The News Crawler

The News Crawler
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Last Update: Sunday, March 15, 2009	Click here for Yesterdays Edition

Headlines
Officials worried Iraq dossier might be misleading New documents show that British officials who drafted a prewar dossier on Iraq worried that Britain risked exaggerating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime Memo that told Blair aides Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat Obama Says He Can Ignore Some Parts of Spending Bill his first signing statement, reserving a right to bypass dozens of provisions in a $410 billion government spending bill even as he signed it into law Obama Issues Signing Statement on Spending Bill Two days after criticizing his predecessor for issuing guidelines on how to put legislation into practice, President Barack Obama issued such a directive himself Investors profiting from -- and fixing -- the financial crisis The latest development in the mortgage market fomenting outrage in the streets and condemnation across the media spectrum is the spectacle of rich investors -- Wall Street traders, hedge fund operators, even former executives of the detested Countrywide Financial Corp. -- buying up delinquent home loans, reworking terms for borrowers, and selling them off to new investors at a handsome profit. Stick it in your earmark The earmarks in this spending bill added up to less than 2 percent of the total tab. That's why the Obama administration decided to push it through without Wall Street Wins For 3rd Straight Day Wall Street extends its rally into a third day as investors take in stride a cut in General Electric Co.'s credit rating.	Task Force 121 The Bush Administration has authorized a major escalation of the Special Forces covert war in Iraq. In interviews over the past month, American officials and former officials said that the main target was a hard-core group of Baathists who are believed to be behind much of the underground insurgency against the soldiers of the United States and its allies. A new Special Forces group, designated Task Force 121, has been assembled from Army Delta Force members, Navy seals, and C.I.A. paramilitary operatives, with many additional personnel ordered to report by January. Its highest priority is the neutralization of the Baathist insurgents, by capture or assassination. The case for a Glass-Steagall 'lite' Since, by common consent, we are immersed in the worst financial crisis since 1929, it is not surprising some of the old remedies are being considered again. More baffling is how quickly one of them is... Proactive, Preemptive Operations Group. As well-known military analyst William Arkin pointed out in an October 27 column in the Los Angeles Times, the development of the Pentagon's covert counter-terror capability has its roots in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The army created a highly compartmentalized organization that could collect clandestine intelligence independent of the rest of the US intelligence community, and follow through with covert military action. Today, it operates under the code name Grey Fox. In Afghanistan it operated alongside the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) paramilitary Special Activities Division and the Pentagon's Joint Special Operations Command.
Connecticut
Bill Proposes Restrictions on Raw Milk Sales In reaction to an outbreak of E. coli that was traced to a Connecticut dairy last summer, a proposed bill attempts to restrict raw milk sales to the farms where it is produced and to farmers’ markets. Rev. Manship video released A videotape the Rev. James Manship shot just before he was arrested by East Haven police last month shows a different scenario than the one described in a police report filed on the Feb. 19 incident. Blumenthal: I Never Endorsed Basement Co. A company that received the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau is under fire by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.	State Lawmakers Trying To Save Dairy Farms State lawmakers say they are making the most ambitious push ever to save the state's 157 remaining dairy farms. The troubled industry is caught in a system in which the federal government tells farmers what they may charge for their product, but farmers' production costs are consistently higher than that. Catholic Church Bill Was "Blatantly Unconstitutional'' - Gov. Rell Sen. Edward Meyer, one of the few Democrats who attended the hearing, told one of the speakers that the bill had upset not only Catholics. "This bill is offensive to Congregationalists as well,'' Meyer said. "I think it's offensive to all people of faith.''
United States
Proactive, Preemptive Operations Group. As well-known military analyst William Arkin pointed out in an October 27 column in the Los Angeles Times, the development of the Pentagon's covert counter-terror capability has its roots in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The army created a highly compartmentalized organization that could collect clandestine intelligence independent of the rest of the US intelligence community, and follow through with covert military action. Today, it operates under the code name Grey Fox. In Afghanistan it operated alongside the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) paramilitary Special Activities Division and the Pentagon's Joint Special Operations Command. Saudi Academy in Va. revises Islamic history books An Islamic school in northern Virginia with close ties to the Saudi government has revised its religious textbooks in an effort to end years of criticism that the school fosters hatred and intolerance. Report: 12 states made gains in HS graduation rate The national high school graduation rate remained flat at about 75 percent between 2002 and 2006, while a dozen states made substantial gains, according to a new report by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. 11 soldiers discharged for being openly gay The Army fired 11 soldiers in January for violating the military's policy that gay service members must keep their sexuality hidden, according to a Virginia congressman. Foreclosure scam artists rarely face jail time They call themselves loan modification consultants, negotiators or specialists. Some are legitimate, but many are simple con artists looking for desperate marks. Fed: U.S. household net worth plummets The net worth of American households fell by the largest amount in more than a half-century of record keeping during the fourth quarter of last year. FBI cited for poor freedom of information work The FBI tells two out of every three Freedom of Information Act requesters that it can't find the records they asked for - a failure rate five times higher than other major federal agencies, a private study has found. Feds say husband and wife sold tech to China A Walter Reed Army Medical Center worker and his wife were charged Thursday with conspiring to sell sensitive technology to China. Peanut plant owner dodges bankruptcy hearing questions Nader group sues feds over border fence documents	UN admits 'losing war on drugs' Anti-drug agency chief says enforcement policies have backfired. Researcher May Have Falsified Drug Studies A Mass. doctor has been accused of fabricating results in 21 pain drug studies. Internet 'Safety' Act? Not So Fast New law to store online info for 2 years could risk homeland security, privacy. NY AG Requests Merrill Bonus Order Be Overturned Cuomo accuses Merrill of 'misleading' Congress; requests Merrill bonus order be overturned Fla. judge allows gay tolerance club A federal judge has ruled that a student club that promotes tolerance for gays at a north Florida high school must be allowed to meet. TSA reviews airport incident involving La. senator The Transportation Security Administration is reviewing a report that Sen. David Vitter, R-La., set off a security alarm when he opened a gate door in his rush to catch a flight last week at Washington Dulles International Airport. Investors profiting from -- and fixing -- the financial crisis The latest development in the mortgage market fomenting outrage in the streets and condemnation across the media spectrum is the spectacle of rich investors -- Wall Street traders, hedge fund operators, even former executives of the detested Countrywide Financial Corp. -- buying up delinquent home loans, reworking terms for borrowers, and selling them off to new investors at a handsome profit. American Somali youths aren't seen posing major risk There is no evidence that radicalized Somali American youths who have disappeared over the last two years are being trained abroad to attack the United States, intelligence and law enforcement officials told members of a Senate panel Wednesday. Homeowner Rip-Offs Spark Scores of Lawsuits Many of the biggest mortgage lenders in the U.S. have engaged in widespread, systematic schemes that ripped off hundreds of thousands of families seeking to buy a home, refinance or foreclose, according to lawsuits filed on behalf of consumers. Judge moves racially charged East Texas trial A judge has moved the East Texas trial of two white men accused in the death of a black man who was run over and dragged by a pickup truck. Sears Tower renamed The London, England-based company said it will rent 140,000 square feet of the building at a cost of $14.50 per square foot. The move, which involves 500 employees and consolidating five area offices, is expected to be completed by late summer. 9/11 Victims Who Sued Got Bigger Payments Those who sued rather than took the proposed payout received over twice the average payment, a report found Europe’s Way of Encouraging Solar Power Arrives in the U.S. The strategy is to pay homeowners and businesses top dollar for producing green energy. Some states push back against stem cell research Md. jury finds Exxon Mobil liable for $150 million A jury is awarding about $150 million to nearly 300 people who sued Exxon Mobil over wells contaminated by a gasoline leak north of Baltimore. NAACP says bank giants steered blacks to bad loans The NAACP is accusing Wells Fargo and HSBC of forcing blacks into subprime mortgages while whites with identical qualifications got lower rates. STEWART HAMMERS CRAMER, CNBC jon Stewart's Tongue-Lashing: Accuses CNBC Of Selling "Snake Oil As Vitamin Tonic"... Wall Street Traders "Burned The F------ House Down With Our Money... And You Guys Knew"... "Disingenuous At Best And Criminal At Worst"... "Chastised" Cramer Admits Mistakes: "I Should Do A Better Job At It. I'm Trying." Pentagon to build giant spy blimp The Pentagon said Thursday that it intends to spend $400 million to develop a giant dirigible that will float 65,000 feet above the Earth for 10 years, providing unblinking and intricate radar surveillance of the vehicles, planes and even people below.
Madoffed
Inside the Madoff courtroom The moment that Bernie Madoff lost his freedom was almost easy to miss. Federal district judge Denny Chin concluded this morning's hearing to accept the disgraced financier's guilty plea with a quick "we're adjourned," and disappeared off the bench within seconds. Audience members began gathering their belongings and preparing to leave. The shuffle of activity almost obscured Madoff, who pulled his shoulders back, shifted his arms behind him and waited docilely as handcuffs were placed on his wrists. The cuffs, which gleamed as if freshly polished, seemed somehow suited to the fastidious elegance of the defendant. Read what Madoff told the judge Your Honor, for many years up until my arrest on December 11, 2008, I operated a Ponzi scheme through the investment advisory side of my business, The mystery of Ruth Madoff's money With Bernard Madoff pleading guilty to federal charges that will likely send him to prison for life, attention has turned toward his wife, Ruth. Or, more specifically, to two questions about her: What did she know of the fraud? And, will she keep the tens of millions of dollars worth of property and assets in her name? Did Madoff Act Alone? Prosecutors Say No Judge freezes Stanford's assets Stanford official says 'raid' was unconstitutional Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford's chief investment officer is trying to back out of an order that placed her assets under the control of a court-appointed receiver, saying that receiver's lawyers seized her family's car, rifled through her underwear drawer and diverted her mail.

Science
Monkeys teach their babies to floss using human hair A group of monkeys has been observed by researchers showing their young how to floss their teeth - using human hair. Climate change effects seen in Antarctic winds Scientists harness anti-matter, ordinary matter's 'evil twin' Researchers: Skies Dimming Due To Pollution Increases in airborne pollution have dimmed the skies by blocking sunlight over the past 30 years, researchers report.	Satellite debris passes close to space station Low-level ozone exposure found to be lethal over time An 18-year study shows an increased annual risk of death from respiratory illnesses, depending on the pollution level. It goes beyond studies that linked brief ozone spikes to short-term effects. Scientists closer to 'reading minds'
Politics
Stick it in your earmark The earmarks in this spending bill added up to less than 2 percent of the total tab. That's why the Obama administration decided to push it through without Freddie Mac Seeks $30.8B in US Aid After 4Q Loss Treasury official: US shouldn't micromanage banks Lawmakers: NASA watchdog needs to go Key members of Congress from both parties want NASA's internal watchdog fired, arguing he can't be trusted to oversee the $1 billion in additional money the space agency is getting under the Obama administration's economic stimulus package Texas gov. rejects stimulus money for unemployment Texas Gov. Rick Perry has rejected $555 million in federal stimulus money that would expand state unemployment benefits. S.C.'s Sanford makes it official, rejects $700 million stimulus South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Wednesday became the first governor to reject some of his state's share of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus money, spurning $700 million that he said would harm his state's residents in the long run. Treasury seeks $100 billion to aid ailing nations Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner yesterday unveiled a sweeping plan that calls on the United States and other nations to offer billions more to bail out economies in crisis. Congresswoman, Tied to Bank, Helped Seek Funds Maxine Waters facilitated contact between regulators and a bank chief with ties to her family seeking bailout funds. China's premier worries about US Treasury holdings China's premier says he worries about the safety of the enormous holdings of U.S. Treasuries and other debt and called on Washington to maintain a credible economic policy. GOP Hopes to Keep PATRIOT Act Provisions Alive House Republican leaders are lining up behind legislation that would extend a mix of wiretapping and spying provisions set to expire this year under the USA PATRIOT Act. GAO: Big defense programs face cost overruns Costs are likely to keep growing for two of the Pentagon's biggest weapons programs as the military pushes to field fighter jets and high tech Army units even before fully proving the technology, according to Government Accountability Office reports released Thursday. Dennis Kucinich targets Army's video war game exhibit used for recruiting Rep. Dennis Kucinich wants to kill federal funding for an immense traveling video game exhibit that acts as an Army recruiting tool by letting kids as young as 13 play soldier in modified Humvees armed with realistic weapons	Ron Paul: McCain's earmark opposition just 'grandstanding' "It's like a tax credit," Paul replied. "If I can give you any of your money back, I vote for it. So if I can give my district any money back, I encourage that.... I don't think the federal government should be doing it, but if they're going to allot the money, I have a responsibility to represent my people." FBI searches DC government office, arrests 2 FBI agents have arrested a District of Columbia government worker and another man while they search the offices of the city's chief technology officer. Obama official not a target in FBI raid: DC mayor U.S. lawmakers pressure Obama on Armenian issue Several U.S. lawmakers have written to President Barack Obama urging him to follow up on campaign statements and label the 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide. GOP, business fight union bill, stall it in Senate Congress now becomes the battleground between business and unions as lawmakers weigh a so-called card check bill that would make it easier for workers to unionize. Public lands bill falls short, embarrasses House Democratic leaders Democratic leaders suffered an embarrassing defeat Wednesday as the House failed to pass a public lands bill. FDIC says U.S. toxic asset plan means taxpayer profits A U.S. government plan for a public-private investment fund to buy distressed assets to help clean up banks' balance sheets is likely to generate a "healthy" profit" for taxpayers and investors, the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp said on Wednesday. Feds spending millions on Kennedy legacy in Mass. More than one out of every five dollars of the $126 million Massachusetts is receiving in earmarks from a $410 billion federal spending package is going to help preserve the legacy of the Kennedys. The case for a Glass-Steagall 'lite' Since, by common consent, we are immersed in the worst financial crisis since 1929, it is not surprising some of the old remedies are being considered again. More baffling is how quickly one of them is... Republicans Appoint Themselves to Oversee Stimulus Spending Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) Thursday afternoon announced the formation of a commission of Republican Senators to monitor the expenditure of funds from President Barack Obama's $790 billion economic stimulus bill, which was signed into law last month GM Says It Doesn't Need $2B Government Loan It Requested
Obama
Obama Says He Can Ignore Some Parts of Spending Bill his first signing statement, reserving a right to bypass dozens of provisions in a $410 billion government spending bill even as he signed it into law Obama Issues Signing Statement on Spending Bill Two days after criticizing his predecessor for issuing guidelines on how to put legislation into practice, President Barack Obama issued such a directive himself Recovery.gov Falling Short of Its Promise Consumer groups say holes still need to be filled to achieve full transparency. Obama: Troop move to Mexican border under consideration President Obama weighed in Wednesday on the escalating drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that he was looking at possibly deploying National Guard troops to contain the violence but ruled out any immediate military move. Third Top Treasury Pick Bites the Dust Attorney H. Rodgin Cohen, President Barack Obama's leading candidate for Deputy Treasury Secretary, withdrew from consideration for the post Thursday because of an unnamed "issue." Obama to states: Spend stimulus wisely _ or else Obama takes US closer to cluster bombs ban Legislation sets tight rules for weapons' use and sale Campaigners hail decision as 'major turnaround'The United States has stepped closer to a total ban on the use and export of cluster bombs Republicans oppose Obama pick for Iraq ambassador At least three Republican senators have said that President Barack Obama should reconsider his pick to become the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq, dimming the chances that Christopher Hill could be confirmed. US panel for women's issues President Barack Obama invoked his grandmother, single mother and two young daughters on Wednesday in creating a White House panel to advise him on issues facing women and girls.	Inheriting Halliburton's Army: What Will Obama Do With KBR? Obama needs to ask his Pentagon commanders this: Can the U.S. military do anything without KBR? Obama's FEMA pick offers calm after the storm Florida emergency manager Craig Fugate would bring a lot with him if he takes over the Federal Emergency Management Agency: plenty of hurricane experience, a blunt style, and a belief that preparation begins on the local level. Obama: Moving Guantanamo inmates won't harm U.S. towns President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he would never put communities like Leavenworth, Kan., at risk in deciding where to relocate prisoners once the Guantanamo detention camp is closed Treaty is 'national security' secret Following Bush position, Obama WH says agreement on copyrights a secret. Obama on Spot as Rulings Aid Gay Partners President Obama must decide whether to provide health insurance to same-sex partners of federal employees. Campus Notebook: Freedom of Information A provision in the omnibus appropriations bill that President Barack Obama signed on Wednesday will get the ball rolling on free public access to legislative data. Spending bill removes Bush limits on toxic reports The $410 billion spending bill that President Barack Obama signed Wednesday will reinstate detailed toxic chemical reporting at more than 3,500 facilities nationwide Drug War to Focus on Treatment Choice of drug czar and emphasis on alternative drug courts signal a shift from incarceration. Obama says he supports free-market economic system
Economy
Bank of America soars, CEO says bank in the black Bank of America Corp Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis said on Thursday the largest U.S. bank was profitable in January and February and should be able to ride out the recession without new help from the nation's taxpayers. Number of U.S. millionaires falls by a quarter	Stock rally picks up speed Stocks jumped Thursday afternoon, pushing Wall Street toward a three-session rally, as investors scooped up banks and other shares hit in the recent bloodletting. Wall Street Wins For 3rd Straight Day Wall Street extends its rally into a third day as investors take in stride a cut in General Electric Co.'s credit rating. U.S. jobless seen nearing 10 percent

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Car bomb blast kills three Iraqi soldiers Three Iraqi soldiers were killed and tens others were wounded including two soldiers in a car bomb explosion targeting an army patrol in Mosul. Iraqi Shoe-Thrower Sentenced to 3 Years in Jail Haditha prosecutor argues for release of interview Footage of a CBS "60 Minutes" interview with a Marine squad leader accused of killing 24 Iraqis should be disclosed because newsgathering protections do not apply to journalists within the military justice system, a prosecutor argued. Iranian Official: Iraqi Security Officials Fought Alongside Iran U.S. tanks going to Iraqi army In a turnaround from previous policy, the Iraqi army will acquire 140 advanced American-made battle tanks with help from the U.S. military over the next 18 months. Officials worried Iraq dossier might be misleading New documents show that British officials who drafted a prewar dossier on Iraq worried that Britain risked exaggerating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime Memo that told Blair aides Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat	US cautious after Iraq intelligence failure US Defense Secretary Robert Gates reported that the United States will be more cautious before launching preemptive attacks after the intelligence failures of the Iraq war. Iraqi PM says terrorists are losing capability Tariq Aziz guilty in 1992 killing of Iraqi merchants The former foreign minister of Iraq is sentenced to 15 years in the deaths of 42 merchants accused of price-fixing. US shoots down Iranian drone in Iraq Iraq works to find jobs for ‘Sons’ The military and Iraqi government are accelerating efforts to create jobs for "Sons of Iraq" members as the group's transfer to Iraqi control nears completion, officials said Thursday. In all, the Iraqi government now has control of around 82,000 of the estimated 100,000 "Sons of Iraq" members. Almost 300 reporters killed in Iraq since 2003
Middle East
Task Force 121 The Bush Administration has authorized a major escalation of the Special Forces covert war in Iraq. In interviews over the past month, American officials and former officials said that the main target was a hard-core group of Baathists who are believed to be behind much of the underground insurgency against the soldiers of the United States and its allies. A new Special Forces group, designated Task Force 121, has been assembled from Army Delta Force members, Navy seals, and C.I.A. paramilitary operatives, with many additional personnel ordered to report by January. Its highest priority is the neutralization of the Baathist insurgents, by capture or assassination. Darwin article causes flap in Muslim Turkey Turkish university students and teachers on Wednesday protested the removal of an article about Charles Darwin from a state-run science magazine amid concerns that secular views are under threat in the Muslim country. Britain’s Contacts With Hezbollah Vex U.S. The Obama administration was somewhat blindsided by Britain’s announcement that it was talking with the militant group’s political wing, an American official said	Hamas condemns Gaza rocket strikes on Israel Gaza's Hamas rulers issued rare criticism Thursday of Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel from the strip, saying now is the wrong time for such attacks Diplomats: Iran seeks to buy banned carbon fiber Two diplomats say Iran's national car company has made plans to purchase large quantities of carbon fiber, which is under U.N embargo because it could be used in the country's nuclear program. The automaker's chief executive denied it. Obama extends sanctions against Iran for one year Final Gaza toll shows 960 civilians killed: group Israel's 22-day offensive in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip killed 1,434 people, including 960 civilians, 239 police officers and 235 fighters, a Palestinian human rights group said Thursday. Iran not looking for Turkish mediation with US
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
Elder Karzai Defends Ties to Business The older brother of President Hamid Karzai said an article in The New York Times about his business activities was an unfounded pre-election smear tactic.	Afghan gov't to build Agricultural Institute in Taliban hotbed
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistan rally backs sacked judges Hundreds of anti-government lawyers and activists begin demonstration in Karachi. Missile strike kills 15 in Pakistan Saudis working hard to divide Pak militants and al Qaeda: Stratfor Saudi Arabia will have to get the Pakistan Taliban to part ways with al Qaeda and are working hard to drive a wedge between Pakistani militants and their foreign guests, according to an US-based news intelligence service. US lawmakers: Pakistan must give access to nuclear scientist US lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation aiming to cut off military aid to Pakistan unless US officials are able to question alleged nuclear proliferator Abdul Qadeer Khan	Pakistanis Take to Streets Despite Ban Opposition activists begin protests in Pakistan despite ban. Pakistan police swarm into major anti-government demonstration In Karachi, police arrest opposition leaders and prevent several hundred lawyers and activists from leaving on a planned 'long march' to a protest in Islamabad. Swat District: Islamist Leader Announces Names Of Shari'a Court Judges, Says No Role For Lawyers In Shari’a Courts Zardari returns to Pak, convenes emergency meet President Zardari was in Tehran on an official visit.
Asia
SARS whistleblower wants apology from China A Chinese doctor who exposed the extent of Beijing's SARS outbreak has asked the government to apologize for detaining him after he criticized the 1989 crackdown on protests in Tiananmen Square. China angry over US resolution on Tibet China criticized the United States on Thursday for damaging bilateral ties and meddling in its internal affairs by passing a resolution recognizing the plight of Tibet's people and their exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Why are US bases in Korea? Bangladesh lifts YouTube ban imposed after mutiny China demands end of US Navy surveillanc	U.S. tries to play down naval confrontation with China The United States sought on Wednesday to play down a confrontation between Chinese and U.S. naval vessels as the two sides held high-level talks on reviving growth and reining in North Korea's nuclear program. Official: US ship in scrape now has armed escort The Navy has assigned a heavily armed destroyer to escort the U.S. surveillance ship that got into a high-seas confrontation with Chinese ships last weekend.... N. Korea may not be faking on satellite launch North Korea, long known to obscure its ballistic missile tests behind claims of space rocket launches, may well try to fire a satellite into orbit later this month, according to top U.S. intelligence officials
Europe
Tax havens make concessions as pressure mounts Black-listed tax havens Andorra and Liechtenstein on Thursday relaxed their strict bank secrecy rules in the face of a global crackdown that looks set to force top offshore center Switzerland to open up. Police race to stop real IRA bomb plot Intelligence reports say large device smuggled across border from south. EU slaps import fees on US biodiesel The European Union slapped import fees on U.S. biodiesel Thursday, saying it had to protect European producers from unfair American subsidies and below-cost selling. 7 Accused In Amsterdam For Plotting Bombings Police in Amsterdam say they broke up what may have been a terrorist plot to attack stores	Russian reporter's son reflects on her killing Ilya Politkovsky, son of Anna Politkovskaya, says he understands why three suspects were acquitted last month. Russian opposition holds 'Day of Dissent' None of Thursday's protests, collectively called the "Day of Dissent," had been cleared with city authorities, and police had warned they would intervene. New terror video surfaces in Germany A new video, in which two German Islamists call for suicide attacks in their country, has surfaced on the Internet, the government said on Thursday.
Africa
Foreign Aid Workers Abducted in Darfur Court in Zimbabwe Orders Release of Opposition Figure Roy Bennett, an ally of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, was arrested last month on old charges his lawyers say were based on tainted testimony.	Somali pirates keep up attacks but seizures fall Corrective Rape' To 'Fix' Lesbians Spreads In South Africa
The Americas
Canadian jailed over UK bomb plot A Canadian convicted of involvement in a foiled fertiliser bomb plot in Britain is sentenced to 10 years and six months in jail. Panama must adjust labor laws, trade lawmaker says Panama needs to adjust its labor laws to meet international standards before Congress will consider a free trade agreement with the Central American country Chile sues banks over hidden Pinochet accounts Chile's government has filed lawsuits against four banks claiming those institutions were negligent or had deliberately helped former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet conceal about $26 million in public funds allegedly stolen over several decades Argentina bombing whistleblower allegedly tortured (AP) A criminal attorney who accused former President Carlos Menem of covering up the nation's worst terrorist attack testified Wednesday that he was kidnapped and tortured last week by masked gunmen seeking information about the case.	Mexico's most wanted man makes it onto the Forbes rich list Mexico's most wanted man Joaquin Guzman makes it to Forbes' latest list of the world's billionaires. Morales Calls for Decriminalizing Coca Leaf Cuban official rules out preconditions for improved U.S. relations Mexico extradites ex-Border Patrol agents to US Mexico has extradited two former U.S. Border Patrol agents accused of taking bribes from migrant smugglers. US holds back aid to Nicaragua for 3 more months Washington is delaying $64 million in development aid to Nicaragua for three more months pending the resolution of an election dispute.