AFP - Wire stories

Iran nuclear talks make 'insufficient' progress: Solana
19 Jul 2008 at 2:13pm
GENEVA (AFP) - Attempts to persuade Iran to give up its disputed nuclear programme made "insufficient" progress, the European Union's diplomatic chief said Saturday after high-level talks in Geneva.
Pope apologises for 'evil' of child sex abuse
19 Jul 2008 at 1:07pm
SYDNEY (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI offered a historic full apology for child sex abuse by predatory Australian priests Saturday, saying he was "deeply sorry" and calling for those guilty of the "evil" to be punished.
Britain's Brown wants to cut troops in Iraq but no timetable
19 Jul 2008 at 11:22am
BASRA, Iraq (AFP) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on a visit to Iraq on Saturday, said he wanted to cut the number of Britain's troop in the violence-wracked country but ruled out a timetable for their withdrawal.
Obama visits Afghanistan on international tour
19 Jul 2008 at 12:30pm
KABUL (AFP) - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama met US troops in Afghanistan Saturday during a visit to assess efforts against extremist militants at the start of a major international tour, officials said.
Leaders toast Mandela at lavish farewell party
19 Jul 2008 at 1:56pm
QUNU, South Africa (AFP) - Nelson Mandela, South Africa's anti-apartheid hero feted worldwide after turning 90, was toasted by leaders at a lavish feast Saturday as he prepared finally to bow out of public life.
Brazil prepared to wait four years for better WTO deal
19 Jul 2008 at 2:16pm
GENEVA (AFP) - Brazil is willing to wait until 2012 in order to secure a better deal on the negotiating table at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), its Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said Saturday.
Bush assures US economy will 'pull through'
19 Jul 2008 at 10:11am
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W. Bush assured Americans Saturday that the battered US economy will "pull through" despite continuing housing woes and a spike in inflation.

Raw Story Breaking News

For FOX support, Ford heckled at Netroots gathering
18 Jul 2008 at 8:40pm
For FOX support, Ford heckled at Netroots gathering

Democracy Now!

The Dark Side: Jane Mayer on the Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned...
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
18 Jul 2008 at 8:30am
We spend the hour with New Yorker magazine investigative journalist Jane Mayer about her new book, The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals. In the book, Mayer reveals a secret report by the International Red Cross warned the Bush administration last year that the CIA?s treatment of prisoners categorically constituted torture and could make Bush administration officials who approved the torture methods guilty of war crimes. Mayer also reveals that the Bush administration ignored warnings from the CIA six years ago that up to a third of the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay may have been imprisoned by mistake. [includes rush transcript]
Headlines for July 18, 2008
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Court Rejects Delay to 1st Gitmo Military Trial, Ashcroft Questioned on Approving Torture, Probe Finds Widespread Abuse at Chicago Prison, Shoddy Contractor Work Blamed for Spike of Electrocutions in Iraq, Prosecutors Drop Probe of Iraq Reconstruction IG, Group: US Aid to Africa Increasingly Militarized, Gore Calls for Ending Carbon Reliance in Favor of Renewable Sources, McCain Can?t Recall Making Rape Joke, Obama Leaves for Mideast, Europe Trip, Judge Upholds Restrictions on Antiwar March at GOP Convention, Nelson Mandela Celebrates 90th Birthday, White House Threatens Veto on Banning Contractors from CIA Interrogations
Spike Lee to Film Tony Award-Winning Musical "Passing Strange" as Show Comes ...
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
17 Jul 2008 at 8:36am
The rock musical Passing Strange closes on Sunday after a six-month run on Broadway. The show won a Tony Award for best book. It was co-written by its star, longtime recording artist Stew and Heidi Rodewald. It was nominated for six other Tony's including best musical. Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee is planning to film the musical this weekend to bring it to a wider audience. We speak to Stew, the playwright, composer and narrator of Passing Strange. [includes rush transcript]
Nelson Mandela Turns 90
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
17 Jul 2008 at 8:31am
On Friday, former South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela will celebrate his ninetieth birthday. Events marking the milestone have been held across the globe over the past month. We speak with Danny Schechter, who recently returned from South Africa, where he helped make the new documentary Viva Madiba: A Hero for All Seasons. [includes rush transcript]
Bailout for Mortgage Giants, IndyMac Bank Collapse, Dollar Hits New Low, Infl...
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
17 Jul 2008 at 8:10am
It has been a tough seven days for the US economy. On Friday, the FDIC seized control of the failed California-based IndyMac Bank. It was second largest bank failure in US history. Analysts project another 150 banks could collapse. On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced extraordinary moves to bail out the mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped below 11,000 for the first time since 2006 and the dollar hit a record low against the euro. And Wednesday, it was announced that inflation is now rising at its fastest pace in twenty-six years. We take an in-depth look an the economic crisis. [includes rush transcript]
Headlines for July 17, 2008
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
17 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
8 Afghan Civilians Killed in US Attack, US Abandons Site of Deadly Troop Raid, 18 Killed in Iraq Market Bombing, Lebanese Celebrate Release of Freed Prisoners, Report: US to Re-Establish Diplomatic Presence in Iran, US Ordered to Delay Executions of 5 Mexicans, Ecuador, Venezuela to Build Oil Refinery, Colombia Misused Red Cross Symbol During Hostage Rescue, Addressing NAACP, McCain Backs Private Vouchers, Bernanke Avoids Recession Claim, Bush Invokes Exec Privilege to Block CIA Leak Testimony, White House Pushed Bush Loyalist Over Top Justice Dept. Candidates
Singer-Songwriter Simone White Performing Live On Democracy Now!
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
16 Jul 2008 at 8:45am
The California-based artist performs two songs in our Firehouse studio: "Great Imperialist State" and "We Used to Stand So Tall."
Fmr. Chief Guantanamo Prosecutor Says Military Commissions "Not Justice"
by mail@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!)
16 Jul 2008 at 8:30am
As the first military tribunal conducted by the United States in more than half a century is scheduled to take place next week in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, we speak with Air Force Colonel Morris Davis, the former chief prosecutor at Guantanamo. He resigned his position late last year in protest over what he said was political interference. We speak with Col. Davis about his decision to step down, torture at Guantanamo, and more. "If you're going to wrap this under the banner of military justice, then it needs to be a fair trial," Col. Davis said. "What's taking place now, I would call neither military nor justice." [includes rush transcript]

NYT > Washington

Felons Seeking Bush Pardon Near a Record
by By CHARLIE SAVAGE
19 Jul 2008 at 11:42am
Inmates are asking for pardons in a period when other presidents have granted a flurry of clemency requests.


Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline
by By STEVEN LEE MYERS
19 Jul 2008 at 11:42am
President Bush?s concession reflected both progress in stabilizing Iraq and the depth of opposition in both countries to an open-ended U.S. military presence.


Failure to Fix Base Hazards Worried Pentagon Official
by By JAMES RISEN
19 Jul 2008 at 2:44am
The Pentagon had failed to act after its own safety survey found widespread electrical problems at American bases that had led to a series of deaths, injuries and fires, an expert said in an internal message.


American Exception: U.S. Is Alone in Rejecting All Evidence if Police Err
by By ADAM LIPTAK
19 Jul 2008 at 11:41am
No other country goes as far as the U.S. in excluding evidence from trials because of official misconduct.


McCain Co-Chairman, Under Fire, Steps Aside
by By LARRY ROHTER
19 Jul 2008 at 1:35am
Former Senator Phil Gramm resigned late Friday as a co-chairman of Senator John McCain?s presidential campaign, capping a day filled with controversy.


Politics Has Dissidents Talking to A.F.L.-C.I.O.
by By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
19 Jul 2008 at 5:54am
The presidents of several labor unions that quit the A.F.L.-C.I.O. three years ago have been meeting with the federation to coordinate their political operations and message for the fall election.


U.S. Position Complicates Global Effort to Curb Illicit Arms
by By C. J. CHIVERS
19 Jul 2008 at 12:26am
United Nations members met this week on agreements to cut the global illicit trade in small arms, but their work has yet to gain the full support of the United States.


Obama Fund-Raiser Excludes a Senator-Turned-Lobbyist
by By MICHAEL FALCONE
19 Jul 2008 at 1:29am
The Obama campaign found itself in an awkward position last week when it was forced to exclude a former United States senator, Max Cleland, from a fund-raiser because he is a registered lobbyist.

NYT > Opinion

Editorial: Black Marks for the Red Cross
18 Jul 2008 at 11:42pm
Congress should explore ways to strengthen regulatory oversight and force the Red Cross to meet the highest safety standards in its collection and distribution of blood.


Editorial: Help for Victimized Children
18 Jul 2008 at 11:42pm
States need to stop reflexively charging children as young as 13 with prostitution and begin seeing them as the victims that they clearly are.


Editorial: Another Species in Danger
18 Jul 2008 at 11:42pm
The Fish and Wildlife Service has become a hostile gatekeeper, denying refuge to species, like the wolverine, that desperately need the government?s full protection.


Editorial: Mr. Rangel?s Many Friends
19 Jul 2008 at 2:46am
Representative Charles B. Rangel has an excellent record of public service. His best defense of it would only be enhanced by a full ethics inquiry.


Letters: Power and Morality on the World Stage
18 Jul 2008 at 11:41pm
To the Editor:.


Letters: Is McCain in the Theodore Roosevelt Mold?
18 Jul 2008 at 11:40pm
To the Editor:.


Letter: The Governor?s Apartment
18 Jul 2008 at 11:42pm
To the Editor:.


Letter: Redefining Abortion
18 Jul 2008 at 11:40pm
To the Editor:.

NYT > U.S.

American Exception: U.S. Is Alone in Rejecting All Evidence if Police Err
by By ADAM LIPTAK
19 Jul 2008 at 11:41am
No other country goes as far as the U.S. in excluding evidence from trials because of official misconduct.


Felons Seeking Bush Pardon Near a Record
by By CHARLIE SAVAGE
19 Jul 2008 at 11:42am
Inmates are asking for pardons in a period when other presidents have granted a flurry of clemency requests.


4 Killed as Huge Crane Topples at a Houston Refinery
by By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr.
19 Jul 2008 at 1:13am
Four workers were killed and six others injured when a giant crane collapsed, the latest of several recent fatal accidents across the nation involving cranes.


Obama Opens a Foreign Tour in Afghanistan
by By CARLOTTA GALL and JEFF ZELENY
19 Jul 2008 at 2:01pm
Senator Barack Obama began a high-stakes foreign trip in a country that is increasingly the focus of his clash with John McCain in the presidential campaign.


Politics Has Dissidents Talking to A.F.L.-C.I.O.
by By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
19 Jul 2008 at 5:54am
The presidents of several labor unions that quit the A.F.L.-C.I.O. three years ago have been meeting with the federation to coordinate their political operations and message for the fall election.


Plans for Denver?s Daisies Drown in Disappointment
by By DAN FROSCH
19 Jul 2008 at 1:26am
Daisy seeds distributed as part of a plan to beautify the city for the Democratic National Convention in August have mostly failed to bloom.


Texas Approves a $4.93 Billion Wind-Power Project
by By KATE GALBRAITH
19 Jul 2008 at 1:40am
The approval of the planned web of transmission lines that will run from remote parts of Texas to major cities is a major lift to the development of wind energy in the state.


Progress Reported in California Fires
by By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
19 Jul 2008 at 12:52am
Fire crews have extinguished all but 38 of the more than 2,000 blazes ignited in California in the past month, allowing most mandatory evacuations to be lifted so residents could return home.

NYT > World

Somali Killings of Aid Workers Imperil Relief
by By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
19 Jul 2008 at 2:02pm
Aid workers whom millions of Somalis depend on for survival are fleeing their posts ? driven out by what appears to be an organized terror campaign.


Obama Opens a Foreign Tour in Afghanistan
by By CARLOTTA GALL and JEFF ZELENY
19 Jul 2008 at 3:03pm
Senator Barack Obama began a high-stakes foreign trip in a country that is increasingly the focus of his clash with John McCain in the presidential campaign.


In a Shift, U.S. Joins Nuclear Talks With Iran
by By ELAINE SCIOLINO
19 Jul 2008 at 3:04pm
The drama of the moment was undercut when Iran handed over a document that failed to address the key issue of a freeze on the enrichment of uranium.


Iraqi Sunnis End Boycott and Rejoin Government
by By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON and SABRINA TAVERNISE
19 Jul 2008 at 3:05pm
The political move came as Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain made an unannounced visit to Iraq.


Bush, in a Shift, Accepts Concept of Iraq Timeline
by By STEVEN LEE MYERS
19 Jul 2008 at 11:42am
President Bush?s concession reflected both progress in stabilizing Iraq and the depth of opposition in both countries to an open-ended U.S. military presence.


Trying to Build a Greener Britain, Home by Home
by By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
19 Jul 2008 at 2:42pm
Through a host of small efforts, residents of Hove, Britain, have turned their neighborhood into a prototype of a green village.


Closer Ties With the United States Could Cost India?s Prime Minister His Gove...
by By SOMINI SENGUPTA
19 Jul 2008 at 2:58pm
With a confidence vote in the Indian Parliament scheduled to begin this week, the government?s scramble to stay in power has started an often brazen round of political bargaining.


Mine Kills 9 in Indian Army in Kashmir
by By REUTERS
19 Jul 2008 at 3:05pm
At least nine Indian soldiers were killed and more than 16 were wounded Saturday when their vehicle ran over a land mine near Srinagar, Kashmir?s main city, the police and witnesses said.

NYT > World Business

In Dispute With BP, Kremlin?s Hand Is Seen
by By ANDREW E. KRAMER
18 Jul 2008 at 11:33pm
Critics say that Russian shareholders have enlisted an improbable ally in their attempt to force BP to fire the chief executive of TNK-BP.


For Global Trade Talks, the Stakes Have Risen
by By STEPHEN CASTLE
19 Jul 2008 at 6:11am
If negotiations fail at the Doha round of trade talks, one casualty will be the credibility of the World Trade Organization itself.


W.T.O. Rules Against China for Its Tariffs on Auto Parts
by By BLOOMBERG NEWS
18 Jul 2008 at 11:12pm
China violates global trade rules by requiring automakers operating there to buy components from local suppliers or face penalties, the World Trade Organization ruled on Friday.


Farnborough Air Show: Signs That Private Jet Sales Are Slowing in U.S.
by By CAROLINE BROTHERS and MICHELINE MAYNARD
19 Jul 2008 at 3:03am
The American market, traditionally the world?s biggest for business jets, has slipped amid worries about the U.S. economy, while other markets, like Russia, South Asia and the Mideast, are growing.


Boom Times Take Root in Dubai
by By LANDON THOMAS Jr.
18 Jul 2008 at 12:04am
The centerpiece of Dubai?s financial hub seems equal to the thrusting ambitions of the foreign investment bankers rushing to set up shop.


MTN and Reliance Fail to Strike Telecom Deal
by By REUTERS
18 Jul 2008 at 8:14pm
South African mobile phone group MTN and India?s Reliance Communications called off talks aimed at creating a top-10 global telecoms group, saying they could not reach a deal.


Pakistani Bear Market Has Investors Raging in the Streets
by By JANE PERLEZ
18 Jul 2008 at 12:33am
With the Karachi Stock Exchange suffering through its worst losing run in at least 18 years, investors are taking to the streets to show their anger at the new government.


New Offshore Bank Limits for U.S. Clients, UBS Says
by By BERNIE BECKER
18 Jul 2008 at 12:59am
Faced with a federal investigation into its private banking practices, the Swiss banking giant said that it would stop offering offshore banking services to clients in the United States.

TheStar.com - From the Editorial page

75th anniversary for CCF/NDP
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Whither the New Democratic Party?
Editorial: Reality check on crime
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Statistics Canada has delivered a welcome note of reality to our perceptions about rising crime, especially in Toronto. Instead of going up, as many people believe, the city's crime rate is going down.
PM should take premiers' advice
18 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
In a historic apology last month to former residential school students, Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke of "forging a new relationship between aboriginal peoples and other Canadians." Now the country's premiers are prodding him to do just that.
After Lakeview, what?
18 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Neighbourhood activists living near the now-demolished Lakeview coal-fired generating station have won a landmark victory with the provincial declaration that no new power plant will be put on this site.
Marin's end run
18 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Ontario Ombudsman André Marin should be congratulated for finding a way around government restrictions on his authority to investigate standards in the province's nursing homes.
Stop deportation of war deserters
17 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Canada has long opened its doors to refugees from violence and oppression in far-off lands. But what about deserters from the armed forces of our neighbour, the United States? Surely, it is said, we should draw the line there, no matter how much we might disagree with the American war effort in Iraq.
Cellphones and kids
17 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Like television and computer games, cellphones can be a monumental waste of time for children. Endless hours of yakking to friends means hours not spent doing something more worthwhile.
Slow motion genocide
17 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
How long can the world avert its gaze from the genocide in Sudan?

TheStar.com - News Top Stories

Bomb kills Canadian soldier
19 Jul 2008 at 9:16am
A Canadian soldier has been killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Getting tough on crime is toughest on the taxpayer
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Canadians firmly support federal measures that will put more offenders behind bars for longer, according to a poll conducted for the Star.
OPP threatened force to end native blockade
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
The Ontario Provincial Police warned a native activist they were on the verge of taking action if he did not immediately lift blockades of Highway 401 and a main railway line near Kingston last year.
Dying patient 911 call delayed 30 minutes
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
A real-estate agent who died last year after a liposuction procedure at a Toronto doctor's office was lying in a recovery room for 30 minutes with no vital signs before 911 was called, court documents say.

Trucker fined $500 for failing roadside English test
19 Jul 2008 at 4:30am
Manuel Castillo drove through Alabama in a truck filled with onions and left with a $500 ticket for something he didn't think he was doing: speaking English poorly.

BBC News | Business | World Edition

Argentina drops disputed farm tax
18 Jul 2008 at 2:19pm
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner cancels tax rises on farm exports, after months of protests.
Sony Ericsson to axe 2,000 jobs
18 Jul 2008 at 11:17am
Mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson says it will shed 2,000 jobs worldwide in order to cut costs.
China loses WTO car parts dispute
18 Jul 2008 at 1:07pm
The World Trade Organization (WTO) rules that Chinese import tariffs on foreign car parts break the trade body's rules.
Oil price drop in volatile market
19 Jul 2008 at 1:12am
The price of oil records its biggest weekly drop, slipping under $130 a barrel as US consumers use less gasoline.
Barbie firm wins Bratz court case
18 Jul 2008 at 9:16am
Mattel triumphs in a copyright court case against the maker of the popular Bratz dolls, MGA Entertainment.
Pakistan shares end 15-day slump
18 Jul 2008 at 10:10am
Pakistan's main share index closes higher on Friday after 15 days of falls, a slide that led to violent protests on Thursday.
EU hits Intel with fresh charges
17 Jul 2008 at 6:14pm
European regulators file new charges against chip maker Intel over alleged abuse of its dominant market position.
Citigroup posts another big loss
18 Jul 2008 at 11:33am
Citigroup reports another big three-month loss, although it lost less than had been expected.

guardian.co.uk World news

Jason Burke: The not-so-winnable war against terrorism
by Jason Burke
19 Jul 2008 at 11:00am
Jason Burke: Al-Qaida's unorthodox structure means the terrorist organisation is unlikely to ever face total defeat
Sean Jacobs: Think you know US candidates' views on Africa?
by Sean Jacobs
19 Jul 2008 at 10:00am
Sean Jacobs: The attitudes of the US presidential candidates towards Africa are not as clear-cut as many Americans assume
Iran fails to accept deal on nuclear works, but agrees to further talks
by Mark Tran
19 Jul 2008 at 8:09am
Tehran failed to give a clear answer to a western offer to drop sanctions in return for the freezing of its uranium enrichment programme
Susan Tomes: The health benefits of classical music
by Susan Tomes
19 Jul 2008 at 6:00am
Susan Tomes: A doctor in Hawaii finds playing classical piano to his patients prior to surgery has unexpected benefits
Barack Obama lands in Afghanistan on first leg of world tour
by Ewen MacAskill, Mark Tran
19 Jul 2008 at 5:55am
US presidential candidate meets Hamid Karzai as part of 'high-stakes' trip attracting feverish media attention back home
Gordon Brown hints at troop withdrawal during trip to Iraq
by Nicholas Watt, Mark Tran
19 Jul 2008 at 4:47am
Prime minister praises progress made in Basra but refuses to set fixed timetable for bringing troops home
Pope apologises for sexual abuse by clergy in Australia
by Staff and agencies
18 Jul 2008 at 8:44pm
Benedict XVI 'deeply sorry' for pain and suffering and calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice
Prelates 'are justifying sin'
by Riazat Butt
18 Jul 2008 at 8:54pm
Conservative breakaway church faction attacks liberals, speaking of 'unbiblical' action

guardian.co.uk Politics

Letter: Paying for the BBC
18 Jul 2008 at 7:06pm
Letter: Your report on the licence fee (July 18) misses a crucial point
Interview with Rosie Boycott: Mud, sweat and tears
by Decca Aitkenhead
18 Jul 2008 at 7:07pm
She was a feminist pioneer, then a Fleet Street editor. Now she's an organic farmer and 'desperate' to work for Boris Johnson. Just who is Rosie Boycott, asks Decca Aitkenhead
Labour's work for dole plan leaked to website
by Patrick Wintour
18 Jul 2008 at 7:07pm
Sky News publishes the entire contents of the government's welfare plans on its website
Ian Jack: Fashionable paddling - or why the Browns chose Southwold
by Ian Jack
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Ian Jack: For his summer holiday the prime minister has chosen to visit England in the 1950s
Case studies: 'A father is essential but if a dad runs away with his tail bet...
by Jo Adetunji
18 Jul 2008 at 7:09pm
Dannyelle Mazour grew up without a father and fell into trouble. Now he has turned his life around
Keep it in the family: parties turn their sights on poor parenting
by Esther Addley
18 Jul 2008 at 7:09pm
Will the Tory and Labour's crackdown on absent fathers and problem households combat crime?
Smith Institute criticised for being 'too party political'
by David Hencke
18 Jul 2008 at 7:07pm
Charity found not to be 'sufficiently balanced and neutral as required under charity law'
Move to block Labour support for elected House of Lords
by Patrick Wintour
18 Jul 2008 at 7:07pm
Several peers and MPs will make a rearguard attempt to block the party supporting an elected House

guardian.co.uk: The Guardian newspaper: Comment & debate

John Harris: A generation in denial
by John Harris
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
John Harris: Thirtysomethings can't admit they will face an impoverished retirement without proper care
Joe Moran: These days, Cliff Richard would be washed away
by Joe Moran
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Joe Moran: Rain has always played a big part in the British imagination, but today's torrents are provoking troubling thoughts
Fadi Hakura: Turkey turns westwards
by Fadi Hakura
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Fadi Hakura: If, as is widely expected, the Islamist AKP party is thrown out, an electoral earthquake is possible
Polly Toynbee: Labour does one thing really well - burying good news
by Polly Toynbee
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Polly Toynbee: A week when Brown and co failed to make capital out of an avalanche of positive news shows how out of touch they are
Steve Bell: Unions hit Brown with 130 demands
by Steve Bell
17 Jul 2008 at 9:30pm
Coordinated move by general secretaries to increase pressure on PM
Lynsey Hanley: Shared experience, not race, makes a role model relevant
by Lynsey Hanley
17 Jul 2008 at 7:20pm
Lynsey Hanley: Simplistic efforts to salvage young people by elevating black high-flyers skim over the true sources of disadvantage
Simon Jenkins: This hate figure doesn't merit a state funeral. All she did wa...
by Simon Jenkins
17 Jul 2008 at 7:10pm
Simon Jenkins: Margaret Thatcher was a revolutionary leader who improved people's lives. The left's continued fury will serve to cheer her
Abbas Edalat: Keep watch on the hawks
by Abbas Edalat
17 Jul 2008 at 7:10pm
Abbas Edalat: US policy on Iran seems to be softening, but the world must stay vigilant to avert the threat of war

guardian.co.uk: The Guardian newspaper: Editorials & reply

Corrections and clarifications
18 Jul 2008 at 7:05pm
Today's corrections
Letter: Paying for the BBC
18 Jul 2008 at 7:06pm
Letter: Your report on the licence fee (July 18) misses a crucial point
Letter: Obama should hold the line on Iraq
18 Jul 2008 at 7:11pm
Letter: Like the rest of the world, we await the end of the Bush presidency that has coincided with the rise of the neoconservatives
Letters: Behind the bloodbath in Genoa
18 Jul 2008 at 7:11pm
Letters: Thanks for running Nick Davies' excellent piece on the battle of Genoa, in which Italian police severely beat anti-globalisation protesters at the 2001 G8 summit
Letter: Cycle helmets do offer protection
18 Jul 2008 at 7:11pm
Letter: In the past month or so numerous column inches have been devoted to the curious aim of trying to persuade people not to wear helmets while cycling
Letters: Measuring up
18 Jul 2008 at 7:05pm
Letters: It should come as no surprise that plentiful supplies of clean drinking water come at a price
Country diary: Bedfordshire
by Derek Niemann
18 Jul 2008 at 7:04pm
Derek Niemann: Bedfordshire
Editorial: Not satisfactory
by Editorial
18 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Editorial: The more important education is to the government, the more the government will want proof that its policies work

ABC News: Top Stories

WYD final mass expected to attract record crowds
19 Jul 2008 at 10:31am
Organisers of World Youth Day events in Sydney are expecting their biggest crowd yet at today's outdoor mass.
Smith criticises Fiji's poll delay
19 Jul 2008 at 7:31am
Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has criticised the Fijian interim government for postponing promised elections.
Iran, EU and US begin nuclear talks
19 Jul 2008 at 9:00am
Iranian, European and US officials have started talks in a bid to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.
Lloyd moved to prison after ice arrest
19 Jul 2008 at 4:24am
ABC foreign correspondent Peter Lloyd has been moved from a local hospital in Singapore to the Changi Prison medical facility.
Alan Jones undergoes prostate surgery
19 Jul 2008 at 5:46am
Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones has had surgery for prostate cancer at a Sydney hospital.
Brown wants to cut troop numbers in Iraq
19 Jul 2008 at 9:14am
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he wants to reduce British troop levels in Iraq but he refuses to set any timetable for their departure.
Zimbabwe introduces 100 billion dollar note
19 Jul 2008 at 10:23am
Zimbabwe, grappling with a record 2.2 million per cent inflation, has introduced a new 100-billion-dollar bank note in a bid to tackle rampant cash shortages, the central bank has said.
Japanese teen allegedly stabs father to death
19 Jul 2008 at 6:18am
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing her father to death at the family home in the suburbs of Tokyo, a local police spokesman said.

Upside Down World

A Recent History of the Disability Rights Movement in El Salvador
18 Jul 2008 at 4:29am
Many argue that El Salvador has come a long way towards trying to repair its disabled past by declaring itself...
Central America: Winners and Losers in the Global Mining Industry
18 Jul 2008 at 3:45am
There is a huge distance geographically between where the corporate, financial and investor decisions are taken to initiate and extend...
Argentina: “Domino Effect” Feared in Withdrawal of Mining Company
16 Jul 2008 at 5:48am
On June 25, British mining company Alexander Gold announced their withdrawal from a $40 million mining project in the province...
Metal Mining in Central America: Pain and Resistance
15 Jul 2008 at 12:45pm
After almost a year of arduous work, Oxfam America will be presenting in Guatemala the photo-publication titled Metal Mining in...
The Soybean Crop in Uruguay: The Creation of a Power Block
15 Jul 2008 at 2:59am
In Uruguay, as in all other countries in the region, the expansion of single-crop agriculture (monoculture) combined with the powerful...

IPS Inter Press Service

POLITICS-ZIMBABWE: Transition Not Yet Taking Shape
by Ephraim Nsingo
HARARE, Jul 19 (IPS) - There is a general consensus in Zimbabwe that the only way out of the current crisis is dialogue between the two main political parties, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF).
POLITICS-INDIA: Nuking Democracy
by Analysis by Praful Bidwai
NEW DELHI, Jul 19 (IPS) - As the parliamentary floor test for the controversial United States-India nuclear cooperation deal approaches, the domestic political odds seem to be turning against India?s ruling United Progressive Alliance government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
POLITICS-ARGENTINA: Cristina At A Crossroads
by Marcela Valente
BUENOS AIRES, Jul 18 (IPS) - Following a major parliamentary defeat, the Argentine government is pondering whether to accept the reversal and negotiate with farmers? associations, or to pursue its export tax policy that these organisations have rejected. Experts say this would put government institutional stability at risk.
POLITICS: Report Slams Small Arms "Leakage"
by Shiraz Deen
UNITED NATIONS, Jul 18 (IPS) - As the United Nations wound down its third biannual meeting on small arms and light weapons Friday, experts agreed that governmental negligence and the lack of basic safeguards have facilitated illicit small arms and light weapons proliferation in many regions across the globe.
TRADE: WTO Prescribes More Liberalisation
by Gustavo Capdevila
GENEVA, Jul 18 (IPS) - The shortcomings of globalisation must be amended by more globalisation, according to the World Trade Report 2008, released by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Q&A: "Reproductive Rights Can Overcome the Conservative Wave"
by Mario Osava*
RIO DE JANEIRO, Jul 18 (Tierramérica) - This year marks four decades of international recognition of people's right to decide how many children they want to have and when, and for that reason there is a great deal to celebrate, says Brazilian expert Carmen Barroso, of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
RIGHTS-SUDAN: ICC Indictment Sparks Hope, Fear
by Najum Mushtaq
NAIROBI, Jul 18 (IPS) - The indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on 10 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide has greatly encouraged some Darfuri human rights activists. Other observers in Sudan fear it will provoke a backlash from the government, further worsening the situation in Darfur.
HEALTH-TOGO: Increased Drug Use Shadows Growing Trafficking
by Noel Kokou Tadégnon
LOME, Jul 18 (IPS) - As the Togolese capital becomes a regional hub for drug trafficking, many drug addicts in Lomé are seeking assistance to kick the habit.

SPIEGEL ONLINE - International

SPIEGEL Interview with Iraq Leader Nouri al-Maliki: 'The Tenure of Coalition...
The situation in Iraq seems to be improving. SPIEGEL spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki about his approval of Barack Obama's withdrawal plans and what he hopes from US President Bush in his last months in office.
'As Soon as Possible': Iraq Leader Maliki Supports Obama's Withdrawal Plans
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Barack Obama's 16 timeframe for a withdrawal from Iraq is the right one.
Liechtenstein Affair: Court Hands Down First Tax-Cheat Sentence
A court in Bochum has handed down the first sentence of what are expected to be hundreds of trials involving people who illegally hid money from German tax authorities in Liechtenstein. Many are handing over their expected fines -- even before they go on trial.
Looming Recession: Real Estate Crisis Threatens Spanish Economy
Spain's economy is in trouble. Rising property values earlier this decade lured many Spaniards into the market. Now that the bubble has burst, the crisis is quickly spreading through the country's economy.
Salafi Jihadists in Gaza: 'Compared to Us, Hamas Is Islamism Lite'
Global power is their goal, and they are willing to slaughter innocents to get there. A group of ultra-radical Islamists are training in the Gaza Strip, and SPIEGEL ONLINE met with one of their leaders.
The Austrian Far Right: A Grand Coalition Fails, Leaving Room for Radicals
Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer's term in office has ended in fiasco amid infighting, tactical errors and his own overestimation of himself. The populist, far-right Freedom Party will benefit: It has good prospects in Vienna for the first time since the Jörg Haider era.
Picture This: Candlelit Karma
The World from Berlin: 'The Tour de France Is Disintegrating'
Thursday's doping ban on Italian rider Riccardo Ricco puts another huge dent in the hopes of the Tour de France's organizers to finally have a clean, drug-free race. German-language commentators fear those hopes are dead.

Haaretz.com - News

British PM holds talks with Iraqi leaders in Baghdad
19 Jul 2008 at 5:39pm
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown held talks Saturday with Iraqi leaders less than a week after the announcement of expected British ...
U.S. to Iran: Choose nuclear negotiation or face isolation
19 Jul 2008 at 4:48pm
The United States said on Saturday after inconclusive international talks with Iran's nuclear envoy that Tehran must choose between cooperation or confrontation and give up sensitive nuclear work. ...
Report: Obama's planned visit to Mideast raises serious security concerns
19 Jul 2008 at 12:08pm
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday, as part of a Middle East trip that has many concerned about the candidate's safety. ...
Spat between Jews and Muslims sours Saudi interfaith summit
19 Jul 2008 at 3:50am
MADRID - A groundbreaking interfaith conference this week ended on a sour note, with a political spat between Muslims and Jews that Saudi organizers wanted to avoid. ...
Even the Arab envoys came to bid farewell to Israel's UN ambassador
18 Jul 2008 at 2:37pm
Ambassadors from Arab countries and the Gulf states were among the guests at a reception yesterday for outgoing United Nations Ambassador Dan Gillerman, who is completing a six-year tour of duty. One veteran UN reporter for an American television network told viewers he could not recall such an impressive Arab turnout for a diplomatic event for a senior Israeli official. ...

The Daily Star > Politics

Bush, Maliki agree on 'time horizon' for troop withdrawals from Iraq
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
US President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have agreed to set a "time horizon" for US troop withdrawals as part of a long-term security pact, the White House said Friday. But any reduction in the US force presence "would be based on continued improving conditions on the ground.
Saudi inter-faith conference urges global anti-terror pact
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Representatives of the world's great monotheistic religions on Friday called for an international agreement to combat terrorism, at the end of a landmark Saudi-organized conference in Madrid. The Islamic, Christian and Jewish leaders also appealed for a UN special session to promote dialogue and prevent "a clash of civilizations."
Iran hopes for 'constructive' US presence at nuclear talks
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili expressed optimism Friday that weekend talks attended for the first time by the United States over their nuclear standoff would be constructive, provided Washington came with the right approach. "What is important for us is with what approach they come to the talks.
Egypt cancels soccer match with Iran over film
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
The Egyptian Football Association said on Friday that a friendly match with Iran had been cancelled due to tensions over an Iranian film on the assassination of former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. "We have decided to cancel the match because of tensions in relations" between Cairo and Tehran following the airing of the documentary on the 1981.
Death toll in Egyptian train-vehicle accident rises to 44
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
The number of people killed after vehicles waiting at a level crossing in Egypt were hit by a runaway truck and shunted into the path of a train has risen to 44, a security official said on Friday. Eight Libyans were among the dead and at least 38 people were injured in Wednesday's crash, including eight who are listed in a "serious" condition.
Afghan police arrest women, child in bomb plot
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Police arrested a woman and a 13-year-old child they alleged were suicide bombers planning to kill a provincial governor in central Afghanistan, officials said Friday. The pair was arrested late Thursday as they were fixing explosives to themselves behind the governor's residence in Ghazni, provincial government spokesman Ismail Jahangir told .
Egypt finds weapons, food caches near Gaza border
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Egyptian authorities discovered a weapons cache on Friday, a day after two tunnels used by smugglers were found in the Sinai desert close to the border with the Gaza Strip, a security official said. "Authorities discovered a large quantity of munitions, 20 anti-tank mines and shells in a disused cemetery in the town of Sheikh Zoweid.
Olmert's lawyers claim victory after examining Talansky
by Agence France Presse (AFP)
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert's lawyers said on Friday they have discredited claims by a US businessman that he gave Olmert thousands of dollars in cash to finance election campaigns and an expensive lifestyle. The court in Occupied Jerusalem had earlier rejected a request by a visibly tired.

Bangkokpost.com : Top Stories

Border stand-down
18 Jul 2008 at 1:00pm
A Cambodian official at Preah Vihear temple confirmed Saturday that Thai troops had stood down from a nearby disputed pagoda as a delegation of international military attaches from Vietnam and China flew in by helicopter at Cambodia's request.
Cities at risk
18 Jul 2008 at 1:00pm
The World Bank has urged Asian cities to come up with climate resilient programmes to safeguard people from natural hazards triggered by climate change and rising sea levels.
Frontier tension
18 Jul 2008 at 1:00pm
Cambodian and Thailand Saturday increased their troops in the fifth day of a tense standoff on disputed land near Preah Vihear temple.

The Hindu - Front Page

Parties issue whip as countdown starts
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
12 MPs did not attend meet convened by Mulayam Singh
Gowda to decide on vote
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Bangalore: The Janata Dal (Secular), headed by the former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, is all set to vote against the UPA government. It has three members in the Lok Sabha including the former Union Minister, M.P. Veerendra Kumar. ...
Shiv Shankar Menon briefs IAEA Board, NSG members
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
Vienna: Lobbying for the nuclear deal with the United States, India on Friday briefed the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and members of the Nuclear Suppliers? Group (NSG) on the safeguards agreement ...
In U.P., Congress looks beyond July 22 vote
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
LUCKNOW: Having set its sights on the next Lok Sabha election, the Congress is looking beyond the July 22 trust vote in Parliament in its bid to strengthen the base in Uttar Pradesh. After roping in the Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam ...
Three top scientists caution on deal
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
NEW DELHI: Three of the country?s top nuclear scientists have said that once the nuclear deal is in place, India?s commercial nuclear interaction with other countries will be ?firmly controlled? by Washington through ...
India, Pakistan agree on Kashmir-specific CBMs
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
ISLAMABAD: Indian and Pakistani officials are said to have arrived at a ?number of decisions? on new and existing Kashmir-specific confidence building measures, including a proposed triple-entry permit for cross-Line of Control ...
Positive news on positive list
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has allowed the import of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from India under its trade policy for 2008-09. The import of CNG buses has been allowed along with that of 135 other items that have been added to the ...
France offers India partnership to export submarines
19 Jul 2008 at 12:00am
NEW DELHI: France has offered India a partnership to export hi-tech submarines to third countries. ?Our strategy is not only to be in India for developing products for India but to develop for others because we think that a submarine is ...

Asia Times Online

Russia's energy drive leaves US reeling
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
President Dmitry Medvedev is pursuing Russia's energy diplomacy with a vengeance. As a former head of Gazprom he is balancing the energy giant's oil export strategy between Europe and Asia-Pacific, and, significantly, has secured the right for Gazprom to handle the entire output of Libya's gas, oil and liquefied natural gas. Medvedev has also revived with Iran the idea of a "gas cartel". Ferocious rivalries over energy security will rock the foundations of overall United States-Russia relations. - M K Bhadrakumar (Jul 18, '08)
Flexibility points to Iran breakthrough
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
The chances are good that the Geneva meeting this weekend will bring about an interim result in the crisis over Iran's nuclear program as both Tehran and Washington have compelling reasons for compromising. Iran, in particular, faces an energy crisis. - Kaveh L Afrasiabi (Jul 18, '08)
A reality check on Iran
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Iran is not ripe for regime change as any attack on the country would rally people around the government, not alienate them, an influential new report in the United States finds. These conclusions run counter to the neo-conservative argument, but fit with the George W Bush administration's newfound engagement, albeit limited, of Tehran. - David Isenberg (Jul 18, '08)
An elusive new face for North Korea
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
While progress is being made in getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, the broader issue of the country establishing viable economic and security relationships with surrounding countries remains highly contentious - and a potentially divisive subject among those countries negotiating with Pyongyang. - Donald Kirk (Jul 18, '08)
China's basketball mission not impossible
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Forget topping the medal count. Beating Team USA in men's basketball is China's number one mission at this year's Olympiad. And with the US enduring an era of hoops hubris in international play, what a tantalizing slice of sporting schadenfreude it is. America's "Redeem Team" will have its work cut out in the opener against China, a match that is already the Games' hottest ticket. - Jesse Fink (Jul 18, '08)
BOOK REVIEW : Fundamentalism with nuances -Hamas in Politics by Joeroen Gunning
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Hamas is caught in an unresolved tug-of-war between pragmatic Gaza politicians intent on winning elections and paramilitary leaders and refugees who are steadfast on the vow of relentless jihad, British political scientist Gunning argues. The winner could determine whether Israel and the United States will ever allow a full-fledged Palestinian state. - Sreeram Chaulia (Jul 18, '08)
Peking Opera tries to regain its voice
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Peking Opera, once considered the highest artistic expression of Chinese culture, is now often poked fun at by young people for whom the opera is too old fashioned and not particularly tuneful. The government's program to revive the traditional art faces a cool response from teachers and parents. - Pallavi Aiyar (Jul 18, '08)
CHAN AKYA : A stone for Chris Cox
18 Jul 2008 at 8:00am
Investors in the United States might wish they, like Pakistanis, could stone their stock exchange. New rules designed to reduce market volatility will have the exact opposite effect by locking in unsophisticated investors into a permanent downward spiral.

Mail & Guardian News Feed

Rooney's temper flares as Chiefs, United draw
19 Jul 2008 at 11:54am
Wayne Rooney's fragile temperament came to the fore once again in Cape Town as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Kaizer Chiefs at Newlands.
MDC eyes progress in Zim crisis talks
19 Jul 2008 at 11:26am
Zimbabwe's opposition was on Saturday gearing up to ink an agreement that paves the way for fully fledged talks on the country's crisis.
Freire shows sprinting prowess to win Tour stage
19 Jul 2008 at 11:07am
Three-time world champion Oscar Freire honoured his green jersey with victory in the 14th stage of the Tour de France on Saturday.
Prince puts South Africa in control
19 Jul 2008 at 11:04am
An Ashwell Prince century took SA past England's modest total as they went to tea on day two of the second Test on 262-4 at Headingley on Saturday.
Team sponsor Barloworld to quit after doping disaster
19 Jul 2008 at 10:00am
Barloworld will end their cycling team sponsorship after the Tour de France following the positive dope test of one of their riders this week.
Hamilton on pole for German Grand Prix
19 Jul 2008 at 9:59am
Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton put McLaren on pole position for engine partners Mercedes' home German Grand Prix on Saturday.
Wallabies overcome Boks in Tri-Nations clash
19 Jul 2008 at 8:40am
Australia stunned World Cup-winners South Africa with a gutsy 16-9 win in a Test clash in Perth on Saturday to blow the Tri-Nations wide open.
Six boys burn to death in Eastern Cape
19 Jul 2008 at 8:35am
Six boys were burnt beyond recognition at an initiation schoolhouse in Mtasane, East London, the Eastern Cape health department said on Saturday.

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