' of Mexicans Nations need common rules for responding to flu outbreaks to prevent discrimination and unfair trade restrictions, Mexico's U.N. envoy said Friday, complaining that Mexican citizens and exports were being unfairly singled out. Nearly 270,000 Brazilians flee floods Calls for racially segregated public transport in Milan sparks row

Handwritten Notes Show Fed Oversight Bill Neutered On Senate Floor

Militia must stay out of election: Iran reformer A reformist challenger to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on Iran's Basij militia and armed forces on Saturday not to intervene in June's presidential election, countering comments from a senior commander.

No talks unless Pakistan acts against Mumbai plotters: Indian PM Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday the peace process with neighbouring Pakistan would remain on hold unless it prosecuted those behind last year's attacks on Mumbai.

Hindu loses open-air cremation case in Britain (AFP) An elderly Hindu man who wants an open-air cremation in Britain when he dies lost his test case at London's High Court Friday.