Explosion at Romania nuclear lab Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:36am
A Romanian officer has been killed in a blast at a military laboratory dealing with nuclear, biological and chemical research, Romanian officials say. Full Story
Mosques 'fail to tackle radicals' Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:38am The UK's mosques are out of touch with British Muslims and failing to root out extremism, a think tank has claimed. The Quilliam Foundation, a group which opposes radical Islam, quotes a study saying 97% of imams were born abroad. Full Story
Man held over Greece acid attack Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:39am
An Albanian man has been arrested in Greece on suspicion of throwing acid in the face of a union official two months ago and forcing it down her throat. Full Story
Israel president urges Europeans to shun Hamas Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 7:41am
Israeli President Shimon Peres on Tuesday urged Europeans to shun Hamas, telling the European parliament's president that the Islamists who rule Gaza are a "murderous terrorist" group. Full Story
Wave of Drug Violence Is Creeping Into Arizona From Mexico, Officials Say Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 8:43am The raging drug war among cartels in Mexico and their push to expand operations in the United States has led to a wave of kidnappings, shootings and home invasions in Arizona, state and federal officials said at a legislative hearing on Monday. The drug trade has long brought violence to the state, which serves as a hub as illicit drugs and illegal immigrants are smuggled to the rest of the nation. Full Story
Border Patrol Discovers Secret Tunnel Near Mexico Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 8:46am
The Border Patrol says it discovered a secret tunnel that may have been used to smuggle migrants from Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego. The agency said Monday that agents found the tunnel about 110 feet north of the Mexican border, east of San Diego's Otay Mesa border crossing. It measures 3 square feet and is reinforced by wood. Full Story
Gunmen attack governor's convoy, kill guard Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 8:47am
Gunmen shot at a convoy carrying the governor of a violence-wracked border state, killing one of his bodyguards and wounding two other agents. The federal Attorney General's Office said Monday it did not appear that Chihuahua Gov. Jose Reyes Baeza was the target of an assassination attempt. Full Story
Double suicide bombing kills police officer in southwest Afghanistan
Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:02am Two suicide bombers blew themselves up within minutes of each other Monday at an anti-drug police station in southwest Afghanistan, killing one officer and wounding two more, an official said. Full Story
Militant bid to blow up a culvert foiled, IED recovered in Kashmir Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:06am
Jammu and Kashmir police foiled a militant plan to snap a vital road communication link when they detected and defused a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted beneath a culvert in north Kashmir. Full Story
Caller from Pakistan threatens terror attacks in Uttar Pradesh Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:07am
Security has been tightened in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district following a call from Pakistan threatening to carry out terror strikes in the region, police said Tuesday. Full Story
FBI Yet To Get Access To Mumbai Terror Suspects In Pak Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:08am
U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford said Monday that Pakistan was yet to allow FBI agents to interrogate the Mumbai terror attack suspects it claims to have arrested--casting doubts on Islamabad's sincerity in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the crime, media reports say. Full Story
Govt sets checkposts on roads to DI Khan: House-to-house search operation Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:10am
The government on Monday decided to set up checkposts on all the roads leading to Dera Ismail (DI) Khan from Punjab and Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Full Story
Protesters surround offices of Thai prime minister Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:10am
Thousands of protesters surrounded the Thai prime minister's office Tuesday, demanding that Parliament be dissolved and calling for new elections. The protest by demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, which is allied with Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled former prime minister, came three days before Thailand is to host the annual summit meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. About 7,000 people attended the rally, the police said. Full Story
Troops regain control of Inayat Killay, Bhai Cheena in Bajaur Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:12am
Security forces killed three Taliban in various areas of Bajaur Agency on Monday, officials said. Full Story
North Korea Says It Is Preparing 'Satellite' Launch Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:13am
By announcing that it is preparing to launch a "communications satellite," North Korea on Tuesday dressed up its planned test of a long-range ballistic missile -- which may be able to reach Alaska -- as a benign research project. "Outer space is an asset common to mankind and its use for peaceful purposes has become a global trend," said a spokesman for the North Korean Committee of Space Technology. North Korea's announcement comes amid warnings from the United States not to test the missile. A U.N. resolution, passed after North Korea exploded a nuclear device in 2006, bans the country from any ballistic missile activity. Full Story
Pakistan wants NATO to seal off Afghan border along Bajaur Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:16am
The US and NATO should seal off Afghanistans border with Pakistan along Bajaur to clear the region of what remains of Al Qaeda and the Taliban, a top Pakistani general recommended on Monday. Full Story
Presence of army in Swat part of peace deal Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:17am
The army will remain in Swat until the goal of lasting peace is achieved in the valley, in line with the peace deal made with Sufi Muhammad, Information Minister Sherry Rehman said on Monday. Full Story
Can Pakistan Regain Control of Swat from the Taliban? Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:19am
"Smile, you're in Swat," reads a billboard on the main road into the lush green honeymooners' valley once dubbed the "Switzerland of Asia". But over the past two years, Swat has been turned into a playground for the Taliban. Full Story
Taliban Calls Cease-Fire in Second Pakistani Region, AP Reports Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:20am
A Taliban commander has called a unilateral cease-fire in the militant groups fight with government troops in the northwestern Pakistani district of Bajaur, the Associated Press reported, without saying where it got the information. Full Story
Europe Willing to Boost Civilian Aid to Afghanistan Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:22am
The United States would like to see European states send more troops to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. The EU's foreign ministers have said they're ready to help, but that more soldiers is not necessarily the answer. Full Story
Applying Iraq's broader lessons in Afghanistan Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:23am
As the United States and NATO craft a new strategy for Afghanistan, they are likely to apply counterinsurgency lessons learned at great cost during the war in Iraq. Full Story
Japan to pay Afghan police salary Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:24am
Japan has said it will pay the salaries of about 80,000 Afghan police officers for the next six months as part of its drive to help regeneration there. Japan would also help fund the construction of schools and hospitals and support teacher-training, a foreign ministry official in Tokyo said. Full Story
NATO airstrike kills 16 Taliban Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:25am
A NATO airstrike in Afghanistan killed up to 16 Taliban overnight while a twin suicide attack killed a policeman outside a government anti-drugs office, officials said on Monday. Full Story
India 'to join elite space club' Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:25am
India has earmarked more than $2.5bn to launch its own manned space flight and join the elite club of the US, China and Russia. India's planning commission has set aside the cash to finance preparations. Full Story
In the north, Afghans fight hunger, not the Taliban Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:26am
The United States' decision to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan will mean little to the people of northern Sang-i-Khel village whose fight is not against Taliban insurgents but against hunger. Full Story
From a Carrier, Another View of Americas Air War in Afghanistan Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:28am
ABOARD U.S.S. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, on the Arabian Sea Every day from the deck of this nuclear-powered aircraft carrier off the coast of Pakistan, two dozen combat planes are catapulted into the sky for the 500-mile trip to southern Afghanistan. Full Story
China bars foreigners from Tibet Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:32am
Foreign tourists planning to visit Tibet have been told by travel agencies that the region has been closed to outsiders until the end of March. The month marks the 50th anniversary of the escape into exile of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Full Story
Pakistan says don't worry in US-Afghan 'terror' review Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 2:50pm
Pakistan insisted Tuesday it was committed to fighting extremism as it opened a thorough review with Afghanistan and the United States on fighting the growing threat of Islamic militants. Full Story
Pakistan: Militants receive compensation for peace deal Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 10:58am
Pakistani militants in the country's northwest are understood to have received 480 million rupees ( 6 million dollars) in compensation after agreeing to a cease conflict with government forces for an indefinite period. Well-placed security sources have told Adnkronos International (AKI) that the militants agreed to lay down their arms and endorse the deal between the government and local leader Sufi Mohammad to impose Sharia law in the region. Full Story
Taliban Acts Raise Doubt About Truce Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:01am
Taliban gunmen abducted and briefly held a government official in Pakistan's Swat Valley Sunday afternoon, as the group's local faction said it would agree to a truce with the government only when Islamic law is established there. Full Story
UN hostage said to have been killed is alive Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:02am
An American UN official abducted by Baloch militants and said to have been killed is still alive, the outfit holding him said Monday. Full Story
Pakistan army halts operations in Swat Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:15am
The Pakistan army said on Monday it had ceased operations against Taliban militants in the northwestern valley of Swat, and an Islamist cleric asked for troops to be shifted to "safer places" to give peace a chance. Full Story
Northern Rock executives to get bonuses after #1.4billion loss Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 3:17pm
Hundreds of Northern Rock workers including senior executives will get bonuses covering the year when the bank was nationalised and made a #1.4 billion loss, it has emerged. Full Story
Mysterious $1.2 million highway robbery in Russia Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:48am
Police in central Russia were searching Sunday for suspects accused of stealing more than $1 million in cash in a highway robbery one of the country's biggest armed robberies in years. Full Story
Police fear UK 'summer of rage' Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:49am
Police are preparing to face a "summer of rage" in the UK as people join protests over the economic downturn, says a senior Met Police officer. Full Story
Egyptian Police Hold 11 After Deadly Bomb Attack in Cairo Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:51am
Egyptian police are reported to have detained 11 people for questioning over a bomb blast near a market in Cairo which killed a French teenager and injured more than 20 people on Sunday, Feb. 22. Full Story
Sri Lankan gov't rejects rebels' call for truce Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:58am
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil rebels, facing likely defeat on the battlefield, sent a letter to the United Nations on Monday saying they were ready for a cease-fire. The government immediately rejected the offer as a final effort by the rebels to "save their miserable skins."Full Story
S. Korea: NKorea deploys new ballistic missile Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:03am
SEOUL, South Korea North Korea recently deployed a new type of medium-range ballistic missile capable of reaching northern Australia and the U.S. territory of Guam, South Korea's Defense Ministry said Monday. The report comes amid speculation that the isolated regime also is preparing to test-fire another, longer-range missile capable of hitting Alaska. Full Story
70 sick in China after eating tainted pig organs Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:06am
BEIJING Pig organs contaminated by a banned animal feed additive have been blamed for sickening at least 70 people in southern China, state media said Monday. The cases underscore a continuing battle with food safety in a country where supply chains are murky and the rising cost of labor, land and fuel sometimes force producers to cut corners in order to make a profit.Full Story
Blast in China coal mine kills 74 Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:29am
BEIJING (Reuters) An explosion in a mine belonging to China's biggest coking coal producer killed 74 miners in Shanxi province on Sunday and scores more were rescued after being trapped underground for hours. Xinhua news agency said 436 miners were working underground when the accident occurred at the Tunlan mine near Taiyuan, the capital of the northern province. Full Story
Water plants reopen after chemical leak in China Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:33am
BEIJING Two water plants shut for three days after a massive chemical leak in eastern China resumed operation Monday, local officials and state media confirmed. Authorities have arrested two officials from the Biaoxin Chemical Company plant manager Ding Yuesheng and Hu Wenbiao, the company's legal representative and closed the factory in Yancheng city in Jiangsu province, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Full Story
Greek guerrillas say they behind TV shooting Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:39am
A Greek guerrilla group called Rebels Sect claimed responsibility on Saturday for a shooting outside a Greek TV station earlier this week, its second attack in less than a month. Full Story
U.S. Unit Secretly in Pakistan Lends Ally Support Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:07am
More than 70 United States military advisers and technical specialists are secretly working in Pakistan to help its armed forces battle Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the countrys lawless tribal areas, American military officials said. Full Story
Qaida founder blasts successor bin Laden for 'immoral terror' Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:14am
One of Al-Qaida's founders, Sayyid Imam al-Sharif, has waged a harsh verbal attack on the terrorist organization's leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Full Story
Taliban kidnap top government official Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:15am
Taliban militants kidnapped the top government administrator and six of his guards in Pakistan's northwestern Swat valley on Sunday, the group and officials said, dealing a blow to efforts to restore peace. Full Story
Griffons begin hunting Taliban bomb planters Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:17am
Two CH-146 Griffon helicopters lifted off into the dim, grainy dusk above Kandahar Airfield one night last week and made straight for the mountains, in a new and completely unheralded chapter in the Afghan war. Full Story
India, Pakistan were close to secret deal on Kashmir: report Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:19am
India and Pakistan came close to devising a framework for settling their long conflict over Kashmir in secret negotiations, but it was put on hold by the fall of President Pervez Musharraf, the New Yorker magazine reported Sunday. Full Story
MI5, ISI colluded to torture terror suspects: Report Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:21am
In a report that could further embarrass the British government, UK security agents were "complicit" in the torture of at least 10 Britons in collusion with Pakistan's ISI and the network "runs much deeper". Full Story
U.S. tells judge military prisoners can't challenge detention in Afghanistan Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:23am
The Obama administration has told a U.S. judge that military detainees in Afghanistan have no legal right to challenge imprisonment, embracing a top argument of former President George W. Bush's legal team. Full Story
Al Qaeda No 2 Zawahiri Praises Somali "Victory" Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 9:28am
Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri praised Islamist victories in Somalia in a video circulated by the group's media arm on Sunday. Full Story
Jury acquits defendants in Politkovskaya murder Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 9:13am
A Moscow jury has acquitted three men charged in the killing of journalist and Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya. Full Story
Radical cleric Qatada wins payout for UK detention Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 9:14am
The European Court of Human Rights awarded 2,800 euros (3,500 dollars) in compensation to radical Muslim cleric Abu Qatada on Thursday for his "unlawful detention" in Britain. Full Story
Mumbai attackers had hit list of 320 world targets Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:34am
The plotters behind the Mumbai attack, which left more than 170 people dead, had placed India's financial capital on a list of 320 worldwide locations as potential targets for commando-style terror strikes, the Guardian has learned. It suggests that Lashkar-e-Taiba, the outlawed terror group that planned much of the attack from Pakistan, had ambitions well beyond causing mayhem in India. Full Story
CIA using Shamsi airbase for Predator strikes? Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:35am
The CIA is using the Shamsi airbase in Balochistan to launch the Predator drones that attack Al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Pakistan, The Times, London, has claimed. Full Story
Europe opens covert talks with blacklisted Hamas Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:36am
In the first meeting of its kind, two French senators travelled to Damascus two weeks ago to meet the leader of the Palestinian Islamist faction, Khaled Meshal, The Independent has learned. Two British MPs met three weeks ago in Beirut with the Hamas representative in Lebanon, Usamah Hamdan. Far more people are talking to Hamas than anyone might think, said a senior European diplomat. It is the beginning of something new although we are not negotiating. Full Story
Al-Qaeda releases pictures of hostages: SITE Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:37am
Al-Qaeda's North African branch has released pictures it claims are of four European tourists it kidnapped last month in Niger, a US group which monitors Islamist websites said. Full Story
Mixed verdict for rancher in migrant case Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:37am
A federal jury this week found that an Arizona rancher who has complained about illegal immigrants trespassing and trashing his border property has to pay four women $73,000 after he detained them and other migrants at gunpoint. In a verdict Tuesday afternoon, the jury in Tucson found that Roger Barnett did not violate the women's civil rights but was liable for four claims of assault and infliction of emotional distress. Full_Story
Netanyahu picked to form Israel government Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:38am
Hawkish Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu will be tasked with forming a new Israeli government, the president's office announced on Friday. "The president has made a decision regarding the formation of the government and the presidency will summon deputy Benjamin Netanyahu at 14:15 (12:15 GMT) to entrust him with this task," President Shimon Peres's office said. Full Story
Suicide bomber kills 22, wounds 45 at Pakistan funeral Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:39am
A suicide bomber killed 22 people and wounded 45 on Friday in an attack on a funeral procession for a Shi'ite Muslim gunned down a day earlier in a northwestern Pakistani city, officials said. Full Story
Mexico's net migration down 50% Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:39am
Migration from Mexico, mainly to the United States, has fallen dramatically as fewer Mexicans leave their country to look for work abroad amid a global economic downturn, the government said Thursday. The net outflow -- legal and illegal -- declined more than 50% in the 12 months ended in August compared with the same period a year earlier, said Eduardo Sojo, president of the board of Mexico's National Statistics, Geography and Information Institute. Full_Story
Sri Lanka troops capture another Tiger village Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:39am
Sri Lankan security forces seized another village from Tamil Tiger rebels, the government said Friday, as international concern mounted about the plight of civilians caught in the shrinking war zone. Full Story
Taliban network developing in Karachi Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:40am
The banned organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has established a strong network in Karachi, in association with local jihadi outfits and other groups, it has been learnt. This network is involved in major illegal activities and sending funds worth millions of rupees to the militants in Tribal Areas. Full Story
Swat accord wont affect Pakistans anti-terror resolve Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:41am
The Swat peace agreement will not affect Pakistans resolve to fight terrorism, Pakistans Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah Hussain Haroon has said. Haroon was addressing a gathering at the New York University on Tuesday night. The accord between the NWFP government and the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi should not be taken as a paradigm shift in Islamabads position on the struggle to rid its soil of terrorism, he said. Full Story
Madagascar forces retake government buildings Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:41am
Madagascar security forces regained control of four government ministries overnight from opposition activists, authorities said Friday. Police arrested 50 people and no injuries were reported. The buildings were taken over Thursday by supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who has been challenging the president for power. Full Story
Venezuelan opposition ask to look forwardPosted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:42am
Venezuelan opposition leader Henry Ramos Allup yesterday asked political forces opposed to President Hugo Chavez not play dumb''and''stop attributed to abstention and the''beneficial''the official election results from last Sunday. ''The opposition can not continue saying that they lost the referendum,''which allowed the unlimited reelection of any public office because of''abuse''of the Government or abstain, emphasized at a press the secretary general of the opposition Democratic Action Party (AD, Social Democrat). Full_Story
Civilian killed as Somali Islamists attack AU forcesPosted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:42am
Hardline Islamist militia attacked African Union forces in the Somali capital Friday, killing one civilian and wounding two others, witnesses said. The fighters attacked the AU's Burundian troops base in southern Mogadishu, sparking an exchange of fire. Full Story
Kyrgyz issues eviction notice to US Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:43am
Kyrgyzstan ordered U.S. forces on Friday to depart within six months from an air base key to military operations in Afghanistan, a move complicating plans to send more troops to battle rising Taliban and al-Qaida violence. Full Story
Rio mayor tries to control chaotic Carnival Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:43am
Rio's mayor has a plan he believes can tame this chaotic city, which is both beloved and loathed for the cacophony of sins that reach their apex during Carnival. His method: a "shock of order" campaign in which even the smallest of offenses will be punished.Full_Story
Official: SKorea to retaliate if NKorea attacks Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:44am
South Korea will retaliate if North Korea attacks its naval ships in waters near their disputed maritime border, the defense chief told lawmakers Friday. The unusually strong warning comes as North Korea steps up its war rhetoric in anger over South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's tough stance toward the North. Full Story
US official: Uzbeks allow transit to Afghanistan Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:45am
A U.S. military official says Uzbekistan will allow non-lethal U.S. military cargo heading to Afghanistan to transit through the country. Rear Admiral Mark Harnitchek says some of the goods will transported onward through Tajikistan, which also shares a border with Afghanistan. Full Story
Mexico: Army will stay, despite recent protests Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:45am
Mexico's president said Thursday the army will continue to battle the country's drug cartels, despite recent protests asking for the soldiers' withdrawal. Hundreds of people blocked bridges to the United States in three border cities Tuesday, demanding the army leave and accusing soldiers of abuse.Full_Story
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,245 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:46am
As of Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009, at least 4,245 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians killed in action. At least 3,411 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers. Full Story
Yemen sends terrorism suspect to Saudi Arabia Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:47am
Yemen says it has handed over another alleged al-Qaida operative to authorities in Saudi Arabia. The Interior Ministry says it sent back the Saudi national, Ahmed Owaidan al-Harbi, on Thursday, 20 days after his arrest in eastern Yemen. The ministry hasn't released any details on al-Harbi's case. Full Story
Californias $35 box levy gets go-ahead Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:47am
SHIPPERS moving containers through Los Angeles and Long Beach now face a $35 per container fee, as the controversial Clean Trucks Program limps ahead. The US Federal Maritime Commission voted last week by a two-to-one margin to let terminals at the two ports, at this time, set up the fee collection mechanism handled by a company call...Full_Story
Gaza militants fire 10 mortar shells, Qassam rocket at Negev Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:48am
Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Friday fired 10 mortar shells and a Qassam rocket at the western Negev, causing no casualties. Israel Defense Forces troops operating in the Kissufim area identified the explosions and opened fire in the direction of the launchers across the border. Full Story
UK hopes for deal on NATO force at summit Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:49am
The government said on Friday it hoped to get formal agreement on a proposal to create a small NATO rapid deployment force to defend mainland Europe and free up troops for Afghan duty at an alliance summit in April. Full Story
UK judge dismisses jury in airline plot case Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:51am
A judge has discharged the jury in the case of a group of British Muslims accused of plotting to blow up trans-Atlantic passenger jets in mid-air, citing legal reasons. Full Story
Police foil bomb attack at Citibank in Athens Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:51am
Greek police destroyed a powerful car bomb left outside the offices of Citibank in a northern Athens suburb early Wednesday in an escalation of left-wing militant attacks. Full Story
Radical cleric can be deported to Jordan Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:52am
Abu Qatada, a radical Muslim cleric once described as Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe, can be deported to Jordan despite his fears of torture, the top appeal court said on Wednesday. Full Story
Pakistanis rally for peace in militant strongholdPosted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 8:58am
A hardline cleric led hundreds of supporters in a peace march in Pakistan's Swat Valley on Wednesday aimed at convincing Taliban militants to lay down their weapons under a pact with the government. Full Story
More Troops Headed to Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:03am
President Obama has ordered the first combat deployments of his presidency, saying yesterday that he had authorized an additional 17,000 U.S. troops "to stabilize a deteriorating situation" in Afghanistan. Full Story
Militant plan to target security forces foiled, 4 IED recovered Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:06am
Security forces foiled a militant plan to cause blasts in north Kashmir when they arrested three militants and recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and pistols, official sources said today. Full Story
Three terrorists arrested Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:07am
Personnel of intelligence agencies on Tuesday arrested three alleged terrorists from the walled city and seized explosive material from their possession. Full Story
6 Taliban killed in Bajaur operation Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:08am
Security forces on Tuesday killed six Taliban during their ongoing operation to target suspected hideouts in Bajaur Agency, officials said. Full Story
Belgium: NATO Objects to Pakistan Truce With Taliban Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:10am
NATO warned Tuesday that a truce between the Pakistani government and Taliban militants in a restive region near the Afghan border risked giving the extremists a safe haven. Full Story
US quiet on Pakistan peace deal with Taliban Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:12am
While human rights groups and European officials criticize Pakistan's truce with Taliban fighters, the United States has had little to say. Full Story
CIA secretly using Pak airbase to fly drones Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:15am
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has secretly been using an airbase in southwestern Pakistan to launch the Predator drones to attack the militants within the country, a report said. Both Pakistan and US governments have repeatedly denied that Washington is conducting military operations, covert or otherwise, on Pakistani territory. Full Story
Amnesty for 60 Taliban: Afghan govt Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:17am
The Afghan government announced Tuesday it had given amnesty to nearly 60 Taliban fighters who had agreed to lay down their weapons, as some of them claimed they were misled into jihad or "holy war". Full Story
Hopes for U.S. military ties with China Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:17am
The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific said Wednesday that he hoped a visit to the region by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would lead to a resumption of high-level military exchanges with China. "We hope she gets some traction, and we're hoping for a resumption of that dialogue," Admiral Timothy Keating, head of U.S. Pacific Command, said at a small briefing in Hong Kong. Full Story
Taiwanese economy slumps into recession Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:19am
Taiwan's economy slumped 8.36 percent during the last three months of 2008, the government said Wednesday. The island's economy spiraled into recession with its second straight quarter of economic losses. For the third quarter of 2008, Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP), adjusted for inflation, slipped about 1 percent, according to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. Full Story
British, Afghan troops in Taliban drugs swoop Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:19am
Millions of pounds worth of drugs were seized in southern Afghanistan as more than 700 British and Afghan troops staged a major operation against Taliban fighters, officials said Wednesday. Full Story
New route links Afghanistan to sea, via Iran Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:21am
As President Obama's foreign policy team tries to make lemonade out of the diplomatic lemons it has inherited around the world, one region could represent low-hanging fruit: the Khyber Pass linking Pakistan with Afghanistan. Full Story
India: 70,000 trapped in Sri Lanka war zone Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:21am
India on Wednesday urged Sri Lanka's Tamil rebels to "release" civilians, who it said numbered about 70,000 in Sri Lanka's war zone. India is ready to help evacuate them, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Indian parliament. Full Story
US Puts Limits on Police Advisers in Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:22am
American civilian advisers to Afghanistan's National Police, considered the linchpin in any successful effort against the Taliban, say restrictions on their movements are making their efforts basically worthless. Full Story
Pressure on NATO allies after Obama's Afghan boost Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:24am
The United States will put pressure this week on its NATO allies to increase their commitments to Afghanistan but is not optimistic of fresh pledges of troops. Full Story
U.S. general investigates Afghan death claim Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 12:42pm
A U.S. general traveled to western Afghanistan on Wednesday to investigate claims that six women and two children were killed in a U.S. airstrike, officials said. Full Story
Bolivia to get Russian copters Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 8:38am
Bolivia will receive helicopters from Russia to help fight drugs and assistance to develop energy resources in the poor South American country, the Russian president said Monday. The moves were part of Moscow's push for more clout in Latin America. Bolivian President Evo Morales became the first leader from the landlocked Andean nation to visit Russia since Moscow and La Paz established diplomatic relations in 1945. Full Story
Mexican president meets with group of US lawmakers Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 8:44am
Mexico says a group of U.S. legislators recognizes the country is making progress in the fight against drug trafficking. President Felipe Calderon's office says the lawmakers expressed interest in expediting the disbursement of a multimillion-dollar U.S. anti-drug aid package approved last year. Full Story
Pakistan Makes a Taliban Truce, Creating a Haven Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:04am
The government announced Monday that it would accept a system of Islamic law in the Swat valley and agreed to a truce, effectively conceding the area as a Taliban sanctuary and suspending a faltering effort by the army to crush the insurgents. Full Story
From Pakistan, Taliban Threats Reach New York Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:05am
Last June, Bakht Bilind Khan, who was living in the Bronx and working at a fast-food restaurant, returned to his village in the volatile Swat Valley of northern Pakistan to visit his wife and seven children for the first time in three years. Full Story
8 British men tried for alleged airline bomb plot Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:05am
Eight British Muslims plotted to cause unprecedented carnage by blowing up passenger planes over the Atlantic Ocean with homemade liquid bombs disguised as soft drinks, a prosecutor said at their trial Tuesday. Full Story
2 escape French prison, take hostages, recaptured Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:05amT
wo convicts who broke out of a French prison and took bystanders hostage were captured Tuesday after a shootout in a suburban Paris highway tunnel, police said. Full Story
Pak yet to confirm arrest of Lakhvi, Zarar Shah Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:06am
More than 24 hours after it was reported in Pakistan that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Zarar Shah, the two Laskae-e-Taiba commanders whoallegedly masterminded the Mumbai attacks, had been arrested, there was still no official word on their whereabouts. Pakistan is yet to confirm their arrest. Full Story
Kosovo marks 'independence day' Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:07am
Events are being held across Kosovo on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of its unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia. Full Story
US troops kill Taliban's shadow governor for Badghis province Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:08am
US forces killed the shadow governor of Afghanistan's northwestern province of Badghis and eight other Taliban leaders and fighters during an airstrike on a village near the border with Turkmenistan. Full Story
Rome to dismantle illegal camps Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:09am
The authorities in Rome have begun dismantling illegal camps amid an outcry over three rapes last weekend that have been blamed on immigrants. Full Story
US airstrike in Pakistan's Kurram tribal agency kills 30 Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:09am
The US appears to be expanding its campaign of cross-border strikes into Pakistan after several unmanned US Predator aircraft conducted multiple attacks in the Taliban-controlled tribal agency of Kurram. Full Story
Ireland Swings in Favor of EU Treaty Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:11am
There has been a swing towards a "Yes" vote to the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in Ireland with 51 percent now in favor, according to a poll conducted by the Irish Times newspaper, published Monday, Feb. 16. Full Story
Clinton warns North Korea on missiles Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:11am
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her first full day on a weeklong tour of Asia, warned North Korea on Tuesday not to undertake a test of a long-range missile, as it has threatened. "The possible missile launch that North Korea is talking about would be very unhelpful in moving our relationship forward," Clinton said after a meeting with the Japanese foreign minister, Hirofumi Nakasone. Full Story
Tamil Tigers 'target civilians' Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:25am
The United Nations says it has received reports that Tamil Tiger rebels are actively preventing civilians from leaving Sri Lanka's war zone. It says a growing number of those trying to leave have been shot at and some have been killed. Full Story
China set to boost Venezuela ties Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:27am
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is due in Venezuela as part of a visit to boost Chinese ties in the region. Mr Xi is expected to sign agreements including joint ventures with Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said. Full Story
Worst Argentine Drought Since 61Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:50amArgentinas soybean farmers are braced for another week of scorching temperatures that may extend crop losses from the countrys worst drought since 1961. Temperatures will approach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Pampas farming area, evaporating soil moisture and reducing potential yields, according to the Rosario Board of Trade, where most of the countrys soybeans are traded. Full Story
Remittances to Ecuador Down 22% in 4th Quarter of 2008 as World Economic Crisis Begins to Bite Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:51am
Remittances sent home by Ecuadorians living abroad fell 22 percent in the fourth quarter of last year relative to the same period of 2007, the Central Bank said. The total value of money transfers to Ecuador between October and December 2008 came in at $643.9 million, $181.7 million less than the amount registered in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Full Story
Al-Qaeda gains strength, active in North Caucasus - envoy Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:16am
Al-Qaeda, the international terrorist organization, has not become weaker but gained in strength, while hundreds of similar extremist groups have emerged worldwide, a Russian presidential representative said on Tuesday. Full Story
SAARC failure overshadows anti-terrorism taskforce Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:19am
The idea of regional anti-terrorism taskforce for South Asia is unlikely to shine as the past initiatives taken by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to counter terrorism did not succeed, thanks to the India-Pakistan rift. Full Story
Australia offers more help, military training to Pakistan Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:21am
Australia will increase economic aid to Pakistan and quadruple the number of Pakistani army officers it trains as the nation battles terrorism and economic crisis. Full Story
JuD leader arrested for Mumbai terror attack Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:27am
Jamaat-ud-Dawah's (JuD) Rawalpindi chief Nazir Ahmed has been arrested in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks, authorities said Tuesday. Full Story
Pakistan army vows to hold fire in Swat Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:29am
Pakistan's military on Tuesday vowed to hold fire and respect a controversial agreement signed between the government and militants to enforce Islamic law in the violence-torn Swat valley. Full Story
Will Pakistan's Shari'a Pact Calm or Inflame a Troubled Region?Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:35am
In a desperate move to deal with an intractable radical insurgency, the Pakistan government says it will impose a form of Islamic law in the area of Swat Valley in the northwestern corner of the country. As a result, Islamabad's faltering military campaign there has been put on hold, and the militants have agreed to a tentative ceasefire. But many observers fear that, far from calming the conflict, the government has capitulated to the Islamist guerrillas and has set a worrying precedent - one that will surely displease some U.S. officials who want the government to take a harder line against militants. Full Story
Canada wants "frank" talks on NATO in Afghanistan Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:39am
The struggling effort to defeat the Taliban and bring security to Afghanistan means it is time for a "frank discussion" about the future of NATO, Canada's defense minister said on Monday. Full Story
Bottom-up approach needed in Afghanistan: report Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:40am
The drive to stabilize Afghanistan must focus on cultivating local leaders, better training of Afghan troops and police, and pressing Kabul to fight corruption, a report by a U.S. think tank said on Tuesday. Full Story
U.N. report: Civilian casualties hit record high in Afghan conflict Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:43am
The number of civilians killed in armed conflict in Afghanistan rose 40 percent last year, to a record 2,118, a U.N. report said Tuesday. Full Story
Nuclear subs collide in Atlantic Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:02am
A Royal Navy nuclear submarine was involved in a collision with a French nuclear sub in the middle of the Atlantic, the MoD has confirmed. HMS Vanguard and Le Triomphant were badly damaged in the crash in heavy seas earlier this month. Full Story
Anti-terror tactics 'weaken law' Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:03am
The UK and the US have "actively undermined" international law in the way they fight terrorism, a report by judges and lawyers has said. The independent International Commission of Jurists carried out a three-year global study. Full Story
UK to shift anti-terror strategy Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:04am
The UK government is preparing a major shift in its counter-terrorism strategy to combat radicalisation, the BBC's Panorama programme has learned. Conservative Muslims who teach that Islam is incompatible with Western democracy will be challenged as part of a new approach, Panorama has been told. Full Story
Tons of Radioactive Material From India Found in Germany Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:06am
Germany is investigating 150 tons of steel items imported from India which were contaminated with radioactivity, a leading newsmagazine said in a report to appear in its Monday issue. Full Story
On Dresden Anniversary, Massive Protest Against Neo-Nazi March Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:07am
Thousands turned out in central Dresden to protest a march by far-right supporters on the 64th anniversary of the Allied firebombing of the city. Police clashed with left-wing protestors, who threw stones and bottles. Full Story
Islamic law to be imposed in parts of northwest Pakistan Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:13am
The government agreed to impose Islamic law and suspend a military offensive across a large swath of northwest Pakistan on Monday in concessions aimed at pacifying a spreading Taliban insurgency there. The announcement came after talks with local Islamists, including one closely linked to the Taliban.Full Story
Pakistan may seek custody of surviving Mumbai gunman Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:16am
Pakistan may ask India for custody of the only gunman to survive the Mumbai attacks to strengthen its prosecution of those behind the assault, Pakistan's top interior ministry official said on Saturday. Full Story
North Korea to press ahead with missile launch Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:20am
North Korea suggested on Monday that it will press ahead with test-launching what its neighbors believe is a ballistic missile capable of reaching as far as Alaska. "One will come to know later what will be launched," the North's state-run news agency, KCNA, said, commenting on recent news reports in the region that the isolated country has been readying its longest-range Taepodong-2 missile for a test launch from a base on its east coast. Full Story
U.S. airstrike kills 30 in Pakistan Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:21am
Two missiles fired from American drone aircraft killed more than 30 people, including Qaeda and Taliban fighters, near the Pakistani border with Afghanistan on Saturday, according to a Pakistani intelligence official and residents of the area. Full Story
U.S. envoy reaches out to Iran in Afghan visit Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:24am
President Barack Obama's top envoy to Afghanistan declared Sunday that Iran should play a vital role helping stabilize the war-torn country. It was the latest statement by Obama officials signaling a clear shift away from the Bush administration's policy of avoiding direct engagement with Tehran. Full Story
'Pashtunistan' holds key to Obama mission Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:28am
The mountainous borderlands where Afghanistan meets Pakistan have been described as a Grand Central Station for Islamic terrorists, a place where militants come and go and the Taliban trains its fighters. Now Barack Obama has made solving the 'Af-Pak' question a top priority. But could the battle to tame the Pashtun heartland become his Vietnam? Full Story
Pakistani militants free Chinese engineer Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:29am
Pakistani Taliban militants have freed a Chinese telecommunications engineer after holding him captive for more than five months, a spokesman for the militants and Chinese officials said on Sunday. Full Story
Taliban to cease fire in Pakistan's Swat Valley Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:31am
The Taliban announced a 10-day cease-fire in Pakistan's Swat Valley on Sunday after freeing a Chinese hostage during peace talks with the government, while an abducted American threatened with imminent death by his kidnappers remained missing. Full Story
Pakistan, pro-Taliban group in peace talks Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:32am
Pakistani officials on Sunday hammered out a peace deal with a Taliban-linked group that could lead to the enforcement of elements of Islamic law in parts of the northwest, prompting militants in the blood-soaked Swat Valley to declare a 10-day cease-fire as a goodwill gesture. Full Story
Sri Lanka's ruling coalition wins provincial polls Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:34am
Sri Lanka's ruling coalition won control of two provincial assemblies, according to election results Sunday, in a victory seen as an endorsement of government efforts to defeat separatist Tamil Tiger rebels. The governing United People's Freedom Alliance coalition won 34 of 56 seats in the Central provincial council and about 65 percent of the votes counted for the North Western provincial council in Saturday's elections, the Department of Elections said. Counting in one electorate was still not complete. Full Story
CIA Helped India, Pakistan Share Secrets in Probe of Mumbai SiegePosted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:37amIn the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, the CIA orchestrated back-channel intelligence exchanges between India and Pakistan, allowing the two former enemies to quietly share highly sensitive evidence while the Americans served as neutral arbiters, according to U.S. and foreign government sources familiar with the arrangement. Full Story
Islamic Law Proposed as Part of Deal in Pakistan Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:39am
Pakistani officials on Sunday hammered out a peace deal with a Taliban-linked group that could lead to the enforcement of elements of Islamic law in parts of Pakistan's northwest, prompting insurgents in the Swat Valley to declare a 10-day cease-fire as a goodwill gesture. Full Story
Pakistan and Taliban appear near deal Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:48am
Government officials and Taliban militants appeared to be near a deal Sunday on the violent Swat region of northern Pakistan, where the militants declared a unilateral 10-day cease-fire and the government indicated it was willing to accept the imposition of Islamic law. Full Story
Finger pointed at U.S. over deadly missile strike Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:50am
The United States is suspected in a missile strike that killed at least 15 people Monday in western Pakistan, a Pakistani official said. At least seven people were also injured in the attack near the Afghan border about 9 a.m. Monday, according to an official in Kurram agency. The death toll is expected to rise, intelligence sources said. Full Story
CIA Helped India, Pakistan Share Secrets in Probe of Mumbai Siege Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 10:07am
In the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, the CIA orchestrated back-channel intelligence exchanges between India and Pakistan, allowing the two former enemies to quietly share highly sensitive evidence while the Americans served as neutral arbiters, according to U.S. and foreign government sources familiar with the arrangement. Full Story
Key Afghan Taleban chief 'killed' Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 10:09am
The US-led forces in Afghanistan say they have killed a wanted Taleban commander in the country's west. Mullah Dastagir was killed along with other militants in an air strike in Badghis province, the US army said. Full Story
Militant threats chill Pakistani entertainers Posted on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 10:19am
Singer Sardar Yousafzai and his band were driving from a wedding gig when the gunmen burst onto the road, firing without warning. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
