The News Crawler

Italy high court to rule on CIA kidnap case The Italian state will ask the Constitutional Court on Tuesday to throw out a trial of U.S. and Italian spies accused of kidnapping a terrorism suspect, arguing the case breaks state secrecy laws, lawyers in the case said.

Officials: Afghanistan Taliban leader was at Gitmo The Taliban's new top operations officer in southern Afghanistan had been a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention center, the latest example of a freed detainee who took a militant leadership role and a potential complication for the Obama administration's efforts to close the prison.

Democrats' bill eases organizing unions In what a Democratic sponsor described as “one of those defining moments” in U.S. history, a bill to make union organizing easier was introduced in both chambers Tuesday, stoking an already intense lobbying assault between labor and business groups.

PROSECUTORS: MADOFF'S FRAUD WAS EVEN BIGGER: $64.8 BILLION

Zebari: Iran,Iraq face problems over borders Iraqi Foreign Minister Hosheyar Zebari noted that there are major problems between Iraq and Iran on setting and drawing the land, sea and coastal borders in addition to some problems with the Shatt Al Arab channel. “Our long-time attempts to convince Iran about the necessity and the importance

Economic researchers in Mosul call government to find alternative financing sources A group of economic researchers in Mosul called the government to concentrate on finding financing sources other than oil in order to answer the needs of the country especially after international oil prices dropped.

One dies in attack on Iraq base A foreign civilian is killed in a rocket attack on the main British military base in southern Iraq - the first such attack this year.

Pentagon Knowingly Exposed Troops to Toxic Waste: Report The Pentagon exposed troops to dangerous toxic waste in Iraq - then attempted to cover up the effects on the soldiers' health, a newly leaked document claims.

Ethnic tensions in Kirkuk turn U.S. military into mediator

Saddam loyalists reject reconciliation calls (AFP)

Pakistan Tribe To Turn in Taliban A tribe in a northwestern Pakistani region where the military has fought insurgents has agreed to stop sheltering foreign fighters and hand over local Taliban leaders, authorities said. A tribal elder said some militants could be pardoned and freed.

Hundreds of Kenyan students protest over killings Youths threw stones at police officers and looted stores and cars following a march by about 1,000 university students through the Kenyan capital Tuesday to protest the deaths of a fellow student and two activists.

Tanzania 'witch-naming' under way Thousands of people in Tanzania take part in an exercise aimed at identifying those behind the killing of albinos for ritual purposes.

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Headlines
Italy high court to rule on CIA kidnap case The Italian state will ask the Constitutional Court on Tuesday to throw out a trial of U.S. and Italian spies accused of kidnapping a terrorism suspect, arguing the case breaks state secrecy laws, lawyers in the case said. Officials: Afghanistan Taliban leader was at Gitmo The Taliban's new top operations officer in southern Afghanistan had been a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention center, the latest example of a freed detainee who took a militant leadership role and a potential complication for the Obama administration's efforts to close the prison. Democrats' bill eases organizing unions In what a Democratic sponsor described as “one of those defining moments” in U.S. history, a bill to make union organizing easier was introduced in both chambers Tuesday, stoking an already intense lobbying assault between labor and business groups. PROSECUTORS: MADOFF'S FRAUD WAS EVEN BIGGER: $64.8 BILLION	Pakistan Tribe To Turn in Taliban A tribe in a northwestern Pakistani region where the military has fought insurgents has agreed to stop sheltering foreign fighters and hand over local Taliban leaders, authorities said. A tribal elder said some militants could be pardoned and freed. Iran lacks weapons-grade nuclear material: U.S Iran lacks weapons-grade highly enriched uranium and has not yet made a decision on whether to produce any, U.S. intelligence officials told Congress on Tuesday US Supreme Court holds to narrow interpretation of the Voting Rights Act Critics say the ruling on 'crossover' districts could reduce the political clout of minorities. Breaking the Taboo on Israel's Spying Efforts on the United States Israel runs one of the most aggressive and damaging espionage networks targeting the U.S., yet public discussion about it is almost nil.
Connecticut
United Technologies Cutting Jobs, Outlook Hearing set on Anthem rate increase request The state Bureau of Insurance on Tuesday will hold the second of three public hearings on a request by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for rate adjustments that would result in an average premium increase of 18.1 percent. Connecticut's Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.3 Percent Top Priorities Set For DOT's Federal Stimulus Money The biggest piece of Connecticut's federal stimulus aid for transportation will be used to replace a deteriorated Amtrak bridge in Branford and refurbish a stretch of the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull and Fairfield, a panel agreed Monday. Poll: Sell Booze on Sundays; a Little Pot's OK Six days are not enough to buy booze, it should be sold on Sundays too, and just a little bit of pot should not be enough to put someone in the clink. That’s what Connecticut voters told Quinnipiac pollsters.	Conn. loses more jobs in January The state labor department says Connecticut lost 3,600 jobs in January, pushing the unemployment rate to 7.3 percent. Rell Postpones In-School Suspension Law When Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced she would postpone legislation to limit the number of out-of-school suspensions in Connecticut, superintendents breathed a collective sigh of relief. Conn. lawmakers cancel hearing on church finances The leaders of the legislature's Judiciary Committee are canceling a highly anticipated public hearing on a bill that would provide Catholics with more control over their parish finances. State Loses 3,600 Jobs In January State may go after illegal out-of-state businesses Out-of-state companies doing business illegally in Connecticut would face a near doubling of fines under legislation being introduced in the state House of Representatives
United States
The Costs of Empire: Can We Really Afford 1,000 Overseas Bases? Breaking the Taboo on Israel's Spying Efforts on the United States Israel runs one of the most aggressive and damaging espionage networks targeting the U.S., yet public discussion about it is almost nil. New uncertainty arises over Maine's nuclear waste State officials say the Obama administration’s plan to cut funding for a proposed nuclear waste repository in Nevada raises questions about the future of spent radioactive fuel being stored next to the former Maine Yankee plant. Guantanamo detainees say they planned September 11: report The five detainees at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison camp charged with plotting the September 11 attacks have filed a document expressing pride at their accomplishment and accepting responsibility for the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, The New York Times reported on Monday. US Supreme Court holds to narrow interpretation of the Voting Rights Act Critics say the ruling on 'crossover' districts could reduce the political clout of minorities. US Jewish communities test emergency system Integrated rapid-response system is designed to allow communications during times of emergency, share security information on an ongoing basis. UN experts set to probe secret CIA detention centers Wiretapping whistleblower speaks Ex-DOJ lawyer appears at gathering of whistleblowers demanding greater protection from Congress. Ex-officer accused of defrauding 9/11 fund Slain US Nazi Millionaire "Very Upset" About Obama's Election, Had Parts For Dirty Bomb	Ford Workers Approve UAW Contract Changes Texas cops seize black drivers' cars -- and cash Suit says cops force motorists, largely black, to forfeit cash and cars—or be charged with trumped-up crimes EPA to study, regulate coal ash waste after spill The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday launched a review of coal ash storage facilities and said it would draft regulations for coal ash by the end of the year No verdict on pay-for-performance U.S. health plans Dangling a financial carrot in front of doctors as a way to improve health quality has changed the way some doctors practice medicine, but has yet to significantly improve quality and may be interfering with doctor-patient relationships, researchers said on Tuesday. Economist Ha-Joon Chang on "The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism" The worldwide financial crisis is forcing some to rethink the neoliberal policies widely blamed for the financial collapse. We speak with University of Cambridge economist Ha-Joon Chang, author of Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism FBI investigates firebombing of UCLA researcher's car The FBI is looking into the firebombing of a vehicle owned by a UCLA neuroscientist who was targeted by an anti-animal research group for using primates in his study of psychiatric disorders. As recession deepens, social workers brace for rise in domestic violence Judge in Medtronic case will not remove himself A judge who dismissed thousands of lawsuits against Medtronic said Monday he will not remove himself from the case, despite criticism for not revealing that his son works for a law firm tied to the company. Judge Tosses Long-Standing Motion to Dismiss Stevens Case Federal District Judge Emmet Sullivan rejected a months-old motion to dismiss the corruption case against ex-Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) in a Tuesday morning status conference. Gun Dealer Accused Of Selling To Cartels A gun dealer is on trial for supplying weapons to Mexican drug gangs who are locked in a bloody war with authorities, and each other. CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reports on a case that's being watched closely on both sides of the border. Report: Restoring Forests Can Create 10 Million Jobs ACLU: Gitmo judge 'blatantly defied' Obama executive order New Mexico Cancels Vicente Fox Commencement Speech
Madoffed
Madoff's attorney receives death threats Bernard Madoff's defense attorney Ira Lee Sorkin tells CNN he has received death threats and virulently anti-Semitic hate mail. Doctor pleads guilty to hiding $3M from IRS The business partner of a key witness in the federal investigation of corruption under former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has pleaded guilty to hiding $3 million in income from tax collectors. PROSECUTORS: MADOFF'S FRAUD WAS EVEN BIGGER: $64.8 BILLION Madoff To Plead Guilty To 11 Counts, Faces Up To 150 Years In Prison... Feds Seek Stunning $170 Billion In Forfeiture...

Science
Scientists warn seas to rise faster than expected Sea level could rise more than a metre by 2100, say experts	Scientists Discover Brain's "God Spot"
Politics
Should the Government Protect People's Health or Insurance Companies' Profits? Bernanke Says Regulatory Overhaul Needed Bernanke calls for overhaul of nation's regulatory structure to avoid future financial crises House considers money for border, Mexico drug war House subcommittees are considering spending requests for security along the U.S.-Mexico border and ways to help curb Mexican drug violence. Gov't forcing wildlife group to ID leak's source The inspector general for the Commerce Department is trying to force a prominent environmental group to reveal who leaked the Bush administration's plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act just weeks before President Barack Obama took office Lawmakers Join Anti-War Groups' Opposition to Obama's Afghanistan Plan Anti-war groups are circulating a letter on Capitol Hill calling on President Barack Obama to reconsider sending more troops to Afghanistan — a request that is already gaining bipartisan traction in the House. Dems Want To Regulate Mortgages Like Toys And Drugs	AIG's Plea Warned Collapse Could 'Bankrupt Entire System' Draft obtained by ABC News warned of worldwide crisis if no bailout. Worst crisis since 1930s says Fed US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke says the world is suffering from the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. FDIC's Bair: Bad assets plan can jump-start U.S. economy The U.S. government's plan to strip banks of troubled assets could force some firms to record large losses, but the move would help restore confidence in the banking system, the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said in an interview in Tuesday's Washington Post Cuomo, Frank demand BofA/Merrill bonus information New York state's top legal officer and U.S. Rep. Barney Frank demanded on Monday that Bank of America Corp provide more details on $6.9 billion in bonuses paid in 2008, including $3.6 billion at the former Merrill Lynch & Co. Democrats' bill eases organizing unions In what a Democratic sponsor described as “one of those defining moments” in U.S. history, a bill to make union organizing easier was introduced in both chambers Tuesday, stoking an already intense lobbying assault between labor and business groups.
Obama
US to get tough on trading rules Ron Kirk, the man poised to become the US's top trade official, says the new administration's priority is ensuring countries play by trade rules. Obama wants to halt 'off-the-shelf' student tests President Obama began to flesh out the details of one of his signature campaign promises Tuesday, outlining his plan for a major overhaul of the country's education system. Obama's Economic Lesson: Roosevelt's New Deal Failure Was Not Doing Enough	Obama embraces merit pay for teacher in position contrary to the one taken by education unions President Barack Obama embraced merit pay for teachers Tuesday in spelling out a vision of education that will almost certainly alienate union backers.Obama urges longer school hours, extended school year Embattled Ex-diplomat Chas Freeman Gives Up Top Intelligence Analyst Post Controversy was growing over Freeman's views on Israel and other issues.
Economy
Oil Rises to Near $48 as OPEC Signals Supply Cuts Credit card delinquencies hit index record Cash-strapped American consumers are not paying credit card bills on time, sending delinquency rates to their second straight record high in a report compiled by a credit rating agency. Regulatory reports show 5 biggest banks face huge losses	Wholesale Inventories Fall Again in January Wholesale inventories drop for 5th straight month in Jan., longest stretch since 2001 Dow Jones jumps more than 300 Wall Street gets good news from Citigroup and responds with huge rally. IMF Chief Says World Entering 'Great Recession'

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Zebari: Iran,Iraq face problems over borders Iraqi Foreign Minister Hosheyar Zebari noted that there are major problems between Iraq and Iran on setting and drawing the land, sea and coastal borders in addition to some problems with the Shatt Al Arab channel. “Our long-time attempts to convince Iran about the necessity and the importance Economic researchers in Mosul call government to find alternative financing sources A group of economic researchers in Mosul called the government to concentrate on finding financing sources other than oil in order to answer the needs of the country especially after international oil prices dropped. One dies in attack on Iraq base A foreign civilian is killed in a rocket attack on the main British military base in southern Iraq - the first such attack this year. Pentagon Knowingly Exposed Troops to Toxic Waste: Report The Pentagon exposed troops to dangerous toxic waste in Iraq - then attempted to cover up the effects on the soldiers' health, a newly leaked document claims. Ethnic tensions in Kirkuk turn U.S. military into mediator Saddam loyalists reject reconciliation calls (AFP)	Yawer denies news on Turkish attack on PKK In the wake of news reports by newspapers and local Kurdish sites on Turkish troops massing up near the borders with Iraq while expectations point out to a probable Turkish attack against Kurdistan Workers Party positions in Kurdistan, Exxon Mobil bids to invest in Iraq oil sector Exxon Mobil's Chief Executive said that the company holds continuous talks with Baghdad in order to create an investment environment that allows it to become a principal player in Iraq energy field. Exxon bids to win contracts in Iraq biggest oil fields 'Dozens dead' in Baghdad bombing At least 33 people die in a suicide attack on dignitaries at a reconciliation conference in Baghdad, security officials say. Sistani Expresses Support For Rafsanjani During a meeting in Najaf with Iranian Expediency Council secretary Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iraq's Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said that the attacks in Iran on moderate viewpoints such as Rafsanjani's are weakening the Islamic regime in Iran, 2 Iraqi journalists killed in Abu Ghraib bombing No sign Iraqis will ask US to stay (AP)
Middle East
Saudi Woman Faces Lashings Over Bread Court sentences woman to 40 lashes, jail time for asking men to deliver bread. Israeli Settlers Terrorize Palestinian Villagers "I couldn't run. My pregnancy was too far advanced, and there was nowhere to hide," said Amna Salman Rabaye, 31, as she recalled the terrifying incident several months ago. Nearly a Million Genocide Victims, Covered in a Cloak of Amnesia (Turkey) According to a long-hidden document that belonged to the interior minister of the Ottoman Empire, 972,000 Ottoman Armenians disappeared from official population records from 1915 through 1916. Iran seen as target of Saudi overtures to Syria Bottling its irritation, Saudi Arabia is mending ties with Syria to restore a semblance of Arab harmony before a summit later this month, calm regional tensions and nudge Damascus towards cooling its alliance with Tehran. Khatami To Ahmadinejad: Where'd Oil Revenues Go? In a speech in Shiraz, to thousands of his supporters, Iranian former president and current presidential candidate Mohammad Khatami asked Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to reveal what aheppened to the $150 billion in oil revenues Iranian Website: Wahhabis Distributing Anti-Shi'a Books Iran accused of violating UN sanctions A key Security Council committee reported Tuesday that Iran violated U.N. sanctions by trying to send weapons-related material to Syria on a cargo ship now docked in Cyprus In Iran, Khatami Loses a Key Backer Gholamhossein Karbaschi, who was instrumental in Mohammad Khatami’s victory in 1997, said he would back Khatami’s rival, Mehdi Karroubi, in coming elections Israel bans Palestinian activist from travel (AP) Israel's Supreme Court banned a Palestinian human rights activist Tuesday from traveling to Amsterdam to receive a prize. US sets conditions on Hamas, Hezbollah contacts (AFP) The White House said Tuesday that both Hamas and Hezbollah must renounce violence and recognize Israel before they can expect even low-level US engagement.	Iran lacks weapons-grade nuclear material: U.S Iran lacks weapons-grade highly enriched uranium and has not yet made a decision on whether to produce any, U.S. intelligence officials told Congress on Tuesday. Israeli aircraft strike Gaza rocket squad, wounding three The Israel Defense Forces says its aircraft hit a Palestinian rocket squad in Gaza just after the militants fired rockets at Israel. Palestinian security says three people were wounded Iran’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric Aimed at Arab Opinion Interpol studying Iran`s request for 25 Israeli officials over Gaza op Interpol says it is studying a request from Iran for 25 Israeli officials to be placed on its most-wanted list over Israel's offensive in Gaza Report: Hamas official denies possessing video of Shalit Hamas deputy political chief Moussa Abu Marzouk was quoted by the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat on Tuesday as denying a report that he was in possession of vide showing abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit Report: Hamas Arrested Islamic Jihad Operatives Who Fired Missiles On Israel An Islamic Jihad source said that Hamas's security apparatuses had arrested about 10 of its operatives for continued firing of missiles on Israel. Most of those arrested were freed after being tortured and forced to sign a commitment to stop Report: Turkey quit Shalit talks due to Hamas’ demands Turkey has ceased trying to broker a deal for the release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit due to excessive demands from Hamas, the Israeli media said yesterday, citing a report by a Saudi newspaper. Second indictment in Ergenekon trial submitted to court The İstanbul Prosecutor's Office yesterday submitted an additional indictment in the trial of Ergenekon, a clandestine terrorist organization with members from various state agencies including the military, as well as from politics, the business world, the academy, media and other civilian sectors, charged with plotting to overthrow the government. My blood froze,’ says potential Ergenekon Terror victim
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
US wants Nato boost in Afghanistan Report slams "crude" effort to fight Web militants Western governments have overstated the role the Internet plays in the recruitment of militants, and measures to block extremist material are "crude, expensive and counterproductive," a report said on Tuesday. Too much armor robbing Marines of speed in combat Using heavy layers of armor to keep troops safe from bullets and bombs is making the Marine Corps too slow on a battlefield where speed and mobility are critical, a senior military leader said Tuesday Hizb-e-Islami Commander Arrested In Afghanistan Officials: Afghanistan Taliban leader was at Gitmo The Taliban's new top operations officer in southern Afghanistan had been a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention center, the latest example of a freed detainee who took a militant leadership role and a potential complication for the Obama administration's efforts to close the prison.	"Sending More Troops Will Not Solve the Problem" - Grassroots Afghan Activist Rangina Hamidi Vice President Joe Biden is in Brussels today to get NATO allies to support the US surge in Afghanistan with more troops. We go to Kandahar to speak with grassroots Afghan activist, Rangina Hamidi. She is a former resident of the United States who returned to her native Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Today she is the president of Kandahar Treasure, the first women-run business in her hometown of Kandahar. Russian advice: More troops won't help in Afghanistan The old diplomat sighed as he recalled his years in Afghanistan, and then leaned forward and said in a booming voice that no escalation of troops would bring lasting peace. Russian advice on Afghanistan: Build roads, don't drop bombs U.S. Halted Some Raids in Afghanistan The halt came after a series of nighttime raids in recent months killed women and children.
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistan Tribe To Turn in Taliban A tribe in a northwestern Pakistani region where the military has fought insurgents has agreed to stop sheltering foreign fighters and hand over local Taliban leaders, authorities said. A tribal elder said some militants could be pardoned and freed.	Obama unlikely to mediate on Kashmir: Report The Obama Administration is unlikely to mediate on the Kashmir issue and the US policy of non-interference will continue despite calls for greater American involvement, according to a latest Congressional report.
Asia
Sri Lanka 'suicide bomb kills 14' At least 14 people are killed and 35 injured in a suicide bomb attack in the town of Akuressa in southern Sri Lanka, police say China says U.S. provoked naval confrontation The U.S. had lodged a complaint against China, saying five of its ships harassed a U.S. surveillance vessel in the South China Sea. China says the American ship was conducting illegal activities.	China says U.S. provoked naval confrontation US protests 'harassment' of USNS Impeccable by Chinese vessels Chinese ships surrounded and harassed a Navy mapping ship in international waters off China, at one point coming within 25 feet of the American boat and strewing debris in its path, the Defense Department said today.
Europe
France moves to ban sale of alcohol to minors French lawmakers passed an amendment Monday to ban the sale of alcohol to minors, part of an effort to tackle the rise of binge drinking in a country known for a relaxed attitude toward a little libation. Swiss uproar as prostitute buried in same cemetery as John Calvin A well-known prostitute who campaigned for the rights and dignity of sex workers was given an honored place of rest on Monday, in the same cemetery where Protestantism's John Calvin is buried, and some women activists criticized the decision.	Italy high court to rule on CIA kidnap case The Italian state will ask the Constitutional Court on Tuesday to throw out a trial of U.S. and Italian spies accused of kidnapping a terrorism suspect, arguing the case breaks state secrecy laws, lawyers in the case said. French government accused of 'Big Brother' tactics over internet piracy The French government has been accused of "Big Brother tactics" over a proposed anti-piracy law that aims to punish people who repeatedly illegally download music and films by cutting off their internet access for up to a year.
Africa
Hundreds of Kenyan students protest over killings Youths threw stones at police officers and looted stores and cars following a march by about 1,000 university students through the Kenyan capital Tuesday to protest the deaths of a fellow student and two activists. Tanzania 'witch-naming' under way Thousands of people in Tanzania take part in an exercise aimed at identifying those behind the killing of albinos for ritual purposes.	US Embassy in Sudan warns Americans in Sudan The U.S. Embassy in Sudan said Tuesday that nonessential staff and family have been authorized to leave the country due to uncertain security conditions following the expulsion of aid groups from the Darfur region Somali Cabinet votes to implement Islamic law
The Americas
Cubans wonder about military's growing role President Raul Castro's cabinet shake-up last week has raised concerns among Cubans about the military's increased role in government and how it could affect their daily lives and the future.	Coke willing to cooperate with Venezuelan govt Venezuela's Coca-Cola bottler says the company is willing to relocate a distribution center and parking lot if an agreement can be reached with the government.