Shot Online News Ticker: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Pope agrees to talks with Muslim leaders

Pope agrees to talks with Muslim leaders
Pope Benedict has invited leading Islamic authorities to discuss a letter they sent to Christian leaders

Kevin Rudd sets date for Iraq pull-out

Australian PM says he will deliver on election promise by pulling country's troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 Read More

Radioactive uranium for 'dirty bomb' seized by police in Slovakia

Radioactive uranium for 'dirty bomb' seized by police in Slovakia
Radioactive material seized in Slovakia was enriched uranium that could be used for a 'dirty bomb', police revealed today

Scrap 'don't ask, don't tell' gay policy, say retired US generals

Twenty-eight former military chiefs collectively call for a repeal of the controversial 'don't ask, don't tell' policy Read More

U.S. student, Italian to stay in custody

A University of Washington student and her Italian ex-boyfriend — both held in connection with the slaying of a 21-year-old British student — must remain in jail, a court ruled Friday.

Israeli strike kills 4 militants in Gaza (AP)

AP - An Israeli airstrike killed four Palestinian militants early Saturday in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian witnesses and officials said.

Councillor who bunkered £1bn Trump golf club is assaulted

Councillor who bunkered £1bn Trump golf club is assaulted
A councillor who helped throw out Donald Trump's proposal for a £1billion golf resort has been attacked on her doorstep. Debra Storr was terrified when a woman began shouting obscenities at her for voting against the plan

Turkish plane crashes, killing all 56 on board

A Turkish airliner crashed near the town of Isparta in central Turkey this morning, killing all 56 people on board, officials said Read More

Witnesses appear before Blackwater jury

Two witnesses appeared Thursday before a federal grand jury investigating Blackwater, a government contractor whose guards were involved in a shooting that killed 17 Iraqi civilians . Read More

'British security in jeopardy with threat of new Balkans crisis by Christmas', Cameron to tell Washington

David Cameron will warn today that the Balkans is on the brink of a crisis with serious implications for British national security Read More

Musharraf to end emergency rule

� Lawyers clash with police as president is sworn in� Opposition boycott likely despite concessions Read More

Musharraf to end emergency rule

Musharraf to end emergency rule
� Lawyers clash with police as president is sworn in� Opposition boycott likely despite concessions

Venezuelans march against Ch�vez reforms

Venezuelans march against Ch�vez reforms
More than 100,000 take to streets of Caracas to protest against proposed constitutional changes

Transit strike cripples Italy

A general transport strike by workers in Italy demanding more investment in the sector forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and idled trains, ships and buses across the country on Friday. Read More

Plotters in custody over failed Philippines coup

Fifty military officers and their supporters in custody after failed coup attempt against Philippines president Read More

Australian troops to leave Iraq by mid-2008: Rudd (AFP)

AFP - Australian prime minister-elect Kevin Rudd said Friday he would pull the country's 550 combat troops out of Iraq by the middle of next year, marking a significant shift in Canberra's role in the conflict.

Teenager held over '�9.7m hacking ring'

New Zealand teenager held on suspicion of stealing millions from bank accounts around the world Read More

Colombia seizes hostage video

Colombian officials on Friday revealed videotapes of rebel-held hostages, among them three U.S. defense contractors and a former presidential candidate — providing evidence the captives may be alive.

Protesters demand execution of teddy row teacher

Thousands wielding clubs and knives call for execution of teacher who let students name teddy Muhammad Read More

Turkey plane crash kills all 57 on board (AP)

AP - An Atlasjet plane crashed on a rocky mountain shortly before it was due to land in southwest Turkey on Friday, killing all 57 people on board, including a 6-week-old baby going to see her grandparents for the first time.

Bombs found near Iraq politician's office

Iraqi security forces found and detonated two car bombs in the Baghdad office complex of the leader of the country's main Sunni Arab bloc on Thursday, a security spokesman said. Read More

Donald Trump's fury as £1bn golf resort on unspoilt coastline is rejected by councillors

Donald Trump's plans for a £1 billion golf resort were in disarray tonight after they were dramatically thrown out by councillors. The US property tycoon is hoping to build a huge complex of courses and houses in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland Read More

Putin's party steamrolls opponents

Across Russia , officials loyal to the Kremlin have used unprecedented pressure and harassment to disrupt the campaigns of opposition parties and maximize the vote of the pro-Kremlin party that President Vladimir Putin is leading into Sunday's elections.

'British security in jeopardy with threat of new Balkans crisis by Christmas', Cameron to tell Washington

'British security in jeopardy with threat of new Balkans crisis by Christmas', Cameron to tell Washington
David Cameron will warn today that the Balkans is on the brink of a crisis with serious implications for British national security

Chavez protesters flood Venezuela streets

Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez.

Plotters in custody over failed Philippines coup

Fifty military officers and their supporters in custody after failed coup attempt against Philippines president Read More

World Blog: NBC around the globe

Bin Laden: Europeans should end US help (AP)

AP - Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden called on Europeans to stop helping the United States in the war in Afghanistan, according to a new tape released Thursday.

Powerful earthquake hits Caribbean (AP)

AP - A powerful earthquake rocked the eastern Caribbean on Thursday, damaging buildings and panicking residents, some of whom were hurt when they jumped from windows.

Venezuelan students rally against Chavez (AP)

AP - As more than 100,000 people flooded the streets to protest constitutional changes that would boost President Hugo Chavez's power, students again showed they are a key force behind the re-energized opposition.

Pollock cache may have been painted after artist's death

Pollock cache may have been painted after artist's death
Forensic scientist says pigments used in works postdate Jackson Pollock but owner dismisses findings

Jet with 56 aboard crashes in Turkey (AP)

AP - An Atlasjet plane crashed shortly before it was due to land in southwest Turkey early Friday, killing all 56 people on board, the airline's chief executive said. The cause was not immediately known.

Powerful quake shakes Caribbean

Powerful quake shakes Caribbean
A powerful earthquake rocked the eastern Caribbean on Thursday, sending office workers and shoppers fleeing into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Witnesses appear before Blackwater jury

Two unidentified witnesses appeared Thursday before a federal grand jury investigating Blackwater Worldwide, a government contractor whose security guards were involved in a shooting that killed 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad. Read More

6,000 Sunnis join pact with U.S. in Iraq

Nearly 6,000 Sunni Arab residents joined a security pact with American forces Wednesday in what U.S. officers described as a critical step in plugging the remaining escape routes for extremists flushed from former strongholds. Read More

Chavez protesters flood Venezuela streets

Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez.

Pollock cache may have been painted after artist's death

Pollock cache may have been painted after artist's death
Forensic scientist says pigments used in works postdate Jackson Pollock but owner dismisses findings

Bombs found near Iraq politician's office

Bombs found near Iraq politician's office
Iraqi security forces found and detonated two car bombs in the Baghdad office complex of the leader of the country's main Sunni Arab bloc on Thursday, a security spokesman said.

Chavez protesters flood Venezuela streets

Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez.

Teacher convicted in teddy bear case (AP)

AP - A Sudanese court convicted a British teacher Thursday of insulting Islam for letting her students name a teddy bear Muhammad and sentenced her to 15 days in prison, avoiding a heavier punishment of 40 lashes. The teacher wept in court, insisting she never meant to offend.

Venezuelans protest Chavez's referendum (AP)

AP - Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez and help him establish a socialist state in Venezuela.

Putin warns foreign powers to stop meddling as he tells Russians 'vote for me'

Putin warns foreign powers to stop meddling as he tells Russians 'vote for me'
President Vladimir Putin, who steps down next year, said yesterday he would not allow foreign powers to upset Russia's stability in the wake of two crucial polls, which will decide the country's future

Foreign Secretary: We are 'extremely disappointed' at teddy teacher conviction

Foreign Secretary: We are 'extremely disappointed' at teddy teacher conviction
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has expressed the British Government's 'disappointment' over the guilty verdict handed down to British teacher Gillian Gibbons in the Sudan today. But in a restrained statement he also set out the UK's 'real respect' for Sudan's Islamic religion

Slovak police seize 'dirty bomb' uranium

Slovak police say material could be used to make 'dirty bomb' Read More

Renegade soldiers surrender after troops storm Manila luxury hotel

Renegade soldiers surrender after troops storm Manila luxury hotel
Philippine police and soldiers armed with tear gas and automatic rifles have stormed a luxury Manila hotel that was seized this morning by renegade soldiers

Police: Seized uranium is weapons-grade

Three men arrested in an attempted sale of uranium were peddling material believed to be from the ex-Soviet Union, and it was enriched enough to be used in a radiological "dirty bomb," police said.

Uranium could have made dirty bomb (AP)

AP - Two Hungarians and a Ukrainian arrested in an attempted sale of uranium were peddling material believed to be from the former Soviet Union, and it was enriched enough to be used in a radiological "dirty bomb," police said Thursday.

Musharraf to end emergency rule before elections

Announcement comes hours after inauguration as civilian president Read More

British woman mauled to death by wild street dogs in Bulgaria died in husband's arms

A British woman was mauled to death by a pack of wild dogs near her home in a Bulgarian village. Ann Gordon was walking her pet Alsatian when she was surrounded by eight strays Read More

Gideon Mendel on Lesotho's HIV positive women and their children

Gideon Mendel on Lesotho's HIV positive women and their children
Everyday stories of Aids in Lesotho. By Gideon Mendel

Troops storm Manila hotel to recapture Philippines dissidents

Explosions and gunfire as troops end standoff by dissident officers Read More

China factory blast kills 11

Explosions in fireworks factories, many of them illegal, are common. The day before the Yangquan blast, 13 people died in an accident in a fireworks factory in the southern province of Hunan. Read More

Musharraf sworn in as Pakistan's civilian president

Pakistan's president begins second five-year term despite continuing political instability Read More

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

Foreign Secretary appeals for 'common sense' to prevail as teddy teacher faces flogging

Foreign Secretary appeals for 'common sense' to prevail as teddy teacher faces flogging
Today Mr Miliband insisted Britain's concerns over Gillian Gibbons' ordeal were being addressed at the 'highest level' of Sudan's Government. But in a restrained statement he also set out the UK's 'real respect' for Sudan's Islamic religion

Vast Nazi archive opens to public

After more than 60 years, Nazi documents stored in a vast warehouse in Germany were unsealed Wednesday.

Botched coup bid in Philippines ends without casualties (Reuters)

Reuters - Elite military and police units stormed the Manila Peninsula Hotel on Thursday, ending a short-lived coup attempt by a small group of soldiers and others who had called on the army to mutiny.

World Blog: NBC around the globe

EU agrees to increase cod quotas

Proposals to increase the UK's cod quota will prevent thousands of tons of fish being thrown back dead into the seas, fishermen said yesterday Read More

Ch�vez battles for his future

Ch�vez battles for his future
Ch�vez faces strong opposition to plans to remove term time limit

Police: 3 held with nuke material

Police in Slovakia said Wednesday three people have been arrested for attempting to sell a small amount of an unspecified nuclear material. Read More

Natwest Three plead guilty to $7.3m Enron-linked transatlantic fraud

Natwest Three plead guilty to $7.3m Enron-linked transatlantic fraud
� Britons face 37 months jail in justice department deal� Ill-gotten gains must be repaid to bank's owner

Teacher charged in Sudan

British woman who named school teddy bear Muhammad is charged with insulting Islam Read More

Dalai Lama could forgo reincarnation to foil China crackdown

The Dalai Lama could end 600 years of history by forgoing rebirth in a bid to stop China seizing control of his reincarnation, he has revealed Read More

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs
Katine: Treatment for HIV/Aids are slow to reach rural Uganda

Newsweek: First drawdown since surge

Woman killed by stray dogs

A pack of stray dogs mauled a British woman to death in a Bulgarian village, police said on Wednesday. Read More

President Musharraf's tears as he stands down as head of Pakistan's armed forces

A tearful General Pervez Musharraf finally quit as head of the Pakistan army, trading the post for a second five-year term as president. He passed the baton of command to his chosen successor, General Ashfaq Kayani, in a ceremony at army headquarters in Rawalpindi Read More

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

American linked to Italy murder?

American linked to Italy murder?
A single fingerprint and a trace of blood belonging to American student Amanda Knox were found in the Perugia apartment where her British roommate was slain, but the apartment was otherwise cleaned, news reports said Wednesday.

Dutch MP makes anti-Qur'an film

A rightwing Dutch MP said he was making a film to highlight what he calls 'fascist' passages in the Qur'an Read More

Dutch MP makes anti-Qur'an film

A rightwing Dutch MP said he was making a film to highlight what he calls 'fascist' passages in the Qur'an Read More

China fireworks explosion leaves 11 dead (AP)

AP - An explosion in a fireworks factory in central China killed 11 people and injured eight, the government's Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday. Read More

Venezuela: U.S. envoy meddling

Venezuela: U.S. envoy meddling
Venezuela could expel a U.S. diplomat it suspects of interfering in its internal affairs by working against President Hugo Chavez's plan to run for reelection indefinitely, a senior official said Wednesday.

Newsweek: First drawdown since surge

Judge jailed entire court for phone interruption

Judge jailed entire court for phone interruption
� Doors locked after ringing mobile enrages magistrate � 46 sent to cells in moment of 'inexplicable madness'

American linked to Italy murder?

Bolivian states protest against Morales (AP)

AP - Banks, shops, schools and public transportation were shuttered in cities across Bolivia Wednesday, as demonstrators protested a new law tapping regional budgets for a fund for the elderly.

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

Dawkins book faces Turkish ban

A prosecutor may press charges against the Turkish publisher of The God Delusion for inciting religious hatred Read More

US military deaths in Iraq at 3,878 (AP)

AP - As of Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at least 3,878 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians. At least 3,159 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

Woman killed by stray dogs

A pack of stray dogs mauled a British woman to death in a Bulgarian village, police said on Wednesday. Read More

Analysis: Hurdles for Mideast deal

If Israelis and Palestinians have any hope of achieving a final peace treaty within a year, they will have to overcome many thorny details. Read More

Newsweek: Soldiers play MacGyver in Iraq

Female suicide bomber hits Baghdad

Female suicide bomber hits Baghdad
A woman wearing an explosives belt blew herself up near an American patrol northeast of Baghdad — a rare female suicide bombing that wounded seven U.S. troops and five Iraqis, the U.S. military said Wednesday.

Female suicide bomber wounds seven US troops and five civilians in Iraq

Bomber wounds five Iraqi civilians and seven US troops in attack north-east of Baghdad, military officials say Read More

NatWest Three in American court for plea-bargain hearing over Enron fraud

NatWest Three in American court for plea-bargain hearing over Enron fraud
The NatWest Three bankers who were extradited from Britain to face £11m Enron-related fraud charges will appear before a US court today

Dalai Lama could forgo reincarnation to foil China crackdown

Dalai Lama could forgo reincarnation to foil China crackdown
The Dalai Lama could end 600 years of history by forgoing rebirth in a bid to stop China seizing control of his reincarnation, he has revealed

Dalai Lama challenges China to referendum

Dalai Lama challenges China to referendum
Exiled leader fights Chinese attempt to control Buddhist selection process by suggesting vote for successor

Dalai Lama could forgo reincarnation to foil China crackdown

Briton charged in Sudan with insulting religion: Foreign Office (AFP)

AFP - A British school teacher has been charged with insulting religion in Sudan, after being arrested for allowing pupils to name a teddy bear Mohammed, Britain's Foreign Office said Wednesday.

Stalemate at UN-backed talks raises fears over Kosovo's future

Talks on future status of Kosovo ends in stalemate, raising fears of a return to violence Read More

In France, ‘a bomb waiting for the match’

On the morning after a mob of angry youths torched the library in a small, immigrant-heavy town north of Paris during a second night of rioting, a group of local leaders stood outside the charred remains Tuesday and tried to make sense of what they saw.

British woman held in Peru on suspicion of drug smuggling

A British woman has been arrested in Peru on suspicion of carrying cocaine. Rachel Franklin was stopped at the airport in the capital Lima as she was waiting to board a plane to Madrid Read More

New Australian PM travels to capital to select cabinet: aides (AFP)

AFP - Australia's prime minister-elect Kevin Rudd arrived in the nation's capital Wednesday to choose his new cabinet, aides said, as outgoing John Howard and his vanquished team cleared out their desks.

Newsweek: Soldiers play MacGyver in Iraq

Israel and Palestinians agree to keep peace talks on track

Israel and Palestinians agree to keep peace talks on track
George Bush was today chairing a fresh round of Middle Eastern peace talks at the White House amid cautious optimism. The US president is bringing together Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas for the first summit in seven years. It comes a day after a 44-nation conference attempted to thrash out a peace treaty by the end of 2008 that would create a Palestinian state

Gideon Mendel on Lesotho's HIV positive women and their children

Everyday stories of Aids in Lesotho. By Gideon Mendel Read More

Newsweek: First drawdown since surge

Musharraf retires as Pakistan army chief (AP)

AP - President Pervez Musharraf stepped down Wednesday from his powerful post as Pakistan's military commander, a day before he was to be sworn in as a civilian president in a long-delayed pledge not to hold both jobs.

Israel, Palestinians OK peace path

President Bush on Tuesday announced that the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority had agreed to immediate negotiations designed to reach a peace agreement before the end of 2008.

Back for revenge: Nawaz Sharif, the ex-premier kicked out by Pakistan's President Musharraf

Back for revenge: Nawaz Sharif, the ex-premier kicked out by Pakistan's President Musharraf
Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned from exile on Sunday to confront his arch-rival President Pervez Musharraf in a fresh esclation of the country's political crisis. Sharif, who was overthrown by General Musharraf in a bloodless coup eight years ago, said he was determined to rid the country of dictatorship

Wife asks court to declare missing tycoon Fossett dead

Wife asks Chicago court to set in train the distribution of missing adventurer Steve Fossett's assets Read More

U.S. Zimbabwe envoy called 'house Negro'

Zimbabwe's government newspaper offered a chilly, racially tinged welcome Tuesday to the new U.S. envoy.

Sarkozy calls French riots unacceptable (AP)

AP - French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Wednesday that rioters who shot at police would be brought to justice and called the violence that rocked Paris suburbs "absolutely unacceptable."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

Bush opens high stakes Middle East peace conference and admits that path will be difficult

Bush opens high stakes Middle East peace conference and admits that path will be difficult
President George W. Bush has opened a high-stakes Israeli-Palestinian peace conference cautioning that the path begun will be difficult but that the 'time is right' to try. Bush said the purpose at the Annapolis conference was not to conclude an accord but to launch negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians

Third night of riots in France

Youths rampaged for a third night in suburbs north of Paris and violence spread to a southern city as police struggled to contain rioters who — in an ominous turn — shot at officers.

Back for revenge: Nawaz Sharif, the ex-premier kicked out by Pakistan's President Musharraf

Bush opens high stakes Middle East peace conference and admits that path will be difficult

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs
Katine: Treatment for HIV/Aids are slow to reach rural Uganda

Nazi hunt announced in Argentina (AP)

AP - A Jewish human rights group launched a "last chance" hunt for surviving Nazis in South America on Tuesday, hoping to track down perpetrators of genocide before they die of old age.

Last of the Nazi war criminals are warned: We're still after you

Old and mostly frail, they look like pensioners the world over. But eight evil men have committed some of the most horrific crimes humanity has known and are still being chased as Nazi war criminals Read More

Iran unveils long-range missile

Iran's new Ashoura missile can reach Israel and US bases in the Middle East, defence minister says Read More

U.S. roadblock shootings in Iraq kill 5

U.S. troops fired on vehicles trying to drive through roadblocks in Baghdad and north of the Iraqi capital, killing at least five people, including a child, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

Ch�vez threatens opponents of reform

Ch�vez threatens opponents of reform
Venezuelan president threatens to strip the country's industrialists of their assets

Newsweek: First drawdown since surge

Ronaldo's stunner clinches top spot for United (AFP)

AFP - Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo hit a stoppage-time stunner that clinched a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday and ensured his side will finish top of Champions League Group F.

Third night of riots in France

Youths rampaged for a third night in suburbs north of Paris and violence spread to a southern city as police struggled to contain rioters who — in an ominous turn — shot at officers.

Second night of rioting in Paris after youths die in traffic accident

Second night of rioting in Paris after youths die in traffic accident
More than 70 injured in second night of suburban violence as youths throw stones and Molotov cocktails, and fire guns

U.S. envoy to inspect N. Korea reactor

The top U.S. negotiator for talks on North Korea's nuclear program will make a rare visit to that country on Monday to inspect ongoing work to disable its main nuclear reactor, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.

Dalai Lama defies China over successor

Tibet's spiritual leader proposes voting for his successor Read More

Saudi rape VICTIM sentenced to 200 lashes 'admits to affair'

Saudi rape VICTIM sentenced to 200 lashes 'admits to affair'
A teenage rape victim sentenced to 200 lashes in Saudi Arabia has confessed to cheating on her husband, according to authorities in the kingdom. The Saudi Justice Ministry also condemned foreign interference in the case and insisted the punishment would be carried out

Bush opens high stakes Middle East peace conference and admits that path will be difficult

Bush: Israel, Palestinians OK path

President Bush on Tuesday announced that the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority had agreed to immediate negotiations designed to reach a peace agreement before the end of 2008.

Blast at China fireworks shop kills 13 (AP)

Blast at China fireworks shop kills 13 (AP)
AP - An explosion Tuesday ripped through a house in central China where villagers were illegally making fireworks, killing 13 people, a state news agency said.

Iranian court clears former nuclear adviser of spying

Man cleared of spying for Britain but convicted of acting against the Islamic authorities Read More

World Blog: NBC around the globe

British teacher held over teddy bear name

A British primary school teacher has been arrested in Sudan, accused of insulting Islam's Prophet by letting her class of 7-year-olds name a teddy bear Mohammed, her school said on Monday. Read More

Newsweek: First drawdown since surge

British teacher held over teddy bear name

British teacher held over teddy bear name
A British primary school teacher has been arrested in Sudan, accused of insulting Islam's Prophet by letting her class of 7-year-olds name a teddy bear Mohammed, her school said on Monday.

US roadblock shootings in Iraq kill 5 (AP)

AP - American troops fired on vehicles trying to drive through roadblocks, killing at least five people, including one child, in two separate incidents, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

Iran unveils long-range missile

Iran unveils long-range missile
Iran's new Ashoura missile can reach Israel and US bases in the Middle East, defence minister says

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

Police interrogate British teacher facing 40 lashes in Sudan for calling teddy bear 'Mohammed'

Police interrogate British teacher facing 40 lashes in Sudan for calling teddy bear 'Mohammed'
The British primary school teacher arrested in Sudan for allowing her pupils to name a teddy bear Mohammed is today facing a second day of interrogation by senior detectives

Bullets and TNT on tap as tunnellers beat blockade

Smugglers dig under the border to bring essentials and luxuries to Gaza Strip Read More

Dozens injured in Paris-area rioting

Rampaging youths rioted overnight in Paris' suburbs, hurling Molotov cocktails and setting fire to dozens of cars. At least 77 officers were injured, a senior police union official said Tuesday. Some police officers were fired at, the official said.

David Smith's embed diary: The 'scenic route'

David Smith's embed diary: The 'scenic route'
David Smith thought he was on his way home, but then found himself speeding into Iraq's dark hinterland

Judge: Van der Sloot can be held 8 days

A judge ruled enough evidence exists to detain Joran van der Sloot, a suspect in the disappearance of Natalie Holloway, for an initial eight-day period as prosecutors investigate.

Mother-of-one is killed after she refuses TV proposal from abusive ex-boyfriend

Angry viewers are demanding a Spanish chat show is scrapped after a man stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death just days after she refused a marriage proposal broadcast on the programme Read More

School project leaves British teacher facing 40 lashes

� Class chose name 'Muhammad' for cuddly toy� UK diplomats urgently trying to secure release Read More

Monday, November 26, 2007

Saudi rape VICTIM sentenced to 200 lashes 'admits to affair'

Tragedy spotlights Brazil's crumbling stadiums

A stadium collapse that killed seven people highlighted the crumbling state of Brazil’s soccer arenas less than a month after the country was chosen to host the 2014 World Cup, architects said Monday.

Last 77 survivors of Antarctic ship sinking airlifted out to South America

Last 77 survivors of Antarctic ship sinking airlifted out to South America
The last group of survivors from the Antarctic cruise ship that struck an iceberg and slipped into the icy sea have been flown back to the South American mainland

U.S. aid arrives in Bangladesh

U.S. Navy helicopters began delivering emergency supplies Monday to survivors of a deadly cyclone along the southern coast of Bangladesh in a joint relief operation, officials said.

Mother-of-one is killed after she refuses TV proposal from abusive ex-boyfriend

Mother-of-one is killed after she refuses TV proposal from abusive ex-boyfriend
Angry viewers are demanding a Spanish chat show is scrapped after a man stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death just days after she refused a marriage proposal broadcast on the programme

Crash sparks fiery rampage in France

Youths assaulted a police station, torched cars and vandalized stores in a weekend rampage that injured 21 police officers in this rundown Paris suburb.

Iraqis may offer US deal to stay longer (AP)

AP - Iraq's government, seeking protection against foreign threats and internal coups, will offer the U.S. a long-term troop presence in Iraq in return for U.S. security guarantees as part of a strategic partnership, two Iraqi officials said Monday.

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

N. Korea said to resume public executions

North Korea has resumed frequent public executions, among them a factory chief accused of making international phone calls who was shot in a stadium before 150,000 spectators, a South Korean aid group said Monday. Read More

World Blog: NBC around the globe

Diary of 'Eillen' tells of life with Colombia's rebels

Diary of 'Eillen' tells of life with Colombia's rebels
� Dutch woman joined Farc in 2002 to fight injustice� Criticism of commanders is PR coup for government

Riots break out in Paris suburbs after teenagers die in police crash

Riots break out in Paris suburbs after teenagers die in police crash
Thirty police officers have been injured this evening during running battles with rioters in a suburb north of Paris where two youths died after a crash involving a police car. During a second night of disturbances some 100 riot police came under attack in Villiers-le-Bel from large fire crackers. They replied with tear gas, rubber bullets and paint guns designed to identify troublemakers

11 relatives of Iraqi journalist killed (AP)

AP - Masked gunmen stormed the family home of a journalist who was associated with Saddam Hussein's party and critical of the Iraqi government, killing 11 relatives as they ate breakfast in a neighborhood known as a Shiite militia stronghold, colleagues said Monday.

Saudi rape VICTIM sentenced to 200 lashes 'admits to affair'

Lesbians murdered teenager with concrete slab 'because she was irritating'

A lesbian couple murdered a British teenager then dumped her body in a wheelie bin in Australia - because they found her irritating Read More

Beauty queen's gowns, makeup spiked (AP)

AP - Pepper spray failed to deter Ingrid Marie Rivera, who beat 29 rivals to become the island's 2008 Miss Universe contestant.

Bush optimistic about Mideast peace

Hours before a high-stakes international conference on the Middle East, President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed hope that peace finally could be achieved.

Italian mongrel leads owner to record-breaking truffle

� Crowds gather for sniff of biggest find in 50 years� Delicacy flown to Macau for charity auction Read More

Moderate quake rattles Japan

Moderate quake rattles Japan
A moderate earthquake hit northeast Japan on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

7 dead in Brazil soccer stands collapse (AP)

AP - A stadium where seven people died when a section of stands collapsed was recently criticized as the worst of Brazil's big soccer venues, and an official said Monday that past renovations did not deal with its structural integrity.

Rebels fight army in eastern Chad after truce collapses (AFP)

AFP - Clashes erupted on Monday between Chad government forces and a major rebel group close to the border with the strife-torn Darfur region after a truce broke down, the two sides said.

Rebels fight army in eastern Chad after truce collapses (AFP)

AFP - Clashes erupted on Monday between Chad government forces and a major rebel group close to the border with the strife-torn Darfur region after a truce broke down, the two sides said.

Rebels fight army in eastern Chad after truce collapses (AFP)

AFP - Clashes erupted on Monday between Chad government forces and a major rebel group close to the border with the strife-torn Darfur region after a truce broke down, the two sides said.

France strikes deals with China

France and China sign �14.4bn agreement on planes and reactors as Sarkozy visits Beijing Read More

Last 77 survivors of Antarctic ship sinking airlifted out to South America

Iran leader's blog attracts critics

Iran leader's blog attracts critics
Ahmadinejad forum trumpets populist political message without interference of media and opposition

Hezbollah seeks anti-Israel leader

Hezbollah seeks anti-Israel leader
Iran-backed Hezbollah on Sunday blamed U.S. interference for the Lebanese parliament’s inability to elect a president and added a new condition for choosing the next head of state: The leader must support the powerful Shiite Muslim group’s fight against Israel.

Antarctica ship survivors airlifted out (AP)

AP - The last group of survivors from the Antarctic cruise ship that struck an iceberg and slipped into the icy sea were flown back to the South American mainland Sunday.

Smoking gun against Iran?

The accusations against Iran come almost every day from U.S. officials. But does the U.S. have solid proof that Iran is guilty of such a long list of misdeeds? Or is the case against Iran — and the certainty of its ill intent — a bit fuzzy?

Boat sinks in the Bay of Bengal

A boat carrying about 100 people sank in the Bay of Bengal off a southern Bangladeshi island bordering Myanmar waters, a police official said Sunday. Read More

Newsweek analysis: Sharif’s return

Chavez: Colombia relations on ice (AP)

AP - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday that reconciliation is impossible with Colombia's president as the two leaders traded stern warnings in an escalating diplomatic crisis that threatens trade ties between the South American neighbors.

US farmer cuts off trapped arm

US farmer cuts off trapped arm
farmer forced to cut off his arm with pocket knife after machine in which his hand was trapped burst into flames

Smoking gun against Iran?

Riot police move in on Putin's opponents ahead of Russian elections

Riot police move in on Putin's opponents ahead of Russian elections
Riot police yesterday beat and detained scores of opposition activists a week before elections which President Putin hopes will give him a fresh grip on power. Hundreds of police armed with shields, body armor and truncheons bore down on demonstrators gathered near St Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum chanting 'Russia without Putin!'

Italian mongrel leads owner to record-breaking truffle

� Crowds gather for sniff of biggest find in 50 years� Delicacy flown to Macau for charity auction Read More

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Strong quakes hits Indonesia

Strong quakes hits Indonesia
Two strong earthquakes that struck eastern Indonesia overnight killed at least three people and injured 45 other people, a senior health ministry official said Monday. Dozens of buildings were reportedly destroyed or damaged.

Chavez to freeze relations with Colombia (AP)

AP - President Hugo Chavez said Sunday he is putting relations with Colombia "in the freezer" after its president ended the Venezuelan leader's role mediating with leftist rebels in the neighboring country.

Workers rescued from burning oil platform

Dozens of workers were airlifted to safety in high winds after their North Sea oil platform caught fire Sunday, officials said.

Clashes, rioting in Paris suburb after youths killed in crash (AFP)

AFP - Angry youths set fire to buildings, shops and a police station after two teenagers died Sunday in a crash with a police car at a Paris suburb, as 21 policemen and firefighters were injured in the unrest, police said.

Sharif back in Pakistan from exile (AP)

AP - Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned from exile Sunday to an ecstatic welcome from thousands of supporters and immediately stepped up the pressure on U.S.-backed military ruler Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule.

116 are rescued from oil rig blaze

More than 100 workers had to be rescued from a blazing oil rig yesterday. They were airlifted from the rig in the North Sea after smoke and flames were spotted. Five Norwegian helicopters evacuated 116 of the 159 staff from the Thistle Alpha platform to neighbouring rigs Read More

Newsweek: Soldiers play MacGyver in Iraq

Failure has high price at peace summit

Next week's Mideast peace conference is unlike any previous U.S. attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because the price of failure has risen dramatically: radical Islamists could gain the upper hand in Palestinian areas and in an increasingly polarized Middle East.

Where death by water is part of daily life

Where death by water is part of daily life
Drive to improve sanitation is the key to educational and economic progress

Riot police move in on Putin's opponents ahead of Russian elections

Riot police yesterday beat and detained scores of opposition activists a week before elections which President Putin hopes will give him a fresh grip on power. Hundreds of police armed with shields, body armor and truncheons bore down on demonstrators gathered near St Petersburg's State Hermitage Museum chanting 'Russia without Putin!' Read More

Boat sinks in the Bay of Bengal

Boat sinks in the Bay of Bengal
A boat carrying about 100 people sank in the Bay of Bengal off a southern Bangladeshi island bordering Myanmar waters, a police official said Sunday.

Smoking gun against Iran?

Chavez: Colombia relations tense

Chavez: Colombia relations tense
President Hugo Chavez said Sunday he is putting relations with Colombia "in the freezer" after its president, Alvaro Uribe, ended the Venezuelan leader's role mediating with leftist rebels in the neighboring country.

Boat sinks in the Bay of Bengal

A boat carrying about 100 people sank in the Bay of Bengal off a southern Bangladeshi island bordering Myanmar waters, a police official said Sunday. Read More

Syria agrees to attend Mideast talks

The Bush administration was able to declare a clean sweep when Syria, the last Arab world holdout, said Sunday it would attend this week’s high-stakes Mideast peace conference. Top negotiators awaited a meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to finalize details. Read More

Syria agrees to attend Mideast summit (AP)

AP - Arab holdout Syria agreed Sunday to attend a Mideast peace conference called by President Bush to restart talks to resolve the six-decade conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, yet expectations for the summit remained low. The two sides came to Washington without agreeing on basic terms for their negotiations.

Obama the comeback kid learns to talk tough

Clinton now has a fight on her hands as her rival's gloves-off relaunch puts him ahead in Iowa Read More

Suicide attacks kill dozens in Pakistan

Militants struck at the heart of Pakistan’s security establishment Saturday, killing up to 35 people in suicide attacks on a checkpoint outside army headquarters and a bus carrying intelligence agency employees, officials said.

Peter Godwin: 'I once thought of killing Ian Smith... Now I think he was misunderstood'

Author Peter Godwin once thought of killing Rhodesia's leader. Now he thinks this would not have helped the country Read More

Obama the comeback kid learns to talk tough

Obama the comeback kid learns to talk tough
Clinton now has a fight on her hands as her rival's gloves-off relaunch puts him ahead in Iowa

Officials: Girl raped in Brazil jail

Brazilian lawmakers announced an investigation into a state prison system Saturday after authorities said a teenage girl was locked up in an Amazon jail for weeks with 21 men who she said would only let her eat in return for sex. Read More

Death threats for suicide girl's cyber-tormentor

Death threats for suicide girl's cyber-tormentor
A small US town is up in arms after a mother used MySpace to victimise her daughter's friend

Rudd makes global warming a priority (AP)

AP - Newly elected leader Kevin Rudd moved quickly Sunday to bring Australia into international talks on fighting global warming, and to head off potentially thorny relations with the United States and key Asian neighbors.

Sharif returns to Pakistan

Exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned home to a chaotic and jubilant welcome Sunday, the latest political heavyweight to join Pakistan's deepening power struggle. Read More

German neo-Nazis carve swastika onto teenager's skin with scalpel

German neo-Nazis carve swastika onto teenager's skin with scalpel
German police are searching for a group of neo-Nazis who scored a swastika onto a 17-year-old girl's hip. The teenager had been trying to stop the gang bullying a six-year-old

Howard routed by Australia's 'Tony Blair' and ex-BBC typist

Australia elected a 'new Tony Blair' yesterday as their Labor Party swept to power, ending John Howard's 11 years as Prime Minister Read More

Howard routed by Australia's 'Tony Blair' and ex-BBC typist

Howard routed by Australia's 'Tony Blair' and ex-BBC typist
Australia elected a 'new Tony Blair' yesterday as their Labor Party swept to power, ending John Howard's 11 years as Prime Minister

Oil platform catches fire north of UK (AP)

AP - Dozens of workers were airlifted to safety in high winds after their North Sea oil platform caught fire Sunday, officials said.

Newsweek: Soldiers play MacGyver in Iraq

White House Afghanistan report: Goals unmet

White House Afghanistan report: Goals unmet
A White House assessment of the war in Afghanistan has concluded that wide-ranging strategic goals that the Bush administration set for 2007 have not been met, even as U.S. and NATO forces have scored significant combat successes, according to U.S. officials.

Australia hails new PM, Rudd

After more than a decade in power, conservative John Howard has conceded defeat to Labor leader seen as more modern and in touch Read More

White House Afghanistan report: Goals unmet

Political crisis deepens in Lebanon (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Fuad Saniora assured his country Saturday that the military was in control of the streets while lawmakers struggled to overcome a political crisis that has left the country without a president.

Bush urges Cameron to back attack on Iran

George Bush will this week challenge David Cameron to support his threat to attack Iran over its nuclear weapons building programme Read More

Russian opposition activists detained (AP)

AP - Dozens of members of a Russian opposition party and other activists were detained by police Sunday as they tried to gather for a protest rally in central St. Petersburg.

I won't name cocaine minister, says author

I won't name cocaine minister, says author
Author of book in which Irish politician allegedly admits cocaine habit vows to protect his identity

KGB 'killer' steps out of the shadows in crocodile shoes

KGB 'killer' steps out of the shadows in crocodile shoes
The man accused of the polonium killing may become a Russian MP next Sunday, reports Luke Harding in Kursk

A new day in Australian politics

Australians entered a new political era Sunday after electing a Chinese-speaking former diplomat as their first new prime minister in more than a decade, and handing four-term leader John Howard a humiliating loss.

Doomed ship defies Antarctica odds (AP)

AP - A rare calm in Antarctic seas and the swift response by a passing ship helped save all aboard a Canadian cruise liner that struck an iceberg in the night and sank, rescued passengers and experienced sailors said Saturday.

Bangladesh bridge collapses; 1 dead

A section of a bridge collapsed Saturday as thousands of hungry cyclone victims stampeded toward aid workers delivering rice in southwestern Bangladesh, officials said. Dozens were injured and at least one person died.

Eton to the rescue of the Afghan oarsmen

Eton to the rescue of the Afghan oarsmen
Princes William and Harry's old school is bailing out would-be Olympic rowers in Afghanistan. Eton – which is renowned for nurturing gold medallists such as Matthew Pinsent – has donated four boats to the Afghan rowing team to help them prepare for the 2012 Olympics

Flirting for France: Newly-divorced Sarkozy's 'close and loving relationship' with the blonde TV star in a low-cut blouse

Flirting for France: Newly-divorced Sarkozy's 'close and loving relationship' with the blonde TV star in a low-cut blouse
She is arguably the most beautiful star of French television and, until a few weeks ago, was one half of a hugely glamorous power couple presenting cutting-edge documentaries and heavyweight political interviews. But now, Laurence Ferrari has announced her divorce from Thomas Hugues, her journalist husband of 14 years, amid rumours that she has formed a 'close and loving relationship' with France's president Nicolas Sarkozy

Flirting for France: Newly-divorced Sarkozy's 'close and loving relationship' with the blonde TV star in a low-cut blouse

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs

Taboo is broken, now we need drugs
Katine: Treatment for HIV/Aids are slow to reach rural Uganda

Friday, November 30, 2007

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Monday, November 26, 2007