The News Crawler

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Last Update: Thursday, May 14, 2009

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Ransoms blamed for Somali piracy A Somali minister says piracy is being made worse by the international community paying ransoms. Pakistan says 200 Taliban fighters killed in a day ....Taliban a creation of CIA and ISI, says Zardari US Journalist Freed From Iranian Prison US to borrow 46 cents for every dollar spent (AP) The government will have to borrow nearly 50 cents for every dollar it spends this year, exploding the record federal deficit past $1.8 trillion under new White House estimates THE ONES WHO GOT IT RIGHT The Senators And Economists Who Foresaw The Financial Crisis Group Aiming To Defeat Health Care Reform Previously Masterminded "Swift Boat" Attacks, "Harry And Louise" Ads Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi Has Died In A Libyan Prison The emir of the Khaldan training camp in Afghanistan, al-Libi was one of hundreds of prisoners seized by Pakistani forces in December 2001, crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Most of these men ended up in Guantánamo after being handed over (or sold) to US forces by their Pakistani allies, but al-Libi was, notoriously, rendered to Egypt by the CIA to be tortured on behalf of the US government.In Egypt, he came up with the false allegation about connections between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein that was used by President Bush in a speech in Cincinnati on October 7, 2002, just days before Congress voted on a resolution authorizing the President to go to war against Iraq, in which, referring to the supposed threat posed by Saddam Hussein’s regime, Bush said, “We’ve learned that Iraq has trained al-Qaeda members in bomb making and poisons and deadly gases.”	US military: 44 Afghan cases of white phosphorus The U.S. accused Afghan militants Monday of using white phosphorus as a weapon in "reprehensible" attacks on U.S. forces and in civilian areas Did U.S. help Lebanon crack alleged Israeli spy rings? Lebanon arrested five people over the weekend suspected of belonging to an intelligence cell transmitting information about Hezbollah to Israel, the most recent arrests in a two-month crackdown apparently aided by American training and equipment Administration Plans to Strengthen Antitrust Rules.As part of her remarks, Varney retracted a September 2008 report that amended Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Section 2 deemed it illegal to make any attempt at creating a monopoly but the amendment had loosened those rules. Court Rebuffs FBI Censorship of Manuscript A federal court last week rejected most of the objections raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to publication of a 500-page manuscript critical of the FBI counterterrorism program that was written by retired FBI Special Agent Robert G. Wright. The manuscript had been submitted for pre-publication review in October 2001. Chevron Hires Ex-Reporter To Counter "60 Minutes" Report On Pollution As a demonstration of just how far companies will go to counteract negative publicity, the Chevron case is extraordinary. Gene Randall, a former CNN correspondent, spent about five months on the project, which was posted on the Internet in April, three weeks before the “60 Minutes” report was shown on May 3. Trickle-down theory never filled promise One fact that few people know about the Reagan trickle-down economics theory is that the wealth did not trickle down very far. Only the very top-level earners in this country became extremely more wealthy
Connecticut
Blumenthal Arguing Against Southwestern Conn. Flight Plan Attorney General Richard Blumenthal plans to argue before a federal appeals court against a plan he says routes more large planes over southwestern Connecticut.	Sen. Dodd Defends Jackie Clegg Dodd in Courant Op-Ed The commentary piece is in response to a previous story one week ago by The Courant's Ed Mahony and Jon Lender on the corporate boards that Jackie Clegg Dodd serves as a director
United States
U.S. gets tough on Canadian border The administration says security should be as stringent as on the Mexican frontier. Border residents and Canadian officials disagree, saying the terrorism threat is exaggerated. High above the rugged border, an unmanned Predator B drone equipped with night-vision cameras and cloud-piercing radar has scanned the landscape for signs of smugglers, illegal immigrants or terrorists. Chevron Hires Ex-Reporter To Counter "60 Minutes" Report On Pollution As a demonstration of just how far companies will go to counteract negative publicity, the Chevron case is extraordinary. Gene Randall, a former CNN correspondent, spent about five months on the project, which was posted on the Internet in April, three weeks before the “60 Minutes” report was shown on May 3. Wal-Mart CEO Signs Petition Banning Gay Adoption Student at religious school willing to accept suspension to attend prom Officials at Heritage Christian School in Findlay had warned 17-year-old Tyler Frost that he would be suspended and prohibited from attending graduation if he went to the Saturday dance. The fundamentalist Baptist school in Northwest Ohio forbids dancing, rock music and hand holding. Lawyer: Gitmo prisoner slashed wrist, hurled blood A Yemeni held at Guantanamo slashed his wrist and hurled the blood at his lawyer during a meeting at the prison Is Whole Foods Just Another Evil Corporation? Beneath the surface of Whole Foods' fuzzy, progressive image is a company hell-bent on preventing its workers from unionizing. Goldman Sachs to pay $60 million for its role in Massachusetts' subprime lending problem NY prosecutor: Convict man behind Ore. terror camp (AP) A weapons training post at an Oregon ranch was just part of a man's scheme to recruit al-Qaida members on U.S. soil, a prosecutor told a jury Monday in closing arguments at a terrorism trial. Court Rebuffs FBI Censorship of Manuscript A federal court last week rejected most of the objections raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to publication of a 500-page manuscript critical of the FBI counterterrorism program that was written by retired FBI Special Agent Robert G. Wright. The manuscript had been submitted for pre-publication review in October 2001. Alabama School District Agrees To End Illegal Sex Segregation The St. Clair County School System in Alabama has agreed to stop sex segregation in public schools after being notified by the American Civil Liberties Union that sex segregated programs are illegal and discriminatory.	Black colleges will fight cut to federal program Leaders of historically black colleges say they'll fight a reduction in a federal program they call a financial lifeline at a time of economic distress for the schools and their students Why Are 30 Pct. of Americans Illiterate? Advocates say literacy funding has been choked when millions need help. Washington state, California ponder high-speed rail line Where Is The Outcry When US Detains Journalists? 7-Year-old Boy Dies in Trespass Shooting Torture makes a mockery of the brave \| Ian Buruma Those who try to pass off the institutionalized use of torture as an act of war undermine the US armed forces' discipline and morale Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi Has Died In A Libyan Prison The emir of the Khaldan training camp in Afghanistan, al-Libi was one of hundreds of prisoners seized by Pakistani forces in December 2001, crossing from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Most of these men ended up in Guantánamo after being handed over (or sold) to US forces by their Pakistani allies, but al-Libi was, notoriously, rendered to Egypt by the CIA to be tortured on behalf of the US government.In Egypt, he came up with the false allegation about connections between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein that was used by President Bush in a speech in Cincinnati on October 7, 2002, just days before Congress voted on a resolution authorizing the President to go to war against Iraq, in which, referring to the supposed threat posed by Saddam Hussein’s regime, Bush said, “We’ve learned that Iraq has trained al-Qaeda members in bomb making and poisons and deadly gases.” Over 2,600 swine flu cases in US Big fund firms starting to screen on human rights The financial disclosures investors get in the mail from mutual fund companies don’t normally capture Nancy Prindle’s attention. LDS Church backs move to turn Mountain Meadows massacre site into National Historic Landmark In 1857, 120 men, women and children from an Arkansas wagon train were murdered at Mountain Meadows by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Should Companies Fire Women for Getting Pregnant? State can argue 222 claims against Yucca Nevada is going to be able to press 222 arguments to stop the construction of the high level nuclear dump at Yucca Mountain. “It’s a huge victory for Nevada,” says Bruce Breslow, director of the state’s Office of Nuclear Projects. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, in its 153-page decision, has allowed all but seven of Nevada’s contentions to be presented at a hearing. Why Hulu scares TV execs Its success underscores the tug of war over the wisdom of putting TV shows on the Web for free. Lawyer Gets Hearing Over Pfizer's "Immoral Drug Test" Judge issues injunction against Pfizer in a case dealing with the deaths of Nigerian children who were given an experimental drug.
Madoffed
Was Allen Stanford a government informer? A Panorama investigation has suggested that Sir Allen was shielded from an earlier inquiry into his activities because he co-operated with a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attempt to track money laundering by Latin American drug cartels. US officials closed down his banking activities in February, alleging a vast fraud centred on his Antigua-based offshore bank. Sir Allen, 59, previously most famous as the sponsor of the Twenty20 cricket tournament, has vowed to clear his name. Money launderers wash billions through international trade

Science
Orangutan Short-Circuits Wires, Builds Ladder In Zoo Escape
Politics
Trickle-down theory never filled promise One fact that few people know about the Reagan trickle-down economics theory is that the wealth did not trickle down very far. Only the very top-level earners in this country became extremely more wealthy Administration Plans to Strengthen Antitrust Rules.As part of her remarks, Varney retracted a September 2008 report that amended Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Section 2 deemed it illegal to make any attempt at creating a monopoly but the amendment had loosened those rules. Obama wants estate tax hike, corporate loophole cuts Bill to include money for relocating Gitmo inmates A war funding bill headed to the floor next week would provide the $50 million sought by the Pentagon to relocate prisoners from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the top Democrat in the Senate said Monday.... Docs Raise More Questions About Murtha Newly obtained documents show Robert Murtha mentioning his influential family connection as leverage in his business dealings. The documents add to mounting questions about Rep. John Murtha, reports the Washington Post.	Group Aiming To Defeat Health Care Reform Previously Masterminded "Swift Boat" Attacks, "Harry And Louise" Ads Specter open to public health plan Sen. Arlen Specter says he's open to a government health insurance plan that would compete with private insurers to cover middle-class Americans, a policy reversal for the newest Democrat. US senator annoyed by spam call about car warranty The telephone calls flood people every day around the country: A computerized voice tells them that their car warranties are about to expire and that they should sign up for new service plans. Top Geithner Pick Played Role In Financial Meltdown US to borrow 46 cents for every dollar spent (AP) The government will have to borrow nearly 50 cents for every dollar it spends this year, exploding the record federal deficit past $1.8 trillion under new White House estimates THE ONES WHO GOT IT RIGHT The Senators And Economists Who Foresaw The Financial Crisis
Obama
AP source: $2 trillion offered in health savings Top representatives of the health care industry plan to offer $2 trillion in cost reductions over 10 years in a bid to help pass President Barack Obama's health overhaul $836B in tax cuts over 10 years Obama administration planning cuts for working families, businesses	Top House Republican: Obama Secretly Trying To Increase Unemployment Obama's Weird Idea of Auto Industry Rescue: Use Our Money to Build Car Factories Abroad Can someone explain how outsourcing the auto industry is in our national interest?
Economy
AIG sells Japan headquarters for $1.2 billion

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Iraq bomb kills Sunni militiaman A leading figure in a US-allied militia has been killed by a roadside bomb in Taji, north of Baghdad, Iraqi police say. Sunday: 4 Iraqis Killed, 13 Wounded Monday: 6 US Soldiers, 8 Iraqis Killed; 2 Iraqis Wounded US SOLDIER GUNS DOWN FELLOW TROOPS IN IRAQ US in New-old Accusations Against Syria Syrian pipeline used to smuggle fighters into Iraq has been reactivated after a short lull, The Washington Post reported late Sunday.	Iraq police general shot dead in Basra An Iraqi police general was assassinated on the street near the oil hub of Basra on Saturday, police said, in a rare instance of violence in the country's third largest city. Iraqi Kurds allowed oil export rights Australia to end role in Iraq U.S. Forces Detonate IED, Civilian Killed, 7 Wounded Desertification Flushes out Residents of 10 Villages Near Mosul Draft-caused desertification has driven out the residents of more than 10 villages in the district of Tal Abta, southwest of Mosul city, the district’s chief said on
Middle East
Iranian Reformist: We Have Made America Our Scapegoat Iranian reformist Sadeq Zibakalam condemned the habit of the Iranian regime to blame the U.S. for all its failures. He also criticized the Iranian media for disregarding Obama's positive steps US Journalist Freed From Iranian Prison Hamas says pro-Abbas forces arrest 14 of its members in West Bank Iranian shells aimed at PJAK targets land on Turkish soil Five mortar shells fell on Turkish soil on Monday after soldiers, thought to be Iranian, opened fire on terrorist positions in a remote area of northern Iraq, local Turkish officials have said Did U.S. help Lebanon crack alleged Israeli spy rings? Lebanon arrested five people over the weekend suspected of belonging to an intelligence cell transmitting information about Hezbollah to Israel, the most recent arrests in a two-month crackdown apparently aided by American training and equipment	Iran to procure Chinese defense system After failing to buy the S-300 from Russia, Teheran will reportedly turn to Beijing. (The Media Line) Qassam rocket hits western Negev; no one hurt A Qassam rocket was fired from the northern Gaza Strip into the western Negev on Sunday evening, causing no casualties or damage Two IDF soldiers arrested for robbing Palestinian in Gaza PKK has Russian army weapons, claims newspaper Twenty-six weapons seized in operations into the terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) carried out by Turkish security forces bear the serial numbers of firearms missing from caches of Russia’s security forces, the Moscow-based Novaya Gazeta reported on Saturday. Saudi judge says it's OK for men to beat wives Hizbullah Recruits 100 Lawyers to Defends Cell Arrested in Egypt
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Concerns white phosphorus used in Afghan battle Doctors voiced concern over "unusual" burns on Afghan villagers wounded in an already controversial U.S.-Taliban battle, and the country's top human rights groups said Sunday it is investigating the possibility white phosphorus was used Afghan drug trade thrives with help, and neglect, of officials When it's harvest time in the poppy fields of Kandahar, dust-covered Taliban fighters pull up on their motorbikes to collect a 10 percent tax on the crop. Afghan police arrive in Ford Ranger pickups — bought with U.S. aid money — and demand their cut of the cash in exchange for promises to skip the farms during annual eradication. Were Dozens of Schoolgirls Poisoned? 61 Afghan schoolgirls hospitalized; doctors investigate possible poisoning. Afghan group: Taliban may have used burning agent An Afghan human rights group said Monday that government officials suspect Taliban fighters attacked villagers sheltering from a U.S.-Taliban battle with flammable material or weapons, causing severe burns. Conservative Historian Andrew Bacevich Warns Against Obama's Escalation of War in Afghanistan and Intensifying Use of Air Power in Region Less than a week after US air strikes killed over a hundred Afghan civilians, President Obama’s top security adviser, General James Jones, said Sunday that the US will continue its strikes in Afghanistan, despite sharp criticism about rising civilian casualties from Afghan President Hamid Karzai. We speak to Boston University professor and retired military colonel Andrew Bacevich about why Obama’s plans in Afghanistan and Pakistan are counterproductive.	U.S. denies using chemical in west Afghan battle U.S. will not halt Afghan air strikes: White House The United States will not end air strikes in Afghanistan as demanded by President Hamid Karzai after two villages were hit by U.S. warplanes last week, White House National Security Advisor James Jones said on Sunday. Pentagon Replacing Top General In Afghanistan Seven killed in twin Afghan suicide attacks: officials (AFP) Afghan president praises German military (AFP) Afghan President Hamid Karzai praised on Sunday a rare and significant operation by German and Afghan special forces last week to capture a Taliban commander, after talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel US Afghanistan commander 'replaced' Reported move comes as US prepares to send 21,000 extra soldiers to country Taliban strikes it rich, with gems, timber, marble Brit newspaper reveals militant group is awash with funds. US military: 44 Afghan cases of white phosphorus The U.S. accused Afghan militants Monday of using white phosphorus as a weapon in "reprehensible" attacks on U.S. forces and in civilian areas Opium is king in Afghanistan Lasseter Pt.2: Drug trade inseparable from both the Afghan insurgency and the NATO-backed government
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistan says 200 Taliban fighters killed in a day India not a threat to Pakistan, says Zardari Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that India is not a threat to his country and it is facing danger from the terrorists within. ''Well, I am already on record. I have never considered India a threat,'' Zardari said in an interview on Saturday. This is the first time a top Pakistani leader has publicly said that India is not a threat to his country. Taliban a creation of CIA and ISI, says Zardari	Pakistani president: Osama bin Laden is dead Al Qaida Operatives Turn From Plotting Attacks Against West To Target Pakistan Pak govt to take over all madrassas: Zardari Suicide car bomber kills 10 in Pakistan: military (AFP) Moderate Muslim Clerics Back Pakistan Offensive Against Taliban US offers 4.9 mln dollars for displaced Pakistanis (AFP)
Asia
'Steep rise' in Sri Lanka deaths An official in northern Sri Lanka says 378 people have been killed in 24 hours, but the government denies shelling the area. 'More than 20' Muslim rebels killed in Philippines (AFP) India to receive uranium from Kazakhstan India could soon receive up to 2500 tonnes of uranium from Kazakhstan as an agreement in this regard is set to be signed between the two sides by the month-end.	Land-Mine Blast Kills 13 in India Maoists trap and kill 14 police in central India (Reuters) Secular party gains in Indonesia vote (religious parties nosedive)
Europe
Spanish Judge Crosses International Boundaries Spanish Judge Baltasar Garzon does not concern himself with international boundaries. He has indicted Osama bin Laden, issued an arrest warrant for Augusto Pinochet, and now he's set his sights on the U.S. operation at Guantanamo Bay Russian regional governor dies in helicopter crash EU and Turkey strike groundbreaking gas pipeline deal	Berlusconi rejects 'multi-ethnic' Italy The Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has defended his government's decision to return migrants found off its shores to Libya by declaring that his party rejected the idea of a "multi-ethnic" Italy. His remark prompted an outcry from opposition politicians, already indignant at his refusal to condemn an ally in Milan who last week proposed that seats and carriages on local public transport be reserved for native Italians.
Africa
Somali pirates receive $2 million for British-owned ship Ransoms blamed for Somali piracy A Somali minister says piracy is being made worse by the international community paying ransoms. Shipping firm: Russian navy helps repel pirates Two newspaper editors arrested in Zimbabwe: lawyer (AFP) Two editors at a private weekly newspaper were arrested on Monday in Zimbabwe on charges of publishing a falsehood, their lawyer told AFP.	Mortar attack on Mogadishu mosque At least 14 people are reported killed in a mortar attack on a mosque in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Somali pirates 'guided by London intelligence team' Document obtained by Spanish radio station says 'well-placed informers' in constant contact by satellite telephone What should the role of a 'first lady' be? Which of Zuma's three wives will be the first lady? Is it now time to rethink the role of the first lady
The Americas
Cocaine trade revitalizes Peruvian rebels The last town on a rutted dirt road in Peru's most prolific cocaine-producing highland valley, Union Mantaro has no police post, no church and no health clinic. Its 600 people lack running water and electricity Chavez steps up attack on Venezuela TV station (AFP) President Hugo Chavez's ruling party stepped up attacks on a private television channel, accusing it of "media terrorism" for getting ahead of the government in airing a report on an earthquake. Venezuela´s Chinese-technology cellular phone causes consumer frenzy	Tamil protesters close Toronto highway Tamil demonstrators protesting the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka flooded onto a major highway in Toronto, Canada, on Sunday and remained there for several hours, closing the roadway and prompting police to send reinforcements while trying to negotiate an end to the incident. UK files claim to seabed around the Falklands (Reuters) Britain lodged a claim to a large swath of South Atlantic seabed around the Falkland Islands on Monday, setting the stage for a battle with Argentina for control of potentially rich oil and gas reserves in the area.