The News Crawler

The News Crawler
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Last Update: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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World Headlines
Click here Updates from Iran as of July 21 Click here Updates from Honduras as of July 21 Israel Rejects US Call to Halt Jerusalem Project Israel rejects US call to halt housing project planned in disputed area of Jerusalem Kurds in troubled Iraqi province threaten to secede Iraq government faces claims of prisoner abuse Chevron: 'We're not paying' $27 BILLION fine for damage to Ecuador rain forest Bolivia coca growers back Morales re-election A leader of coca growers in Central Bolivia says the farmers are putting their controversial crop behind President Evo Morales' campaign for re-election New escalation in Mexico drug war Ten Mexican police are held over the murder of 12 federal agents, as thousands of troops are deployed to a western state. Khamenei warns of 'collapse' Iran's supreme leader warns political elite against further opposition to Ahmadinejad. Police tear-gas Iran protesters during prayer More violence, arrests in Iran after cleric's speech Government security forces beat demonstrators and fired tear gas in central Tehran Friday after one of the country's most influential clerics told a huge crowd of opposition supporters that the government would lose its claim to Islamic legitimacy if it didn't address widespread doubts about the results of June's presidential election. Iran-linked militant held for U.S. base attack Iraqi authorities have arrested a member of an Iranian-backed militia suspected in an attack that killed three American soldiers in southern Iraq, police said Saturday. Maj. Gen. Adil Daham, chief of the Basra provincial police, said the militiaman confessed early Saturday to the attack on a U.S. base near the airport. The soldiers were killed Thursday night in a rocket attack, the U.S. military said, in a rare assault on troops in the comparatively quiet south. During a search of the house where the suspect and an aide were arrested, Iraqi officials say they seized four Iranian-made rockets Rafsanjani: Iran in crisis Senior Iranian cleric calls for release of opposition protesters during Friday prayers.	Mansour: Targeting churches undermines Iraq Government credibility Kurdistan Civil Community Minister Georges Mansour said that targeting Christians and detonating churches has undermined Iraq’s Government credibility. Mansour noted that recent bombings prove that churches’ issues is not seriously regarded. For more details, click on play movie French workers win redundancy fight Staff receive $42,000 for losing jobs after threat to blow up factory with gas canisters. US firm averts French explosion The Jakarta Hotel Bombings Deadly blasts hit Jakarta hotels Explosions tore through two luxury hotels Friday morning in south Jakarta, Indonesia, killing at least eight people, a presidential spokesman said. Jakarta Bombings Linked to 2002 Bali Nightclub Blast Q&A: What is Jemaah Islamiyah? Jakarta bombings: Why Indonesia's Islamist radicals attack U.S. increasing counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan With opium production soaring, and funding Taliban activities, the U.S. is sending dozens of DEA agents to help break trafficking rings, a shift in policy from crop eradication. U.S. Soldier in Taliban Video Identified Officials say soldier captured in Afghanistan is 23-year-old Bowe Bergdahl.Kidnapped American Soldier May Be in Pakistan Ultra-orthodox Jews visit Hamas Four members of a group of ultra-orthodox Jews opposed to the existence of Israel visit Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Karzai pressured to rein in warlords Allegations that a U.S. ally was responsible for the deaths of up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners early in the Afghan war are part of a campaign by human rights groups and other critics to curb the power of warlords, whose influence in Afghanistan has contributed to the revival of the Taliban. Afghanistan Is Based on Lies and Illusions The new film The Fixer, featuring The Nation's Christian Parenti, captures some edgy, fearful truths about the war in Afghanistan.
US Headlines
Leading Indicators Climb, Signaling U.S. Economy Nearing End of Recession Oil rebounds above $63 a barrel The Bank Lobby's Insane Assault on Consumer Protection Even after causing millions of foreclosures and the worst recession since the 1930s, the bank lobby is still trying to screw us. Under plans, tax on the richest set to rise Uranium mining near Grand Canyon halted The Interior Department announced Monday it is temporarily barring the filing of new mining claims, including for uranium, on nearly 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon. CIA’s interrogation methods caused dissent Two men who have been portrayed as proponents of harsh interrogation techniques at the CIA may have actually rejected orders from Langley to prolong the most severe pressure on detainees. HIV travel ban may be lifted for infected visitors Walter Cronkite Knew a Failed War When He Saw One: Vietnam and the War on Drugs Later in life, Cronkite became an outspoken crusader to end our nation's disastrous policies on illicit drugs. Cronkite, former war correspondent, dead at 92 How US bingo dollars are funding Israeli settlements Each dollar spent on bingo by the mostly Latino residents of Hawaiian Gardens, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, helps fund Jewish settlements on Palestinian land in some of the most sensitive areas of occupied East Jerusalem, particularly the Muslim quarter of the old city, and West Bank towns such as Hebron where the Israeli military has forced Arabs out of their properties in their thousands.	Goldman Executive Named as Obama Adviser CIA assassins ok'ed to operate in US Judge rules CIA committed fraud in court A federal judge has ruled that CIA officials committed fraud to protect a former covert agent against a lawsuit. Secret's Out: How Bailed Out Banks Spent Their Money Watchdog: Report refutes Treasury claim banks cannot be asked to account for where bailout money went. Watchdog wants banks to report TARP usage The watchdog overseeing the government's financial bailout is calling on the Treasury Department to seek more information from banks that receive taxpayer assistance. Watchdog: Banks abused bailout The Scandal Continues: The Billions in Govt. Cash Behind Goldman's Profits Minimum wage workers set to get a raise Mormon 'kiss-in' in Utah leads to shouting match A mass-kissing protest near the Mormon church temple Sunday drew a shouting match between gay activists and a group of faithful Mormons. Fox host apologizes for bashing interracial marriages 2008 voting rate down as older whites stayed home For all the attention generated by last year's presidential race, census figures show the share of eligible voters who actually went to the polls in November declined from 2004. Sheriff's Deputy Used Stun Gun On 3 Children, Choked A Fourth Kid: Lawsuit Secret Insurance Industry Memo Discovered (Links Included)
Connecticut
NRSC Asks Sen. Dodd To Return Contributions To Lobbyists Since Sen. Christopher J. Dodd has been criticizing lobbyists lately, the National Republican Senatorial Committee is now asking Dodd to return campaign contributions that have been given to him by lobbyists. Guardian Angels Begin Patrolling Garden Street In Hartford Conn. lawmakers override 7 bills The Democratic-controlled General Assembly in Connecticut has overridden seven of Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's 20 vetoes, including one that lays groundwork for a universal health care system in the state. Rell Unaware That CCMC Owes Millions To UConn Health Center The governor's budget office - and many people in state government - were unaware that the financially ailing Connecticut Children's Medical Center owes millions of dollars to the cash-strapped University of Connecticut Health Center, which was recently bailed out by the state legislature for the fourth time since 2000.	Teenager arraigned for shooting death in Conn. Bail has been set at $2.5 million for a teenager arrested in the killing last month of an East Hartford man found shot to death on the kitchen floor of his apartment. Report Says Connecticut Lost 4,800 Jobs In June Conn. officials say LI Sound 'dead zone' worse Environmental officials say the so-called "dead zone" of low oxygen in Long Island Sound continues to get worse. New Bill Could Help Dairy Farmers Stay Alive More Than 300 CT Residents Lose Health Insurance Each Day Conn. regulators hold hearing on Blue Cross rates Study finds Connecticut not taking full advantage of legalized gambling
United States
2008 voting rate down as older whites stayed home For all the attention generated by last year's presidential race, census figures show the share of eligible voters who actually went to the polls in November declined from 2004. Security Issues Are Soldiers Taking the War Back Home? Army study was prompted by 14 murders in three years near Fort Carson, Colo. Soldiers could get hand-held, radar-like device A hand-held radar device designed to see through walls, ceilings and floors may give soldiers the ability to spot enemy forces inside buildings. HIV travel ban may be lifted for infected visitors US teenage pregnancy rose sharply in Bush years Aids cases in adolescent boys have nearly doubled. Fall in gonorrhea infection rate reversed Drop in Violent Crime in D.C. Area and Some Other Major Cities Puzzles Experts Violent crime has plummeted in the Washington area and in major cities across the country, a trend criminologists describe as baffling and unexpected. Courts Airlines denied 9/11 evidence in trials A federal judge ruled Thursday that airlines and other companies in the industry that are being sued by families of terrorism victims can't question FBI agents about the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The aviation companies wanted to depose the agents and sought access to other evidence related to the investigation of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in order to show at trial that the government's failure to catch the terrorists and prevent the attacks mitigates and excuses any purported fault on the companies' part. The government objected. Police Federal Judge Weakens Oversight of LAPD Newly implemented reforms don't do enough to reverse a massive increase in the frisking of minority youths in the Los Angeles community. Prominent Black Scholar Claims Racism After Arrest Scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. arrested after getting locked out of own home. Ill. sheriff makes name with Craigslist, cemetery Sick of kicking innocent renters out of foreclosed homes, Tom Dart announced he was through carrying out evictions until lenders cleaned up their act. The Cook County sheriff then went after Craigslist for running what he said was little more than an online brothel. Sheriff's Deputy Used Stun Gun On 3 Children, Choked A Fourth Kid: Lawsuit Environment RI gov signs bill rewarding renewable energy users Homeowners who use renewable energy systems such wind turbines or solar panels for power could get a financial boost under a new Rhode Island law. Chevron: 'We're not paying' $27 BILLION fine for damage to Ecuador rain forest	Media Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth Joins the Birthers J.D. Hayworth, a former Arizona Republican congressman who went down to a narrow defeat in 2006, now hosts a radio show on KFYI 550. Today he interviewed Orly Taitz, the luckless attorney for Maj. Stefan Cook, and gave her plenty of airtime to misinform about her latest court defeat. Audio of the interview is here. Walter Cronkite Knew a Failed War When He Saw One: Vietnam and the War on Drugs Later in life, Cronkite became an outspoken crusader to end our nation's disastrous policies on illicit drugs. Cronkite, former war correspondent, dead at 92 Walter Cronkite (1916-2009): Legendary CBS Anchorman Was Critical of Media Consolidation, Wars in Vietnam and Iraq Some Perspective on Cronkite, Please The idea that a single anchorperson of the corporate media should have enormous power over what Americans think is not only anachronistic; it’s undemocratic and distorting.read more Fox host apologizes for bashing interracial marriages Civil Rights Atheists sue to keep 'In God We Trust' off Capitol Visitor Center Mormon 'kiss-in' in Utah leads to shouting match A mass-kissing protest near the Mormon church temple Sunday drew a shouting match between gay activists and a group of faithful Mormons. US expected to expand hate crime laws to cover local legal gaps Definition of crimes will expand to cover attacks based on sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity. Labor bends on ‘card check’ provision Organized labor is nearing a deal to salvage legislation that could aid the union movement, but it had to drop “card check” — a key component of the original bill that would allow workers to form a union by signing cards instead of holding a secret ballot vote. Does the Hate Crimes Bill Threaten Religious Liberties? As the hate crimes bill nears passage, religious conservatives say it targets pastors. Minimum wage workers set to get a raise Education Kindle for School Kids: No More Paper? Think tank proposes replacing public school textbooks with Kindles. Uranium mining near Grand Canyon halted The Interior Department announced Monday it is temporarily barring the filing of new mining claims, including for uranium, on nearly 1 million acres near the Grand Canyon.

Science
Universal mirror shows all angles A universal mirror, an object that reflects all light waves back at their source, has been created by scientists in Europe and Asia.	Arctic Mystery: Identifying the Great Blob of Alaska Moon astronauts urge Mars mission
Politics
Homeless paid to stand in line for DC lobbyists Senate Old Supporters Now Sotomayor Foes Sen. Bob Bennett (Utah) announced Friday that he would vote against Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court, becoming the first Republican to oppose her ascension to the high court who supported her nomination to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals just over a decade ago. Sotomayor: Put high court on TV Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor suggests that the Supreme Court would benefit from televising its proceedings. House House panel to investigate secret CIA program Congresswoman: I'm sorry for repeating 'disgusting' n-word Taxes Under plans, tax on the richest set to rise IRS does poor job regulating tax preparers The IRS does a poor job overseeing the paid tax preparers used by more than half the nation's taxpayers, the agency's inspector general said in a report released Monday. IRS targets offshore tax evaders Federal Reserve/Bailouts/Treasury Secret's Out: How Bailed Out Banks Spent Their Money Watchdog: Report refutes Treasury claim banks cannot be asked to account for where bailout money went. The Scandal Continues: The Billions in Govt. Cash Behind Goldman's Profits Watchdog wants banks to report TARP usage The watchdog overseeing the government's financial bailout is calling on the Treasury Department to seek more information from banks that receive taxpayer assistance. Watchdog: Banks abused bailout	Health Insurance Secret Insurance Industry Memo Discovered (Links Included) GITMO/Abu Ghraib/Bahgram CIA’s interrogation methods caused dissent Two men who have been portrayed as proponents of harsh interrogation techniques at the CIA may have actually rejected orders from Langley to prolong the most severe pressure on detainees. Sept. 11 families: Keep Guantanamo Bay open Al-Jazeera Journalist Imprisoned at Gitmo to Sue Bush Administration "Torture is continuing in Guantanamo," Sami al-Haj, who spent more than six years at Guantanamo says. Lawmakers Blast Obama "No-Visit" Gitmo Policy Foreign intelligence said to meet detainees - but lawmakers can't. Uighur detainees: U.S. helped Chinese interrogate us U.S. military personnel at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, actively helped Chinese interrogators question members of China's Uighur minority, including physically restraining them so they could be photographed against their will, according to testimony presented Thursday to a congressional subcommittee Q&A: "Too Many People Don't Want the Truth on CIA Flights to Come Out" Throughout her varied career as a political leader in Portugal, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and ambassador, Ana Gomes has been a distinguished and tireless fighter for what she defines as "just causes." The target of her criticism now is the shelving of an investigation in her country into secret CIA rendition flights. Illegal Bush Activities CIA assassins ok'ed to operate in US Judge rules CIA committed fraud in court A federal judge has ruled that CIA officials committed fraud to protect a former covert agent against a lawsuit. John Yoo's Law Lecture at Berkeley Interrupted
Obama
Inspector General Fired by President Obama Files Lawsuit Systematic Overclassification of Defense Information Poses Challenge for President Obama's Secrecy Review Why Obama's Regulatory Czar Makes Liberals Nervous The respected law professor is a proponent of cost-benefit analysis, which has been used to block enviornmental regulations in the past White House Putting Off Budget Update	Official: WH considers terror interrogation unit The Obama administration is considering creating a special unit of professional interrogators to handle key terror suspects, focusing on intelligence-gathering rather than building criminal cases for prosecution, a government official said Saturday. Goldman Executive Named as Obama Adviser U.S., Cuba quietly hold joint exercise at Guantanamo
Economy	NEW Click for Economic Statistics
In 15 States, 10 Percent Are Jobless Mortgage Frauds Are Going Up, and the FBI is Powerless Cost cuts see Mattel profits jump Toymaker Mattel reports a big rise in quarterly profits, as cost cutting more than offsets a slump in sales. Closures make '09 total 57 failed banks Regulators have shut two banks in California and two smaller banks in Georgia and South Dakota, boosting to 57 the number of federally insured banks to fail this year. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was appointed receiver of the four banks Friday. The two biggest were Temecula Valley Bank, in Temecula, Calif., with $1.5 billion in assets and deposits of about $1.3 billion as of May 31, and Vineyard Bank, National Association, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. It had assets of $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion in deposits as of March 31. The two smaller banks were First Piedmont Bank $23.7 Trillion to Fix Financial System? TARP watchdog says it's possible government could spend $23.7 trillion. OPEC says members to continue oil production cut Halliburton profit down by a half Morgan Stanley paying $500K in settlement with SEC Morgan Stanley on Monday agreed to pay a $500,000 penalty to settle federal regulators' charges that it misled customers in its Nashville office about the money management firms it recommended and from which it received commissions.	Citigroup profit soars on Smith Barney sale Bank of America posts 2Q profit, surpasses Street Oil rebounds above $63 a barrel Apple blocks rival smart phones An update to iTunes software prevents unsupported devices, such as the Palm Pre, from synchronising content. New US home starts surge in June A spurt in the number of new houses under construction in June sparks optimism the US property market is improving. The Bank Lobby's Insane Assault on Consumer Protection Even after causing millions of foreclosures and the worst recession since the 1930s, the bank lobby is still trying to screw us. Banks 'walking away' from foreclosures Exxon faces $1B fine over oil well 'sabotage' An inside tale of Lehman Brothers' downfall U.S. Stocks Advance, S&P 500 Index Jumps to Highest Level Since November Survey: Customers more satisfied when white males serve them Leading Indicators Climb, Signaling U.S. Economy Nearing End of Recession Charles Schwab denies Cuomo's fraud allegations

Iraq	Map of Iraq
Friday: 3 U.S. Soldiers, 12 Iraqis Killed; 68 Iraqis Wounded Saturday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 23 Wounded Sunday: 1 US Soldier, 4 Iraqis Killed; 18 Iraqis Wounded Mosul disputed lands ongoing problem The issue of disputed lands in Mosul is ongoing amidst mutual accusations between different political parties. For more details, click on play movie. Blast targets Iraq tribal leader Kurds in troubled Iraqi province threaten to secede Iraq government faces claims of prisoner abuse 3 U.S. Soldiers Die in Attack at a Base in Southern Iraq Poverty drives Iraq organ trade Monday: 12 Iraqis Killed, 12 Wounded 3 Civilians Wounded in Abu Ghraib Blast Three civilian men were wounded on Sunday when an improvised explosive device went off in the western Baghdad area of Abu Ghraib, an Iraqi police source said. Two Syrians With Weapons Arrested in Northern Iraq Mehdi army provide Baghdad security Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr city has been transformed Iraq Trade Union Threatens to Block Foreign Oil Field Work The trade union representing workers of Iraq’s state-owned Southern Oil Company (SOC) threatened on Thursday to prevent exploitation of one of Iraq’s biggest oil fields by energy giants BP and CNPC.	Mansour: Targeting churches undermines Iraq Government credibility Kurdistan Civil Community Minister Georges Mansour said that targeting Christians and detonating churches has undermined Iraq’s Government credibility. Mansour noted that recent bombings prove that churches’ issues is not seriously regarded. For more details, click on play movie Tens of pilgrims killed in Iraq blasts One citizen was killed and tens pilgrims were wounded as they were heading to Imam Moussa Al Kazem shrine (AS) due to roadside bomb explosions in Zaafaraniya, New Baghdad, Al Saydiya and Al Dora region. In Falluja, one citizen was killed and nine others were wounded in a roadside bomb explosion Three Iraqi Policemen Injured in Car Bombing W. Mosul Five killed in bomb attacks in western Iraq Barazani: Kurds not to compromise on Kirkuk Arabs and Turkmen demand to divide Kirkuk into 4 electoral districts Iraq Parliament Can Halt Oil Contracts: Lawmaker Firm tied to Iraq scandal profited Americans held in Iraq say FBI violated rights For more than a month, two U.S. citizens who worked for contractors in Iraq were held in prison with no formal charges against them. They were pressed to sign an Iraqi government statement but refused, their attorneys say, and waited 43 days for their day in court before being released on bond after a hearing in Iraq's Central Criminal Court over the weekend. Yet their attorneys say they still do not know specifically why they were detained. The men weren't being held by Iraqi authorities but rather by the FBI in a U.S. military prison, prompting allegations from their attorneys ...
Middle East
Click here Updates from Iran as of July 21 Israel Rejects US Call to Halt Jerusalem Project Israel rejects US call to halt housing project planned in disputed area of Jerusalem Ultra-orthodox Jews visit Hamas Four members of a group of ultra-orthodox Jews opposed to the existence of Israel visit Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Minister denies al Qaeda figures move to Yemen A Yemeni minister downplayed al Qaeda's presence in the troubled Arabian Peninsula country, saying in comments published on Sunday reports of militants relocating there from Iraq and Afghanistan were "exaggerated." U.A.E. Prisoner to go on Trial An American citizen that has been imprisoned for 11 months in the United Arab Emirates is scheduled to go on trial on terrorism-related charges. Michelle Miller reports. How US bingo dollars are funding Israeli settlements Each dollar spent on bingo by the mostly Latino residents of Hawaiian Gardens, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, helps fund Jewish settlements on Palestinian land in some of the most sensitive areas of occupied East Jerusalem, particularly the Muslim quarter of the old city, and West Bank towns such as Hebron where the Israeli military has forced Arabs out of their properties in their thousands.	Al-Akhbar: Syria Is Prepared to Send Military Forces to Iraq The Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported that Syria had expressed willingness to send security forces to Iraq, in coordination with Turkey and the U.S.. The paper noted that coordination with Saudi Arabia was required as well. Palestinian Authority lifts ban on Al Jazeera IDF, Gazans exchange fire over border Minor skirmish followed wounding of 'suspicious' Palestinian; No fatalities. Thousands turn out to support Ergenekon trial Several thousand people marched through downtown İstanbul over the weekend in support of the trial of dozens charged with plotting a coup d'état against the government, urging the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) not to replace the case's current prosecutors and judges Settlers attack Palestinians following outpost evacuation Israeli settlers on horseback set fire on Monday to at least 1,500 Palestinian-owned olive trees in the West Bank as others stoned cars Egyptian court frees insult poet An Egyptian court overturns a three-year jail sentence and fine given to an amateur poet for insulting President Hosni Mubarak.
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
U.S. Soldier in Taliban Video Identified Officials say soldier captured in Afghanistan is 23-year-old Bowe Bergdahl.Kidnapped American Soldier May Be in Pakistan To keep Taliban away, Pakistan recruits 25,000 retired soldiers 16 Dead in Afghan Helicopter Crash U.S. increasing counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan With opium production soaring, and funding Taliban activities, the U.S. is sending dozens of DEA agents to help break trafficking rings, a shift in policy from crop eradication. Civilians pay price in Afghanistan Three subjects dominate the news from Afghanistan these days: the Anglo-American offensive in Helmand province, the election planned for Aug. 20, and the constant attacks on schools. The three issues may seem unrelated. In fact, they're directly connected Karzai pressured to rein in warlords Allegations that a U.S. ally was responsible for the deaths of up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners early in the Afghan war are part of a campaign by human rights groups and other critics to curb the power of warlords, whose influence in Afghanistan has contributed to the revival of the Taliban.	Afghanistan Is Based on Lies and Illusions The new film The Fixer, featuring The Nation's Christian Parenti, captures some edgy, fearful truths about the war in Afghanistan. Afghan gov't orders HamidKarzai.com shut down The Afghan government has blocked access to four Web sites with President Hamid Karzai's name in the address that are critical of the Afghan leader or have links to sites advertising locally taboo subjects such as online dating and mail order brides. Canadian opposition to Afghan mission mounts Fighting the New Narcoterrorism Syndicates in Afghanistan Four US troops die in Afghanistan CANADA: Afghanistan Exit Could Bring Escalated Air War Pentagon Seeks to Overhaul Prisons in Afghanistan A plan to overhaul the troubled U.S.-run prison at Bagram Air Base and other facilities was prompted by worries about militant recruiting in the prisons.
Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pak court told of LeT operatives' role in 26/11 Five LeT operatives arrested in connection with the Mumbai terror strikes, including its operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, provided transport, accommodation and financial support to the 26/11 attackers, according to an updated supplementary chargesheet filed before a Pakistani anti-terror court. Pakistan: 4 police officers killed in ambush	Alleged U.S. missiles kill 5 in Pakistan Official: blasts hit 2 NATO tankers in NW Pakistan Clinton says 9/11 ringleaders are in Pakistan 20 dead in clashes in troubled northwest Pakistan Forces kill 114 Taliban in Dir, Swat
Asia
India Gives Cold Shoulder to U.S. on Climate Change Emission Caps Are U.S.-Owned Hotels Terror Targets? Is Al Qaeda Tied to Jakarta Bombings? Fugitive Terrorist Suspected in Jakarta Bombing suspicions focused on Noordin M. Top and the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group. Jakarta Bombings Linked to 2002 Bali Nightclub Blast Q&A: What is Jemaah Islamiyah? Jakarta bombings: Why Indonesia's Islamist radicals attack Tajiks say 5 foreign terrorists killed in clash Five militants were killed in a gunfight at a remote military checkpoint near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, officials said Monday. S.Korea police to end car plant occupation (by unionists) Hundreds of South Korean riot police Monday moved into a loss-making auto plant as unionists staging a two-month occupation in protest at redundancies pelted them with slingshot	China says Uighurs killed in riot Admission of fatal police shooting points to continued ethnic tensions in Xinjiang region. Stampede at Army recruitment camp in India Things took an ugly turn at an Army recruitment drive in eastern Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli on Sunday. Some applicants protested against an alleged bias towards Gorkha applicants. The Army opened fire at the protesters, killing one. Car bomb kills 2 in restive southern Thailand Kazakh Uighurs hold mass protest More than 5,000 ethnic Uighurs rallied in Kazakhstan's largest city on Sunday to protest China's use of deadly force to quash Uighur protests this month. Xinjiang riots pre-planned at 50 places: state media India signs arms accord with US China quarantines U.S., U.K. students, teachers Mumbai Gunman Admits Guilt In Surprise Court Confession
Europe
French workers win redundancy fight Staff receive $42,000 for losing jobs after threat to blow up factory with gas canisters. US firm averts French explosion Germany opens 'Nazi' gnome case A garden gnome giving the Nazi salute lands a German artist in trouble with the authorities in Nuremberg. Chechen president ordered killing?	Bosnian Serbs guilty of burnings Two Bosnian Serbs are convicted of war crimes, including burning women and children alive, during the Bosnian civil war. Serb cousins get life, 30 years for murder of Muslims in Bosnian War
Africa
Somali attackers seize aid workers Coup leader wins Mauritania poll Opposition candidates alledge fraud, but observers say election was transparent. German freighter freed for ransom Darfur rebel group frees 60 prisoners	Sharia trial for Somalia hostages Two French security advisers kidnapped in Somalia will be tried under Sharia law, an official of the Islamic al-Shabab militia says. Mali ex-rebels to tackle al-Qaeda Tuareg former rebels in Mali agree to help fight al-Qaeda's North African branch, which also operates in the Sahara Desert. Nigeria police 'killed civilians'
The Americas
Click here Updates from Honduras as of July 21 Nicaragua marks Sandinista revolt Nicaraguans celebrate 30 years since the overthrow of authoritarian government. US anti-drug force flies last flight from Ecuador Ecuador's Correa says FARC video is a set up Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa denied on Saturday that he ever received funds from Colombian rebel group FARC, and said a video claiming he did was "a set up." Many Nicaragua revolutionaries feel betrayed by the revolution	New escalation in Mexico drug war Ten Mexican police are held over the murder of 12 federal agents, as thousands of troops are deployed to a western state. Bolivia coca growers back Morales re-election A leader of coca growers in Central Bolivia says the farmers are putting their controversial crop behind President Evo Morales' campaign for re-election Gays live _ and die _ in fear in Jamaica Fujimori convicted for corruption Peru's former President Alberto Fujimori is handed another jail term for giving $15m to his spy chief

Deadly blasts hit Jakarta hotels Explosions tore through two luxury hotels Friday morning in south Jakarta, Indonesia, killing at least eight people, a presidential spokesman said.