Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Endemic war deprives Afghan children of their rights

KABUL, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Packed in a muddy classroom, over three dozen children including boys and girls were busy in learning to build their future and serve their war-ravaged nation. - Endemic war deprives Afghan children of their rights -- Afghan children look after family

Pentagon to Consider Cyberattacks Acts of War

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon, trying to create a formal strategy to deter cyberattacks on the United States, -- Pentagon Will Consider Cyberattacks Acts of War - Analysis: Could a cyber war turn into a real one for US? - List of cyber-weapons developed by Pentagon to streamline computer warfare washingtonpost

Afghan government struggles to spend donated funds - Businessweek

Hundreds of millions in donor funds have not been paid out for things like jobs programs, health clinics and drinking water systems in the past five years. Afghan officials say much of the money comes with too many strings attached, or arrives later than promised, but they are also working within a bureaucracy that is both inefficient and rife with corruption. -- Afghan government struggles to spend donated funds -- Afghan government struggles to spend donated funds: Associated ...

Defending Mubarak - Egypt divided over fate of ousted leader - BBC

"We are not calling for Mubarak to come back, but we are against insulting him because he is a national symbol," says May, a well-off mother of two, and an organiser of the support rallies.

"He should be treated in a way that isn't humiliating, that is suitable for a former president of Egypt and a hero of the October war," she says, referring to the surprise attack launched by Egyptian forces on Israel in 1973. - Defending Mubarak
Power struggle over Mubarak fate - Mubarak 'too sick for jail move'

برنامه هاردتاک؛ گفت و گو با زلمی خلیلزاد

"وقتی از طرف جورج دبلیو بوش نزد پرویز مشرف رفتم، گفتم آقای رئیس جمهوری، چه چیزی درمورد این افغانستان جدید هست که شما را نگران می کند؟ و ما چه کار می توانیم بکنیم تا این نگرانی شما را حل و فصل کنیم؟ چرا شما از طالبان حمایت می کنید؟ پرویز مشرف گفت: طالبان؟ در پاکستان؟ آنها اینجا نیستند. کجا هستند؟ اسمشان را به من بدهید، شماره تلفنشان را به من بدهید." - زلمی خلیلزاد -- برنامه هاردتاک؛ گفت و گو با زلمی خلیلزاد
ترور مجاهدین و سران قومی؛ تغییر تاکتیک طالبان یا فرار به جلو

Obama team turns focus to Afghanistan withdrawal - usatoday

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, look for media attention to shift quickly to President Obama's plans for a gradual U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. - Obama team turns focus to Afghanistan withdrawal
Musharraf: Obama is arrogant - CNN -- Pakistan reacts angrily to tone of U.S. questions

Garlic Health Benefits Galore: 4 Reasons to Eat a Clove a Day - fyiliving

Garlic helps your joints, thins blood, and more. Try adding a quarter clove a day to start. - Garlic Health Benefits Galore: 4 Reasons to Eat a Clove a Day

Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Decline to Eight-Year Low, Case-Shiller Says

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities dropped in March to the lowest level since 2003, showing housing remains mired in a slump almost two years into the economic recovery. - Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Decline to Eight-Year Low, Case ... -- U.S. housing prices down 4.2 percent in 1st quarter Fox News - Home Prices Drop to Lowest Level Since 2002 Go Banking Rates WNYC - The Associated Press - ABC News

دوازده هزار نیرو برای تامین امنیت انتقال پایپ لین گاز گماشته می شود

سال گذشته توافقنامه ای برای انتقال خط لوله گاز ترکمنستان، از راه افغانستان و پاکستان به هند، میان حامد کرزی رییس جمهوری افغانستان، آصف علی زرداری رییس جمهوری پاکستان، قربانقلی بردی محمداف رییس جمهور ترکمنستان و مورلی دیورا وزیر انرژی هنددر عشق آباد پایتخت ترکمنستان امضا شد. - دوازده هزار نیرو برای تامین امنیت انتقال پایپ لین گاز گماشته می شود
- کرزی وايي جګړې مبهم حالت رامنځته کړی، نپوهېږي چې څوک یې پرمخ بیايي‎

Health - E. coli claims first victim outside Germany - Deutsche Welle

The outbreak of a highly virulent strain of the E. coli bacteria found on imported cucumbers in Germany has now killed at least 16 people. Authorities are warning against eating raw vegetables. - Deutsche Welle - Reuters - Los Angeles Times - Telegraph - Source of killer E.coli eludes experts Financial Times - German Death Toll Rises From E.Coli Outbreak; Source Sought Bloomberg

Experts say cellphones are possibly carcinogenic

An international panel of experts says cellphones are possibly carcinogenic to humans after reviewing details from dozens of published studies on the matter.- Experts say cellphones are possibly carcinogenic latimes - Cell phone use may cause cancer: WHO AFP ABC News - Bloomberg - MedPage Today - New York Daily News

There might never be a good time to get out of Afghanistan - Malcolm Rifkind

If Britain and America are to withdraw their troops, they must do so on their own terms, writes Malcolm Rifkind. - There might never be a good time to get out of Afghanistan
Troops must stay in Afghanistan, Cameron warned

Hamid Karzai warns Nato risks becoming 'occupying force' in Afghanistan

Hamid Karzai has forbidden the use of Nato air strikes against houses and warned that the coalition risks being seen as an occupying power by Afghans. - Hamid Karzai: Nato risks becoming 'occupying force' Telegraph -- Video: Hamid Karzai warns Nato not to act as occupier in ... Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai demands that NATO end airstrikes on houses - latimes

President Hamid Karzai's call, coming after an attack that killed several civilians, escalates his dispute with Western military commanders over such raids. However, his statement is seen as largely symbolic, and NATO says airstrikes will go on as needed. - Los Angeles Times - Afghan officials say NATO strike killed 14 in residential area -- Karzai tells NATO to stop airstrikes in Afghanistan MiamiHerald - BBC News - Xinhua

Europe Grapples With Outbreak Of Deadly Foodborne Illness

Germany is in the midst of a foodborne disease outbreak that has reportedly claimed 16 lives. The problem is a variety of E. coli that produces a toxin that can lead to severe kidney damage. -- Europe Grapples With Foodborne Illness Outbreak

Cellphones May Pose Cancer Risk, WHO Panel Says

A bunch of experts convened by the World Health Organization have decided that cellphones might pose a risk of brain cancer in humans. - Cellphones May Pose Cancer Risk, WHO Panel Says NPR -- Mobile phones may pose cancer risk, says World Health Organisation -- WHO Says Cell Phones May Cause Cancer - Cellphones 'possibly carcinogenic,' WHO says washingtonpost - Bloomberg - TIME - 5 tips to limit your cell phone risk - CNN - Dr. Manny Does Not Agree With Cell Phone Cancer Study Fox News

Afghan government struggles to spend donated funds - Businessweek

Hundreds of millions in donor funds have not been paid out for things like jobs programs, health clinics and drinking water systems in the past five years. Afghan officials say much of the money comes with too many strings attached, or arrives later than promised, but they are also working within a bureaucracy that is both inefficient and rife with corruption. - Afghan government struggles to spend donated funds

U.S.-Pakistan ties and the curse of secrecy

When President Barack Obama telephoned Pakistan’s president to say U.S. forces had found and killed bin Laden, he offered him a choice. -- US-Pakistan ties and the curse of secrecy
Russia, US sign chopper deal for Afghanistan: report - AFP

Karzai gives US ultimatum on civilian deaths - CSM

Hours after reports appeared that a NATO air strike had killed 14 civilians in Helmand Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued an ominous statement, giving his “last warning” to US officials. - Karzai gives US ultimatum on civilian deaths - Afghan President Seeks to Limit NATO Airstrikes - nytimes
Can Afghanistan hang on to its newly minted college grads ...

Obama speaks at Joplin memorial for tornado victims - CSM

The president attended the memorial after touring the scene of last week's tornado, which killed at least 120 people in Missouri. - Obama speaks at Joplin memorial for tornado victims - Obama tours tornado-devastated Joplin
Memorial Day Message from Ambassador Eklil Hakimi - Embassy of Afghanistan

Afghanistan withdrawal: no significant pull out, says senior British general

No more Western troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan for at least another year, Britain's senior commander in the country has told David Cameron. - British troops must stay in Afghanistan, Cameron warned

«مشکلات پاکستان به سطح خطرناکی رسیده است»

جمعی از پژوهشگران و دانشمندان روز چهار شنبه در گزارشی گفتند پاکستان اگر میخواهد از بدتر شدن بحران جلوگیری کند، باید به جای تمرکز برهند و افغانستان، نهادهای دموکراتیک خود را تقویت کند و هزینه بخش آموزشی را افزایش دهد. - «مشکلات پاکستان به سطح خطرناکی رسیده است» آلمان، جهان Deutsche ...‎
عبدالقديرخان:عدم تجديد نظر در روابط با امريكا پيامدهاي جدي را

Afghan Bank Commission Absolves President’s Brother in Fraud Case

Mahmoud Karzai lashed out. “The incompetency in this government is beyond comprehension, from my brother on down,” he said. “Basically my brother has licensed 600,000 people to rob the rest of the population,” he added, referring to the estimated number of government employees. -- Afghan Bank Panel Absolves President's Brother in Fraud Case ... - nytimes

کمسیون بررسی کابل بانک محمود کرزی را مبرا از هر اتهام اعلان کرد

محمود کرزی در گفتگوی با روزنامه نیویارک تایمز در رابطه با بحران کابل بانک بر حکومت افغانستان انتقاد کرده گفت که حکومت تا حد زیاد بی کفایت است. او با اشاره به تعدادی از کارمندان دولتی هم چنان بر رییس جمهور کرزی انتقاد کرده گفت: « برادرم اساساً 600 هزار نفر را جواز تاراج مردم را داده است.» منظور محمود کرزی از 600 هزار نفر کارمندان حکومت افغانستان بود - کمسیون بررسی کابل بانک محمود کرزی را مبرا از هر اتهام اعلان کرد -- رییس دافغانستان بانک گزارشات بی توجهی این بانک در قبال کابل بانک را رد کرد
«وزیر مالیهء افغانستان بخاطر بررسی قضیه کابل بانک به مرگ تهدید شده است»

Monday, May 30, 2011

Taliban strikes kill four and injure at least 29 in 'stable' Herat - guardian

Civilians and Italian soldiers among the casualties as militants' summer offensive intensifies in western Afghanistan - Taliban strikes kill four and injure at least 29 in 'stable' Herat - Afghanistan base attacked by Taliban - Afghan civilians reported killed in Helmand air strike - Nato apologises for Afghan civilian deaths

Afghan officials say NATO strike killed 14 in residential area - latimes

The victims of the airstrike in Helmand province included women and children, officials say. - Afghan officials say NATO strike killed 14 in residential area
Angry Pakistan rejects U.S. appeal, plans to review drone campaign

Suicide bomber kills six at Afghan governor's compound - latimes

The bomber, wearing an Afghan army uniform, attacked a security gathering in Afghanistan's Takhar province. - Suicide bomber kills six at Afghan governor's compound
Taliban use inside jobs as new tactic in campaign against Afghan ... - washingtonpost
Top German officer wounded by Afghan suicide bomb - Yahoo!

Suicide blast kills powerful Afghan police chief

(Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed one of the most powerful men in north Afghanistan on Saturday, underlining the spread of insurgent violence in once peaceful parts of the country and casting a shadow over plans for Afghans to take control of security. - Suicide blast kills powerful Afghan police chief Reuters - Blast kills powerful Afghan police chief
نظریات کارشناسان در مورد حادثهء تخار - رادیو آزادی...‎

Patriot Act: three controversial provisions that Congress voted to keep - CSM

Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation reauthorizing the USA Patriot Act just hours before three controversial provisions were due to expire. - Patriot Act: three controversial provisions that Congress voted to keep - US Congress Passes Extension of Patriot Act Anti-Terrorist Wiretap Power Bloomberg - The Guardian - ThirdAge - Death and Taxes - Wall Street Journal

Bipartisan House sends Obama message on Afghanistan - USA TODAY

The move for a quicker exit from Afghanistan was narrowly defeated on a 204-215 vote. -- Bipartisan House sends Obama message on Afghanistan - House Votes Today on Afghanistan Exit Plan - ‎The Nation.

US Congress sends terrorism-fighting bill to Obama - Seattle Post Intelligencer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a four-year extension Thursday of post-Sept. 11 powers to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists. - US Congress sends terrorism-fighting bill to Obama -- Patriot Act provisions extended just in time - latimes

Barack Obama hosts banquet for the Queen at US Embassy - Telegraph

US President Barack Obama hosted a dinner in honour of the Queen tonight as the two heads of state said their farewells. - Barack Obama hosts banquet for the Queen at US Embassy -- First lady's warmth shines through - Barack Obama warns of difficult challenges ahead
First lady's warmth shines through

The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale

After 25 years of history-making, life-changing television, Oprah hosts the finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show. - The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale
Surprise Oprah - A Farewell Spectacular - Part 1 - Surprise, Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular - Part 2 - The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale

In Address to Parliament, Obama Says U.S.-Britain Alliance Is Still Vita - nytimes

The president’s speech, to a rare joint session of Parliament under the vaulted timbers of ancient Westminster Hall, was the capstone of a two-day state visit to Britain in which Mr. Obama was greeted with great pomp and personal warmth. -- Obama Says World Needs U.S.-British Leadership - NYTimes.com -- The Lede Blog: Video of Obama and Cameron on Libya -- Britain Welcomes Obama, With Concerns in the Background

In Israel, Netanyahu's Washington Trip Not Seen as Advancing Peace Process - nytimes

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel returned from Washington on Wednesday to a nearly unanimous assessment among Israelis that despite his forceful defense of Israel’s security interests, hopes were dashed that his visit might advance peace negotiations with the Palestinians. -- In Israel, Netanyahu's Washington Trip Not Seen as Advancing Peace Process

Text of Obama, Cameron news conference - AP

With respect to Afghanistan, similarly, we have a broad-based international mandate and a broad-based international coalition designed to make sure that Afghanistan does not serve as a base for attacks against our people. We've discussed, consistent with what we said in Lisbon during our NATO summit, -- Text of Obama, Cameron news conference
Voice of America - CBS News - BBC News

The Obamas Visit the United Kingdom - TIME

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, pose with U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama ahead of a state banquet on the second day of the Obamas' visit to the United Kingdom. -- The Obamas Visit the United Kingdom -- The Obamas' Buckingham Palace Visit: Royal Wedding Fever, About a Month Late
Obama's Visit May Have Been Worth $200 Million to Ireland

Monday, May 23, 2011

Anne Sinclair Uses Family's Fortune to Fight Dominique-Strauss Kahn's Sex Assault Charges

Anne Sinclair, the wife of former International Monetary Fund head Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is using her millions to help her husband fight sexual assault charges. -- Anne Sinclair Uses Family's Fortune to Fight Dominique-Strauss ... -- CNN International - Strauss-Kahn DNA 'found on maid's clothes' Aljazeera - Evidence Said to Tie Ex-IMF Chief to Housekeeper - New York Times

Israel cannot return to pre-1967 boundaries, leader insists

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to a pro-Israel lobby, again criticizes the plan President Obama offered for peace talks. - Israel cannot return to pre-1967 boundaries, leader insists -- Politico - ABC News - GlobalPost - Netanyahu: Palestinians are holding up peace CNN - Reid rebukes Obama on Israel

Radio host now says Judgment Day coming in October - msnbc

Camping, who predicted that 200 million Christians would be taken to heaven Saturday before the Earth was destroyed, said he felt so terrible when his doomsday prediction did not come true that he left home and took refuge in a motel with his wife. -- Camping: Judgment Day Coming in October

Spy, Military Ties Aided bin Laden Raid

In January, the chief of the military's elite special-operations troops accepted an unusual invitation to visit Central Intelligence Agency headquarters. - Spy, Military Ties Aided bin Laden Raid - WSJ
The Long, Winding Path to Closer CIA and Military Cooperation - Taliban Raid Exposes Pakistan

MI-6 warns Obama, Cameron about Taliban rejecting peace deal - dailyindia

London, May 23 : Britain's MI-6 intelligence out fit has warned both US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron that their secret plan to cut a peace deal with the Taliban will fail to see the light of day. -- MI-6 warns Obama, Cameron about Taliban rejecting peace deal

Afghan intel agency: Taliban chief has disappeared

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Afghan intelligence agency said Monday that the reclusive leader of the Taliban has disappeared from a suspected hideout in Pakistan and has been out of contact with his commanders for days —.... Afghan intel agency: Taliban chief has disappeared - CBS -- Afghan intel agency: Taliban chief has disappeared - Yahoo!

سند همکاری های ستراتیژیک بین افغانستان و امریکا تهیه شد

سر انجام دیروز حکومت افغانستان با پخش اعلامیهء گفت که این سند را تهیه کرده و به مقامات امریکایی سپرده است. - «سند همکاری های ستراتیژیک بین افغانستان و امریکا تهیه شد»
بارک اوباما: امریکا برای کشتن رهبران القاعده و طالبان مستقلانه عمل خواهد کرد
Obama: would raid Pakistan again if militant found Reuters
مشروح گفت‌و‌گوی بی‌بی‌سی با باراک اوباما

Pakistan's Duplicity is the Cause of American Casualties in Afghanistan - Nake M. Kamrany

As a matter of retribution, the United Sates has several options when duplicity is firmly ascertained via bin Laden tapes and computer files. -- Pakistan's Duplicity is the Cause of American Casualties in Afghanistan
Driving Afghanistan: The Winding Road to an Afghan Takeover - Sarah Holewinski

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Gilani sends message to Kabul

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, May 23 (UPI) -- Pakistan's prime minister, back from a productive China trip, sent his foreign secretary to Kabul carrying a "special message," his office said. - Gilani sends message to Kabul
Standoff with suicide bombers in Afghanistan ends with 10 killed

The President's Speech -- What Obama Should Have Said to AIPAC - Huffingtonpost

As we all know, the reason I'm here is because you are the most powerful lobby in Washington -- the mightiest senators and congressmen live in terror of your disapproval. Your decision on who to support will be a key factor in the coming presidential elections. The President's Speech -- What Obama Should Have Said to AIPAC
At AIPAC, Obama's Jackie Mason Moment - Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

Camping: Rapture Occured, but No One Worth Saving - huffingtonpost

According to preacher Harold Camping, yesterday the Rapture occurred. During the Rapture, all good Christians ascended to Heaven to be with God while the wicked were damned to remain on Earth to experience the end of the world in October. - Camping: Rapture Occured, but No One Worth Saving --- No Abnormal Earthquake Activity For May 21

WikiLeaks: Pakistan Asked for More, Not Fewer Drones - abcnews

"Referring to the situation in Waziristan, [Pakistani General Ashfaq] Kayani asked if [U.S. Admiral William] Fallon could assist in providing continuous Predator coverage of the conflict area. -- WikiLeaks: Pakistan Asked for More, Not Fewer Drones

Pickets not enraptured by failed Doomsday prophesy - mercurynews

They agree that the Rapture is coming: Jesus will return to Earth and bring all Christians into the sky with him, leaving all non-Christians to be fooled by the Antichrist in a seven-year Tribulation... - Pickets not enraptured by failed Doomsday prophesy - San Jose ...
After Failed Judgment Day Campaign, Where is Harold Camping? -- Critical Facts About Harold Camping

At least 30 killed by tornado in Missouri - coroner

KANSAS CITY (Reuters) - At least 30 people are known to have been killed by a powerful tornado that plowed through the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin on Sunday, - At least 30 killed by tornado in Missouri - coroner -- Tornado shreds Joplin Kansas City Star Washington Post - Los Angeles Times

Suicide bomber kills six Kabul medics while they eat lunch - Telegraph

At least another 23 were wounded at the lunchtime blast in the 400-bed Mohammad Daud Khan Hospital near the American embassy. - Suicide bomber kills six Kabul medics while they eat lunch
The bin Laden hunter: ex-CIA man had bin Laden in his sights 10 times

Many in US-Israel lobby wary of Obama peace push

WASHINGTON — Thousands of pro-Israel delegates packed the AIPAC conference here Sunday, -- Many in US-Israel lobby wary of Obama peace push - AFP
Washington Post - MiamiHerald.com - ThirdAge - BBC News

Remarks by the President at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2011 - The White House

Remarks by the President at the AIPAC Policy Conference 2011
Remarks by the President on the Middle East and North Africa
May 19, 2011

Obama Challenges Israel to Make Hard Choices Needed for Peace - nytimes

In his remarks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the president, while offering praise for the relationship with Israel, did not walk back from his speech on Thursday, which had infuriated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. - Obama Challenges Israel to Make Hard Choices -- Video Text
Text of the Speech (whitehouse.gov) - Obama's Mideast Speech - Text

Deadly blast hits Kabul military hospital - France24

AFP - Six medical students were killed and 23 others wounded in a Taliban suicide attack at Afghanistan's main military hospital in Kabul on Saturday, the defence ministry said. - Deadly blast hits Kabul military hospital
Islamist militants attack major Pakistani military base

Germany 'helps mediate US talks with Taliban'

BERLIN — Germany is helping mediate secret, direct talks between the United States and the Afghan Taliban, with meetings taking place on German soil, Spiegel magazine reported here Sunday. - Germany 'helps mediate US talks with Taliban'

$1bn fraud at Kabul Bank puts UK's Afghan pull-out in peril - independent

Coalition plans to pull out of Afghanistan are being hampered by theft and fraud totalling nearly $1bn, The Independent on Sunday can reveal. Hopes of a timely withdrawal of British troops from the region have been dealt a critical blow by revelations about massive bank frauds which have forced donors to suspend vital international aid. -- $1bn fraud at Kabul Bank puts UK's pull-out in peril
Blast at Kabul military hospital kills at least six

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Ex-I.M.F. Chief’s Wife Standing by Her Man

PARIS — She was much more famous than her husband, and much wealthier, too. -- “She was a combination of Charlie Rose and Barbara Walters, very well read, very well prepared.” - Ex-I.M.F. Chief’s Wife Standing by Her Man - nytimes
Strauss-Kahn under house arrest in New York reuters ABC News - BBC News

Afghanistan: 'Suicide bomb' hits Kabul hospital

A suicide bomber is reported to have blown himself up in a military hospital canteen in the Afghan capital, Kabul, causing casualties. - Afghanistan: 'Suicide bomb' hits Kabul hospital - BBC
'انفجار انتحاری' در بزرگترین بیمارستان نظامی کابل

Why can't we learn from our mistakes in Afghanistan?

When it comes to our endless occupation, the same depressing story lines keep playing out again and again -- Why can't we learn from our mistakes in Afghanistan? -- The Weekly Standard: Don't Pull Troops, Send More : NPR
Christian movement preparing for End of Days - USATODAY

Israeli leader rejects '67 lines | Philadelphia Inquirer

Admonishing a president of the United States on international television, Netanyahu rejected the plan outlined by Obama that would use the boundaries in effect before 1967 - more accurately, an armistice line set by the United Nations in 1949 after Israeli and Arab forces stopped fighting - Israeli leader rejects '67 lines Philadelphia Inquirer - The Associated Press - Reuters - Albany Times Union - New York Post
Boundaries of peace - NYPOST - BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

Ex-IMF chief freed on bail amid succession - CNN

Dominique Strauss-Kahn was released on bail from a Rikers Island jail on Friday. -- Ex-IMF chief freed on bail amid succession - Boston Globe - CNBC - Detroit Free Press - Bloomberg
Ex-IMF head freed from jail staying by ground zero AP - Ex-IMF big makes bail, released from jail NP

New Zealand region yet to suffer destruction forecast by Oakland-based doomsday predictor

Christmas Island and other locations near New Zealand, where self-styled scriptural scholar Harold Camping predicted that the apocalypse would strike by Friday night Los Angeles time, so far remain free of "super terrible" earthquakes. - Los Angeles Times -- Detroit Free Press
Day has come for Rapture forecaster, or has it?

In Reminder of '90s, LinkedIn Has Big First Day

LinkedIn, a trailblazer in the online networking craze, went public with a roaring stock offering. Within minutes, shares were trading at twice the value set by the company. - LinkedIn IPO: A New Dot-Com Boom?
LinkedIn's Most Overused Resume Buzz Words Watch Video

Friday, May 20, 2011

Dominique Strauss-Kahn: former IMF chief released from jail - Telegraph

The former IMF chief was freed from New York's Rikers Island jail after his wife, Anne Sinclair, produced the $1 million (£600,000) and $5 million (£3 million) bond required for his bail. - Dominique Strauss-Kahn: former IMF chief released from jail
Strauss-Kahn to Change Location After Release - WSJ

Factbox: Borders in Israeli-Palestinian conflict

(Reuters) -The 1967 borders echoed the "Green Line" of demarcation set out by a 1949 armistice between Israel and its Arab neighbors -- Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria -- ending the war over the establishment of the Jewish state. -- Factbox: Borders in Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- Merkel backs Obama push for 1967 Israel border deal --- Politico - New York Times - NPR - Washington Post - From American Jews, a wide reaction to Obama's Middle East speech

Afghan Government's Delays Hinder Recruitment Of Taliban Defectors - washingtonpost

The Afghan government has moved so slowly to recruit Taliban defectors that U.S. and Afghan officials say they are losing an opportunity to capitalize on hard-won military gains and the death of Osama bin Laden. - Afghan government's delays hinder recruitment of Taliban defectors ...
US, Pakistan Continue Push to Repair Ties

The Rapture: judgment day imminent … if US engineer has calculated right - Guardian

Thousands say goodbye to family and friends ahead of 6pm Saturday deadline, after which 'saved' will rise up -- The Rapture: judgment day imminent … if US engineer has calculated right
JUDGMENT DAY -- Self-proclaimed Prophet Spawns Apocalypse Movement -- Last Judgment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

THE END OF THE WORLD IS ALMOST HERE!, MAY 21, 2011

JUDGMENT DAY is feared by the world and is the day that God will destroy the world because of the sins of mankind. -- JUDGMENT DAY
Judgment Day May 21: When will the world actually end? - CSMonitor - May 21, 2011: Judgment Day Rumors Spread Across The US - hufpost -- Judgment Day Rumors: Behind the Family Radio Prediction - TIME ... -- Is The End Nigh? We'll Know Soon Enough : NPR

Afghanistan under the Knife | Foreign Policy In Focus

It was a primitive form of surgery. Almost ten years ago, the United States and its allies stuck a knife deep into Afghanistan in an attempt to remove two malignancies, al-Qaeda and the Taliban. One of those, Osama bin Laden's crew, is nearly gone. The Taliban, after going into remission for a brief period, has come back. - Afghanistan under the Knife FPIF
Pakistan Taliban says it attacked U.S. consulate convoy - (Reuters)

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Experts speculate over IMF successor - Xinhua

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhuanet) -- In the 65 years since the IMF was set up, the role has been filled by a European, while an American has been chairman of the World Bank. -- Some European leaders want to keep it that way. Experts speculate over IMF successor
Lagarde Is Favored to Head IMF
Ex-IMF chief gets $1M bail in NYC sex assault case AP

Obama makes a blunt push for Middle East peace

The president hails the pro-democracy movements in the Arab world, but has tough words for Israel and the Palestinians, urging them to negotiate a deal and stay ahead of the wave of popular unrest. - Obama makes a blunt push for Middle East peace -- Reactions to Obama's Middle East speech - latimes
Gates sees no evidence top Pakistani officials knew of Bin Laden's hide-out

Returning to the dark ages - The Egyptian Gazette

Kabul, the Afghan capital, is very concerned that brainwashed children have been trained up then sent to Afghanistan to blow themselves up in crowded areas. --- They don’t just target foreigners and international troops, but also ordinary people, even schoolchildren. - Returning to the dark ages

A Paradigm Shift on the Chessboard of the Afghan “Great-Game"

Ever since Pakistan began lobbying against Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai's efforts to build a long-term strategic partnership with the U.S., urging him to look to Pakistan instead -- and its Chinese ally -- .... A Paradigm Shift on the Chessboard of the Afghan “Great-Game”
Gates: Pakistan Unaware of bin Laden

Which Afghanistan future will it be? -- NBC News

KABUL – What will Afghanistan look like in 2015? That depends a lot on how you see the country – and the conflict – in 2011. - Which Afghanistan future will it be?
Worldview: Karzai's brother: Solve Pakistan problem Philadelphia ...

Obama presents Mideast peace vision to Arab world

Reuters - Obama's proposal -- a policy shift that effectively calls for a negotiated Israeli pullback to 1967 borders that existed before it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem -- drew a swift rejection from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the eve of his Washington visit. -- Obama presents Mideast peace vision to Arab world
Christian Science Monitor - New York Times - Politico - U.S. News & World Report

Israel rejects total pullback to 1967 borders

(Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu headed for talks in Washington on Friday saying that U.S. President Barack Obama's vision of a Palestinian state on the borders of 1967 could leave Israel "indefensible." - Israel rejects total pullback to 1967 borders
msnbc.com - Politico - ABC News - U.S. News & World Report

As Obama Endorses '67 Borders, Netanyahu Objects

JERUSALEM — President Obama’s endorsement on Thursday of a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute based on the 1967 borders — As Obama Endorses '67 Borders, Netanyahu Objects -- Obama Backs Deal Based on 1967 Lines
Obama Endorses 1967 Borders for Israel -- Wash Wire: Text of Obama's Mideast Speech

Judge Grants Strauss-Kahn $1 Million Bail

State Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus agreed on Thursday to release Mr. Strauss-Kahn on a package that included a $1 million cash bail, a $5 million bond and 24-hour home confinement in a Manhattan apartment rented by his wife. -- Strauss-Kahn Granted Bail
Strauss-Kahn Resigns as Head of IMF -- Text: Resignation letter - Washington Post - Strauss-Kahn granted bail under house arrest AFP

TEXT: Obama’s Mideast Speech - nytimes

Following is a text of President Obama’s speech on the Middle East, delivered on Thursday in Washington, as released by the White House: - The Speech: Video Text
Obama Backs Deal Based on 1967 Lines -- As Obama Endorses ’67 Borders, Netanyahu Objects

China to Speed Up Fighter Jets for Pakistan - WSJ

China has agreed to provide 50 more JF-17 fighter jets to Pakistan on an "expedited" basis, a spokesman for the Pakistani air force said, a sign of how China could fill the vacuum if the U.S. scales down its aid to Pakistan. - China to Speed Up Fighter Jets for Pakistan -- China Says U.S. Overstates Threat

Afghanistan: 'Thirteen dead' in Jalalabad suicide blast

At least 13 people including civilians, police cadets and a suicide bomber have been killed in an attack in eastern Afghanistan, officials say. - BBC - Afghanistan: 'Thirteen dead' in Jalalabad suicide blast -- Suicide bomber kills 13 in attack on Afghan police -- Many dead in Afghan bus bombing - ‎Aljazeera

Atty: FBI likely wants to rule Unabomber out

CHICAGO (AP) — The FBI has requested a DNA sample from "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski as part of its investigation into the 1982 deaths of seven Chicago-area people who took cyanide-laced Tylenol from packages that had been tampered with, officials said Thursday. - Atty: FBI likely wants to rule Unabomber out
FBI Wants Unabomber's DNA for 1982 Tylenol Poisoning Probe

36 killed in attack on work crew in Afghanistan

Eight assailants are also killed in the attack in Paktia province. Road-construction workers are often the target of insurgents, who see their work as profiting the government and foreign military in Afghanistan. -- 36 killed in attack on work crew in Afghanistan
25 killed in Afghanistan protest, car bombing latimes - Suicide bomber kills 13 in attack on Afghan police - Reuters

Taliban slam report of direct political talks with U.S. as 'baseless'

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Taliban insurgents, who routinely exaggerate the successes of their attacks on coalition forces, on Thursday denounced a media report of their direct negotiations with the United States. - Taliban slam report of direct political talks with U.S. as 'baseless'
Taliban attack kills 36 at Afghan road company - Yahoo!

Coffee may cut prostate cancer risk

WASHINGTON — In case you needed one, here’s another possible reason to have that cup of coffee in the morning: - Coffee may cut prostate cancer risk -- ABC News - Los Angeles Times - Fox News - Coffee may protect men from prostate cancer msnbc - Coffee May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk WebMD

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Dominique Strauss-Kahn Resigns From IMF

Dominique Strauss-Kahn resigned Wednesday as head of the International Monetary Fund after explosive allegations that he had .... - Dominique Strauss-Kahn Resigns From IMF - nytimes
Sex-Assault Case Puts Focus on Police Unit, Not Quite as Seen on TV
IMF chief resigns, denies sexual assault CNN - Dominique Strauss-Kahn resigns as head of IMF The Guardian

Senators Question Aid to Pakistan Over Harboring Insurgents

Five U.S. senators, all Democrats, asked the State and Defense departments to assess Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism before Congress approves more aid for that nation. - Senators Question Aid to Pakistan Over Harboring Insurgents

Afghan Protesters Clash With Police After NATO Raid

KABUL, Afghanistan — A normally peaceful northern city erupted in violence Wednesday, as thousands of protesters clashed with security forces after a NATO night raid that local officials claim killed four civilians. - Afghan Protesters Clash With Police After NATO Raid
Gates Says No Sign That Top Pakistanis Knew of Bin Laden

Gates: Somebody in Pakistan Knew About Bin Laden, But Probably Not Top Leaders

But he said he has seen evidence that the country's senior leadership was unaware the terror leader was in a compound a short distance from a Pakistani military facility. -- Gates: Somebody in Pakistan Knew About Bin Laden, But Probably Not Top Leaders
Report: CIA Used New Stealth Drones to Monitor Bin Laden's Compound in Pakistan

Pakistani Workers' Land Of Opportunity: Afghanistan? - NPR

It's not unusual for laborers the world over to cross borders, sometimes illegally, to find a safer environment and better wages. But it is strange when their land of opportunity is Afghanistan - Pakistani Workers' Land Of Opportunity: Afghanistan? -- Afghan Protest Over NATO Raid Turns Deadly

حمله شدید نیروهای طالبان به نورستان

بر اساس گزارش‌های رسیده از شرق افغانستان تعداد زیادی از نیروهای طالبان عملیاتی را در ولایت نورستان شروع کرده اند.
به گفته فرمانده پلیس محلی، چند صد نفر از نیروهای طالبان به ایستگاه های پلیس در ابن ولایت حمله کرده اند. -- حمله شدید نیروهای طالبان به نورستان
والی نورستان: تحقیق در مورد تصرف وانت وایگل توسط طالبان آغاز شد
برنامهء تقویت سکتور مالی افغانستان به همکاری امریکا آغاز شد ...‎

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Comparing How NATO and Taliban Report the Afghan War -The Atlantic Wire

Take today's Washington Post report that the Obama administration has accelerated direct talks with the Taliban. NATO's Kabul-based International Security Assistance Force hasn't commented on today's article but linked to a similar report in the German press earlier this week. -- Comparing How NATO and Taliban Report the Afghan War
Damage Control in Kabul - The National Interest

Bernard-Henri Lévy Defends Accused IMF Director

I am troubled by a system of justice modestly termed “accusatory,” meaning that anyone can come along and accuse another fellow of any crime. -- Dominique Strauss-Kahn: Bernard-Henri Lévy Defends IMF Director ... - thedailybeast
Bernard-Henri Lévy Defends Accused IMF Director - Yahoo!

US steps up face-to-face peace talks with Taliban

The United States has stepped up face-to-face peace talks with the Taliban, holding at least three meetings in Qatar and Germany in recent days with figures believed to be close to Mullah Omar, the group's leader. -- US steps up face-to-face peace talks with Taliban - Telegraph
Taliban recruiting nine-year-old suicide bombers - Afghanistan

U.S. Reportedly Accelerates Talks With Taliban

Reports say that the U.S. is pushing harder to establish negotiations with the biggest faction of the Taliban in hopes of moving toward a political resolution to the war in Afghanistan. -- Listen to the Story --- U.S. Reportedly Accelerates Talks With Taliban - NPR

Maria Shriver on Schwarzenegger's paternity admission: 'Painful and heartbreaking' - latimes

Maria Shriver releases a statement about husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's admission that he fathered an out-of-wedlock child with a household staff member. -- 'A painful and heartbreaking time' -- Shriver reacts to ex-gov.'s paternity admission
STORY: Schwarzenegger fathered a child with longtime member of household staff
The New York Times

U.S. speeds up talks with Taliban - washingtonpost

Rumors of direct talks have brought a torrent of criticism for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. -- U.S. speeds up talks with Taliban
Pakistan: NATO helicopters hit border post

خلیلزاد: آمریکا باید به بازی دوگانه پاکستان پایان دهد

خلیلزاد گفت: " در حالیکه ما (آمریکا) دولت افغانستان را حمایت می کنیم، پاکستانی ها مشغول مسلح کردن، آموزش و حمایت از گروه های مخالف دولت افغانستان بوده است." -- خلیلزاد: آمریکا باید به بازی دوگانه پاکستان پایان دهد
Demanding Answers From Pakistan
Commentary: The Great Pakistan Rethink The National Interest
اسپنتا: با آمریکا پیمان می بندیم، با همسایه ها مشورت نمی کنیم

What Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani wants from China - CSM

As Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani meets his counterpart in China this week one country will be high on the agenda: Afghanistan. --- What Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani wants from China -- Kerry visits Pakistan to smooth relations. Will it work?
Pakistan's Prime Minister Visits China - nytimes

سپنتا: به همسایه‌ها حق وتو نمی‌دهیم

مشاور امنیت ملی ریاست جمهوری افغانستان می‌گوید با وجود مخالفت کشورهای همسایه، افغانستان بر بنیاد منافع ملی خود در مورد داشتن رابطه‌ی استراتژیک با امریکا تصمیم خواهد گرفت.... - سپنتا: به همسایه‌ها حق وتو نمی‌دهیم
روح تازه در روابط افغانستان و هند
با همسایگان صریح باشیم !-- بعد از 10 سال خونین، پایان بازی در افغانستان آغاز می شود

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. - IMF -- International Monetary Fund Home Page
International Monetary Fund - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

US alarmed by David Cameron's push for early Afghanistan withdrawal

Senior American military figures have warned Britain that a hasty exit from Afghanistan could strain relations between the two countries. - British Afghanistan withdrawal plan alarms US

Kerry: Pakistan to return tail of chopper used in bin Laden raid

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan on Tuesday will return the tail of a U.S. helicopter that was damaged during the raid that killed terror leader Osama bin Laden, -- Kerry: Pakistan to return tail of chopper used in bin Laden raid - AP sources: Raiders knew mission a one-shot deal - Washington Post - BBC News

John Kerry points up 'disturbing' signs about Pakistan's knowledge of insurgent activity

In an address from Kabul, Afghanistan, Sen. John Kerry says Pakistan seems to know that insurgents are crossing from the nation into Afghanistan. He adds that U.S. lawmakers have 'deep reservations' about Pakistan. - John Kerry points up 'disturbing' signs about Pakistan's knowledge of insurgent activity
4 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan - latimes

Egypt's Former First Lady Turns Over Assets to State - AP

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt—The wife of deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has turned over her property and funds to the state, a move designed to settle the corruption allegations against her, officials and lawyers said Monday. - Egypt's Former First Lady Turns Over Assets to State -- Mubarak's wife to give up assets - BBC

Monday, May 16, 2011

Memo From France: Questions Raised About a Code of Silence - nytimes

PARIS — The ritual follows a clear script: a scandal threatens to destroy the reputation of a powerful figure in France. Politicians say they are shocked. Friends say they are incredulous. -- Memo From France: Questions Raised About a Code of Silence -- Memo From Paris: One Prospect for President Isn’t Talking, but France Is -- As Case Unfolds, France Speculates and Steams -- International Monetary Fund

U.S. speeds up direct talks with Taliban

Officials say they hope the negotiations, initiated several months ago, will enable President Obama to report progress in ending the Afghan war when he announces troop withdrawals in July. -- U.S. speeds up direct talks with Taliban
Pakistan to return U.S. helicopter tail, Kerry says - washingtonpost

Afghan children look after family

Killing, destruction, orphans and disabled people are the legacy of over three decades of war in Afghanistan. -- The number of Afghan innocent children that the war has forced them to give up childish sweet era and shoulder family responsibility is quite high. -- Afghan children look after family
9/11 ANALYSIS: From Ronald Reagan and the Soviet-Afghan War to ...