The News Crawler

The News Crawler
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Last Update: Monday, September 14, 2009	Click here for Yesterdays Edition

World Headlines
UN CONFERENCE CALLS FOR NEW GLOBAL CURRENCY.....Chinese official signals move away from dollar 3 Convicted of Atlantic Airline Bomb Plot U.K. court convicts 3 British Muslims for largest terrorist attack since 9/11. Dick Cheney 'put airline bomb plot case in jeopardy with arrest order of Rashid Rauf' North Korea drops a uranium bombshell Suspicions that North Korea never halted its uranium nuclear weapons program have been at the core of United States diplomacy with Pyongyang for years. The North on Friday officially confirmed these fears, and worse, that enrichment is in its "final phase". China's top 500 firms outperform US rivals in 2008: survey We tried to kill Carter and Blair' Head of al-Qaida-inspired group in Gaza also says his supporters planning to launch attacks on Hamas. IDF colonel to settlers: Stop calling soldiers 'Nazis' at checkpoints Head of the Paratroopers' Batallion, Colonel Oren Niv, has demanded that residents of a West Bank settlement stop leveling insults at soldiers manning checkpoints on the green line, after receiving complaints that soldiers were called "Nazis" by settlers in Karnei Shomron after subjecting them to security screening Hezbollah rejects offer to take one-third of Lebanon cabinet Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri handed the president his proposed line-up for a national unity government on Monday in a move swiftly rejected by opposition factions including the powerful Hezbollah Report: Chemical weapons in Hezbollah arms cache blast 'Syria MiGs lack offensive capabilities' Four fighter jets that Russia will sell to Syria will be used for intelligence gathering alone, Israel told. New settler homes approved for West Bank Despite US pressure to halt settlements, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has approved the construction of more than 450 new homes in the occupied West Bank. Some 2,500 settler homes are already under construction. 'Times': Mossad staged Russian ship hijacking 'Sunday Times': Sources in both Moscow and Jerusalem reject Kremlin's official version of piracy. Palestinians, Lebanese Shi'ites forced to leave UAE Prince on call with militant during attack The Saudi militant who attacked the kingdom's anti-terror chief after pretending he wanted to surrender blew himself up while the official was on the phone with another militant, the Interior Ministry says Saudis wield influence with oil expansion Saudi Arabia’s capacity expansion has helped offset losses from Nigeria, Iran, Iraq and Venezuela. The kingdom holds 90 per cent of the world’s spare oil capacity 90 arrested in U.K. in racially charged clashes Authorities arrested 90 people after racially charged violence erupted between a group protesting Islamic extremism and counter-demonstrators in the central English city of Birmingham Anti-arms fair protests expected Demonstrations are expected as one of the world's largest arms fairs opens in London	Spanish Judge Resumes Torture Case Against Six Senior Bush Lawyers Study: Warming Arctic shouldn't be The Arctic is warmer than it's been in 2,000 years, a new report concludes, even though it should be cooling because of changes in the Earth's orbit that cause the region to get less direct sunlight. Report: Bin Laden met with former Pakistan PM 5 times US use of private contractors in war hits record high They make up 57 percent of Pentagon's personnel in Afghanistan, report shows. Taliban tactics surprising U.S. forces 'We're Pinned Down:' 4 U.S. Marines Die In Afghan Ambush Afghan group: German-ordered airstrike killed 70 civilians Taliban's bombs came from US, not Iran The roadside bombs killing and maiming Western soldiers in Afghanistan are not Iranian, as a top United States intelligence agency has claimed. The devices are crude but devastating re-adaptations of Italian anti-tank mines given to the anti-Soviet mujahideen in the 1980s by the US Central Intelligence Agency Spy Chief Among 23 Killed in Taliban Blast Afghan Vote Recount Ordered By U.N.-Backed Commission, "Convincing Evidence Of Fraud" Found....President Hamid Karzai takes 100% of votes in opposition stronghold Iran, Japan reaffirm commitment to Afghanistan Deadly blasts hit Iraqi cities At least 15 people killed and dozens injured in attacks in three cities. Iraq Deploys Additional Police Forces to its Border with Syria China Oil Deal Is New Source of Strife Among Iraqis When China’s biggest oil company signed the first post-invasion oil field development contract in Iraq last year, the deal was seen as a test of Iraq’s willingness to open an industry that had previously prohibited foreign investment Anti-Chavez TV station faces possible shutdown The government said Monday a leading TV channel aligned with Venezuela's opposition could lose its broadcast license for allegedly airing a viewer's text message calling for a coup and the assassination of President Hugo Chavez. Mexican politico, family murdered State legislative candidate in Tobasco assassinated, likely by drug cartels. German court rules against Google's terms A German court has ruled that Google Inc. must change terms of service that could be interpreted to compromise a user's rights, a decision the consumer advocacy group that brought the suit welcomed Monday as a victory for online transparency.
US Headlines
Financial crisis has deep roots in academia 35 Million Americans on Food Stamps American Casino': How Our Nation's Financial Sector Became a Massive and Unregulated Gambling Operation.... Doc Investigates Roots of the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown and Tells the Stories of Its Victims U.S. sees profits from bank bailout Nearly a year after the federal rescue of the biggest U.S. banks, taxpayers have begun seeing profits from the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid that many critics thought might never be seen again. Lehman Brothers' Warnings Were Ignored, Confidential Memo Shows Obama administration resists efforts to reveal information on terrorist watch list Latest Treasury Nominee Has Million-Dollar Ties To Private Equity Industry Controversy Around Massive Swine Flu Vaccination Plan at NY Elementary Schools RIGHTS: U.N. May Shelve Creation of New Women's Body A coalition of over 300 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is "outraged" that an impending decision to create a new women's entity at the United Nations is being postponed once again. Blackwater used foreigners on secret program When the CIA revived a plan to kill or capture terrorists in 2004, the agency turned to the well-connected security company then known as Blackwater USA. U.S. Share of Worldwide Arms Market Grows	Kuwait has 'vision' for US holdings Large stakes in Citigroup, Merrill part of 'a long term vision,' says minister. GOP Picks "Birther" To Rebut Obama's Health Care Speech Schools refused to air Obama's speech but will bus kids to hear Bush speak live Government Pays Legal Bills For Executives That Defrauded The Government Where Are The Handcuffs Now? During S&L Crisis, Thousands Of Bankers Went To Jail Obama Official Responds On 9/11 Petition: I'm Not A Truther....Van Jones resigns as Obama environmental adviser over controversial statements Surge In Homeless Children Tests Nation's Schools Could Texas's Gingrich-Based High School History Curriculum Go National? Approved textbooks, the standards say, must teach the Texan student to "identify significant conservative advocacy organizations and individuals, such as Newt Gingrich, Phyllis Schlafly, and the Moral Majority." No analogous liberal figures or groups are required, prompting protests from some legislators and committee members... War Games: The Army's Teen Arsenal1 in 4: Proportion of males between 13 and 24 who have played America's Army, the 7-year-old shooter game that launched its 3rd version in June. The free download has 10 million registered users; players are 29% more likely to be interested in military service.
Connecticut
Foxwoods and MGM Grand charging extra sales tax\State may expand taxation of out-of-state companies HARTFORD — The state legislature and Gov. M. Jodi Rell are extending the state tax department's reach beyond Connecticut's borders. Roadmap for the FutureThe plan notes three large investments which will have a significant impact on North Branford’s anticipated debt service over the next several years: bonding to acquire the Donald Augur property (cost: $5.4 million), the $21.7 million intermediate school expansion, and the dual town library expansions (a combined $9.5 million). Together, the three projects will more than double the town’s annual debt service. The debt service is expected to peak at more than $6.2 million in 2013 before declining. Company ready to pursue New Milford biofuel facility NEW MILFORD — As with other mid-sized Connecticut towns, New Milford has felt the pain of the tightening economic vice. Factories have closed, jobs have been lost, municipal expenses and taxes have gone up, and outside aid has gone down. Connecticut Officials Vow To Fight Natural Gas Companies' Layoff Plans State officials said Friday that they will fight planned layoffs at two of the state's largest natural gas utilities and are seeking a hearing before regulators to determine if the job cuts would compromise customer service or safety. East Haven Mayor Becomes Second Official Arrested This Week The mayor of East Haven has been arrested by her town's police department after the chief alleged she interfered with a police officer on the job. Man Shot Near Indian Reservation State police are investigating an attempted murder that happed just before 1 a.m. near the Mashantucket Peaquot Reservation.	Conn. offers $100M in incentives to Pratt & Whitney N. Branford tackles student ‘wellness’ Thanks to donations, stimulus funds and money from the school board budget, the school now has a new wellness center, drug and alcohol counselor, a revamped Life Skills classroom with a mock apartment and cleaned up courtyard, in which pathways and a garden will be created.“We’re in such a mindset of standardized testing and scores and leave a critical piece out regarding the wellness of students, socially and emotionally,” Schoonmaker said. Courant criticized for ‘theft’ of news After cutting its newsroom by half because of the recession and sagging advertising revenue, The Hartford Courant found a new source for news — its competition — and found itself in a plagiarism scandal. Conn. police find explosives during traffic stop Older New England schools have toxic caulking Students and staff at hundreds of older schools in New England and other parts of the country face a potential health risk because of toxic caulking in windows and masonry, federal environmental officials say. Minority job seekers get clobbered Minorities and the less educated in the state have been hit harder in this recession than other groups, a new study out Friday said. Connecticut Voices for Children said Friday, the unemployment Vin Baker Has State Tax Troubles Former Celtics star Vin Baker owes more than $1 million in back taxes.
United States
Security Issues U.S. Share of Worldwide Arms Market Grows Activists topple towers, claim dangers of AM radio waves DoD, AP battle over photo of dying Marine A graphic photograph of a mortally wounded Marine released for publication Thursday by The Associated Press — over the objections of the family and the Pentagon — has reignited the debate over how to juggle combat coverage with sensitivity toward loved ones of the deceased. Army National Guard gets pickier Suffer from a bad case of acne? That could disqualify you from joining the Army National Guard. Too many speeding tickets? In today's slimmer, smarter Guard, that could keep you out, too. War Games: The Army's Teen Arsenal1 in 4: Proportion of males between 13 and 24 who have played America's Army, the 7-year-old shooter game that launched its 3rd version in June. The free download has 10 million registered users; players are 29% more likely to be interested in military service. Blackwater used foreigners on secret program When the CIA revived a plan to kill or capture terrorists in 2004, the agency turned to the well-connected security company then known as Blackwater USA. Ex-U.S. official was investigated for espionage A Cuban American who lost a senior job at the Navy War College after he was convicted of lying about a trip to Havana was also investigated for espionage, according to an FBI document. Fire threatens communications hub Mount Wilson opened the heavens and then became a modern hub for communications on Earth. Now it is threatened by a force of nature that humans may be powerless to control. Courts Supreme Court Poised To Unleash Flood Of Corporate Cash In an editorial on Sunday, the New York Times said that if the Supreme Court strikes down the longstanding rule that corporations can't spend directly on federal elections, it will usher in an era of labor unions and big business essentially deciding who gets elected and what they do in office: Microsoft quashes Word sale ban Microsoft overturns a ban on selling its flagship word-processing software Word 2003 and 2005 following a patent dispute. 1965 Civil Rights Killing Still Inching Its Way Toward Trial Environment U.S., Canada near agreement to control pollutants from ships	Civil Rights ACLU Lawsuit Challenges Expulsion Of Middle School Student After Illegal Cell Phone Search The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Mississippi today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of a middle school student wrongfully expelled from school after authorities illegally searched his cell phone and found what they claimed were photos depicting "gang-related activity" – when in reality the photos mainly depicted the student dancing in the bathroom of his own home. Five girls stripped searched at school Families enraged over Iowa high school's strip search of five female students. 'Porn Pastor' Offers Love to Gays, Outcasts Pastor Craig Gross says traditional churches too often preach a message of hate. Controversy Around Massive Swine Flu Vaccination Plan at NY Elementary Schools RIGHTS: U.N. May Shelve Creation of New Women's Body A coalition of over 300 international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is "outraged" that an impending decision to create a new women's entity at the United Nations is being postponed once again. 3 states still ban teachers' religious clothing A law backed by the Ku Klux Klan nearly a century ago to keep Catholics out of public schools is still on the books in Oregon, one of the last states to ban teachers from wearing religious clothing in classrooms. Education Could Texas's Gingrich-Based High School History Curriculum Go National? Approved textbooks, the standards say, must teach the Texan student to "identify significant conservative advocacy organizations and individuals, such as Newt Gingrich, Phyllis Schlafly, and the Moral Majority." No analogous liberal figures or groups are required, prompting protests from some legislators and committee members... U.S. scholarships get Cuban college students expelled The Cuban government has denied exit permits to about 30 Cuban college students who had been offered U.S. government-funded scholarships for academic programs at American academic institutions. Surge In Homeless Children Tests Nation's Schools Police/Prison Volunteers Taking On Patrol Duties Of Under-Staffed Police Forces Post-Katrina 'vigilante' violence: rumor or fact? The US Attorney's Office and the FBI are looking into allegations of roaming 'people hunters' targeting blacks in the floods and chaos of four years ago.

Science	History Resources
Arctic reverses trend, is warmest in two millennia Single-cell organism an inch wide It’s a single cell, it’s the size of a grape, and it propels itself across the ocean floor: Behold the Bahamian Gromia — one of the strangest beasts yet discovered in the briny deep. Gromia sphaerica, as the organisms are known, are superbig.. Study: Warming Arctic shouldn't be The Arctic is warmer than it's been in 2,000 years, a new report concludes, even though it should be cooling because of changes in the Earth's orbit that cause the region to get less direct sunlight.	Dogs first tamed to be food Why Current Thinking About Autism Is Completely Wrong Milk May Endanger Your Health, and the Dairy Industry Knows It A mutant protein linked to major diseases has invaded the world's dairy supply, including, most likely, the jug of milk in your fridge.
Politics	Political Resources
Obama Latest Treasury Nominee Has Million-Dollar Ties To Private Equity Industry See The White House's Health Industry Guest List Obama Official Responds On 9/11 Petition: I'm Not A Truther....Van Jones resigns as Obama environmental adviser over controversial statements White House Discloses 10 More Ethics Waivers for Administration Officials Obama's Back To School Speech Emphasizes Personal Responsibility... FULL TEXT Laura Bush defends Obama school speech Obama's planned remarks Tuesday to be broadcast by C-SPAN to many schools across the country has drawn protests from conservatives and some parents who said the president is trying to indoctrinate the nation's children. Some parents have said they plan to keep their children home from school because of the Obama speech. Obama wants to keep watch list data secret The Obama administration wants to maintain the secrecy of terrorist watch list information it routinely shares with federal, state, and local agencies, a move that rights groups say would make it difficult for people who have been improperly included on such lists to challenge the government. Obama administration resists efforts to reveal information on terrorist watch list Obama is fast losing white voters' support After a summer of healthcare battles and sliding approval ratings for President Obama, the White House is facing a troubling new trend: The voters losing faith in the president are the ones he had worked hardest to attract. GITMO/Bahgram/CIA-Blacksites John Ashcroft Can Be Sued For Post-9/11 Detentions, Court Rules CIA asks Justice to probe leaks of secrets Spanish Judge Resumes Torture Case Against Six Senior Bush Lawyers Lobbying Union Head Would Back Bill Without Card Check Senator Mel Martinez aide intervened in dispute between Pentagon, GOP fundraiser Natural Gas Hits A Roadblock In Energy Bill: Coal Lobby Caught On Tape: Legislator Brags About Kinky Sex With Energy Lobbyists Stimulus Biden ignores problems with stimulus Vice President Joe Biden proclaimed success beyond expectations Thursday for the $787 billion economic stimulus, but his glowing assessment overlooks many of the program's problems, including delays in releasing money, questionable spending priorities and project picks that are under investigation. Homebuyers cashing in $8,000 tax credits	Health Insurance Tax on expensive health plans proposed States most likely to win under healthcare overhaul are home to its biggest foes Special interests receive a copy of Baucus plan before the White House does In today’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs admitted that the Obama administration has not yet seen a copy of Sen. Max Baucus’ (D-MT) newest draft of health care legislation. “[W]e’ve seen what we’ve read in the paper, but I do not believe that we’ve seen paper on the plan,” said Gibbs. However, he added that he believes special interests on K Street have already received a copy: GIBBS: I was told that — that K Street had a copy of the Baucus plan, meaning, not surprisingly, the special interests have gotten a copy of the plan that I understand was given to committee members today. Baucus has received hefty financial contributions from the health care industry. Igor Volsky compares the Baucus proposal to other pieces of existing legislation. Black Caucus Members: It's Public Option Or Nothing Treasury/Federal Reserve/Bailouts/SEC/IRS Where Are The Handcuffs Now? During S&L Crisis, Thousands Of Bankers Went To Jail Government Pays Legal Bills For Executives That Defrauded The Government Taxpayer Money Backing Nearly 90% Of All New Home Loans Lehman Brothers' Warnings Were Ignored, Confidential Memo Shows SE C internal probe admits failures in Madoff investigation NYT: U.S. sees profits from bank bailout Nearly a year after the federal rescue of the biggest U.S. banks, taxpayers have begun seeing profits from the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid that many critics thought might never be seen again. Mark Cuban wants SEC to pay his legal fees Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wants the Securities and Exchange Commission to pay his legal fees stemming from the agency's insider trading case against him. Baraknaphobia Republicans Endorse Bizarre Obama School Speech Conspiracies Protesters Rally Against Pastor's 'Why I Hate Obama' Sermon Arizona town stages 'love rally' at church that prays for president's death. Schools refused to air Obama's speech but will bus kids to hear Bush speak live GOP Picks "Birther" To Rebut Obama's Health Care Speech Congresswoman Caught On Tape Whispering To Birther: "I Agree With You"
Economy	Click for Economic Statistics
Kuwait has 'vision' for US holdings Large stakes in Citigroup, Merrill part of 'a long term vision,' says minister. UN CONFERENCE CALLS FOR NEW GLOBAL CURRENCY.....Chinese official signals move away from dollar Stocks Cheapest Since '89 Show Why Analysts Say Economists Wrong on Growth Never before have Wall Street stock analysts diverged more with economists at their own firms over the outlook for earnings in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. 'American Casino': How Our Nation's Financial Sector Became a Massive and Unregulated Gambling Operation.... Doc Investigates Roots of the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown and Tells the Stories of Its Victims Fmr Wells Fargo Subprime Loan Officer: Bank Targeted Black Churches Up until two years ago, Elizabeth Jacobson was the top producing loan officer in the subprime division at Wells Fargo. Today she is speaking out against the practices of her former company The lawsuit by the city of Baltimore against the Wells Fargo bank that is featured in American Casino can proceed. The suit charges that Wells deliberately targeted African Americans in Baltimore for subprime loans. The bank said the suit had “no merit” and asked federal district judge Benson Legg to throw it out. But the judge looked at the evidence and said no. Now Baltimore’s lawyers have the right of discovery to see what Wells has really been up to in it’s empire of subprime. See the post “Stagecoach to Hell” below for the detailed affidavits from former Wells loan officers that convinced the judge that the case should go forward. City to make case against Wells Fargo	Wall St. wants to do to life insurance what it did to housing CFTC Accuses Dutch Firm Of Manipulating Oil Prices Five more banks fail -- 89 so far in 2009 Jobless Recovery in U.S. May Boost Company Profits at Expense of Paychecks Employers kept Americans’ working hours near a record low in August, signaling that economic growth is poised to reward companies with added profits while postponing any recovery in the job market. UPDATE: GOLD PRICE SURGES ON SINKING DOLLAR FEAR For months, Russia and China have been calling for a new world reserve currency. Russia, for its part, supports replacing the dollar on the world stage, suggesting the Chinese yuan may be the quickest path to diversified reserves. Oregon bends A US boom town, dependent on credit, goes bust Financial crisis has deep roots in academia 35 Million Americans on Food Stamps Two out of five working-age Californians jobless, study says New Unemployment Numbers: Real Jobless Rate At 16.8% Poverty Rate For Elderly Is Twice As High As Rest Of Population

Iraq	Map of Iraq
China Oil Deal Is New Source of Strife Among Iraqis When China’s biggest oil company signed the first post-invasion oil field development contract in Iraq last year, the deal was seen as a test of Iraq’s willingness to open an industry that had previously prohibited foreign investment Black Basrawis claim discrimination Descendents of slaves say they want more political rights. Iraq Deploys Additional Police Forces to its Border with Syria Deadly blasts hit Iraqi cities At least 15 people killed and dozens injured in attacks in three cities. Russia’s Lukoil Says Ready to Employ 15,000 Workers in Iraqi Oilfields Arrest Warrants Issued for Iraq’s Envoy to Jordan, Monitoring Board Chief Will Kurds split from Nineveh council? Will Kurds in Nineveh Province split from the provincial council? Iraqi Kurdish mayor Barzan Said Kaka says he has no choice but to declare independence from the largely Arab-run council of Nineveh province as it's infiltrated with insurgents and killers, he noted.	Ex-US Soldier Gets 5 Life Sentences For Iraqi Deaths Chalabi aide: I went from White House to secret prison U.S. authorities detained a top aide to former Iraqi exile leader and Bush administration ally Ahmad Chalabi last year and accused him of helping Iranian-backed militants kidnap and kill American and British soldiers and contractors. Car Bomb in West Iraq Kills 7, Wounds 10 Iraq PM urges increased Russian energy investment Arrest Warrants Issued for Iraq’s Envoy to Jordan, Monitoring Board Chief Two arrest warrants have been issued for the Iraqi ambassador to Jordan and the head of the Board of Supreme Audit for their alleged involvement in crimes against humanity. U.S. contractor electrocuted in shower in Iraq U.S., Iraq cracking down on anti-Iran Kurdish guerrillas A noose is tightening around the group that calls itself the last armed resistance to Iran's Islamic republic, but the Kalashnikov-carrying guerrillas are refusing to lay down their weapons and leave their camouflaged outposts in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq.
Middle East	Map of the Middle East
Palestinians, Lebanese Shi'ites forced to leave UAE 'Times': Mossad staged Russian ship hijacking 'Sunday Times': Sources in both Moscow and Jerusalem reject Kremlin's official version of piracy. MIDEAST: Israelis Destroy Boats, and Lives Until Monday, Omar and Khaled Al-Habil were the owners of a 20m fishing trawler staffed by five or six fishermen at a time, but employing around 18 in cycles. But that morning the vessel came under heavy Israeli navy machine-gun fire, and then shelling. The trawler caught fire. ISRAEL: New settler homes approved for West Bank Despite US pressure to halt settlements, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has approved the construction of more than 450 new homes in the occupied West Bank. Some 2,500 settler homes are already under construction. Israel releases 9 Hamas lawmakers from prison IDF colonel to settlers: Stop calling soldiers 'Nazis' at checkpoints Head of the Paratroopers' Batallion, Colonel Oren Niv, has demanded that residents of a West Bank settlement stop leveling insults at soldiers manning checkpoints on the green line, after receiving complaints that soldiers were called "Nazis" by settlers in Karnei Shomron after subjecting them to security screening Once-legendary Fatah figure makes a comeback Mohammed Dahlan, driven into exile and blamed for 'losing Gaza' to the forces of Hamas, has once more maneuvered into the Palestinian movement's inner circles. He ran the Gaza Strip like the Godfather, dispensing brutal punishment and benevolent largess. But that was before his summer of disgrace, two years ago, when Hamas militants drove out his armed followers and allowed looters to pick apart his seaside villa. Israel to partially freeze settlement building for 9 months Palestinians protest land seizure West Bank residents staging non-violent march are met with tear gas. PA to Probe Israeli Occupation Army Organ Harvesting We tried to kill Carter and Blair' Head of al-Qaida-inspired group in Gaza also says his supporters planning to launch attacks on Hamas.	Saudi cleric urges prayer reform A leading Saudi cleric argues that the call for the destruction of unbelievers should not be a part of Friday prayers. Saudis wield influence with oil expansion Saudi Arabia’s capacity expansion has helped offset losses from Nigeria, Iran, Iraq and Venezuela. The kingdom holds 90 per cent of the world’s spare oil capacity Prince on call with militant during attack The Saudi militant who attacked the kingdom's anti-terror chief after pretending he wanted to surrender blew himself up while the official was on the phone with another militant, the Interior Ministry says Iran Canceling Major Ramadan Events in Wake of Election Protests Iran raids raise pressure on opposition leader Iranian security agents on Tuesday raided offices connected to senior reformist leader Mahdi Karroubi, arresting four aides and closing the headquarters of his political party Iranian Army Commander: Iran Has Built System that Intercepts, Destroys Cruise Missiles Iran's Mousavi urges continued civil disobedience 'Syria MiGs lack offensive capabilities' Four fighter jets that Russia will sell to Syria will be used for intelligence gathering alone, Israel told. The "garbage wars" continue to escalate in Giza The garbage collection crises in Giza continued to escalate yesterday. Piles of uncollected garbage are in evidence on most streets as the Italian Company responsible for it's removal continues its strike. Arab countries lose US$1.57 billion annually from brain drain Hezbollah rejects offer to take one-third of Lebanon cabinet Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri handed the president his proposed line-up for a national unity government on Monday in a move swiftly rejected by opposition factions including the powerful Hezbollah Report: Chemical weapons in Hezbollah arms cache blast
Afghanistan	Map of Afghanistan
President Hamid Karzai takes 100% of votes in opposition stronghold NATO Airstrike In Afghanistan Kills More Than 70 US-German Rift Emerges Over Afghan Deaths Case US-German rift emerges in wake of Afghan strike on fuel tankers that killed civilians Votes Thrown Out At 447 Afghan Polling Sites Iran, Japan reaffirm commitment to Afghanistan Taliban Militants Abduct New York Times journalist in Afghanistan Charity: US troops stormed through Afghan hospital Afghan Vote Recount Ordered By U.N.-Backed Commission, "Convincing Evidence Of Fraud" Found US use of private contractors in war hits record high They make up 57 percent of Pentagon's personnel in Afghanistan, report shows. Taliban tactics surprising U.S. forces 'We're Pinned Down:' 4 U.S. Marines Die In Afghan Ambush	Afghan Scandal: 8 Guards Fired, 2 Resigned Spy Chief Among 23 Killed in Taliban Blast Forces kill three, arrest 12 Taliban in Swat Taliban's bombs came from US, not Iran The roadside bombs killing and maiming Western soldiers in Afghanistan are not Iranian, as a top United States intelligence agency has claimed. The devices are crude but devastating re-adaptations of Italian anti-tank mines given to the anti-Soviet mujahideen in the 1980s by the US Central Intelligence Agency US reports question Afghan policy Secret pardon frees Afghan journalism student An Afghan journalism student who was jailed for asking questions in class about women's rights under Islam has been freed after nearly two years, a media rights group said Monday. Afghan group: German-ordered airstrike killed 70 civilians Defense Secretary Gates open to sending more troops to Afghanistan Military Leery Of Afghanistan Escalation With No Clear Goals

Pakistan	Map of Pakistan
Pakistani forces kill 33 insurgents: military Greenhouse gases continue to warm up the Arctic No joke, these Pakistani lawyers are thugs The nation's lawyers were seen as champions of democracy during anti-Musharraf protests, but videotaped assaults by some against police and journalists threaten to knock them off that pedestal.	US missile attack in Pakistani tribal area kills 4 Pakistani troops kill 33 militants in Khyber Report: Bin Laden met with former Pakistan PM 5 times Anti-Americanism rises in Pakistan over U.S. motives
North&South Asia	Map of Asia
Seadrill looking into cause of Timor Sea oil spill China's top 500 firms outperform US rivals in 2008: survey Needle attacks trigger new violence in China Nepal arrests 'bombing mastermind' Police hold alleged leader of Hindu group linked to attacks on churches and mosques. E. Timor aid -- where did billions go? A decade after tiny East Timor broke from Indonesia and prompted one of the most expensive U.N.-led nation-building projects in history, there is little to show for the billions spent.	North Korea drops a uranium bombshell Suspicions that North Korea never halted its uranium nuclear weapons program have been at the core of United States diplomacy with Pyongyang for years. The North on Friday officially confirmed these fears, and worse, that enrichment is in its "final phase". China dismisses Xinjiang officials China approves swine flu vaccine Chinese health authorities approve a vaccine that they say prevents swine flu with a single dose.
Europe	Map of Europe
90 arrested after Birmingham clashes BP Raised Libya Concerns in 2007 New statements by a top U.K. official and one of the country's largest oil companies fed speculation that the recent release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber is entangled with the country's pursuit of oil interests in Libya. Anti-arms fair protests expected Demonstrations are expected as one of the world's largest arms fairs opens in London Spin the Bottle" - Expose Raises Alarming Questions About Fiji Water's Ties to Military Junta, Environmental Record and Impact on Fijians 90 arrested in U.K. in racially charged clashes Authorities arrested 90 people after racially charged violence erupted between a group protesting Islamic extremism and counter-demonstrators in the central English city of Birmingham	3 Convicted of Atlantic Airline Bomb Plot U.K. court convicts 3 British Muslims for largest terrorist attack since 9/11. Dick Cheney 'put airline bomb plot case in jeopardy with arrest order of Rashid Rauf' UK admits Lockerbie trade link Trade and oil played a part in the decision to include Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi in a prisoner transfer agreement, a UK minister. Top Ingush militant 'shot dead' Police say they have killed the man behind an attempt to assassinate the leader of the southern republic of Ingushetia. German court rules against Google's terms A German court has ruled that Google Inc. must change terms of service that could be interpreted to compromise a user's rights, a decision the consumer advocacy group that brought the suit welcomed Monday as a victory for online transparency.
Africa	Map of Africa
Six Civilians Killed in Mogadishu Clashes At least six civilians were killed and 18 others wounded in clashes that erupted when insurgents attacked government and African Union forces in Mogadishu, witnesses and medics said Sunday. Sudanese woman fined over trousers Court convicts Lubna al-Hussein of indecency but spares her 40 lashes. UGANDA: Carbon Trading Scheme Pushing People off Their Land As the world's attention increasingly turns to the impact of climate change, at least one project intended to reduce global carbon emissions is accused of displacing indigenous persons from their home in Uganda.	Watchdog: discrepancies in Sudan oil figures Sudan's central government could owe its semiautonomous south hundreds of millions of dollars in oil revenue, threatening a 2005 peace deal that ended Sudan's two-decade civil war, a watchdog group said Monday. Somalia, neighboring Seychelles clash over pirates A dispute erupted between authorities in Somalia and the Seychelles Monday after the island nation released 23 suspected Somali pirates in what appeared to be a trade for hostages from the Seychelles.
The Americas	Map of North America and South America
Mexican politico, family murdered State legislative candidate in Tobasco assassinated, likely by drug cartels. Thousands protest against Chavez Anti-Chavez TV station faces possible shutdown The government said Monday a leading TV channel aligned with Venezuela's opposition could lose its broadcast license for allegedly airing a viewer's text message calling for a coup and the assassination of President Hugo Chavez. Aeromexico Jet Hijacked An airplane was briefly hijacked as it landed in Mexico City on Wednesday from the resort of Cancun, but all passengers and crew were released unharmed, officials said. Television images showed police leading at least five men from the plane in handcuffs. Mexican news media reported the hijackers were Bolivian citizens demanding to speak with Mexican President Felipe Calderon.	Honduran interim gov't cancels visa exemption for Brazilians Film-maker shot dead in El Salvador Body of French journalist who covered street gangs is found close to the capital. Uribe clears re-election hurdle Colombian president needs supreme court's approval before referendum can be called. Mexico attorney general replaced Mexico's attorney general, who has been key in the fight against drug cartels, has been dropped from the cabinet. El Salvador finds boat with Bangladeshi migrants The Salvadoran navy says it has found 76 migrants from as far away as Bangladesh, Nepal and Eritrea aboard a boat in the Pacific. Venezuela to export gasoline to Iran BP in 'giant' new oil discovery Oil giant BP says it has made a "giant" new oil discovery in its fields in the Gulf of Mexico, sending its shares higher.