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Last Update: Sunday, October 25, 2009	Click here for Yesterdays Edition

World Headlines
U.S. troops abandon remote Afghan base where 8 were killed $400 Per Gallon Gas To Drive Debate Over Cost Of War The Pentagon pays an average of $400 to put a gallon of fuel into a combat vehicle or aircraft i AFGHANISTAN : French troops died after Italy stopped bribing local Taliban, Times reports 10 French soldiers killed by the Taliban in 2008 were part of a unit who made an incorrect threat assessment as they were unaware that Italian officials had previously kept the area quiet by bribing local insurgents, according to The Times newspaper. Afghan outlook bleak as Taliban grabs territory My closest Afghan friend held out his Taliban-era photo. A decade younger, he had a thick black beard that the oppressive regime forced men to grow. Obama Authorizes 13,000 Support Troops For Afghan War U.S. Approves $209M For Afghan Embassy Projects Afghan War Costs US $3.6 Billion Per Month Weapons Failed U.S. Troops During Afghan Firefight In the chaos of an early morning assault on a remote U.S. outpost in eastern Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Erich Phillips' M4 carbine quit firing as militant forces surrounded the base. The machine gun he grabbed after tossing the rifle aside didn't work either. Taliban better financed than al-Qaida Al-Qaeda is in its worst financial state for many years while the Taliban's funding is flourishing, says the US Treasury. Barack Obama ready to pay Afghan fighters to ditch the Taliban Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq Accused of “receiving Cash” from Massoud Barzani Faraj Haidari, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) has been accused by of “receiving cash” from Massoud Barzani, reported local media on Tuesday Suicide bomber kills 13 in northern Iraq mosque Iraq bombings target reconciliation meeting, killing 26 The three blasts in Anbar province raise fears that insurgents are regrouping before next year's planned elections, which already face a possible delay because of legislative squabbling. Iranian dissidents in Iraq transferred to remote prison Iraqi security officials beat and forcibly transferred 36 members of an Iranian dissident group to a remote southern prison despite an Iraqi judge's orders to free them, the judge and the group's leaders said Monday. Car bomb wounds 30 Peshmerga members At least six people were killed and ten others were wounded in a suicide bombing targeting the funeral of an old woman in Haditha City, Anbar. Mourners were heading for burial when the explosion occurred, head of the City’s municipality said. In Kirkuk, police found the body of Christian British Army covered up hundreds of Iraqi casualties, ex-military officer tells BBC Attack on Market in Pakistan Kills at Least 40 Pakistan frees 'most' hostages Insurgents had taken 10 to 15 hostages at country's military headquarters. US scrambles to save $7.5bn aid package for Pakistan Security of Pakistan nuclear weapons questioned An audacious weekend assault by Islamic militants on Pakistan's army headquarters is again raising fears of an insurgent attack on the country's nuclear weapons installation. Pakistan has sought to protect its nuclear weapons from attack by the Taliban or other militants by storing the warheads, detonators and missiles separately in facilities patrolled by elite troops.2 Call to ban Guinea weapon sales The sale of arms to Guinea should stop after the deaths at an opposition protest, says Amnesty International. Somali Islamists carry out amputations on 3 men Six masked men used machetes to carry out amputations on three men accused of robbery by a Somali Islamist court, a witness said Saturday. Libya killed man who linked Iraq: Zawahri Al Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri accused Libya of torturing to death a militant whose confession was used to justify the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Torture documents' can be seen The High Court has ruled that US intelligence documents containing details of the alleged torture of a former UK resident can be released. Terrorists storm Lahore; 26 reported dead There have been coordinated attacks by armed gunmen in Lahore In Taiwan, your medical file on a card A swipe of a card gives doctors instant access to a patients information, saving time and keeping costs low.	Nasrallah Orders Investigation Into Hizbullah Members' Involvement In Ponzi Scheme Hizbullah associates have said that Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah has ordered that committees be established to investigate Hizbullah members' involvement in a Ponzi scheme run by Hizbullah-affiliated businessman Salah 'Izz Al-Din. IDF video shows blast was arms cache Army releases UAV footage showing loaded trucks carrying munitions away from Lebanon warehouse 'Hizbullah truck footage fabricated' Security official says IDF drone video shot at night, "low-level" al-Manar version made in daylight. Yemen's strikes against Shiite rebels leave 30,000 refugees Saudis want to charge US for using less oil Does Iran have data to build a nuclear bomb? No, says US. The US National Security Adviser on Sunday refuted a newly uncovered IAEA report that suggests Iran has the information needed to build a nuclear bomb. Putin: Iran sanctions an unneeded scare Security official says Moscow reserves right to strike preemptively, while PM speaks against sanctions Iranian FM: U.S. Involved In Disappearance Of Alleged Nuclear Scientist...The Man Who Disappeared In Saudi Arabia Isn't A Nuclear Scientist;...Iranian Website: Iranian Nuclear Scientist Defects to Saudi Arabia Woman jailed for selling to Saddam was working for CIA A Detroit-area businesswoman serving a six-year sentence in federal prison for selling goods to Iraq during the embargo against Saddam Hussein was unwittingly working for the CIA, the woman's supporters say. Pilots charged with Argentina 'death flights' An extradition hearing is expected in Spain this week for one of two pilots arrested recently on charges they participated in "death flights" in which more than 1,000 prisoners were thrown out of planes during Argentina's "dirty war" in the 1970s and 1980s, officials said. Honduras to restore ousted president to power Nicaragua's newest tycoon? 'Socialist' president Daniel Ortega. Daniel Ortega's opaque business dealings, linked to Venezuela President Hugo Chávez, are blurring the lines between party, state, and first family, say critics. COLOMBIA: US Should Open Its Files on Palace of Justice Massacre A declassified U.S. State Department cable dated January 1999 blames Colombian soldiers for the killings of civilians rescued by the military operation to retake the Palace of Justice from guerrillas who had seized the building in November 1985 Mexico town split over Central American drifters Migrants fall prey to kidnappers and worse while the Mexican government does little to protect them, rights groups say. But others say the migrants are forming criminal bands and should be deported Police arrest 48 in anti-Islam, anti-racism fracas Police in fluorescent jackets stood between hundreds of anti-Islam protesters and anti-racist counter-demonstrators in the city of Manchester on Saturday, arresting 48 people in a bid to keep the peace Russia seizes Stalin-era research A Russian academic researching the fate of ethnic Germans deported by Stalin during World War II has had his research seized by security services. Libyan explodes small bomb at Italy army barracks Torture documents' can be seen The High Court has ruled that US intelligence documents containing details of the alleged torture of a former UK resident can be released. U.S. troops increase Indonesian aid operations American troops set up a field hospital Tuesday and rerouted ships to aid victims of a powerful earthquake that left hundreds of thousands homeless, in their largest relief operation in Muslim-majority Indonesia since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The expansion of the U.S. mission comes as efforts shifted from searching for survivors amid the rubble to providing relief to villages that have been cut off by massive landslides generated by last week’s magnitude-7.6 quake Violence in India's Maoist strike Maoists in India blow up culverts and cut electricity for the railways on the first day of a strike the rebels have called CHINA : Increase in number of billionaires despite credit crisis Car battery tycoon Wang Chuanfu (pictured) topped a new list of China's 1,000 richest people, which has 130 dollar billionaires in an emphatic declaration of the Asian giant's economic arrival. Indian military test-fires nuclear-capable missile
US Headlines
An ACORN Amendment for Pfizer Representative Betty McCollum's "ACORN Act" would prevent the government from doing business with corporations that have been found guilty of felonies. Audit the Federal Reserve: HR 1207 and S 604 \| Ron Paul .com With recent bailouts and spending decisions shining a spotlight on the actions of the Federal Reserve, more and more pressure is bearing down on Congress to take action and demand accountability and transparency. Auditing the Fed is only the first step towards exposing this antiquated insider-run creature to the powerful forces of free-market competition. Once there are viable alternatives to the monopolistic fiat dollar, the Federal Reserve will have to become honest and transparent if it wants to remain in business. Write your Rep. and Senator here...sample letters included. Franken Gets His First Amendment Passed By Roll Call Vote"The story came to my attention of Jamie Leigh Jones who, when she was 19, went to Iraq to work for [defense contractor] KBR and she was put in the barracks with 400 men and was sexually harassed," Rep. Barbara Lee -- Lone Lawmaker to Vote Against 2001 Authorization -- Seeks to Block New Troop Surge Panel Rules Against Challenger in "Blood Money" Speech Dispute Against Lawmaker Backed By Turkish Interests Foreign agents. Blood money. War crimes. Stark allegations on each of these topics have peppered discussions about a Cincinnati-area 2008 election-related spat between incumbent Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) and independent challenger David Krikorian, who garnered 18 percent of the vote in the three-way race. Lawmakers Slow to Investigate Their Own A broken system? Congressional ethics investigations subject to different rules. Studies put autism rate higher, at 1 in 100 Tiny 'nuclear batteries' unveiled Guam Residents Organize Against US Plans for $15B Military Buildup on Pacific Island We turn now to another island that is a key military outpost for the United States. Located in the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia has often been used for strikes on Iraq and Afghanistan and played a critical role in the US extraordinary rendition program. Unlike Guam, Diego Garcia has no inhabitants resisting the US military. All of the island’s residents were forcibly removed in the early 1970s. For the last four decades, former residents of Diego Garcia and their descendants have been fighting for the right to return. Recession Creating A Lost Generation...Just 46% Of 16-24 Year-Olds Had A Job Last Month...Lowest Since 1948 Oil price strikes one-year peak near $76 The Statistics Of The Great Recession DOW HITS 10,000... UNEMPLOYMENT NEAR 10% Hedge funds misrepresent facts, says research One in five hedge fund managers misrepresents their fund or its performance to investors during formal due diligence investigations, research from New York University’s Stern School of Business suggests Top economist: Obama 'refused' to fix bank system, now it's too late Business Fends Off Tax Hit (on overseas profits) 7,500 offshore tax evaders come clean Thousands of wealthy Americans have volunteered information about unreported income hidden in overseas accounts ahead of the deadline for a U.S. government tax amnesty program, Tax Dodger Crackdown Shelved By Obama Administration "In May, President Obama announced a big initiative to raise $210 billion in tax revenue over the next ten years by cracking down on the use of tax havens by U.S. corporations. Judge upholds censoring CIA prisoner testimony Big Business Dictates the Presidency President Obama Seeks $250 For Seniors To Make Up For Social Security Freeze White House Official Considers Gays Part Of Internet Left Fringe ? White House: Fox News Is 'A Wing Of The Republican Party'	USA: Gay activists demand equal rights at Washington march A day after US President Barack Obama vowed to repeal a ban on gays serving openly in the US military, tens of thousands of gay activists marched on Washington Sunday to pressure Obama and Democrats to follow through on their promise. Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License By Louisiana Judge Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said. Behind Montana Jail Fiasco: How Private Prison Developers Prey On Desperate Towns Interracial couple murdered In Phoenix Pardon The Interruption! CNN Drops Afghanistan Discussion To Cover Limbaugh's Efforts To Buy NFL Team Billionaire among 6 arrested in inside trade case 41 Charged With Widespread Mortgage Fraud Mercury Marine deal called taxpayer giveaway The corporation pressured workers in Fond du Lac to accept large concessions and got local taxpayers to dole out $53 million in incentives -- all the while it hasn't paid a dime in state income taxes since 2000. Raising alcohol prices would reduce youth crime' It is clear that when the price of alcohol is high and young people are not able to purchase it, then the level of violence is reduced." Miss. Schools Introduce Civil Rights Curriculum Students will be taught about an era some would still rather forget. Judge Shuts Public Access To Blackwater Hearings Bear Stearns duo lied 'over and over again', court hears American Police Force won't give up info sought by Montana AG DHS chief: Terrorists with Qaeda leanings are in US Army considers middle-school JROTC program Gay sailor: My comrades locked me in 'feces-filled dog kennel'; 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' protects bigots Chomsky works get ban at Guantanamo' This happens sometimes in totalitarian regimes,' anti- war author reacts. Bill Frist Says Obama Health Plan "Is Not Socialized Medicine" Former Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said Thursday that Obama's plan to overhaul the country's health care system is not socialized medicine. The Republican lawmaker, who worked as a doctor for the British National Health Service, delivered this message on C-SPAN this morning. Democrats Call Insurance Industry Report Flawed...Accounting Firm Admits Cost Savings Left Out Of Report Prepared For AHIP Report...Ex-insider: Insurance industry report is bogus...FACT CHECK: Health insurers cherry-pick facts In its assaults on a Democratic health care overhaul bill, the insurance industry uses facts selectively and mixes accurate assertions with misleading spin and an embrace of worst-case scenarios.... No More Excuses: John Tester Brings 51st Senate Vote for Public Option The count's there if they get an up-or-down vote. Pelosi: The House Won't 'Force American Families To Negotiate With Insurance Companies' Speaking at her weekly press conference just off the House floor moments ago, Speaker Nancy Pelosi made her most impassioned argument in weeks, for including a public option in comprehensive health care reform legislation, arguing against the idea, favored by some conservative Democrats, of mandating that people buy health insurance With Little Health Sector Cash Supporting Her, GOP's Snowe Backs Finance Committee Bill Drugmakers, doctors rake in H1N1 billions Swine flu bad for victims, good for businesses that cater to expanding market.
Connecticut
Public Teaching Jobs Apparently Fared Best In Early Months Of Stimulus Program Public school teachers are expected to be the big winners when states around the U.S. reveal for the first time how many jobs were created or saved during the first months of President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan. Income Gap Separating Wealthy From Middle And Lower Class Virtually Unchanged In The State Connecticut: Former Manchester Cop Accused Of Theft Accepted Into Program A former police sergeant accused of stealing more then $19,000 from Police Explorer and child safety seat funds has been accepted into a special program in lieu of going to prison. Asian Longhorned Beetle Threatens State's Forests 15 Youths Arrested At Southington School Parking Lot Police said Tuesday that they arrested 15 youths last week during an undercover operation focusing on a school parking lot that has been the source of complaints about unruly behavior. Blumenthal Says Marshal Fees Can Be Negotiated Connecticut plaintiffs are free to negotiate with state marshals over fees charged for serving legal papers, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal ruled Monday in a decision that could have broad impact on the roughly $2 million collected by marshals every month. Rell looks for post at DOT for ex-ombudsman With the state in the midst of a fiscal crisis and a hiring freeze, some are wondering why Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration would even consider finding a job for a political appointee Racist e-mail brings New Fairfield resignation	Rail foreman escapes discipline in bias complaint A general foreman at the Metro-North rail yard who was accused of making racist and obscene remarks to a security guard will not be disciplined by the railroad. Conn. doctors ask if suicide law applies to them Two Connecticut physicians and end-of-life advocates have filed a lawsuit seeking to clarify whether doctors can help terminally ill patients with dying. Joe Lieberman Will Vote Against Baucus Health Bill Document Contradicts Rell's Claim On Prof's Poll Proposal Blumenthal Letter Says Special Funds Were Illegally Taken; Rell Looks Into It, But Says It's 'Curious' AG Didn't 'cc' Dems Connecticut Doubles Fees For State Parks State Pays Judges' Commuter Mileage If you offered most Connecticut residents a job for more than $150,000 a year inside the state's borders, they'd gladly accept — and probably wouldn't expect to be paid for driving to and from work. Dodd to continue push for public insurance option Leaders laud teachers pact, look for aid (with document) The decisive approval of the New Haven Federation of Teachers contract was hailed Wednesday by city leaders as a victory for efforts to reform public schools here Blumenthal: Little funding went to ACORN Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Wednesday gave ACORN, the controversial grass-roots organizers, an interim clean bill of health on its use of state funds.
United States
U.S. books World Cup berth (Soccer) Security Issues Gay sailor: My comrades locked me in 'feces-filled dog kennel'; 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' protects bigots Census Takers Want Partners After Death Military Officially Bans Photos Of U.S. War Dead Army considers middle-school JROTC program Pentagon hits best numbers ever for recruits in all-volunteer force DHS chief: Terrorists with Qaeda leanings are in US Army investigating 14 possible Sept. suicides American Police Force won't give up info sought by Montana AG Guam Residents Organize Against US Plans for $15B Military Buildup on Pacific Island We turn now to another island that is a key military outpost for the United States. Located in the Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia has often been used for strikes on Iraq and Afghanistan and played a critical role in the US extraordinary rendition program. US still without way to track foreign visitors US, Russia share notes on defunct Oregon charity Recent court filings in the pending criminal case of Pete Seda have revealed that federal prosecutors traveled to Russia in attempt to find proof that Seda's defunct Oregon charity had been involved in terrorism. 2 airlines face millions in safety fines GE May Have Pressured Doctors To Use Deadly MRI Drug Swine flu spreading rapidly in California, health officials say The swine flu virus is spreading rapidly throughout California, public health officials said today, citing physician reports of higher-than-normal flu illnesses for this time of year. CIA files show agency trusted Cuban exile Luis Posada Carriles But Posada would later be accused of masterminding the bombing of a Cuban airliner in 1976, hotel bombings in Havana in 1997 and other crimes. Investigators find flaws in Army body armor tests (calls for review before gear goes to troops) Courts 30 W.Va. Guardsmen sue KBR over exposure Orly Taitz Sanctioned for $20,000 The “Birther queen” has been slapped with a five-figure fine for “wasting the judicial resources” of the Middle District of Georgia, where she’d filed one of her numerous lawsuits demanding that President Obama prove his citizenship before deploying soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan. Supreme Court debates legality of maintaining Mojave cross The Supreme Court debated yesterday whether the government can maintain a cross in a national preserve to honor fallen soldiers or whether an official display of this Christian symbol violates the First Amendment’s ban on an establishment of religion Federal Court Denies Government Attempt to Delay Release of Telecom Records. Again. Supreme Court declines Pledge of Allegiance case Judge Shuts Public Access To Blackwater Hearings Bear Stearns duo lied 'over and over again', court hears Education Miss. Schools Introduce Civil Rights Curriculum Students will be taught about an era some would still rather forget. How about a bailout for student debtors? If the U.S. can come to the assistance of banks and homeowners, surely it could offer a helping hand in the form of lower interest rates for students. Drug War US marijuana cuts into traffickers profits Stiff competition from thousands of mom-and-pop marijuana farmers in the United States threatens the bottom line for powerful Mexican drug organizations in a way that decades of arrests and seizures have not, according to law enforcement officials and pot growers in the United States and Mexico. 'Raising alcohol prices would reduce youth crime' It is clear that when the price of alcohol is high and young people are not able to purchase it, then the level of violence is reduced." Environment Raucous pro-coal crowds pack mining hearings	Greed Billionaire among 6 arrested in inside trade case ACORN embezzlement was $5m, report says An internal review by ACORN’s board of directors found that $5 million was embezzled from the community organization, far more than a previously reported sum of $1 million, according to documents from the Louisiana attorney general’s office. Two US Madoff victims file suit against SEC Union leader arrested, charged with bribery The president of a national railroad employees union has been arrested and charged with bribery. Indian American doc convicted of tax fraud Cardiologist found guilty of evading more than $16 million in taxes. 41 Charged With Widespread Mortgage Fraud Mercury Marine deal called taxpayer giveaway The corporation pressured workers in Fond du Lac to accept large concessions and got local taxpayers to dole out $53 million in incentives -- all the while it hasn't paid a dime in state income taxes since 2000. Media Rules For Blogs: FTC Sets Guidelines For Product Reviews, Testimonials News Corp, Liberty Media interested in NBC: report Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and John Malone's Liberty Media Corp are interested in NBC Universal, according to a report by CNBC, citing sources. Conservative radio talk show host Limbaugh dropped from group seeking to buy Rams Pardon The Interruption! CNN Drops Afghanistan Discussion To Cover Limbaugh's Efforts To Buy NFL Team CNN Refusing To Air Anti-Dobbs Ad Police/Prison Lawyer: Video shows student's beating A 15-year-old boy says a Dolton police officer slammed him against lockers, then wrestled him to the floor and pinned him down, breaking his nose. The scuffle, caught on videotape, occurred after the officer scolded the boy for not tucking in his shirt. Police Caught On Tape Making Handcuffed Student Pose For Group Photo Interracial couple murdered In Phoenix Authorities: Iraq War Vet Opened Fire On Police Behind Montana Jail Fiasco: How Private Prison Developers Prey On Desperate Towns Guns in bars working out about as well as expected New York man beaten for being gay SHOCKING VIDEO: Gay Man Beaten Near-Death In Vicious Hate Crime Undercover stings lead to allegations of illegal sales at gun shows Investigators hired by New York City conducted stings at gun shows in states that have not closed the “gun show loophole’’ and found some vendors openly selling weapons to buyers who said they couldn’t pass background checks. Hunter shoots bear being photographed near highway A Kenai National Wildlife Refuge enforcement officer has cited one of two hunters who opened fire on a bear in front of people who had been taking picturesse. Teen murders aren't about race Those of us in the U.S. can be so smug about what we think we know about why some teenagers turn into bloodthirsty predators -- even when it turns out that we don't know much. Civil Rights Gov. Perry: Executed Inmate "Was A Monster" Ousted Review Panel Head Says He Was Under Pressure From Perry's Aides To Disband Probe 'Don't ask, don't tell' ousts mostly women Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License By Louisiana Judge Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said. USA: Gay activists demand equal rights at Washington march A day after US President Barack Obama vowed to repeal a ban on gays serving openly in the US military, tens of thousands of gay activists marched on Washington Sunday to pressure Obama and Democrats to follow through on their promise. Arpaio cites non-existent law in his argument for crime sweeps Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio cited a non-existent federal law and included a legal interpretation taken from an anti-immigration Web site in a document he distributed during a news conference last week.

Science	History
Tiny 'nuclear batteries' unveiled Scientists discover ancient link to modern ears Studies put autism rate higher, at 1 in 100 First "black hole" for light created on Earth	Hitler had fillings made from gold torn from mouths of Jews The theory is based on a newly discovered document that shows Hitler's dentist had about 11lbs of dental gold from the concentration camps at his disposal for the treatment of senior Nazis. Porsche to investigate forced labor under Hitler
Politics	Political Resources
Lawmakers Slow to Investigate Their Own A broken system? Congressional ethics investigations subject to different rules. St. Pete Fla ban on free speech! Council revotes and brawl is caught on tape Does carrying a gun make you safer? Early research results suggest the opposite Panel Rules Against Challenger in "Blood Money" Speech Dispute Against Lawmaker Backed By Turkish Interests Foreign agents. Blood money. War crimes. Stark allegations on each of these topics have peppered discussions about a Cincinnati-area 2008 election-related spat between incumbent Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) and independent challenger David Krikorian, who garnered 18 percent of the vote in the three-way race. Stewart: GOP protects KBR’s 'it’s okay if you get raped' clause Jindal Fires State Employee Day After She Criticized Him Beth Butler, longtime director of Louisiana ACORN, fired in wake of Obama flap "I'm thrilled that he's coming," Gueringer said Saturday. "But," she added, in remarks aimed at the president, "we want to see that change that you ran your platform on. We want to see the hope that symbolized your campaign in our neighborhood." Sen. Bernie Sanders on ACORN, Healthcare and Afghanistan As Afghan War Enters 9th Year, Rep. Barbara Lee -- Lone Lawmaker to Vote Against 2001 Authorization -- Seeks to Block New Troop Surge GOP uses ACORN to fight bank redlining law Conservative Republicans are capitalizing on the troubles of community activist group ACORN -- ranging from charges of voter registration fraud to embarrassing videos of its employees -- to revive their long-standing fight against a federal law that grades banks on their investments in poor and minority neighborhoods. Powell once warned of ‘terror-industrial complex': video Senate Feinstein: Obama Should Approve McChrystal's Recommendations Sen. Feinstein says Obama must approve General McChrystal's recommendations for an additional 40,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan. Franken Gets His First Amendment Passed By Roll Call Vote"The story came to my attention of Jamie Leigh Jones who, when she was 19, went to Iraq to work for [defense contractor] KBR and she was put in the barracks with 400 men and was sexually harassed," Senate Dems seek higher doctor payments Maneuvering to boost prospects for sweeping health care legislation, Senate Democrats hope first to win quick approval for a bill that grants doctors a $247 billion increase in Medicare fees over a decade but raises federal deficits in the process, House Trustbuster: Pelosi Interested In Revoking Anti-Trust Exemption For Insurance Companies Audit the Federal Reserve: HR 1207 and S 604 \| Ron Paul .com With recent bailouts and spending decisions shining a spotlight on the actions of the Federal Reserve, more and more pressure is bearing down on Congress to take action and demand accountability and transparency.Auditing the Fed is only the first step towards exposing this antiquated insider-run creature to the powerful forces of free-market competition. Once there are viable alternatives to the monopolistic fiat dollar, the Federal Reserve will have to become honest and transparent if it wants to remain in business.Write your Rep. and Senator here...sample letters included. An ACORN Amendment for Pfizer Representative Betty McCollum's "ACORN Act" would prevent the government from doing business with corporations that have been found guilty of felonies. Wexler to resign from Congress Sun Sentinel reports US Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) plans to resign. Obama White House Official Considers Gays Part Of Internet Left Fringe ? White House: Fox News Is 'A Wing Of The Republican Party' Department of Justice Pulls a Whitewash on Siegelman Whistleblower A call for Obama officials to improve Native voting rights Voter rights advocates are calling on the Obama administration’s Justice Department to improve the system for Native Americans. President Obama Seeks $250 For Seniors To Make Up For Social Security Freeze Bush Preemptive Strike Doctrine Under Review, May Be Discarded Obama EPA releases Bush-era global warming finding Big Business Dictates the Presidency Baraknaphobia James Carville Polls The GOP: Activists Driven By Bizarre Ideology, Not Racism Knuckle-Dragging Militia Video Warns President Obama to Leave the Country Moronic Mouth-Breathers Continue to Threaten Violence Against Obama and Gov't Limbaugh's Racist Depiction of Obama Supporters Swastika, 'Obama' carved into Mass. golf course Indicted Man Threatened To Kill President And Scrawl "Fed ..." On His Chest In the latest unhinged threat on Barack Obama's life, a California man has been indicted by a federal grand jury after allegedly writing a deranged and racist email screed that urged recipients to "kill the 'president, Stimulus So far, stimulus contracts aren't big boost for Michigan jobs Job data to show stimulus aided teachers, laborers	Health Insurance Pelosi: The House Won't 'Force American Families To Negotiate With Insurance Companies' Speaking at her weekly press conference just off the House floor moments ago, Speaker Nancy Pelosi made her most impassioned argument in weeks, for including a public option in comprehensive health care reform legislation, arguing against the idea, favored by some conservative Democrats, of mandating that people buy health insurance Generic drug makers say 'no' to health overhaul tab Generic drug makers, which have saved Americans hundreds of billions of dollars in the past decade with their low-cost, copycat medicines, don't think they should join other health industries to finance a health care overhaul. Drugmakers, doctors rake in H1N1 billions Swine flu bad for victims, good for businesses that cater to expanding market. Insurance Firms Say They'll Spike Rates If Health Care Reform Passes No More Excuses: John Tester Brings 51st Senate Vote for Public Option The count's there if they get an up-or-down vote. Veteran gets smoker's lungs in transplant ll Iraq war vet dies after being given cancerous smoker's organs. Democrats Call Insurance Industry Report Flawed...Accounting Firm Admits Cost Savings Left Out Of Report Prepared For AHIP Report...Ex-insider: Insurance industry report is bogus...FACT CHECK: Health insurers cherry-pick facts In its assaults on a Democratic health care overhaul bill, the insurance industry uses facts selectively and mixes accurate assertions with misleading spin and an embrace of worst-case scenarios.... "Sick for Profit": Robert Greenwald Documentary Exposes Salaries, Claim Denials of Healthcare Profiteers With Little Health Sector Cash Supporting Her, GOP's Snowe Backs Finance Committee Bill...Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe Bucks Her Party, Says Health Care Is Too Important... Tort reform could save $54 billion, CBO says The Congressional Budget Office is now estimating that limits on medical malpractice lawsuits -- reforms favored by many Republicans -- could save the government as much as $54 billion over the next 10 years. Unions to Run Full-Page Ad Wednesday Opposing Health Overhaul Bill About 30 unions will run a full-page ad in newspapers Wednesday announcing their opposition to the Senate Finance Committee's health overhaul bill, a top labor lobbyist said. Bill Frist Says Obama Health Plan "Is Not Socialized Medicine" Former Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said Thursday that Obama's plan to overhaul the country's health care system is not socialized medicine. The Republican lawmaker, who worked as a doctor for the British National Health Service, delivered this message on C-SPAN this morning. GITMO/Bahgram/CIA-Blacksites Chomsky works get ban at Guantanamo' This happens sometimes in totalitarian regimes,' anti- war author reacts. Gitmo transfers to US gets House OK Votes to allow detainees to be brought to US soil for trial; boosts closure efforts. Judge upholds censoring CIA prisoner testimony Lobbying Rachel Maddow Takes on the Man Doing Corporate Agribusiness's Dirty Work Rachel Maddow continues her work pulling back the layers of American politics to expose underhanded and manipulative lobbying tactics to the public. Budget and Taxes Tax Dodger Crackdown Shelved By Obama Administration "In May, President Obama announced a big initiative to raise $210 billion in tax revenue over the next ten years by cracking down on the use of tax havens by U.S. corporations. 7,500 offshore tax evaders come clean Thousands of wealthy Americans have volunteered information about unreported income hidden in overseas accounts ahead of the deadline for a U.S. government tax amnesty program, Business Fends Off Tax Hit (on overseas profits) DOJ DOJ Varney Questions Antitrust Exemption For Insur Cos Justice Dept. to Review Bush Policy on DNA Test Waivers Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has ordered a review of a little-known Bush administration policy requiring some defendants to waive their right to DNA testing even though that right is guaranteed in a landmark federal la IBM 'in anti-competition probe' IBM is being investigated by the US Department of Justice over allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, a trade body says. Treasury/Federal Reserve/Bailouts/SEC/IRS Top economist: Obama 'refused' to fix bank system, now it's too late Emails hold key to trial of Bear Stearns' former fund managers Once Again, AIG Bonuses Cause a Clash Derivatives Reform Weakened By Two Little-Noticed Amendments Hedge funds misrepresent facts, says research One in five hedge fund managers misrepresents their fund or its performance to investors during formal due diligence investigations, research from New York University’s Stern School of Business suggests DENIED: Pay Czar Blocks Bank Of America Chief's Salary, Bonus Bill Shields Most Banks From Review
Economy	Click for Economic Statistics	Financial Crisis for Beginners
Foreclosures pose challenge, cost to census count The Statistics Of The Great Recession DOW HITS 10,000... UNEMPLOYMENT NEAR 10% As US and Other Wealthy Nations Slash Aid, UN Warns of "Silent Tsunami of Hunger" in Global Food Crisis The UN World Food Program is calling the current global food crisis “a silent tsunami of hunger.” This week the WFP warned that more than 40 million people will have their food rations reduced or eliminated because of drastic aid cuts. Fair Trade Will Become Major Trend, Say Growers Dollar's fall may imperil US power	Recession Creating A Lost Generation...Just 46% Of 16-24 Year-Olds Had A Job Last Month...Lowest Since 1948 Slow US recovery blamed on low demand Oil price strikes one-year peak near $76 Obama under fire over falling dollar US mulls new duties on China steel pipes The US Commerce Department said it launched an investigation that could lead to new duties of nearly 100 per cent or more on imports of steel pipes from China Almost half of US women are primary breadwinners: poll

Iraq	Map of Iraq
British Army covered up hundreds of Iraqi casualties, ex-military officer tells BBC Deadly bombings in central Iraq Sadrists firmly reject closed list system Dropping out of school, alarming occurrence in Iraq The official spokesman for Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani Hajj Hamed Al Khaffaf announced that adopting a closed list will reduce the desire of people to participate in the elections, and this will have a negative effect on the democratic process in Iraq. Al Khaffaf declined to talk about ... Car bomb wounds 30 Peshmerga members At least six people were killed and ten others were wounded in a suicide bombing targeting the funeral of an old woman in Haditha City, Anbar. Mourners were heading for burial when the explosion occurred, head of the City’s municipality said. In Kirkuk, police found the body of Christian Sistani’s Office denies elections boycott Car bomb wounds 30 Peshmerga members Kurds Fear New Turkish Threats Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is growing concerned after the Turkish parliament passed a motion extending by one year the government’s mandate to conduct cross-border military operations into Iraqi Kurdistan to pursue fighters Iranian dissidents in Iraq transferred to remote prison Iraqi security officials beat and forcibly transferred 36 members of an Iranian dissident group to a remote southern prison despite an Iraqi judge's orders to free them, the judge and the group's leaders said Monday. Malaysia detains Iraqi lawmaker on fake passport Iraq bombings target reconciliation meeting, killing 26 The three blasts in Anbar province raise fears that insurgents are regrouping before next year's planned elections, which already face a possible delay because of legislative squabbling.	Woman jailed for selling to Saddam was working for CIA A Detroit-area businesswoman serving a six-year sentence in federal prison for selling goods to Iraq during the embargo against Saddam Hussein was unwittingly working for the CIA, the woman's supporters say. Awakening Forces warn of quitting An awakening forces official in Al Aazamiya District announced on Wednesday that awakening members will withdraw in the coming days if the Government does not remunerate them for three past months. Protestors demonstrated in Al Huwija District on Tuesday for not being paid for three months. Kurdistan halts all oil exports Kurds buck Baghdad, halt oil until payments rendered; political rift grows. Iraq rights ministry says 85,000 killed in 2004-08 Iraq releases Iranian dissidents Iranian opposition members, from the People's Mujahideen of Iran, are freed after three months in custody in Iraq. Iraq Delays Vital Oil Law Again Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq Accused of “receiving Cash” from Massoud Barzani Faraj Haidari, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) has been accused by of “receiving cash” from Massoud Barzani, reported local media on Tuesday. For U.S. combat soldiers, new role in Iraq is frustrating Before Army 1st Lt. Bianca Philson's first deployment to Iraq earlier this year, she trained as a battle captain, learning how to keep commanders informed of progress during fierce fights against insurgents. Philson's extensive drills included simulated urban gun battles, intelligence gathering and jamming signals to prevent the detonation of roadside bombs. Now that she's been in Iraq for five months, how much of that training is put into practice? "None," said Philson, 24. "I don't do any of that stuff." Saudi Interior Minister: Syria Isn't Preventing Infiltration Into Iraq Suicide bomber kills 13 in northern Iraq mosque
Middle East	Map of the Middle East
Iran Iranian FM: U.S. Involved In Disappearance Of Alleged Nuclear Scientist...The Man Who Disappeared In Saudi Arabia Isn't A Nuclear Scientist;...Iranian Website: Iranian Nuclear Scientist Defects to Saudi Arabia Iran signs $1.8B gas deal with S. Korean firm Iran investigating prominent opposition cleric Mehdi Karroubi has accused security forces of raping and torturing protesters detained after the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The probe could spark new street demonstrations. Leaked Iran Paper Based on Intel That Split IAEA Excerpts of the internal draft report by the staff of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published online last week show that the report’s claims about Iranian work on a nuclear weapon is based almost entirely on intelligence documents that have provoked a serious conflict within the agency. Does Iran have data to build a nuclear bomb? No, says US. The US National Security Adviser on Sunday refuted a newly uncovered IAEA report that suggests Iran has the information needed to build a nuclear bomb. Putin: Iran sanctions an unneeded scare Security official says Moscow reserves right to strike preemptively, while PM speaks against sanctions. Other Saudis want to charge US for using less oil Egypt arrests 24 Islamists for plotting pro Al-Aqsa rally Emirates Court Convicts American On Terror Charges Turkey nabs 33 al-Qaeda linked suspects Yemen South Yemenis rally for self-rule Thousands of Yemeni separatists stage rallies on streets to demand south secession Saudis Kill Two Al-Qaeda Operatives in Shootout near Yemeni Border Yemen's strikes against Shiite rebels leave 30,000 refugees Yemen, Saudi bureaucrats foil refugee aid shipment Yemen and Saudi officials stopped a UN aid shipment destined for refugees from fighting between Yemen troops and Shiite rebels on Saturday, unable to agree on border procedures.	Israel Is Israel Arresting Prominent Palestinian Boycott Leaders? Turkey rejects Israel Nato exercise The Israeli military says Ankara has prevented an annual air force drill in Turkey from taking place because of its demand that there be no Israeli participation Israeli Officers Accused of Posing as Journalists Palestinian photographers are claiming that undercover Israeli security officials have been posing as photojournalists.. Senior Israeli Muslim leader held A leader of Israel's Islamic Movement, Raed Salah, is briefly arrested for incitement amid rising tension in Jerusalem. Fresh clashes mar al-Aqsa prayers Clashes break out in East Jerusalem, but Friday prayers at al-Aqsa mosque pass mainly peacefully despite high tensions. Abbas: There'll be no peace until occupation of Jerusalem ends PA president says Palestinians "determined to safeguard Aksa Mosque"; wants Israel "brought to justice" for its "barbaric operation in Gaza." Israel on high alert as Palestinians call strike Israeli police were on high alert on Friday as Palestinians called a strike in defence of the Al Aqsa mosque compound following clashes at the flashpoint site. 'Muslims in Jerusalem are ungrateful' Capital's police chief comments on violence as thousands attend Priestly Blessing at Western Wall. Jordan convicts 12 for terrorist attack Jordan's military court has convicted 12 suspects on charges of carrying out terrorist attacks on a Christian church and cemetery in the kingdom. Lebanon Nasrallah Orders Investigation Into Hizbullah Members' Involvement In Ponzi Scheme Hizbullah associates have said that Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah has ordered that committees be established to investigate Hizbullah members' involvement in a Ponzi scheme run by Hizbullah-affiliated businessman Salah 'Izz Al-Din. Hezbollah says 'rocket' pictures were metal shutters Lebanon Army Arrests Three Fath Al-Islam Activists Who Planned To Strike At Army The Lebanese army recently arrested three activists from the Fath Al-Islam organization. The three, who are Palestinians, belonged to a cell that was monitoring Lebanese army bases and planning to strike them. IDF video shows blast was arms cache Army releases UAV footage showing loaded trucks carrying munitions away from Lebanon warehouse 'Hizbullah truck footage fabricated' Security official says IDF drone video shot at night, "low-level" al-Manar version made in daylight.
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Barack Obama ready to pay Afghan fighters to ditch the Taliban Global Warming Causes Terrorism But a number of U.S. intelligence and military studies recently made public describe how man-made climate change plays into the hands of terrorist groups in many countries — and specifically, aggravates the war in Afghanistan by giving a boost to the Taliban and its al Qaeda allie Taliban better financed than al-Qaida Al-Qaeda is in its worst financial state for many years while the Taliban's funding is flourishing, says the US Treasury. Weapons Failed U.S. Troops During Afghan Firefight In the chaos of an early morning assault on a remote U.S. outpost in eastern Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Erich Phillips' M4 carbine quit firing as militant forces surrounded the base. The machine gun he grabbed after tossing the rifle aside didn't work either. UK sends 500 more to Afghanistan U.S. Approves $209M For Afghan Embassy Projects Afghan War Costs US $3.6 Billion Per Month Afghanistan: Behind the frontline Examine the reconstruction efforts of the US, Britian and other leading members of Afghanistan’s international assistance force on an interactive map UNITED NATIONS: Security Council calls for more NATO troops in Afghanistan Bomb kills four US troops in Afghanistan: NATO Witnesses to Testify in Taleban Case on Oct 19 Four prosecution witnesses will testify in the Federal Supreme Court on October 19 in a case involving eight accused - seven UAE nationals and an Afghan - who allegedly ran a parallel 'judicial system' and arranged funds for the terrorist organisation Taleban in Afghanistan.	US, Afghan forces attack al-Qaida compound US: Taliban has grown fourfold Obama Authorizes 13,000 Support Troops For Afghan War Corruption, indiscipline slow Afghan training Behind Afghan War Debate, a Battle of Two Books Rages The two books -- "Lessons in Disaster," on Mr. Obama's nightstand, and "A Better War" on the shelves of military gurus -- have become a framework for the debate over what will be one of the most important decisions of Mr. Obama's presidency. Afghan outlook bleak as Taliban grabs territory My closest Afghan friend held out his Taliban-era photo. A decade younger, he had a thick black beard that the oppressive regime forced men to grow. Report: U.S. plans 'substantial increase' in Afghanistan troops 'Code Pink' rethinks its call for Afghanistan pullout In Afghanistan, the US women's activist group finds that their Afghan counterparts want US troop presence – as well as more reconstruction AFGHANISTAN : French troops died after Italy stopped bribing local Taliban, Times reports 10 French soldiers killed by the Taliban in 2008 were part of a unit who made an incorrect threat assessment as they were unaware that Italian officials had previously kept the area quiet by bribing local insurgents, according to The Times newspaper. $400 Per Gallon Gas To Drive Debate Over Cost Of War The Pentagon pays an average of $400 to put a gallon of fuel into a combat vehicle or aircraft in Afghanistan. U.S. troops abandon remote Afghan base where 8 were killed Resignation of Afghan election official raises anxiety level The disgruntled member of the Electoral Complaints Commission cites 'foreign interference,' adding an acrimonious new element to the controversial election at a crucial moment for Afghanistan.

Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Attack on Market in Pakistan Kills at Least 40 Pakistan frees 'most' hostages Insurgents had taken 10 to 15 hostages at country's military headquarters. US scrambles to save $7.5bn aid package for Pakistan Pakistan Taliban bombing spree could spur backlash The Pakistan Taliban may have sought to scare the military from launching an offensive against their base in South Waziristan. But the attacks, which killed 112 people in the past week, could harden the Army's resolve.	Pakistan jets 'bomb S Waziristan' Security of Pakistan nuclear weapons questioned An audacious weekend assault by Islamic militants on Pakistan's army headquarters is again raising fears of an insurgent attack on the country's nuclear weapons installation. Pakistan has sought to protect its nuclear weapons from attack by the Taliban or other militants by storing the warheads, detonators and missiles separately in facilities patrolled by elite troops.
North&South Asia	Map of Asia
U.S. troops increase Indonesian aid operations American troops set up a field hospital Tuesday and rerouted ships to aid victims of a powerful earthquake that left hundreds of thousands homeless, in their largest relief operation in Muslim-majority Indonesia since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.The expansion of the U.S. mission comes as efforts shifted from searching for survivors amid the rubble to providing relief to villages that have been cut off by massive landslides generated by last week’s magnitude-7.6 quake In Taiwan, your medical file on a card A swipe of a card gives doctors instant access to a patients information, saving time and keeping costs low. Indians say retaliation against Aussies justified Victoria Police are now accused of trying to cover up the attack on Indians. US firms bribed Navy, PSUs: Indian envoy Terrorists storm Lahore; 26 reported dead There have been coordinated attacks by armed gunmen in Lahore Indian military test-fires nuclear-capable missile	Jakarta bomb suspects shot dead Police kill two suspected Indonesian militants thought to have played a role in the July bombings in Jakarta, reports say. Violence in India's Maoist strike Maoists in India blow up culverts and cut electricity for the railways on the first day of a strike the rebels have called. Irish priest kidnapped in Philippines President Sarkozy in Kazakhstan to secure contracts French President Nicolas Sarkozy is in energy-rich Kazakhstan as part of a two-year diplomatic push aimed at securing French companies valuable space, energy and defence contracts in the Central Asian country. CHINA : Increase in number of billionaires despite credit crisis Car battery tycoon Wang Chuanfu (pictured) topped a new list of China's 1,000 richest people, which has 130 dollar billionaires in an emphatic declaration of the Asian giant's economic arrival.
Europe	Map of Europe
Bomb attack on Italian barracks Police arrest 48 in anti-Islam, anti-racism fracas Police in fluorescent jackets stood between hundreds of anti-Islam protesters and anti-racist counter-demonstrators in the city of Manchester on Saturday, arresting 48 people in a bid to keep the peace Berlusconi immunity law overruled Italy's highest court overturns a law granting PM Silvio Berlusconi immunity from prosecution while in office. Recruited by MI5: the name's Mussolini. Benito Mussolini For the British intelligence agency, it must have seemed like a good investment. Mussolini, then a 34-year-old journalist, was not just willing to ensure Italy continued to fight alongside the allies in the first world war by publishing propaganda in his paper. He was also willing to send in the boys to "persuade'' peace protesters to stay at home. German raids target 'violent Islamic extremists' German police on Wednesday conducted a "city-wide search" in Berlin, targeting "potentially violent Islamic extremists," a police spokeswoman told CNN. Russia seizes Stalin-era research A Russian academic researching the fate of ethnic Germans deported by Stalin during World War II has had his research seized by security services.	Chechen leader wins libel case Ramzan Kadyrov wins lawsuit against Russian human rights group in defamation case. Bans 'do not cut abortion rate' Restricting the availability of legal abortion does not appear to reduce the number of women trying to end unwanted pregnancies U.K. May Privatize Back-Office Services As it looks to scale down its debt, the U.K. is looking at novel ways to raise cash by bundling government activities into commercial companies that can be sold or listed. Russia: Protest in St. Petersburg over skyscraper About 3,000 protesters rallied in Russia's former czarist capital on Saturday to protest a plan to build a hulking skyscraper for state energy giant Gazprom. Broadband Access Made Legal Right In Finland Libyan explodes small bomb at Italy army barracks Police release one of two brothers held for suspected Qaeda links Police released the younger brother of a 32-year-old French engineer at the CERN nuclear research lab arrested for suspected links to al Qaeda. The researcher himself remains in detention. 'Torture documents' can be seen The High Court has ruled that US intelligence documents containing details of the alleged torture of a former UK resident can be released.
Africa	Map of Africa
Call to ban Guinea weapon sales The sale of arms to Guinea should stop after the deaths at an opposition protest, says Amnesty International. Mugabe cronies dumped by state in torture case A Zimbabwean official says several top officials and cronies of President Robert Mugabe being sued for torture have been renounced by the state and will not receive legal assistance. Libya killed man who linked Iraq: Zawahri Al Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri accused Libya of torturing to death a militant whose confession was used to justify the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.	Somali Islamists carry out amputations on 3 men Six masked men used machetes to carry out amputations on three men accused of robbery by a Somali Islamist court, a witness said Saturday. MADAGASCAR: Rajoelina appoints new PM under power-sharing deal Madagascar's leader Andry Rajeolina, who came to power in March following a coup, has fired his prime minister under the terms of a power-sharing deal reached last week. The replacement, Eugene Mangalaza, was agreed on by all parties. GUINEA: Britain urges citizens to leave country as tensions rise Britain has called its citizens to leave troubled Guinea "by whichever means available" due to deteriorating security conditions in the country and rising tensions since last month's bloody crackdown on opposition supporters.
The Americas	Map of North America and South America
Chavez says Obama did "nothing" to deserve Nobel Havana Hijacker Arrested 40 Years Later Chavez: Hilton owners were cheeky, so we seized hotel Paraguay unveils archives from Alfredo Stroessner dictatorship (US ally) Mexico's drug war: priests speak out In Mexico, traffickers have targeted the Catholic church with extortion and deadly threats. Nicaragua's newest tycoon? 'Socialist' president Daniel Ortega. Daniel Ortega's opaque business dealings, linked to Venezuela President Hugo Chávez, are blurring the lines between party, state, and first family, say critics. COLOMBIA: US Should Open Its Files on Palace of Justice Massacre A declassified U.S. State Department cable dated January 1999 blames Colombian soldiers for the killings of civilians rescued by the military operation to retake the Palace of Justice from guerrillas who had seized the building in November 1985 Mexico town split over Central American drifters Migrants fall prey to kidnappers and worse while the Mexican government does little to protect them, rights groups say. But others say the migrants are forming criminal bands and should be deported	Zelaya and Mitchetti Agree to Create Joint Cabinet Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and the de facto government agreed Saturday to create a joint cabinet and to ditch any amnesty for coup leaders Honduras to restore ousted president to power Colombian hitmen reveal horror of the kill Student Juan Guillermo Lora was just 17 when he was killed in Medellin, Colombia -- one of almost 2,000 deaths this year as rival drug gangs went to war. CNN speaks to two hitmen -- not connected with Lora's death -- about the violence, how much they charge and how they entered the world of the drug gangs. Pilots charged with Argentina 'death flights' An extradition hearing is expected in Spain this week for one of two pilots arrested recently on charges they participated in "death flights" in which more than 1,000 prisoners were thrown out of planes during Argentina's "dirty war" in the 1970s and 1980s, officials said. Chile police investigating after bullet fired at Israeli envoy's car Mexico's 'narco-lawyers' risk everything One 'Bulletproof Lawyer' survived four assassination attempts before being gunned down. Such unsolved killings highlight the violence within a judicial system manipulated by powerful drug cartels.