Thursday, May 27, 2010

Turkey bombards PKK in northern Iraq

Turkey bombards PKK in northern Iraq (plus 93 more items)

Link to Rebel Newsflash

Turkey bombards PKK in northern Iraq

Posted: 22 May 2010 09:18 PM PDT

The Turkish Army has conducted cross border attacks into northern Iraq, targeting some 50 positions used by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, a report says.

On Thursday, 20 Turkish fighter jets bombed the positions in the Zap-Khakurk region in northern Iraq, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported.

Irregular mense linked to heart disease

Posted: 22 May 2010 09:14 PM PDT

Women with a history of irregular menstrual periods are placed at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, a new study finds.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which ovaries produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones and is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, is linked with higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Thai PM cancels Russia visit amid crisis

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:59 PM PDT

Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has cancelled a trip to Russia following a successful crackdown on red-shirt protesters.

Abhisit Vejjajiva decided not to go on a three-day visit to deal with what he calls one of the worst episodes Thailand has ever faced.

Oil spill to reach Europe, Arctic

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:47 PM PDT

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is gradually finding its way toward Europe and the Arctic to damage, endangering wider ecological basins, scientists say.

Briefing a congressional panel on Friday, senior US scientists warned that the bad consequences of the massive oil leak are not confined to the US coasts, and the wildlife are endangered in a far broader scope.

Statins have uncovered side effects

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:16 PM PDT

While statins had long been known as magic drugs against heart diseases, a new study says these cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause various side effects.

Commonly prescribed in individuals with high cholesterol levels and those at risk of cardiovascular disease, statins have cardioprotective properties and can prevent possible heart attacks and strokes.

IOEC handed major Indian oil project

Posted: 22 May 2010 06:13 PM PDT

General oil and gas contractor Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC) has won the tender for a major Indian off-shore oil project.

Ali Taheri, managing director of the company, said that the consortium of the Indian Essar Offshore Subsea Limited and the IOEC offered a quota of $235 million and managed to get the lowest tender for India's D-1 field development project.

UN urges support for Somali gov't

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:57 PM PDT

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on the international community to support Somalia's transitional federal government to end instability in the country.

"The only way to restore stability is to support this government in its reconciliation effort and its fight against extremism," Ban said as he opened an international conference on Somalia on Friday.

Saudi King slams intelligence leak

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:57 PM PDT

The King of Saudi Arabia has strongly criticized the country's intelligence officials for disclosing a secret document, which shows Riyadh has links with terrorist activities carried out by al-Qaeda in Iraq.

According to a report by Iraq's Buratha news agency on Friday, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz ordered a special committee to investigate the intelligence leak and inform him about those liable in the case.

Star found eating planet

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:40 PM PDT

The Hubble Space Telescope has detected a star devouring a planet that has ventured 'too close' to the sun-like celestial object in the Milky Way galaxy.

The planet, WASP-12, is located almost 600 light-years away in the constellation Auriga and is being eaten by its parent star, ScienceDaily reported on Friday.

Shiraz handicraft expo begins

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:38 PM PDT

Iran has launched a handicraft exhibition in the southern ancient city of Shiraz on the occasion of the country's cultural heritage week.

The six-day exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) head Hamid Baqaei and a number of Fars Province officials on Wednesday.

NATO chopper shot down in Afghanistan

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:21 PM PDT

US-led forces have confirmed that one of their helicopters has been shot down by militants in Afghanistan's restive Helmand province.

The helicopter was shot down after an attack by militants in Nad Ali district in the Helmand province in southwest Afghanistan, US-led forces said in a statement on Saturday.

Iran swap deal to lighten mood: Brazil

Posted: 22 May 2010 04:33 PM PDT

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim says a recent declaration issued by Tehran on a nuclear fuel swap will lighten the mood over the Iranian nuclear issue.

Less than a week after Iran, Brazil, and Turkey unanimously issued a nuclear fuel swap declaration seeking to end a long-drawn-out dispute, Amorim expressed hope that negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program will gain momentum once the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is officially notified about the specifics of the Tehran declaration.

8 survive deadly Indian plane crash

Posted: 22 May 2010 04:27 PM PDT

Eight people have survived an airplane crash in the southern Indian city of Mangalore, as the other 158 passengers have died, a senior official at Air India says.

"As far as the information available with us is concerned, eight persons were rescued and shifted to local hospitals in Mangalore for their treatment," Anup Shrivasta, Air India personnel director, told a news briefing in Mumbai on Saturday.

US lifts ban on Russians with Iran ties

Posted: 22 May 2010 04:20 PM PDT

Amid efforts to get all members of the UN Security Council on board for new Iran sanctions, the US has lifted bans against three Russian entities accused of helping Tehran with its nuclear program.

Under the decision -- which was recorded in the Federal Register on Friday -- Moscow Aviation Institute, D. Mendeleyev University of Chemical Technology of Russia and Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport will be exempt from US sanctions.

New British gov't visits Afghanistan

Posted: 22 May 2010 03:55 PM PDT

Britain's foreign secretary and two other members of the new coalition government have arrived in Afghanistan ahead of talks with leaders in the Afghan capital.

The aim of the visit which started on Saturday is to "gain a better understanding of the situation in Afghanistan, of the options going forward, and of the further work we need to do," a statement released by the British Foreign Office said.

'US plotted coup in Bolivia in 2008'

Posted: 22 May 2010 03:08 PM PDT

Bolivian President Evo Morales has accused the administration of former US President George W. Bush of trying to topple his government in 2008.

According to Morales, Spain's main center-right political party, People's Party (PP), was also informed about the 2008 coup plot and provided financial aids for the coup at the time.

In Iraq, toll of market blast rises to 49

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:55 PM PDT

The death toll from a bomb blast caused by a minivan packed with explosives in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has increased to 49 people.

The explosion occurred at a market in the central Iraqi town of Khales on Friday night, a Press TV correspondent reported.

Al-Shabab fighters storm radio station

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:51 PM PDT

Dozens of heavily armed al-Shabab fighters have stormed an independent radio station in the Somali capital Mogadishu, journalists and witnesses say.

The armed group took FM transmitters and a number of computers from the premises of Somaliweyn radio in northern Mogadishu on Friday, following a brief fighting with government forces, who previously controlled the neighborhood.

Maldives Afghan talks inconclusive

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:06 PM PDT

Rival Afghan figures have concluded their unofficial discussions in the Maldives with a closing statement saying that more talks will be held.

The meeting, attended by 13 members of Afghan parliament and a governor who is also an adviser to the Afghan president, was held at the Paradise tourist resort island for two days.

Book borrowed by Washington returned

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:56 PM PDT

A book borrowed by the first US President George Washington from the New York City's oldest library has been returned more than two centuries later.

Washington borrowed the book The Law of Nations from New York's Society Library on October 5, 1789, Reuters quoted a statement by the library on May 20.

Iran protests US visa denial to diplomat

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:52 PM PDT

Tehran has lodged a formal protest against Washington for deliberately preventing a senior Iranian diplomat from attending a key nuclear conference in New York.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohammad Mehdi Akhoundzadeh missed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, which kicked off on May 3, after officials in Washington refused to issue him a US entry visa.

At least 12 killed in Somaliland clashes

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:40 PM PDT

At least 12 people have been killed in a border town in Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region as Ethiopian forces clashed with the town's residents.

Residents of the Buhudle district angrily confronted the Ethiopian forces, who had entered the semi-autonomous region two weeks ago.

More Afghan children killed in 2009

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:35 PM PDT

At least 1,000 children have been killed or injured in the Afghan war in 2009, including 131 who were killed by US-led forces, a UN report says.

According to a United Nations report released on Friday, war casualties in 2009 had a "marked increase" over 2008 due to the rise in insurgency in southern Afghan provinces.

Israeli settlers attack Palestinians

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:03 PM PDT

A group of armed Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian farmers in a village in the West Bank, forcing them to leave their land, witnesses at the scene say.

The settlers threatened the farmers to leave their fields in the Qusra village or face the consequences, Maan news agency reported on Friday.

US opens Cyber Command HQ

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:42 PM PDT

The US has opened its Cyber Command headquarters during an official ceremony attended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates at Fort Meade Military Base.

Gates, who directed its establishment almost a year ago, appointed General Keith B. Alexander as the first commander of US Cyber Command on Friday.

Yemen's president hints unity gov't

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:24 PM PDT

With international pressure intensifying on Yemen to put aside domestic conflict, President Ali Abdullah Saleh pledges to form a national unity government.

"It is possible to form a government of all the influential political parties represented in the parliament," Saleh said in a televised address on Friday.

Yemeni president hints at unity gov't

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:24 PM PDT

With international pressure intensifying on Yemen to put aside domestic conflict, President Ali Abdullah Saleh pledges to form a national unity government.

"It is possible to form a government of all the influential political parties represented in the parliament," Saleh said in a televised address on Friday.

EU pledges sanctions for rule breakers

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:18 PM PDT

European Union finance ministers have supported a German proposal for tougher sanctions against EU budget rule breakers in an attempt to save the euro.

As investors flee the euro pushing the common currency down 6 percent this month, the ministers met in Brussels on Friday to discuss an overhaul of the way the 27-nation block manages public finances and its coordination of economic policy.

Ethiopian ruling party under fire

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:13 PM PDT

Voters have been intimidated and opposition candidates harassed in the run-up to Ethiopia's national elections, opposition members say.

Sunday's vote is likely to propel Meles Zenawi, the current prime minister and US ally, into a second decade of power.

160 people killed in India plane crash

Posted: 22 May 2010 11:28 AM PDT

At least 160 people are feared dead after an Air India Express plane overshot a runway and crashed while trying to land in the Mangalore airport in southern India.

The aircraft was on a flight from the United Arab Emirates on Saturday morning and had passed over the runway while attempting to land at the airport.

No US trials for Bagram detainees

Posted: 22 May 2010 10:26 AM PDT

Detainees held at the Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan cannot challenge their imprisonment in US courts, a federal court of appeals has ruled.

The US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that Yemeni native Fadi al-Maqaleh and two other men held captive at Bagram Air Field will not be granted the same habeas rights previously extended by the Supreme Court to Guantanamo Bay detainees.

IAEA chief commends Tehran declaration

Posted: 22 May 2010 10:26 AM PDT

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano has welcomed Tehran's nuclear deceleration as a way to break the impasse in Iran's nuclear program.

Amano expressed confidence that the joint initiative by Tehran, Turkey and Brazil will ease the existing deadlock, but noted that he was awaiting a letter of specific content within a week regarding the manner in which the swap operation would be conducted, reported Actmedia, the Romanian news agency, quoting Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi who spoke after a meeting with the IAEA chief on Friday.

IAEA chief hails Tehran declaration

Posted: 22 May 2010 10:26 AM PDT

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano has welcomed Tehran's nuclear deceleration as a way to break the impasse in Iran's nuclear program.

Amano expressed confidence that the joint initiative by Tehran, Turkey and Brazil will ease the existing deadlock, but noted that he was awaiting a letter of specific content within a week regarding the manner in which the swap operation would be conducted, reported Actmedia, the Romanian news agency, quoting Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi who spoke after a meeting with the IAEA chief on Friday.

South Sudan swears in president

Posted: 22 May 2010 10:21 AM PDT

Salva kiir, the chief of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), has been sworn in as the first elected president of the semi-autonomous region of Southern Sudan.

Kiir has taken the oath of office following his resounding victory in last April's election, which was held as part of the peace deal in 2005 between north and south, putting an end to almost 21 years of political jostling and hostilities between rival factions.

No major land concessions: Erakat

Posted: 22 May 2010 10:06 AM PDT

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat has denied reports that the Palestinians have made major land concessions to the Israelis.

He made the remarks in response to reports that say Palestinian Authority negotiators may be willing to double the amount of West Bank land to be included in a land swap.

Scientists create artificial life

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:54 AM PDT

In a major scientific breakthrough, genetics pioneer Dr. J. Craig Venter announced that he and his team have created artificial life for the first time.

On Thursday, Venter, the founder of the Craig Venter Institute said, "We just announced the first cell totally controlled by a synthetic chromosome, one that we made by starting with the genetic code in the computer, four bottles of chemicals, and building every one of the million-plus base pairs in the right order, and then finally having this large molecule, inserting it in a recipient cell. That molecule started to be read and transformed that cell into a totally new species."

Clinton arrives in China

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:40 AM PDT

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has arrived in China as tensions run high in the region over accusations that North Korea sank a South Korean warship on March 26.

Clinton is expected to try to convince Beijing to join in international condemnation of North Korea for the sinking of the vessel since any action against Pyongyang at the United Nations would require China's backing.

Concerns over arrested red shirts

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:10 AM PDT

Human rights groups are expressing concerns over the treatment of more than 100 anti-government protesters who were detained after the Thai government's military crackdown in Bangkok on Wednesday.

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it was concerned that Thai authorities were using what it called a "draconian" emergency decree to hold the prisoners in secret detention.

Concerns over Thailand detainees

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:10 AM PDT

Human-rights groups are expressing concerns over the treatment of more than 100 anti-government protesters who were detained after the Thai government's military crackdown in Bangkok on Wednesday.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was concerned that Thai authorities were using what it called a "draconian" emergency decree to hold the prisoners in secret detention.

Israeli forces detain 10 Palestinians

Posted: 22 May 2010 08:04 AM PDT

Israeli forces raid three West Bank districts on Friday and detain ten Palestinians, including seven children, witnesses and police reported.

A police report from the Jenin municipal office said Israeli forces invaded the town of Kfar Ra'i, in Jenin, searched several homes and ransacked them. From one of the houses, the soldiers arrested 60-year-old Majed Khalik along with seven of his sons.

US drone strike leaves 6 dead

Posted: 22 May 2010 07:54 AM PDT

US drones have shelled a house allegedly owned by militants in North Waziristan, killing six in the latest attack on Pakistan's tribal areas.

The attack took place in Khel village, some 25 kilometers west of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, AFP quoted Pakistani officials as saying.

Iran wins Asian youth volleyball title

Posted: 22 May 2010 07:28 AM PDT

Iran has claimed the title of the 8th Asian Youth Boys' Volleyball Championship for the fifth time after a hard-fought victory over China.

Iran defeated China 25-17 in the first set. China narrowly won the second set 28-26 but lost the third set with the same close margin. China tied the score again with a 25-22 victory in the fourth set. Iran then managed to pull off a 15-7 victory in the fifth and final set to capture the championship title, IRNA reported.

Deadly blast hits Iraqi province

Posted: 22 May 2010 07:25 AM PDT

At least 30 people have been killed after a minivan packed with explosives blew up at a crowded market in Iraq's troubled northern Diyala province, police and officials said.

The attack on Friday also left 80 people wounded near a crowded cafe just steps from the headquarters of a police rapid-response unit in the town of Khalis, about 80km north of Baghdad, police said.

US moms revisit kids before flight

Posted: 22 May 2010 07:02 AM PDT

Mothers of American detainees charged with espionage in Iran have left Tehran for the United States after visiting their children for a second time.

Iranian authorities announced that the American parents met with their children again on Friday, hours before reporting to Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport for departure of their flight back to the US, IRNA reported.

Israelis kill two youths on Gaza border

Posted: 22 May 2010 06:43 AM PDT

Two Palestinian teenagers have been shot dead by Israeli soldiers on the border between Gaza and Israel.

The two Gazans, aged 16 and 17, were just bystanders and unarmed, Palestinian medics said on Friday.

Israeli Soldier Wounded By Palestinian Sniper Fire

Posted: 22 May 2010 06:16 AM PDT

Israeli military sources reported Friday evening that one soldier was shot and wounded by Palestinian sniper fire near Khan Younis city, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The condition of the soldier was described as moderate.

The wounded soldier was moved to the Soroka Hospital in Be'er Shiva.
The incident took place near Kibbutz Nirim in the northwestern Negev, close to the Gaza border.

German president in Afghanistan

Posted: 22 May 2010 06:08 AM PDT

German President Horst Koehler has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to meet with German soldiers in an effort to boost their morals amid climbing casualty figures.

On the first visit to Afghanistan since his re-election in 2009, the German president visited the Bundeswehr field base in the northern region of Mazar-i-Sharif, where most German troops are based, AFP reported.

Hezbollah Calls For Readiness Ahead Of Israeli Drill

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:53 AM PDT

Hebollah

Sheikh Nabil Qaouk, representative of the Hezbollah party in southern Lebanon, stated that the fighters of the party will remain alert ahead of Israel's large-scale military drill which is slated to begin this Sunday.

"The Hezbollah fighters have (been instructed) to be completely ready to confront Israeli maneuvers on Sunday. A few thousands of our fighters will not go to the polls (to participate in municipal elections in southern Lebanon) and are ready (for anything) today.", the Al Manar news agency, run by Hezbollah reported.

US to command UK troops in Helmand

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:16 AM PDT

British troops based in southern Afghanistan are to come under US command, in a major military command shake-up among Western forces occupying the country.

The change, which, according to British military sources, will immediately affect 8,000 UK troops in the violence-ridden Helmand Province, was announced by Britain's Maj. Gen. Gordon Messenger in a London news conference on Friday, BBC reported.

US mothers fail to win Iran release

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:16 AM PDT

The mothers of three Americans jailed in Iran for 10 months so far, have left the country without managing to secure their children's immediate release.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that two of its citizens held in Iraq by US forces for years were freed on Friday, raising the possibility that a behind-the-scenes swap was in the offing.

US court rejects Afghan prison suit

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:13 AM PDT

A US appeals court has refused to give prisoners at an American military base in Afghanistan the same legal right to challenge their imprisonment as detainees held at Guantanamo Bay.

The three-judge panel on Friday sided with the Obama administration, ruling that US courts do not have jurisdiction over the legal petitions by the prisoners at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and ordered that their cases be dismissed.

5 killed in clashes in Mogadishu

Posted: 22 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT

At least five people have been killed and several others injured in two separate clashes in Mogadishu.

Al-Shabab fighters attacked government positions in northern districts of the Somali capital on Friday, AFP reported.

White House under fire over oil spill

Posted: 22 May 2010 04:45 AM PDT

The White House has come under fire for its response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and BP shares have declined precipitously on the London Stock Exchange.

On Friday, as tens of thousands of barrels of oil continue to gush into the water, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs was battered by repeated questions on why the US government had not taken full control of the so-far unsuccessful operation to plug the leak that has spawned a huge oil slick.

Bomb blast in central Iraq kills 23

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:48 AM PDT

A car bomb blast has killed at least 23 people, leaving 55 others injured in a central Iraqi city northeast of the capital Baghdad.

The device went off at a marketplace in the city of Khales on Friday, AFP reported.

Chomsky Meets A Hezbollah Leader In Lebanon

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:30 AM PDT

Prof. Noam Chomsky - wikipedia.org

American Professor Noam Chomsky held a meeting on Friday with a senior official of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party, and discussed several issues regarding the Middle East conflict, Israel and the United States policies.

Chomsky, an American linguist, philosopher, political activists and a cognitive scientist, said during the meeting that the Israeli war against Lebanon in 2006 came under an American decision in this regard.

UK pays monthly £1.3k to 'killer' wife

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:12 AM PDT

A Pakistani woman who has allegedly killed her husband by setting him on fire is now living in Britain and receiving benefits of £1,300 a month, reports say.

The woman, Bushra Ferozdin Butt, 35, is believed to have turned her husband, Amjad Hussain, into a huge "human fireball" by pouring kerosene over him, the Daily Mail reported.

Nasrallah says Israeli drills show 'fear'

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:11 AM PDT

Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah says Israel's upcoming military war games signal that it fears the Lebanese resistance movement.

The Turning Point 4 maneuvers will begin on Sunday in 68 Israeli cities and towns and will last for a week, Ha'aretz reported.

Israeli Soldiers Kill A Camel Near Jericho

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:08 AM PDT

File - Maan Images

Palestinian sources reported Friday that Israeli soldiers shot and killed a camel that belongs to a Bedouin resident of northern Jericho in the occupied West Bank.

The owner of the camel filed a complaint to the Israeli police.

Rand Paul and the Special Relationship with Israel

Posted: 22 May 2010 02:06 AM PDT

I defended Rand Paul when the Democrat operative Rachel Maddow tried to take him to the woodshed over this remarks about the Civil Rights Act (remarks he has in part retracted in response to the collective lib howl amplified over the corporate media megaphone). Paul said that while he abhors racism the law violates the property rights of the individual.

Paul was spot on about that.

Abbas Offers Concessions Over Borders

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:54 AM PDT

File - Reuters Photo

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, offered Israel concessions regarding the borders of the anticipated Palestinian State.

The report stated that Abbas and his negotiations team holding proximity talks mediated by the United States, offered more concession that the ones Abbas offered the former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, during direct talks between the two leaders in 2008.

Goodbye Sunshine

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:49 AM PDT

So now it's official: North Korea did it. In the early morning hours of March 26 an explosion tore through the hull of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan, which was sailing in waters not far from the disputed maritime boundary with the North. The 1,200-ton patrol boat split in two and sank, and 46 sailors lost their lives.

The cause of the disaster wasn't immediately obvious. No one claimed responsibility for an attack, and some sort of accident was, of course, within the realm of possibility. So the South Korean government launched a probe to figure out what happened. On Thursday, after six weeks of work, the investigators presented their findings. The evidence included fragments, recovered from the sea bottom near the sinking, of a Chinese-made torpedo of a kind known to be in use by the North Korean Navy.

Two Fighters Killed In Khan Younis

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:37 AM PDT

Palestinian sources reported Friday that two fighters were shot and killed during clashes with Israel soldiers east of Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army confirmed killing two fighters near the border fence separating Gaza from Israel.

The army said that soldiers noticed two fighters approaching the fence, east of Khan Younis, and that one of the fighters opened fire at a military patrol.

GFATM declares war on HIV at birth

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:23 AM PDT

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) has pledged to make sure that no child is born with HIV by 2015.

Working closely with the UN, GFATM channels more than 50 percent of its international resources on preventing mothers form passing on HIV to their children. It received its funding through donations made by various governments in order to combat HIV, TB and Malaria.

Turkey to US: Take Tehran declaration

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:10 AM PDT

Turkey has called on the United States to take the opportunity provided by the nuclear fuel swap declaration recently issued by Iran, Turkey and Brazil.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan wrote a letter to US President Barack Obama, asking him not to dismiss the trilateral declaration and to give diplomacy a chance.

Turkey says Iran declaration 'important'

Posted: 22 May 2010 01:05 AM PDT

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has announced that the Tehran Nuclear Declaration is tremendously helpful in peacefully resolving the standoff over Iran's nuclear program.

In a press release, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that a "new and important opportunity has been created to re-start the dialogue between Iran and the international community and to conclude this process with a lasting reconciliation in conformity with the rights and obligations based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."

US accuses BP of oil spill cover-up

Posted: 22 May 2010 12:01 AM PDT

US politicians and scientists have accused the UK oil company, BP, of trying to conceal the extent of what many believe is already the worst oil spill to hit the US.

BP had been estimating that the leak from the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico was flowing at a rate of 5,000 barrels a day, until that number was questioned by scientists and the US government.

Cameron to 'minimize' immigrants to UK

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:57 PM PDT

New British Prime Minister David Cameron says he will impose an annual limit on the number of non-EU immigrants admitted into Britain, a report says.

According to All Headline News (AHN), the cap on the number of immigrants coming into Britain is likely to affect Indian professionals along with trade and industry in the country.

Thai Army sends red-shirts home

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:45 PM PDT

The Thai military has forced hundreds of protestors onto trains in Bangkok, sending them home following its successful crackdown on the opposition.

On Friday, emotional supporters welcomed hundreds of members of the movement at train stations in the red-shirt northern stronghold of Chiang Mai.

Anger over S Africa prophet cartoon

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:35 PM PDT

A South African cartoonist has angered Muslims after printing a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

South Africa's Council of Muslim Theologians tried and failed in court to block publication of the image by the Mail & Guardian, a weekly newspaper in Johannesburg.

The cartoon by Zapiro, an award-winning illustrator, depicts the prophet reclining on a psychiatrist's couch with a thought bubble stating: "Other prophets have followers with a sense of humour."

Iran letter to inform IAEA on declaration

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:32 PM PDT

Iran has formally announced its willingness to brief the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Islamic Republic's tripartite nuclear deceleration.

Iran's permanent IAEA envoy Ali Asghar Soltanieh has informed the agency that Tehran is ready to submit a letter on its nuclear fuel swap declaration, under the 6th article of the document, a Friday statement by Iran's Supreme National Security Council read.

Arkansas Cop Murders: Frame-up of the Patriot Movement?

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:26 PM PDT

On Thursday, two police officers were fatally shot and two wounded. "Two police officers in West Memphis, Ark., were killed at a traffic stop. The two suspects later died in a shootout with law enforcement in a Walmart parking lot. The Crittenden County sheriff and his top deputy were wounded," USA Today reported yesterday afternoon. "The suspects, who have not been identified, were killed about an hour later after being spotted at the Walmart Superstore in West Memphis, across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tenn."

More migrants deported under Obama

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:25 PM PDT

US President Barack Obama has deported more illegal immigrants than his Republican predecessor George W. Bush, immigration groups say.

Obama's approach to the issue of deporting illegal immigrants is quite different from what his supporters think, said Frank Sharry, the executive director of the pro-immigration group, America's Voice, crediting the US president with "one significant rollback" relative to the Bush years, "which was of high-profile workplace raids."

Germany passes Eurozone rescue bill

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:10 PM PDT

German lawmakers have given the country the green light to contribute up to EUR147.6 billion (USD184.7 billion) to a massive bailout package for dept-riddled Eurozone nations.

After its earlier passage in Parliament's lower house on Friday, by 319 votes to 73 and 195 abstentions, the "shock and awe" package went to the upper house to secure an approval.

Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians

Posted: 21 May 2010 11:10 PM PDT

Israeli troops have targeted two Palestinians in the south of the Gaza Strip and complicated rescue operations by keeping the targeted area under intensive fire.

The two lost their lives on Friday at the hand of the forces who had intruded into the area of Khan Younis, a Press TV correspondent reported.

US vows to probe Afghan civilian deaths

Posted: 21 May 2010 10:58 PM PDT

The US military has launched a criminal probe into allegations that American troops were involved in the unlawful killing of Afghan civilians.

A US military statement said Thursday that the allegations include illegal drug use, assault and conspiracy, the BBC reported.

EU promises tighter debt rules

Posted: 21 May 2010 10:09 PM PDT

European Union finance ministers have backed tougher sanctions to prevent them running up too much debt and to be able to better tackle any future economic crises the continent might face.

Current limits on debt and deficits are backed up on paper by heavy fines, which have never been imposed - effectively allowing countries such as Greece to ignore them and build up massive debt.

Hezbollah on alert ahead of Israel drills

Posted: 21 May 2010 10:03 PM PDT

Hezbollah resistance movement deploys thousands of its fighters in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces gear up for military exercises.

"In the event of any new attack on Lebanon, the Israelis will not find anywhere in Palestine to hide," Hezbollah official Nabil Qaouk was quoted as saying regarding the Friday deployment, AFP reported.

Cleric says Tehran declaration 'accurate'

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:57 PM PDT

A senior Iranian cleric has hailed the Islamic Republic's tripartite nuclear fuel swap declaration, saying the move has "thrown the ball into the West's court."

The foreign ministers of Iran, Brazil and Turkey on Monday issued a nuclear fuel swap declaration on Monday under which Tehran agreed to send 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for 120 kg of higher-enriched uranium it requires for medical purposes.

A New Theory of Islam and Globalization

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:54 PM PDT

Another crazy story from the Middle East/South Asia.

Kabul, Afghanistan (TML) – The Muslim world is full of violent, graphic and alarming stories of "honor killings," in which young woman are killed by male family members for dishonoring the family./"Honor rape," in which the gang rape of a woman is used as a tool of social punishment, is spoken of less.

Deadly blast hits Iraqi city

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:41 PM PDT

A car bomb has exploded in a crowded market in Iraq's troubled northern Diyala province, killing at least 22 people and wounding 53 others, police say.

The attack took place near a crowded cafe in the town of Khalis, about 80 km north of Baghdad, Iraq's capital, police said on Friday.

PA goods boycott irks Israel

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:37 PM PDT

Israel has warned the Palestinian Authority (PA) against carrying on with its boycott of the goods produced by the Israelis living in the occupied Palestinian territories.

"The boycott must be lifted immediately," Israeli Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said, Ha'aretz reported on Friday.

Belly fat ups dementia risk: Study

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:32 PM PDT

Findings of a new study confirm the theory that people with excessive belly fat are at greater risk of developing dementia.

The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, based its findings on the study of 700 adults with an average age of 60 years, 70% of whom were females, the Official journal of the American Neurological Association and the Child Neurology Society, Annals of Neurology reported.

Arrests in Pakistan over NY plot

Posted: 21 May 2010 09:21 PM PDT

Pakistan has detained at least four people suspected of having links with Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American arrested in the US over a failed bid to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square.

"They have been picked up on suspicion that they knew Faisal Shahzad," a Pakistani security official said on Friday.

Mexico seeks US ban on assault guns

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:53 PM PDT

Mexican President Felipe Calderon says Washington should make efforts to stop the flow of weapons to Mexico, urging the US Congress to outlaw assault guns.

"There is one issue where Mexico needs your cooperation. And that is stopping the flow of assault weapons and other deadly arms across the border," Calderon said on Thursday addressing a joint session of Congress, Reuters reported.

Two Fighters Killed In Clashes Near The Southern Gaza Borders

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:38 PM PDT

Two Palestinian fighters were killed on Friday midday during clashes with Israeli troops near the southern borders of the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Al Quds brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad group said that Nadier Abu Doka and Hamdi Abu Hamad, both 17 years old were killed after clashing with Israeli troops in the buffer zone near Khan Younis city.

Russia not to break Iran commitments

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:29 PM PDT

Senior Russian senators say US efforts to impose a new round of sanctions against Iran will not affect current agreements between Moscow and Tehran.

Washington on Tuesday circulated a draft resolution on a new set of sanctions against Iran at the United Nations after the Islamic Republic issued a nuclear fuel swap declaration with Turkey and Brazil.

Tinsley's Off to the Hamptons, Jude and Sienna Have a Row, and Padma Gets Teary

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:27 PM PDT

Summer is heating up and the bold-faced names have come out to play—and fight, and declare their love. Read on for their trials and tribulations.

High Society is on hiatus for the summer, and Tinsley Mortimer is heading to the Hamptons, of course, this time with new boyfriend in tow. Tinsley and nightlife player Brian Mazza will share a house this summer and probably hit Dune, the club owned by Brian's company. How quaint. And not a bad plan for the two-month long romance.

Clinton kicks off Asia tour

Posted: 21 May 2010 08:23 PM PDT

The US secretary of state has started a weeklong tour of Asia to discuss on growing tensions between the Koreas and the controversial US airbase in Japan.

Secretary Hillary Clinton landed in Japan on Friday and during her one-day stay, she is expected to discuss the controversial American military base in Okinawa with top Japanese officials, CNN reported.

PM says order restored in Thailand

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:31 PM PDT

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says order has been restored in the capital city of Bangkok following a bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters.

"We have restored order in the capital of Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand," Vejjajiva said in a televised address on Friday. "We will continue to swiftly restore normalcy and we recognize that as we move ahead there are huge challenges ahead of us."

Two Injured, Three Arrested By Soldiers In Bil'in's Weekly Wall Protest

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:22 PM PDT

Ramallah – PNN- on Friday two children were injured, three other civilians injured as Israeli troops attacked the weekly nonviolent protest in Bil'in village, central West Bank.

This week's demonstration in Bil'in was conducted in solidarity with the Israeli settlement boycott movement.

Anger over S Africa Prophet cartoon

Posted: 21 May 2010 07:13 PM PDT

A South African cartoonist has received death threats after printing a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammed.

South Africa's Council of Muslim Theologians tried and failed in court to block publication of the image by the Mail & Guardian, a weekly newspaper in Johannesburg.

The cartoon by Zapiro, an award-winning illustrator, depicts the Prophet reclining on a psychiatrist's couch with a thought bubble stating: "Other prophets have followers with a sense of humour."

Musharraf plans to rejoin politics

Posted: 21 May 2010 06:12 PM PDT

Pervez Musharraf, the former Pakistani president, has said he intends going back home to enter politics.

Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in 1999 and ruled until stepping down as president in 2008, has raised the possibility of re-entering politics several times over the past year although political analysts have played down the likelihood.

Hague orders torture probe

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:58 PM PDT

Foreign Secretary William Hague has announced that the government plans to set up a "judge-led inquiry" into allegations of British involvement in torture overseas.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Hague said, "We will be setting out in the not-too-distant future what we are going to do about the allegations that have been made about complicity in torture. We have said again in the coalition agreement that we want a judge-led inquiry."

US warns N Korea over ship sinking

Posted: 21 May 2010 05:35 PM PDT

Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, has said North Korea must face international consequences following "overwhelming'' evidence its submarine sank a South Korean warship.

Speaking in Japan at the start of a three-nation Asian trip, Clinton said the US, Japan, South Korea and China were deciding an appropriate reaction to an international investigation that blamed North Korea for the incident.

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