Italy: Five arrested for "bomb-making" plans Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 5:26pm
Italy's telecommunications police have arrested five people in the southern city of Catania for distributing bomb-making instructions on Internet websites. Full Story
Obama Plans to Send 4,000 Troops to Train Afghans Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:41am
President Barack Obama plans to send 4,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan in an effort to confront the threat posed by the Taliban and al-Qaeda there and in neighboring Pakistan, administration officials said. Obama is set to unveil his new strategy for the eight-year- old conflict in Afghanistan tomorrow. The goal is to disrupt, weaken and ultimately destroy havens and support for al-Qaeda, whose leaders, including Osama bin Laden, are now in Pakistan and plotting new attacks against the U.S., the officials, who briefed reporters on the plan, said. Full Story
Afghan intel chief: Pakistan spies support Taliban Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:41am
Afghanistan's intelligence chief accused Pakistan's spy agency of helping Taliban militants carry out attacks in his country, highlighting one of the biggest challenges facing the Obama administration as it prepared Thursday to launch a new strategy for the Afghan conflict. Full Story
Saudi Arabia: Senior al-Qaeda Leader Surrenders Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:42am
Senior al-Qaeda leader Fahad al-Ruwaily returned to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday voluntarily and turned himself in, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki. Al-Ruwaily was on a list of the kingdom's 85 most wanted terrorists living abroad. Full Story
Roadside-bomb menace shifting to Afghanistan Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:43am
The latest attacks killed 10 civilians and injured three Australian soldiers, underscoring the dangers facing U.S. troops, whose presence will soon grow. Full Story
Pakistani region where the brutal Taleban have taken control Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:52am
The Taleban are back in charge, and this time in Pakistan. In Mingora only 110 miles northwest of Islamabad, the capital, these hooded enforcers are the law, patrolling the streets and meting out summary justice. Full Story
Russia Considers Major Troop Withdrawal in Chechnya Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:53am
Russia is reported considering the withdrawal of more than 20,000 Interior Ministry troops from Chechnya and an effective end to a state of war in the Caucasus republic. The move may be linked to financial problems caused by the global economic crisis. Full Story
US general: American forces may not leave key Iraqi cities Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:10am
The US withdrawal from Iraq is under way. Some troops are preparing to go home and others have pulled back from outposts to bases. But the planned pullback of American soldiers from all Iraqi cities by the end of June will probably not be fully met. Full Story
Bomb strikes mosque in Pakistan Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:11am
A bomb has exploded at a mosque in the town of Jamrud in the Khyber agency in north-west Pakistan, officials say. Initial reports say that three people have been killed and about 40 wounded in the explosion. However, the death toll is expected to rise. Full Story
Ahead of G-20 summit, Britons alerted to 'dirty bomb' risk Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:12am
After decades of campaigns by Irish Republicans and, most recently, Islamist militants, Britons have become used to the daily threat of terrorism. But in a warning that the stakes have been raised and just days before world leaders gather here for the Group of 20 meeting a warning was given this week that a so-called dirty bomb on a British city is more likely than ever. Full Story
Kyrgyz opposition stages protests against president Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:13am
Kyrgyzstan's opposition staged nationwide protests on Friday against President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, accusing him of failing to implement economic reforms and of strong-arming rivals ahead of a July presidential poll. Full Story
Japan says ready to shoot down N.Korea missile Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:14am
Japan on Friday gave its military the green light to shoot down any incoming North Korean rocket, with tensions high ahead of a planned launch that the US and allies say will be an illegal missile test. Full Story
US official: talks on Kyrgyzstan base continue Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:15am
A senior U.S. official said Friday that negotiations are continuing with Kyrgyzstan over a key American air base that the Central Asian country has ordered U.S. forces to leave this year. The base provides support for military operations in Afghanistan and its potential closure poses a challenge to President Barack Obama's plan to send up to 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan this year to fight surging Taliban and al-Qaida violence. Full Story
Army mulls 'Afghanistan troop surge' Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 6:16am
The head of the army has earmarked extra troops to send to Afghanistan, The Times reported on Friday, as US President Barack Obama prepared to unveil a new strategy for the war there. Full Story
Thai troops 'cross into Cambodia 'Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:25am
Thai soldiers have reportedly entered Cambodia near a disputed temple where the two sides briefly exchanged fire last year. A spokesman for Cambodia's government said that about 100 troops had crossed the border. A Thai border commander denied there had been any troop movements and said there had been no increase in tension. Full Story
China says Tibet video is 'a lie 'Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:28am
China says video footage that purportedly shows Chinese security personnel violently beating Tibetans last year is "a lie". The video apparently shows protesters being beaten with sticks, and kicked and choked by China's security forces. The Tibetan government-in-exile says the footage shows China's "brutality". But a Chinese government official said many of the images and voices in the video had been pieced together from different sources. Full Story
New Zealand company hires hacker Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:32am
A top New Zealand telecommunications company has hired a teenager who admitted to taking part in an international cyber-crime network. TelstraClear said former hacker Owen Thor Walker was advising corporate customers on internet crime. Mr Walker had been at the centre of a criminal network that infiltrated more than a million computers globally. Full Story
India editor shot dead by gunmen Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:48am
Unidentified gunmen have shot dead the editor of a newspaper in India's north-eastern Assam state, police say. Anil Mazumder, editor of the Assamese daily Aji (Today), was attacked by armed men when he was returning home in the state capital, Guwahati, they said. Full Story
UK 'in Afghanistan for long term 'Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:53am
British forces may be in Afghanistan for another five years while civilians could stay more than 20 years, the new UK ambassador to Afghanistan has said. Mark Sedwill, who will take up his post next week, told BBC Radio 5 Live the Afghan army and police should be strong enough in five years to take over. Full Story
Bomb Kills 9 Civilians in Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 10:02am
An explosive device ripped through a minibus on Wednesday, killing nine civilians and wounding seven others on a road frequently using by security forces and international troops in eastern Afghanistan, the police said. Full Story
'Threat Of Britons Trained By Al Qaeda 'Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 12:46pm
Pakistan has monitored more than 20 Britons believed to have spent time with radical militant groups and then returned to the UK, Sky News has learned. Full Story
G20 anarchists plan wave of strikes against Canary Wharf and BT Tower Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 4:03pm
An anarchist group is planning to "switch off the lights" at some of London's most iconic buildings, including Canary Wharf and the BT Tower, in the run up to the G20 summit in the capital next week, The Daily Telegraph has learned.Full Story
U.S. shares blame for Mexico drug violence, Clinton says Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:34am
In candid comments aimed at reassuring a sensitive neighbor, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton accepted Wednesday that the United States shares blame for Mexico's drug violence, and promised more equipment and support to help the country's war against traffickers. Clinton said the U.S. has a duty to help since it is a major consumer of illicit drugs and a key supplier of weapons smuggled to cartel hit men.Full Story
Mexican drug cartel hoped playing U.S. informant would safeguard future Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:37am
As part of his job with one of Mexico's most feared drug cartels, Guillermo Eduardo Rammrez-Peyro presided over at least five murders, including one where he held down the victim's legs while a henchman and two police officers bashed his skull with a shovel.Rammrez-Peyro, a U.S. government informant, tape-recorded the 2003 murder at the so-called ''House of Death'' in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, providing proof for what he thought would ultimately earn him safe haven in the United States.Full Story
U.S. oil contracts studied suspend operations in Venezuela Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:39am
"A March 23, four of eleven wells in land drilling in Venezuela were stopping.''The rest are still active, said the spokesman for H & P, Late John Paul, in an email sent to AFP. The Venezuelan state oil owed to the company, which specializes in providing material extraction, about $ 100 million in late January, according to their data. The firm explained that PDVSA has paid less than 1% of their debt so far this year, H & P.Full Stroy
Mexico nabs one of 'most-wanted' traffickers Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:42am
Soldiers captured one of Mexico's most-wanted smugglers, a man accused of controlling the flow of drugs through the northern city of Monterrey for the powerful Beltran-Leyva cartel, the Mexican army said Wednesday. The announcement came just hours before U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Mexico for a two-day visit to discuss security issues and U.S. support for Mexico's battle against the drug cartels.Full Story
Venezuelan Opposition Strike a Failure Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:44am
The Socialist Workers's Front of Venezuela (FTS) termed an absolute failure the attempted education strike in the country, where responsibility and conscience of teachers prevailed. In remarks to Venezolana de Television, FTS member William Lozada stressed that the opposition strike was a real failure because school activities are developing normally.Full Story
Ex-Argentine President Charged With Fraud Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:45am
Former Argentine President Carlos Menem has been charged with fraud in connection with a contract awarded to a local subsidiary of a French defense company. Mr. Menem's government awarded a concession to electronics firm Thales Spectrum in the 1990s to oversee the South American country's broadcast frequencies. But the contract was canceled by Mr. Menem's successor, Nestor Kirchner, after allegations of irregularities surfaced.Full Story
In Canada, 2 Oil Giants Said Near Merger Deal Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:48am
Suncor Energy is in advanced talks to acquire Petro-Canada in a stock-based deal worth $15 billion, people familiar with the talks said on Sunday. If successful, the merger would combine two of the largest operators in the Canadian oils sands, which have high production costs and have become a target of environmental groups. An agreement is expected to be announced on Monday.Full Story
UK charity probed over Bangladesh 'bomb factory 'Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 8:55am
British and Bangladeshi authorities on Thursday probed allegations that a charity was linked to a huge cache of weapons and bomb-making equipment found in a religious school in Bangladesh. Full Story
Belfast judge orders alleged IRA dissidents freed Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 8:56am
Northern Ireland's senior judge ordered the immediate release Wednesday of six suspected IRA dissidents being interrogated over recent killings of soldiers and police, ruling that their 11-day detention was illegal. Full Story
French strikers hold 3M exec hostage amid talks Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 8:57am
Striking French workers for U.S. manufacturer 3M held their boss hostage amid labor talks Wednesday at a plant south of Paris, as anger over layoffs and cutbacks mounted around the country. Full Story
Sarkozy visits Congolese leader Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 9:00am
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo to discuss ways of securing peace in the troubled east of the country. Mr Sarkozy, who is joined by French ministers and businessmen, has held talks with President Joseph Kabila. Full Story
U.S. agents to be sent to Mexican border to bolster war on drugs
Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:14am
An epidemic of drug-related violence that has claimed thousands of lives in northern Mexico and begun to spill over into U.S. border cities has once again thrust Mexico into the first tier of President Barack Obama's security concerns. The administration announced Tuesday that it is sending more federal agents and high-tech equipment to the U.S.-Mexican border in an attempt to blunt violence in both countries. One aim is to staunch the flow of U.S. weapons into Mexico, which Mexican officials say is fueling the drug wars.Full Story
Interpol announced visit to the country Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:28am
The last time the agency visited Colombia confirmed that the files from the computer of Raul Reyes were not altered. The secretary general of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Ronald Kenneth Noble, will visit Colombia on Thursday.Full Story
Residential mortgage portfolio grew 2.3% Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:53am
During the fourth quarter of last year, the entities that finance housing in the country closed with a balance of total capital of 18.96 billion pesos, representing an increase of 2.3%, according to the Dane. The balance of total capital, 6.8 billion dollars were earmarked to finance VIS (social housing) and a No VIS 12.10 billion, an increase in funding of 2.8% and VIS VIS No 2 %.Full Story
The Bank disbursed U.S. $ 18.000 million to avoid the crisis Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:55am
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) disbursed U.S. $ 18,000 million in loans this year to overcome the global crisis, convinced also that the incorporation of China into the body reaches the best time for Latin America. This was said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, in a press conference in Medellin, where the preliminaries begin on Wednesday at the Board of Governors, which will run until March 31.Full Story
Home of ex-Royal Bank of Scotland chief vandalized Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:57am
Vandals attacked the home of former Royal Bank of Scotland head Fred Goodwin early Wednesday, smashing windows at the house of the ex-CEO whose 700,000 pound ($1.2 million) annual pension has prompted public outrage. Full Story
Ex-Sinn Fein politician charged with killing cop Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:58am
A former Sinn Fein councilman was arraigned Wednesday on charges of murdering a Northern Ireland policeman and a senior judge ordered police to free or charge six other suspected Irish Republican Army dissidents held over recent killings. Full Story
Czech government loses no-confidence vote Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:59am
The Czech government collapsed Tuesday after losing a parliamentary no-confidence vote over its handling of the economic crisis. Full Story
Vaccine scare threatens health in Ukraine Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 8:59am
A widespread scare about vaccine side effects in Ukraine has led to a sharp drop in immunizations that could result in disease outbreaks spreading beyond the former Soviet republic, international and local health officials say. Full Story
U.S. Weighs Sharif as Partner in Pakistan Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:00am
The opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, sealed his place as the most popular politician in Pakistan this month when he defied his house detention and led a triumphant protest that forced the government to restore the countrys chief justice. Full Story
Moodys defends Mexico rating Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:05am
Mexico is not about to become a failed state as a result of escalating drugs-related violence and is in no immediate danger of losing investment grade status, Moodys Investors Service said on Tuesday. The ratings agency said: Despite heightened anxiety about the escalation of violence and organised crime activity, Mexico does not fit the general profile of countries identified as failed states.Full Story
Pakistan: Local militant leader threatens to quash Swat peace deal Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:06am
A local militant in northwest Pakistan's troubled Swat district, Maulana Sufi Mohammad, has threatened to withdraw from the historic peace accord recently signed with the provincial government. Mohammad says he is unhappy at what he calls the slow pace of implementation of the accord. Full Story
Japanese exports plunge nearly 50% Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:06am
Japan's exports nearly halved last month, the biggest decline on record, as car shipments to the US and Europe plummeted. Exports tumbled by 49.4%, the sharpest decline since Japan's ministry of finance began compiling trade figures in 1980. Japan's carmakers have been among the hardest hit by the global downturn. Shipments of cars plunged 64%, with those to the US down 71%. Overall exports to the US fell by 58%. Full Story
Al Qaeda-trained Britons return from Pakistan Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:09am
More than 20 Britons who have trained in al Qaeda terror camps inside Pakistan have returned to Britain, according to Pakistani intelligence. Full Story
Taliban warn against cellular service in Waziristan Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:11am
The Taliban on Tuesday warned the government to stop expanding its mobile telephone network in Waziristan, claiming it would be used to spy on them. Full Story
SBP asks banks not to open accounts of members of banned organisations Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:12am
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a list of members of banned outfits and ordered all banks to scrutinise the list before opening accounts or transferring money, sources told Daily Times on Tuesday. Full Story
No operation in Khyber Agency likely, says govt Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:14am
The government has contradicted the rumors that it was planning an operation in Khyber Agency on Tuesday. A FATA Secretariat statement said a wrong impression was being created by some circles that the government was planning an operation in some parts of tribal areas. Full Story
Militants warn of fresh attacks in Kashmir Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:15amA hardline Pakistan-based Islamist militant group warned Wednesday of fresh attacks against Indian troops, as the army said a "large number" of guerrillas were poised to infiltrate Kashmir. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
CONFLICT & TERROR ROUNDUP PART 2
YouTube Blocked in China, Google Says Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:16am
Google said Tuesday that its YouTube video-sharing Web site had been blocked in China. Google said it did not know why the site had been blocked, but a report by the official Xinhua news agency of China on Tuesday said that supporters of the Dalai Lama had fabricated a video that appeared to show Chinese police officers brutally beating Tibetans after riots last year in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. Full Story
Kashmir on alert amid fears of militant incursion Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:16am
Areas in Jammu and Kashmir bordering Pakistan have been put on 'highest alert' after reports that militants are getting together to penetrate into India ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, says the state's police chief. Full Story
People, money needed to watch Afghanistan spending Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:17am
The investigator overseeing spending for Afghanistan's reconstruction says he needs more people and money to ensure that the $32 billion the U.S. has committed for improvement projects is being spent properly. Full Story
Obama to unveil Afghanistan strategy on Friday Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:19am
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to announce the results of his review of Afghanistan policy on Friday, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. Full Story
N. Korea Warns Over Stalled Talks Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:20am
North Korea said Tuesday that if the United States pushed for United Nations sanctions against it after its planned satellite launching, that would spell a definitive end to the stalled six-nation talks on ending its nuclear weapons program. North Korea says it will launch a satellite between April 4 and 8. The United States, Japan and South Korea consider the launching tantamount to a missile test and have all warned that they would try to punish what they called a provocative move in the United Nations Security Council. Full Story
Spain to withdraw Kosovo troops Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12:39pm
The Spanish government has confirmed it will withdraw most of its 600 troops from Kosovo by the end of this summer. Full Story
Iraqi leader gives PKK ultimatum Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12:39pm
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has told Kurdish guerrillas using northern Iraq as a base for attacks on Turkey to lay down their arms or leave the territory. He was speaking alongside his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, who is the first Turkish head of state to visit Iraq for more than 30 years. Full Story
Colombia Orders Return of Stolen Farmland Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:32pm
As with so many crimes of war, what happened here in the dense, humid jungles of northwestern Colombia more than a decade ago might easily have been forgotten. Illegal militias forced hundreds of poor black farmers off their land, which politically connected businessmen then seized and turned into lucrative palm oil plantations.Full Story
Mexico: Alleged drug trafficker arrested Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:37pm
An alleged drug trafficker suspected of an attack on a U.S. consulate and killing Mexican soldiers has been arrested, Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced Friday, according to the state news agency. Sigifredo Najera Talamantes, also known as El Canicon, is also suspected of attacks on a television station in Monterrey in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, Notimex agency said.Full Story
Chavez cuts budget over oil price Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:38pm
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has unveiled a series of measures to offset falling oil revenues that account for about 50% of the national budget. He proposed to cut the 2009 budget by 6.7% and increase sales taxes.Full Story
Drug cartels raise the stakes on human smuggling Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:42pm
Mexican drug cartels and their vast network of associates have branched out from their traditional business of narcotics trafficking and are now playing a central role in the multibillion-dollar-a-year business of illegal immigrant smuggling, U.S. law enforcement officials and other experts say. The business of smuggling humans across the Mexican border has always been brisk, with many thousands coming across every year.Full Story
Mexico urges US to stick to trade deal Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:43pm
Mexico has called for full liberalisation of the US transport sector to resolve an escalating trade dispute between Washington and its southern neighbour. Beatriz Leycegui, under-secretary for international trade at the economy ministry, told the Financial Times: We expect them to open up the sector completely, which is what they are obliged to do. Full Story
U.S. plans to boost civilian aid to Pakistan Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:08am
The Obama administration plans to dramatically increase civilian aid to Pakistan as part of its new strategy on Afghanistan and the surrounding region, hoping the overture will lead to more effective steps by the Pakistani military to shut down insurgent sanctuaries, U.S. officials said. Full Story
Troops destroy militant hideouts in Uch district Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:09am
Troops on Monday destroyed two hideouts in Balochistan that were being used by militants and outlaws, officials said. A large quantity of weapons, rockets, explosives and communication equipment were found at the secret hideouts, a paramilitary spokesman said. The arms cache was destroyed, he added. Full Story
Celluar company launches service in S WaziristanPosted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:11amPakistans largest cellular company will launch its service in the Taliban-infested South Waziristan Agency from today (Tuesday), residents and officials said on Monday. Full Story
Pak intelligence warns of terror attacks; security beefed up Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:12am
Security was tightened across Pakistan on Tuesday following an intelligence warning that Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud had sent 20 foreign militants, most of them Uzbeks, to carry out terror strikes in major cities. Full Story
Kasabs trial begins, tells court he is Pakistani Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:14am
Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving suspect captured by Indian police during the Mumbai attacks, on Monday told an Indian court he was from Pakistan and would accept a court-appointed lawyer to defend him. Full Story
Western officials in plot to dilute powers of President Karzai Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:18am
The West is considering a plan to undermine President Karzai of Afghanistan by forcing him to install a powerful chief of staff to run the Government, diplomats say. Full Story
U.S. wants Afghanistan exit strategy Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:19am
The United States said on Monday it had found an encouraging symmetry of views with its NATO and EU allies after outlining a strategy review meant to end a stalemate in Afghanistan. Full Story
Coalition forces in Afghanistan should fight drug trafficking - Russian drug service head Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:22am
The issue of the continued deployment of coalition forces in Afghanistan should be contingent on their duties and competence in destroying drug crops and drug laboratories, Russian Federal Drug Control Service Chairman Viktor Ivanov said at the meeting of the heads of anti-drug agencies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) countries in Moscow on Tuesday. Full Story
N.Ireland teen charged with dissident IRA killing Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:22am
A Northern Ireland teenager charged with the dissident IRA killing of a policeman had an assault rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition and refused to say a word to his interrogators during 13 days of questioning, a detective testified Tuesday at the defendant's first court appearance. Full Story
Foreign Service Jobs in Afghanistan to Grow Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:25am
The State Department will significantly expand its presence in regional capitals in western and northern Afghanistan in coming months, part of the Obama administration's plans for a "surge" in civilians going to the country. Full Story
UK: 2 charged with Columbine anniversary bomb plot Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:25am
British prosecutors say they've charged two teens with plotting to bomb a school on the 10th anniversary of the Columbine High School killings in the United States. Full Story
Georgian police arrest 10 opposition activists Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:26am
Georgian police arrested 10 opposition activists on suspicion of illegally buying firearms, authorities said. Opposition leaders, however, accused police of planting weapons at the homes of some of the activists so they could be arrested. Full Story
Scandals Cloud Succession in Newly Unsure Malaysia Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:35am
A slew of political scandals gripping Malaysia and a transfer of power fraught with uncertainty have shaken the elite here, with exquisitely poor timing. As a major trading nation, Malaysia has been slammed by the global downturn. Its exports have collapsed by nearly one-third, and current projections show that its economy will shrink by as much as 5 percent this year. Full Story
China Urges New Money Reserve to Replace Dollar Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:39am
In another indication that China is growing increasingly concerned about holding huge dollar reserves, the head of its central bank has called for the eventual creation of a new international currency reserve to replace the dollar. In a paper released Monday, Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the Peoples Bank of China, said a new currency reserve system controlled by the International Monetary Fund could prove more stable and economically viable. Full Story
Terrorism Recruiting Manual Worries Authorities Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:40am
For months now, counterterrorism officials have seen signs that al-Qaida has been looking for new and innovative ways to recruit terrorists, including a new manual that has surfaced on the Internet. Full Story
Chicagoan charged with threatening Jewish school Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:41am
A 24-year-old Chicago man was charged Friday with threatening to set off explosives near Jewish schools in the metropolitan area if Israel didn't halt military actions in Gaza. Full Story
UK: Threat of dirty bombs 'increased' Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:51am
There is an increased risk terrorists could get hold of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons to attack the UK, the Home Office has said. The assessment comes as Home Secretary Jacqui Smith unveiled a new UK strategy to tackle an evolved terrorist threat. Full Story
Japanese opposition aide charged Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:56am
An aide to Japanese opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa has been charged with violating a political funds law, Japanese media has reported. Kyodo news agency said the aide, 47-year-old Takanori Okubo, appeared to be denying the charges. Full Story
S Korea-EU talks yield trade deal Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:06am
South Korea says it has reached a provisional free trade agreement with the European Union after nearly two years of negotiations. A South Korean trade official said the two sides had agreed on almost all outstanding issues. The free trade agreement has been described as an important step at a time of rising protectionism amid the world economic slowdown. Full Story
Fierce gun fight rages in Kashmir Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:08am
The Indian army says 16 militants have been killed in an ongoing gun battle with security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir. Eight soldiers have also died in the fire fight, which has entered its fifth day in Shamsabari, the army said. Full Story
China to buy more U.S. debt Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:10am
China, holder of nearly $1 trillion in U.S. debt, will keep buying Treasuries, but will keep a close eye on their value just the same, a Chinese government official said. "Investing in U.S. Treasury bonds is an important component of China's foreign currency reserve investments," said Hu Xiaolian, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China. "We are naturally relatively concerned with the safety and profitability of U.S. government bonds." Full Story
Poll: 60pct in UK unconvinced about Afghan mission Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:32am
Most Britons don't buy their government's argument for keeping a military presence in Afghanistan, a poll published Monday shows. Full Story
UN warns of rising demand for clean water Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:33am
Worldwide demand for water is rising just as access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains inadequate in much of the developing world, the United Nations said Monday, calling for better management to alleviate water shortages. Full Story
Serbia seeks IMF emergency loan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:33am
Serbia has begun talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to agree an emergency loan worth up to 2bn euros (#1.8bn). The money will be used primarily to strengthen the country's hard currency reserves and stabilise the local currency - the Serbian dinar. Full Story
Outlook for Swiss economy worsens Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:34am
Switzerland's economy will shrink 2.2% this year, its government has said, a much deeper recession than forecast. The Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) had previously forecast an 0.8% drop in gross domestic product (GDP). Full Story
Chavez offers Russia use of base Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:35am
Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, says he has offered Moscow the use of an airfield off its Caribbean coast for Russian strategic long-range bombers. But Mr Chavez denied there would be discussions on building any permanent base on the island of La Orchila. Full Story
Germany to Work With US to Boost Security Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:37am
Germany and the US signed a new agreement on Monday to cooperate closely on scientific and technological research aimed at boosting security without infringing on personal freedoms. Full Story
Russia announces rearmament plan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:47am
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Moscow will begin a comprehensive military rearmament from 2011. Mr Medvedev said the primary task would be to "increase the combat readiness of [Russia's] forces, first of all our strategic nuclear forces". Full Story
Bomb lobbed at police station in China's west Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:21amAssailants threw a bomb into a newly built police station in a Tibetan area in western China, a police official said Tuesday, the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's escape into exile in India after Chinese troops crushed a Tibetan revolt. No injuries were reported. The incident came amid heightened tensions and security during a volatile month that also included the one-year anniversary of anti-government riots March 14 in Lhasa, Tibet's regional capital. Full Story
Reinstatement of Pakistans Chief Justice Ends a Crisis, but It Might Lead to Another Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:23am
The reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry culminated a two-year struggle by Pakistans lawyers to safeguard an independent judiciary, highlighted by long processions, sometimes violent clashes, and the repeated arrest and detentions of the leaders of the movement. Full Story
Pakistani Political Crisis Jeopardizes U.S. Regional Strategy Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:29am
Pakistan's ongoing political crisis, the Obama administration's first real-time foreign policy emergency, threatens to upend a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy before it leaves the White House drawing board. Full Story
Pakistan suicide bomber kills 14 Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:32am
A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a restaurant in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi, killing 14 people and wounding 18 others, police said on Tuesday. Full Story
Nigeria: 15,000 Jobs Threatened in Oil Industry Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:33am
Insecurity and the cost of doing business are driving more oil firms out of Nigeria, along with 15,000 jobs being relocated to Angola and other countries in the Gulf of Guinea. (Full Story)
American U.N. official kidnapped in Pakistan said sick Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:34am
The United Nations is very concerned about the health of an American U.N. official kidnapped in Pakistan last month and wants him released as soon as possible, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Full Story
As Pakistan Restores Judges, Taliban in Swat Sends Some Home Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:36am
Taliban guerillas in Pakistans Swat Valley replaced judges appointed by the government with Islamic religious courts, undermining the judiciary hours after the nations chief justice won back his job. Full Story
Islamic law judges start work in Pakistan valley Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:39am
Judges trained in Islamic law began reviewing cases Tuesday in a northwest Pakistani region where the government has alarmed the West by agreeing to impose religious rule to make peace with the Taliban. Full Story
China concerned by Korea tensions Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:47am
China says it is concerned by growing tensions on the Korean peninsula over North Korea's planned rocket launch. North Korea's premier is in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao - with the test-fire expected to top the agenda. Full Story
Trusting the Taliban Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:50am
The Obama administration is expected to unveil the results of its interagency review of U.S. policy toward Pakistan and Afghanistan later this week, and certainly before the March 31 international conference on Afghanistan that will be held in The Hague. Full Story
7 Afghan militants killed in US raid Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:51am
U.S.-led coalition troops killed seven militants and detained three others during a raid on a bomb-making cell in southern Afghanistan, where insurgents earlier killed an Australian soldier, officials said Tuesday. Full Story
Tendulkar kidnap plot: HUJI militant confessed to their plan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:53am
Delhi Police on Tuesday told a court here that three Pakistan-based militants had confessed that they conspired to kidnap cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for securing the release of two jailed HUJI terrorists. Full Story
Heavy fighting in north Sri Lanka Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:56am
Intense fighting is going on between Sri Lankan troops and Tamil Tiger rebels in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The military says at least 36 rebels have been killed in ferocious battles in Mullaitivu district on Monday. Full Story
Sri Lanka plays hardball with IMF Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:59am
Sri Lanka will not accept any conditions on a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the island's president has said. "We will not pawn or sell our motherland to obtain any monetary aid," said Mahinda Rajapaksa. Full Story
China Gains Key Assets In Spate of Purchases Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:01am
Chinese companies have been on a shopping spree in the past month, snapping up tens of billions of dollars' worth of key assets in Iran, Brazil, Russia, Venezuela, Australia and France in a global fire sale set off by the financial crisis. The deals have allowed China to lock up supplies of oil, minerals, metals and other strategic natural resources it needs to continue to fuel its growth. Full Story
North Korean premier arrives in China Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:06am
North Korea Premier Kim Yong-Il arrived in China on Tuesday for a five-day visit that coincides with the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between the two countries, state media said. The visit is the first for Kim, who was elected in 2007. Full Story
London police launch counter-terrorism PR campaign Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 11:23am
London police launched a new counter-terrorism publicity campaign on Monday, calling on residents of the capital to keep their ears and eyes open for anything suspicious and to report it. Full Story
Two held over Heathrow 'trespass' Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:57am
Two people have been arrested after attempting to gain "unlawful access" to the airfield at Heathrow airport. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the incident at the west London airport began at about 1000 GMT. Full Story
#60,000 awarded to terror suspect Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:58am
The Metropolitan Police has agreed to pay #60,000 damages to a man it arrested during an anti-terror raid. The High Court heard that Babar Ahmad was subjected to "serious gratuitous prolonged unjustified violence" and "religious abuse" after his arrest. Full Story
Afghanistan wants larger role in terror fight Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:59am
Afghanistan called on Tuesday for more international help to develop its fledgling and embattled security forces so that it can take on a larger role in "the fight against terrorism". Full Story
9 militants, 4 cops killed in Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:00am
Nine militants and four Afghan police personnel were killed in encounters in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday. Full Story
Taliban demands release of 210 militants Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:04am
The Pakistani Taliban in the restive Swat valley today demanded the release of 210 militant prisoners immediately as part of a peace deal signed with authorities in the North West Frontier Province. Full Story
Pakistan: attack stops traffic on NATO supply line Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:06am
Two men on a motorcycle threw a bomb at a truck carrying an excavating machine to NATO troops in Afghanistan, halting traffic Wednesday along a supply route through Pakistan's southwest, officials said. Full Story
U.S. Weighs Taliban Strike Into Pakistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:07am
President Obama and his national security advisers are considering expanding the American covert war in Pakistan far beyond the unruly tribal areas to strike at a different center of Taliban power in Baluchistan, where top Taliban leaders are orchestrating attacks into southern Afghanistan. Full Story
Pakistan dismisses report US may widen covert war Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:08am
Pakistan dismissed as speculation a US newspaper report on Wednesday that Washington is considering whether to expand its covert war in Pakistan beyond tribal areas on the Afghan border. Full Story
Afghanistan: Border police gain new skills from Italian task force Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:09am
Afghan customs officials have successfully completed a training course sponsored by the Italian government designed to stop the movement of drugs and illegal immigrants in Afghanistan. The course run by the Italian finance police or Guardia di Finanza in the western province of Herat was conducted under the auspices of Task Force 'Grifo'. Full Story
The Afghanistan seldom seen Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:12am
Cameraman Ronald Nobu Sakamoto put together three videos from footage taken in Afghanistan while traveling with Pratap Chatterjee just after the American invasion in 2002 and again in November 2008. Full Story
In U.S., More Optimism About Iraq, Less About Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:14am
A new USA Today/Gallup poll finds growing concern about the war in Afghanistan at the same time that Americans' optimism about Iraq is growing or holding steady. Full Story
Rebels threaten to behead ICRC worker in Philippines Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:19am
The leader of an Islamist rebel group which kidnapped three Red Cross officers in the southern Philippines threatened on Wednesday to behead one of the European hostages if troops did not stop pursuing them. Philippine marines exchanged gunfire with Abu Sayyaf rebels on Tuesday. The military said up to nine people, including three soldiers, were killed and dozens wounded but it said the fighting was not an attempt to free the hostages. Full Story
Russia Signaling Interest in Deal on Iran, Analysts Say Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:34am
As President Obama seeks to recast relations with Russia and persuade it to help contain Iran's nuclear ambitions, he must win over leaders who are deeply suspicious of U.S. intentions and who have long been reluctant to damage what they consider a strategic partnership with Iran. But the Kremlin has indicated it is willing to explore a deal with Washington, and analysts say it may be more open to new sanctions against Iran than expected. Full Story
Singapore PM warns over economy Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:38am
Singapore's prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned that his country faces its worst economic crisis since World War II. Exports from Singapore are falling at their fastest rate since records began, down 24% last month on 2008 figures, and down 35% in January. Ministers are predicting that Singapore's trade-dependent economy will contract by up to 10% this year. Full Story
Medvedev Pushes Plan to Remake Russian Military Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:39am
President Dmitry Medvedev vowed Tuesday to press ahead with an ambitious overhaul of Russia's armed forces despite the nation's economic problems and vocal opposition from within the military. Medvedev promised weapons upgrades but also endorsed organizational changes that will cut the officer corps by more than half, or as many as 200,000 positions. Full Story
Bin Laden rallies Somali militants in Web message Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 8:49am
Al-Qaida's chief Osama bin Laden urged Somali militants to overthrow the country's new president in a new Web audiotape posted Thursday, trying to torpedo a new push for peace in a lawless African nation where many fear al-Qaida is gaining a foothold. Full Story
Officials: oil-rich Azerbaijan scraps term limits Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 8:51am
Election officials in Azerbaijan said Thursday that citizens overwhelmingly voted to scrap presidential term limits in the oil-rich country courted by Russia and the West. Full Story
Suspect in alleged NY plot released in Lebanon Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:14pm
A Lebanese man arrested three years ago on terrorism charges for allegedly plotting to blow up New York City commuter tunnels has been released on bail, Lebanese officials said Tuesday. The case was said to have been an al-Qaida plot involving Assem Hammoud and seven other people. Full Story
Neo-Nazi Threat Growing Despite NPD Cash Woes Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:15pm
Germany's far-right National Democratic Party may be on the brink of financial collapse, but the neo-Nazi scene is alive and kicking. And, experts warn, it is becoming more dangerous. Full Story
US ports fear security deadline could hit trade Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:16pm
Some of America's largest ports have warned they may not meet an April 15 government deadline to screen key workers for terrorist links, imperiling the flow of US trade. Full Story
TSA: More gate searches in store for fliers Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:17pm
A new, more aggressive effort by airport screeners aims to halt randomly selected passengers for a security check just before they step onto their departing plane, according to a government memo obtained by USA TODAY. Full Story
Two Men Charged With Terrorism in Germany Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:21pm
Two men with alleged ties to a radical Islamic group have been charged with terrorism, German prosecutors said. Investigators said the accused had connections to a man who planned to bomb US interests in Germany. Full Story
Two Arrested in Germany on Kosovo Espionage Charges Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:22pm
A German has been charged with espionage for allegedly passing on classified government information to organized crime and state contacts in Macedonia and Kosovo, federal prosecutors in Germany have said. Full Story
Officials link Kabul attackers to Pakistan Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:27pm
The suicide bombers who stormed the Afghan Justice Ministry and a prison department building in the capital last month were trained in Pakistan's lawless border region, according to Afghan intelligence officials. Full Story
Civilians to Join Afghan Buildup Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:28pm
A civilian "surge" of hundreds of additional U.S. officials in Afghanistan would accompany the already approved increase in U.S. troop levels there under a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy being completed at the White House, according to administration officials. Full Story
U.S. mulls counter-insurgency push in Afghanistan Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:29pm
U.S. President Barack Obama's aides are weighing a range of options to shift policy in Afghanistan, including a full-scale counter-insurgency push to protect civilians nationwide, officials said on Wednesday. Full Story
Taliban to help ensure security for Orakzai doctors Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:30pm
Taliban in Orakzai Agency on Wednesday agreed to cooperate with the political administration to allow doctors at the agencys hospitals to perform their duties, officials said. The officials told Daily Times that the agreement emerged in a meeting attended by the agencys Tehreek-e-Taliban leader Maulana Abdul Lateef and tribal elders including agency councillor Shahid Orakzai and surgeon Dr Ishaq Bangash. Full Story
Pakistan Says U.S. Should Review Baluchistan Strikes Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:31pm
Pakistans government urged the Obama administration to reconsider a plan to expand strikes by drones in the tribal regions to include targets in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Full Story
Guantanamo Detainees May Be Released in U.S. Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:32pm
Attorney General Eric Holder said some detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may end up being released in the U.S. as the Obama administration works with foreign allies to resettle some of the prisoners. Full Story
Can Afghanistan Support a Beefed Up Military? Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:32am
Unlike some of his predecessors, Defense Secretary Robert Gates declines to bluff when he doesn't know the answer. When he was asked on Wednesday about the best strategy for the war in Afghanistan, he shrugged. "Unlike Iraq and some of the other problems, this is an area where I've been somewhat uncertain in my own mind what the right path forward is," he said with weapons-grade candor rarely heard from the Pentagon podium. Full Story
Forty militants killed in Afghanistan: officials Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:34am
Afghan and US authorities said Friday troops killed 40 militants in some of the heaviest fighting this year in Afghanistan, which is gripped by mounting Taliban insurgent violence. Full Story
U.S. Courts Former Warlords in Its Bid for Afghan Stability Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:34am
Gov. Gul Agha Shirzai, a semiliterate former warlord, has an autocratic style, a reputation for doling out government contracts to family and friends, and a personal fortune allegedly amassed via corruption and the opium trade. Full Story
French unions vow to keep up pressure Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:37am
France's trade unions vowed to escalate opposition to President Nicolas Sarkozy after mobilising as many as 3m people yesterday in strikes and protests against his economic policy and reforms. Full Story
Gunman shoots BB gun near French school, 10 hurt Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:44am
A gunman armed with a BB gun shot at people Friday near a nursery school in the French city of Lyon, injuring 10 adults but no children, authorities said. Full Story
Afghan clerics urge Saudi-led talks with Taliban Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 2:48pm
Afghanistan's top Muslim clerics urged President Hamid Karzai today to push ahead with a proposal for talks with the Taliban that would be mediated by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. Full Story
Crowds march against Naples mafia Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:54pm
Thousands of Italians have marched through Naples in one of the largest anti-mafia protests of recent years. Police said 100,000 people gathered for the protest, held annually on the first day of spring. Full Story
New video shows Briton kidnapped in Iraq in 2007 Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:55pm
The British Embassy said Sunday it had received a new video showing one of five Britons taken hostage nearly two years ago allegedly by Shiite extremists that the U.S. believes are backed by Iran. Full Story
Pakistan sends Mumbai attack DNA data to Interpol Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:56pm
Pakistan has provided Interpol with DNA profiles of suspected terrorists linked to the Mumbai attacks, the international police agency said Sunday. Full Story
FedEx plane crashes, explodes on landing in Tokyo Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 9:02pm
A FedEx Corp cargo plane caught in a gust of wind crashed and burst into flames as it landed at Narita international airport on Monday, closing the main runway at the busy gateway to Tokyo. Full Story
Australian bikers beat rival to death in airport: police Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 9:04pm
Members of an Australian motorcycle gang bludgeoned a rival to death in Sydney airport on Sunday as horrified passengers looked on, police said. Witnesses said the bikers beat the man with metal crowd control bollards as he lay on the ground in the check-in area. Full Story
Two more militant hideouts destroyed in Bara Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:06am
Military operation against militant hideouts in Bara continued on second day with the demolition of two important centers of a local militant organization, sources said. Full Story
Taliban order NGOs to leave Swat Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:08am
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Sunday ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to immediately leave Swat. Full Story
Girls school blown up in Mardan Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:10am
Unidentified men blew up a girls school in Mardan on Sunday. According to police sources, the men planted explosives near Government Girls High School Hattian, located near the residence of NWFP senior minister Rahim Dad Khan. Full Story
U.S. Kills 5 Afghans in Raid on House Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:17amA predawn raid by United States Special Forces that killed five people on Sunday has produced sharply conflicting accounts from the American military and local Afghan officials as to whether the dead were civilians or militants, resurrecting a sore point that has troubled the American-led war here. Full Story
Thousands getting terror training in UK Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:20am
Thousands of UK workers are being trained to help respond to a future terror attack as part of an updated counter-terror strategy, ministers say. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said shop and hotel workers would be among 60,000 people able to deal with an incident. Full Story
NATO: Taliban commander among 10 killed in strike Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:22am
NATO killed a senior Taliban commander and nine other suspected militants in southern Afghanistan, while the coalition and its Afghan allies suffered an equal number of deaths in separate attacks in the same area, officials said Monday. Full Story
Mumbai gunman tells court that he is from Pakistan Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:22am
The only gunman charged in last year's terror attacks in Mumbai told an Indian court Monday, the first day of court proceedings, that he would agree to a government-provided lawyer and also repeated that he was a Pakistani national. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Google said Tuesday that its YouTube video-sharing Web site had been blocked in China. Google said it did not know why the site had been blocked, but a report by the official Xinhua news agency of China on Tuesday said that supporters of the Dalai Lama had fabricated a video that appeared to show Chinese police officers brutally beating Tibetans after riots last year in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. Full Story
Kashmir on alert amid fears of militant incursion Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:16am
Areas in Jammu and Kashmir bordering Pakistan have been put on 'highest alert' after reports that militants are getting together to penetrate into India ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, says the state's police chief. Full Story
People, money needed to watch Afghanistan spending Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:17am
The investigator overseeing spending for Afghanistan's reconstruction says he needs more people and money to ensure that the $32 billion the U.S. has committed for improvement projects is being spent properly. Full Story
Obama to unveil Afghanistan strategy on Friday Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:19am
U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to announce the results of his review of Afghanistan policy on Friday, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. Full Story
N. Korea Warns Over Stalled Talks Posted on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:20am
North Korea said Tuesday that if the United States pushed for United Nations sanctions against it after its planned satellite launching, that would spell a definitive end to the stalled six-nation talks on ending its nuclear weapons program. North Korea says it will launch a satellite between April 4 and 8. The United States, Japan and South Korea consider the launching tantamount to a missile test and have all warned that they would try to punish what they called a provocative move in the United Nations Security Council. Full Story
Spain to withdraw Kosovo troops Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12:39pm
The Spanish government has confirmed it will withdraw most of its 600 troops from Kosovo by the end of this summer. Full Story
Iraqi leader gives PKK ultimatum Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12:39pm
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has told Kurdish guerrillas using northern Iraq as a base for attacks on Turkey to lay down their arms or leave the territory. He was speaking alongside his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, who is the first Turkish head of state to visit Iraq for more than 30 years. Full Story
Colombia Orders Return of Stolen Farmland Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:32pm
As with so many crimes of war, what happened here in the dense, humid jungles of northwestern Colombia more than a decade ago might easily have been forgotten. Illegal militias forced hundreds of poor black farmers off their land, which politically connected businessmen then seized and turned into lucrative palm oil plantations.Full Story
Mexico: Alleged drug trafficker arrested Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:37pm
An alleged drug trafficker suspected of an attack on a U.S. consulate and killing Mexican soldiers has been arrested, Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced Friday, according to the state news agency. Sigifredo Najera Talamantes, also known as El Canicon, is also suspected of attacks on a television station in Monterrey in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, Notimex agency said.Full Story
Chavez cuts budget over oil price Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:38pm
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has unveiled a series of measures to offset falling oil revenues that account for about 50% of the national budget. He proposed to cut the 2009 budget by 6.7% and increase sales taxes.Full Story
Drug cartels raise the stakes on human smuggling Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:42pm
Mexican drug cartels and their vast network of associates have branched out from their traditional business of narcotics trafficking and are now playing a central role in the multibillion-dollar-a-year business of illegal immigrant smuggling, U.S. law enforcement officials and other experts say. The business of smuggling humans across the Mexican border has always been brisk, with many thousands coming across every year.Full Story
Mexico urges US to stick to trade deal Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 2:43pm
Mexico has called for full liberalisation of the US transport sector to resolve an escalating trade dispute between Washington and its southern neighbour. Beatriz Leycegui, under-secretary for international trade at the economy ministry, told the Financial Times: We expect them to open up the sector completely, which is what they are obliged to do. Full Story
U.S. plans to boost civilian aid to Pakistan Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:08am
The Obama administration plans to dramatically increase civilian aid to Pakistan as part of its new strategy on Afghanistan and the surrounding region, hoping the overture will lead to more effective steps by the Pakistani military to shut down insurgent sanctuaries, U.S. officials said. Full Story
Troops destroy militant hideouts in Uch district Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:09am
Troops on Monday destroyed two hideouts in Balochistan that were being used by militants and outlaws, officials said. A large quantity of weapons, rockets, explosives and communication equipment were found at the secret hideouts, a paramilitary spokesman said. The arms cache was destroyed, he added. Full Story
Celluar company launches service in S WaziristanPosted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:11amPakistans largest cellular company will launch its service in the Taliban-infested South Waziristan Agency from today (Tuesday), residents and officials said on Monday. Full Story
Pak intelligence warns of terror attacks; security beefed up Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:12am
Security was tightened across Pakistan on Tuesday following an intelligence warning that Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud had sent 20 foreign militants, most of them Uzbeks, to carry out terror strikes in major cities. Full Story
Kasabs trial begins, tells court he is Pakistani Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:14am
Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving suspect captured by Indian police during the Mumbai attacks, on Monday told an Indian court he was from Pakistan and would accept a court-appointed lawyer to defend him. Full Story
Western officials in plot to dilute powers of President Karzai Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:18am
The West is considering a plan to undermine President Karzai of Afghanistan by forcing him to install a powerful chief of staff to run the Government, diplomats say. Full Story
U.S. wants Afghanistan exit strategy Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:19am
The United States said on Monday it had found an encouraging symmetry of views with its NATO and EU allies after outlining a strategy review meant to end a stalemate in Afghanistan. Full Story
Coalition forces in Afghanistan should fight drug trafficking - Russian drug service head Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:22am
The issue of the continued deployment of coalition forces in Afghanistan should be contingent on their duties and competence in destroying drug crops and drug laboratories, Russian Federal Drug Control Service Chairman Viktor Ivanov said at the meeting of the heads of anti-drug agencies of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) countries in Moscow on Tuesday. Full Story
N.Ireland teen charged with dissident IRA killing Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:22am
A Northern Ireland teenager charged with the dissident IRA killing of a policeman had an assault rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition and refused to say a word to his interrogators during 13 days of questioning, a detective testified Tuesday at the defendant's first court appearance. Full Story
Foreign Service Jobs in Afghanistan to Grow Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:25am
The State Department will significantly expand its presence in regional capitals in western and northern Afghanistan in coming months, part of the Obama administration's plans for a "surge" in civilians going to the country. Full Story
UK: 2 charged with Columbine anniversary bomb plot Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:25am
British prosecutors say they've charged two teens with plotting to bomb a school on the 10th anniversary of the Columbine High School killings in the United States. Full Story
Georgian police arrest 10 opposition activists Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:26am
Georgian police arrested 10 opposition activists on suspicion of illegally buying firearms, authorities said. Opposition leaders, however, accused police of planting weapons at the homes of some of the activists so they could be arrested. Full Story
Scandals Cloud Succession in Newly Unsure Malaysia Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:35am
A slew of political scandals gripping Malaysia and a transfer of power fraught with uncertainty have shaken the elite here, with exquisitely poor timing. As a major trading nation, Malaysia has been slammed by the global downturn. Its exports have collapsed by nearly one-third, and current projections show that its economy will shrink by as much as 5 percent this year. Full Story
China Urges New Money Reserve to Replace Dollar Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:39am
In another indication that China is growing increasingly concerned about holding huge dollar reserves, the head of its central bank has called for the eventual creation of a new international currency reserve to replace the dollar. In a paper released Monday, Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the Peoples Bank of China, said a new currency reserve system controlled by the International Monetary Fund could prove more stable and economically viable. Full Story
Terrorism Recruiting Manual Worries Authorities Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:40am
For months now, counterterrorism officials have seen signs that al-Qaida has been looking for new and innovative ways to recruit terrorists, including a new manual that has surfaced on the Internet. Full Story
Chicagoan charged with threatening Jewish school Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:41am
A 24-year-old Chicago man was charged Friday with threatening to set off explosives near Jewish schools in the metropolitan area if Israel didn't halt military actions in Gaza. Full Story
UK: Threat of dirty bombs 'increased' Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:51am
There is an increased risk terrorists could get hold of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons to attack the UK, the Home Office has said. The assessment comes as Home Secretary Jacqui Smith unveiled a new UK strategy to tackle an evolved terrorist threat. Full Story
Japanese opposition aide charged Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 9:56am
An aide to Japanese opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa has been charged with violating a political funds law, Japanese media has reported. Kyodo news agency said the aide, 47-year-old Takanori Okubo, appeared to be denying the charges. Full Story
S Korea-EU talks yield trade deal Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:06am
South Korea says it has reached a provisional free trade agreement with the European Union after nearly two years of negotiations. A South Korean trade official said the two sides had agreed on almost all outstanding issues. The free trade agreement has been described as an important step at a time of rising protectionism amid the world economic slowdown. Full Story
Fierce gun fight rages in Kashmir Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:08am
The Indian army says 16 militants have been killed in an ongoing gun battle with security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir. Eight soldiers have also died in the fire fight, which has entered its fifth day in Shamsabari, the army said. Full Story
China to buy more U.S. debt Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:10am
China, holder of nearly $1 trillion in U.S. debt, will keep buying Treasuries, but will keep a close eye on their value just the same, a Chinese government official said. "Investing in U.S. Treasury bonds is an important component of China's foreign currency reserve investments," said Hu Xiaolian, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China. "We are naturally relatively concerned with the safety and profitability of U.S. government bonds." Full Story
Poll: 60pct in UK unconvinced about Afghan mission Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:32am
Most Britons don't buy their government's argument for keeping a military presence in Afghanistan, a poll published Monday shows. Full Story
UN warns of rising demand for clean water Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:33am
Worldwide demand for water is rising just as access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains inadequate in much of the developing world, the United Nations said Monday, calling for better management to alleviate water shortages. Full Story
Serbia seeks IMF emergency loan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:33am
Serbia has begun talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to agree an emergency loan worth up to 2bn euros (#1.8bn). The money will be used primarily to strengthen the country's hard currency reserves and stabilise the local currency - the Serbian dinar. Full Story
Outlook for Swiss economy worsens Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:34am
Switzerland's economy will shrink 2.2% this year, its government has said, a much deeper recession than forecast. The Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) had previously forecast an 0.8% drop in gross domestic product (GDP). Full Story
Chavez offers Russia use of base Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:35am
Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, says he has offered Moscow the use of an airfield off its Caribbean coast for Russian strategic long-range bombers. But Mr Chavez denied there would be discussions on building any permanent base on the island of La Orchila. Full Story
Germany to Work With US to Boost Security Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:37am
Germany and the US signed a new agreement on Monday to cooperate closely on scientific and technological research aimed at boosting security without infringing on personal freedoms. Full Story
Russia announces rearmament plan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 7:47am
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Moscow will begin a comprehensive military rearmament from 2011. Mr Medvedev said the primary task would be to "increase the combat readiness of [Russia's] forces, first of all our strategic nuclear forces". Full Story
Bomb lobbed at police station in China's west Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:21amAssailants threw a bomb into a newly built police station in a Tibetan area in western China, a police official said Tuesday, the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's escape into exile in India after Chinese troops crushed a Tibetan revolt. No injuries were reported. The incident came amid heightened tensions and security during a volatile month that also included the one-year anniversary of anti-government riots March 14 in Lhasa, Tibet's regional capital. Full Story
Reinstatement of Pakistans Chief Justice Ends a Crisis, but It Might Lead to Another Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:23am
The reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry culminated a two-year struggle by Pakistans lawyers to safeguard an independent judiciary, highlighted by long processions, sometimes violent clashes, and the repeated arrest and detentions of the leaders of the movement. Full Story
Pakistani Political Crisis Jeopardizes U.S. Regional Strategy Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:29am
Pakistan's ongoing political crisis, the Obama administration's first real-time foreign policy emergency, threatens to upend a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy before it leaves the White House drawing board. Full Story
Pakistan suicide bomber kills 14 Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:32am
A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a restaurant in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi, killing 14 people and wounding 18 others, police said on Tuesday. Full Story
Nigeria: 15,000 Jobs Threatened in Oil Industry Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:33am
Insecurity and the cost of doing business are driving more oil firms out of Nigeria, along with 15,000 jobs being relocated to Angola and other countries in the Gulf of Guinea. (Full Story)
American U.N. official kidnapped in Pakistan said sick Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:34am
The United Nations is very concerned about the health of an American U.N. official kidnapped in Pakistan last month and wants him released as soon as possible, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Full Story
As Pakistan Restores Judges, Taliban in Swat Sends Some Home Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:36am
Taliban guerillas in Pakistans Swat Valley replaced judges appointed by the government with Islamic religious courts, undermining the judiciary hours after the nations chief justice won back his job. Full Story
Islamic law judges start work in Pakistan valley Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:39am
Judges trained in Islamic law began reviewing cases Tuesday in a northwest Pakistani region where the government has alarmed the West by agreeing to impose religious rule to make peace with the Taliban. Full Story
China concerned by Korea tensions Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:47am
China says it is concerned by growing tensions on the Korean peninsula over North Korea's planned rocket launch. North Korea's premier is in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao - with the test-fire expected to top the agenda. Full Story
Trusting the Taliban Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:50am
The Obama administration is expected to unveil the results of its interagency review of U.S. policy toward Pakistan and Afghanistan later this week, and certainly before the March 31 international conference on Afghanistan that will be held in The Hague. Full Story
7 Afghan militants killed in US raid Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:51am
U.S.-led coalition troops killed seven militants and detained three others during a raid on a bomb-making cell in southern Afghanistan, where insurgents earlier killed an Australian soldier, officials said Tuesday. Full Story
Tendulkar kidnap plot: HUJI militant confessed to their plan Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:53am
Delhi Police on Tuesday told a court here that three Pakistan-based militants had confessed that they conspired to kidnap cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for securing the release of two jailed HUJI terrorists. Full Story
Heavy fighting in north Sri Lanka Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:56am
Intense fighting is going on between Sri Lankan troops and Tamil Tiger rebels in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The military says at least 36 rebels have been killed in ferocious battles in Mullaitivu district on Monday. Full Story
Sri Lanka plays hardball with IMF Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 9:59am
Sri Lanka will not accept any conditions on a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the island's president has said. "We will not pawn or sell our motherland to obtain any monetary aid," said Mahinda Rajapaksa. Full Story
China Gains Key Assets In Spate of Purchases Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:01am
Chinese companies have been on a shopping spree in the past month, snapping up tens of billions of dollars' worth of key assets in Iran, Brazil, Russia, Venezuela, Australia and France in a global fire sale set off by the financial crisis. The deals have allowed China to lock up supplies of oil, minerals, metals and other strategic natural resources it needs to continue to fuel its growth. Full Story
North Korean premier arrives in China Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 10:06am
North Korea Premier Kim Yong-Il arrived in China on Tuesday for a five-day visit that coincides with the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between the two countries, state media said. The visit is the first for Kim, who was elected in 2007. Full Story
London police launch counter-terrorism PR campaign Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 11:23am
London police launched a new counter-terrorism publicity campaign on Monday, calling on residents of the capital to keep their ears and eyes open for anything suspicious and to report it. Full Story
Two held over Heathrow 'trespass' Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:57am
Two people have been arrested after attempting to gain "unlawful access" to the airfield at Heathrow airport. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the incident at the west London airport began at about 1000 GMT. Full Story
#60,000 awarded to terror suspect Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:58am
The Metropolitan Police has agreed to pay #60,000 damages to a man it arrested during an anti-terror raid. The High Court heard that Babar Ahmad was subjected to "serious gratuitous prolonged unjustified violence" and "religious abuse" after his arrest. Full Story
Afghanistan wants larger role in terror fight Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 8:59am
Afghanistan called on Tuesday for more international help to develop its fledgling and embattled security forces so that it can take on a larger role in "the fight against terrorism". Full Story
9 militants, 4 cops killed in Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:00am
Nine militants and four Afghan police personnel were killed in encounters in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday. Full Story
Taliban demands release of 210 militants Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:04am
The Pakistani Taliban in the restive Swat valley today demanded the release of 210 militant prisoners immediately as part of a peace deal signed with authorities in the North West Frontier Province. Full Story
Pakistan: attack stops traffic on NATO supply line Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:06am
Two men on a motorcycle threw a bomb at a truck carrying an excavating machine to NATO troops in Afghanistan, halting traffic Wednesday along a supply route through Pakistan's southwest, officials said. Full Story
U.S. Weighs Taliban Strike Into Pakistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:07am
President Obama and his national security advisers are considering expanding the American covert war in Pakistan far beyond the unruly tribal areas to strike at a different center of Taliban power in Baluchistan, where top Taliban leaders are orchestrating attacks into southern Afghanistan. Full Story
Pakistan dismisses report US may widen covert war Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:08am
Pakistan dismissed as speculation a US newspaper report on Wednesday that Washington is considering whether to expand its covert war in Pakistan beyond tribal areas on the Afghan border. Full Story
Afghanistan: Border police gain new skills from Italian task force Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:09am
Afghan customs officials have successfully completed a training course sponsored by the Italian government designed to stop the movement of drugs and illegal immigrants in Afghanistan. The course run by the Italian finance police or Guardia di Finanza in the western province of Herat was conducted under the auspices of Task Force 'Grifo'. Full Story
The Afghanistan seldom seen Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:12am
Cameraman Ronald Nobu Sakamoto put together three videos from footage taken in Afghanistan while traveling with Pratap Chatterjee just after the American invasion in 2002 and again in November 2008. Full Story
In U.S., More Optimism About Iraq, Less About Afghanistan Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:14am
A new USA Today/Gallup poll finds growing concern about the war in Afghanistan at the same time that Americans' optimism about Iraq is growing or holding steady. Full Story
Rebels threaten to behead ICRC worker in Philippines Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:19am
The leader of an Islamist rebel group which kidnapped three Red Cross officers in the southern Philippines threatened on Wednesday to behead one of the European hostages if troops did not stop pursuing them. Philippine marines exchanged gunfire with Abu Sayyaf rebels on Tuesday. The military said up to nine people, including three soldiers, were killed and dozens wounded but it said the fighting was not an attempt to free the hostages. Full Story
Russia Signaling Interest in Deal on Iran, Analysts Say Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:34am
As President Obama seeks to recast relations with Russia and persuade it to help contain Iran's nuclear ambitions, he must win over leaders who are deeply suspicious of U.S. intentions and who have long been reluctant to damage what they consider a strategic partnership with Iran. But the Kremlin has indicated it is willing to explore a deal with Washington, and analysts say it may be more open to new sanctions against Iran than expected. Full Story
Singapore PM warns over economy Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:38am
Singapore's prime minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned that his country faces its worst economic crisis since World War II. Exports from Singapore are falling at their fastest rate since records began, down 24% last month on 2008 figures, and down 35% in January. Ministers are predicting that Singapore's trade-dependent economy will contract by up to 10% this year. Full Story
Medvedev Pushes Plan to Remake Russian Military Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 9:39am
President Dmitry Medvedev vowed Tuesday to press ahead with an ambitious overhaul of Russia's armed forces despite the nation's economic problems and vocal opposition from within the military. Medvedev promised weapons upgrades but also endorsed organizational changes that will cut the officer corps by more than half, or as many as 200,000 positions. Full Story
Bin Laden rallies Somali militants in Web message Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 8:49am
Al-Qaida's chief Osama bin Laden urged Somali militants to overthrow the country's new president in a new Web audiotape posted Thursday, trying to torpedo a new push for peace in a lawless African nation where many fear al-Qaida is gaining a foothold. Full Story
Officials: oil-rich Azerbaijan scraps term limits Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 8:51am
Election officials in Azerbaijan said Thursday that citizens overwhelmingly voted to scrap presidential term limits in the oil-rich country courted by Russia and the West. Full Story
Suspect in alleged NY plot released in Lebanon Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:14pm
A Lebanese man arrested three years ago on terrorism charges for allegedly plotting to blow up New York City commuter tunnels has been released on bail, Lebanese officials said Tuesday. The case was said to have been an al-Qaida plot involving Assem Hammoud and seven other people. Full Story
Neo-Nazi Threat Growing Despite NPD Cash Woes Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:15pm
Germany's far-right National Democratic Party may be on the brink of financial collapse, but the neo-Nazi scene is alive and kicking. And, experts warn, it is becoming more dangerous. Full Story
US ports fear security deadline could hit trade Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:16pm
Some of America's largest ports have warned they may not meet an April 15 government deadline to screen key workers for terrorist links, imperiling the flow of US trade. Full Story
TSA: More gate searches in store for fliers Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:17pm
A new, more aggressive effort by airport screeners aims to halt randomly selected passengers for a security check just before they step onto their departing plane, according to a government memo obtained by USA TODAY. Full Story
Two Men Charged With Terrorism in Germany Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:21pm
Two men with alleged ties to a radical Islamic group have been charged with terrorism, German prosecutors said. Investigators said the accused had connections to a man who planned to bomb US interests in Germany. Full Story
Two Arrested in Germany on Kosovo Espionage Charges Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:22pm
A German has been charged with espionage for allegedly passing on classified government information to organized crime and state contacts in Macedonia and Kosovo, federal prosecutors in Germany have said. Full Story
Officials link Kabul attackers to Pakistan Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:27pm
The suicide bombers who stormed the Afghan Justice Ministry and a prison department building in the capital last month were trained in Pakistan's lawless border region, according to Afghan intelligence officials. Full Story
Civilians to Join Afghan Buildup Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:28pm
A civilian "surge" of hundreds of additional U.S. officials in Afghanistan would accompany the already approved increase in U.S. troop levels there under a new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy being completed at the White House, according to administration officials. Full Story
U.S. mulls counter-insurgency push in Afghanistan Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:29pm
U.S. President Barack Obama's aides are weighing a range of options to shift policy in Afghanistan, including a full-scale counter-insurgency push to protect civilians nationwide, officials said on Wednesday. Full Story
Taliban to help ensure security for Orakzai doctors Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:30pm
Taliban in Orakzai Agency on Wednesday agreed to cooperate with the political administration to allow doctors at the agencys hospitals to perform their duties, officials said. The officials told Daily Times that the agreement emerged in a meeting attended by the agencys Tehreek-e-Taliban leader Maulana Abdul Lateef and tribal elders including agency councillor Shahid Orakzai and surgeon Dr Ishaq Bangash. Full Story
Pakistan Says U.S. Should Review Baluchistan Strikes Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:31pm
Pakistans government urged the Obama administration to reconsider a plan to expand strikes by drones in the tribal regions to include targets in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Full Story
Guantanamo Detainees May Be Released in U.S. Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 3:32pm
Attorney General Eric Holder said some detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may end up being released in the U.S. as the Obama administration works with foreign allies to resettle some of the prisoners. Full Story
Can Afghanistan Support a Beefed Up Military? Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:32am
Unlike some of his predecessors, Defense Secretary Robert Gates declines to bluff when he doesn't know the answer. When he was asked on Wednesday about the best strategy for the war in Afghanistan, he shrugged. "Unlike Iraq and some of the other problems, this is an area where I've been somewhat uncertain in my own mind what the right path forward is," he said with weapons-grade candor rarely heard from the Pentagon podium. Full Story
Forty militants killed in Afghanistan: officials Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:34am
Afghan and US authorities said Friday troops killed 40 militants in some of the heaviest fighting this year in Afghanistan, which is gripped by mounting Taliban insurgent violence. Full Story
U.S. Courts Former Warlords in Its Bid for Afghan Stability Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 9:34am
Gov. Gul Agha Shirzai, a semiliterate former warlord, has an autocratic style, a reputation for doling out government contracts to family and friends, and a personal fortune allegedly amassed via corruption and the opium trade. Full Story
French unions vow to keep up pressure Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:37am
France's trade unions vowed to escalate opposition to President Nicolas Sarkozy after mobilising as many as 3m people yesterday in strikes and protests against his economic policy and reforms. Full Story
Gunman shoots BB gun near French school, 10 hurt Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:44am
A gunman armed with a BB gun shot at people Friday near a nursery school in the French city of Lyon, injuring 10 adults but no children, authorities said. Full Story
Afghan clerics urge Saudi-led talks with Taliban Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 2:48pm
Afghanistan's top Muslim clerics urged President Hamid Karzai today to push ahead with a proposal for talks with the Taliban that would be mediated by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah. Full Story
Crowds march against Naples mafia Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:54pm
Thousands of Italians have marched through Naples in one of the largest anti-mafia protests of recent years. Police said 100,000 people gathered for the protest, held annually on the first day of spring. Full Story
New video shows Briton kidnapped in Iraq in 2007 Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:55pm
The British Embassy said Sunday it had received a new video showing one of five Britons taken hostage nearly two years ago allegedly by Shiite extremists that the U.S. believes are backed by Iran. Full Story
Pakistan sends Mumbai attack DNA data to Interpol Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 8:56pm
Pakistan has provided Interpol with DNA profiles of suspected terrorists linked to the Mumbai attacks, the international police agency said Sunday. Full Story
FedEx plane crashes, explodes on landing in Tokyo Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 9:02pm
A FedEx Corp cargo plane caught in a gust of wind crashed and burst into flames as it landed at Narita international airport on Monday, closing the main runway at the busy gateway to Tokyo. Full Story
Australian bikers beat rival to death in airport: police Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 9:04pm
Members of an Australian motorcycle gang bludgeoned a rival to death in Sydney airport on Sunday as horrified passengers looked on, police said. Witnesses said the bikers beat the man with metal crowd control bollards as he lay on the ground in the check-in area. Full Story
Two more militant hideouts destroyed in Bara Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:06am
Military operation against militant hideouts in Bara continued on second day with the demolition of two important centers of a local militant organization, sources said. Full Story
Taliban order NGOs to leave Swat Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:08am
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Sunday ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to immediately leave Swat. Full Story
Girls school blown up in Mardan Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:10am
Unidentified men blew up a girls school in Mardan on Sunday. According to police sources, the men planted explosives near Government Girls High School Hattian, located near the residence of NWFP senior minister Rahim Dad Khan. Full Story
U.S. Kills 5 Afghans in Raid on House Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:17amA predawn raid by United States Special Forces that killed five people on Sunday has produced sharply conflicting accounts from the American military and local Afghan officials as to whether the dead were civilians or militants, resurrecting a sore point that has troubled the American-led war here. Full Story
Thousands getting terror training in UK Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:20am
Thousands of UK workers are being trained to help respond to a future terror attack as part of an updated counter-terror strategy, ministers say. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said shop and hotel workers would be among 60,000 people able to deal with an incident. Full Story
NATO: Taliban commander among 10 killed in strike Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:22am
NATO killed a senior Taliban commander and nine other suspected militants in southern Afghanistan, while the coalition and its Afghan allies suffered an equal number of deaths in separate attacks in the same area, officials said Monday. Full Story
Mumbai gunman tells court that he is from Pakistan Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:22am
The only gunman charged in last year's terror attacks in Mumbai told an Indian court Monday, the first day of court proceedings, that he would agree to a government-provided lawyer and also repeated that he was a Pakistani national. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
CONFLICT & TERROR 03/11
N.Ireland leaders pledge unity after third killing Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:18am
The Catholic and Protestant leaders of Northern Ireland's coalition government jointly pledged to crush Irish Republican Army dissidents in an exceptional show of unity Tuesday after the third killing in two days claimed by an IRA splinter group. Full Story
Alarming cost of false alarms, anthrax hoaxes Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:26am
A security camera recorded the man wearing dark sunglasses and a hooded sweat shirt as he walked by Boston's Symphony Hall Feb. 9 and dropped a cardboard tube marked "Anthrax Beware" at the door. Emergency medical crews raced to the site, firefighters cordoned off the area, police halted traffic and life froze to an anxious halt until a hazmat team signaled the all-clear: The tube was empty.
Officials: Ship in China spat was hunting subs Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:09am
The U.S. Navy ship that got into a scrape with five Chinese vessels last weekend in the South China Sea was looking for threats such as submarines presumably Chinese in waters that China claims as its own, defense officials acknowledged Tuesday. Full Story
Terror group suspected in blast Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:16am
Explosion at Citibank in Filothei that caused damage but no injuries bore hallmarks of Revolutionary Struggle. Police are basing their investigation into a strong explosion outside a branch of Citibank in northern Athens yesterday on the likelihood that it was carried out by the Revolutionary Struggle terrorist group, sources said. Full Story
Sudan: US embassy warns of terrorist attacks Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:17am
The U.S. State Department has allowed the departure of non-emergency personnel and family from its embassy in Khartoum due to "uncertain" security conditions following the expulsion of aid groups from the Darfur region, said a message issued by the embassy Tuesday. Full Story
Iraqi suicide attack kills 33; US blames al-Qaida Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:18am
A suicide bomber struck Sunni and Shiite tribal leaders touring an outdoor market after a reconciliation meeting in a Baghdad suburb Tuesday, killing up to 33 people in the second major attack in the capital area in three days. The bombings are raising fears that Sunni insurgents may be escalating operations as the U.S. phases out its combat role in Iraq and prepares to withdraw troops from cities by the end of June. Full Story
China extends Tibet travel ban to remote valley Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:20am
A famous scenic valley in a Tibetan part of western China has been declared off-limits to foreigners, officials said Wednesday, in a further tightening of security to prevent protests against Chinese rule during a volatile anniversary period. Full Story
Pakistan 'crackdown on activists' Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:21am
Police in Pakistan have arrested dozens of activists to prevent them joining a protest march that begins on Thursday, opposition leaders say. Political gatherings have also been banned in the two largest provinces - Sindh and Punjab. Full Story
U.S. intelligence candidate pulls out after objections Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:22am
The Obama administration's candidate for a top U.S. intelligence post withdrew on Tuesday amid congressional objections over his past criticism of Israel and ties to China and Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal of Charles Freeman, named to head the National Intelligence Council which produces formal U.S. intelligence assessments of security issues, is the latest personnel embarrassment for President Barack Obama as he struggles to staff his administration. Full Story
N.Ireland plans protests against IRA dissidents Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:52am
Labor union leaders called on workers across Northern Ireland to protest Wednesday against Irish Republican Army dissidents behind a surge of shootings that have killed three people and wounded four others. Full Story
French officials make case to rejoin NATO command Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:53am
French Defense Minister Herve Morin on Wednesday staunchly defended strengthened military ties between the United States and Europe as France prepared to rejoin NATO's integrated command after a 43-year absence. "We need a renewed trans-Atlantic partnership between an America that is open and a Europe that is being strengthened," Morin told a high-level military conference on France, European defense and NATO in the 21st century. Full Story
Former Saddam aide Tareq Aziz gets 15 years jail Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:28am
Former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz, the public face of Saddam Hussein's regime, was sentenced to 15 years jail on Wednesday for his role in the execution of dozens of traders for breaking state price controls in 1992. Full Story
Witnesses: Morocco explosion kills at least 1, wounds six Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:35am
Witnesses say an explosion has rocked a suburb of Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital. Authorities say at least one person is dead and six wounded. Resident Hassan Sajeed says the explosion occurred at about 8:45 a.m. in front of or inside a video game arcade on his street, the Boulevard el Joulane. Full Story
German Police Say School Shooting Kills at Least 10 Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:38am
German police say a gunman killed at least 10 people and injured several when he opened fire at a school near Stuttgart in the southwest of the country. The gunman, a former student, fled the school. Full Story
British PM visits N.Ireland barracks after deadly attack Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:41am
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday visited a Northern Ireland army barracks where the first soldiers to be killed in 12 years were gunned down, as leaders tried to gauge the threat to peace. Full Story
Five held over 'Turkey PM plot' Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:44am
Police in the Turkish city of Adana have arrested five people suspected of planning to attack Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports have said. The suspects were detained just before Mr Erdogan visited the southern city on Saturday for a political rally, the state-run Anatolia news agency said. Full Story
Tibetan exiles plan major protests in India Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 11:10am
Tibetan lobby groups based in the Indian hill town of Dharamshala said thousands of protesters would mark Tuesday's 50th anniversary of the failed uprising that forced them into exile. Full Story
Spain backs Serbia's EU bid, won't recognise Kosovo: PMPosted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 1:56pmSpain's prime minister told Serbia's visiting president Monday that Madrid has no plans to recognise the independence of Kosovo and backs Belgrade's bid to join the European Union. Full Story
U.S. citizen beheaded in apparent drug hit Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 1:57pm
A U.S. citizen was one of the three men who were found decapitated this week in Tijuana, Mexican authorities said Friday. The body of George Harrison, a 38-year-old former Chula Vista resident, had been dismembered and mutilated and was dumped in a vacant lot near Tijuana's beachside bullring. Full Story
Policeman shot dead in N Ireland Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:14am
A policeman has been murdered in Northern Ireland just 48 hours after two soldiers were shot by the Real IRA in Antrim. He was Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down. Full Story
North Korea relents on crossing border to factory park Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:15am
North Korea on Tuesday allowed South Koreans back into a lucrative factory just across the border, a day after the reclusive state accused its neighbor and the United States of threatening war. Officials had to exchange a note by hand on who would cross the border because the North on Monday cut off a military hotline -- the usual method of communication -- in anger at the start of annual military exercises by U.S. and South Korean troops near the heavily defended border until March 20. Full Story
4 militants die in Pakistan's Bajaur area Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:16am
Four Islamic militants were killed by Pakistani forces in the Bajaur region where Pakistan has declared victory over the Taliban, officials said Monday. In what was reported to be the first clash in the area since Feb. 23 when a senior Taliban leader announced a unilateral truce, militants attacked a security post near Nawagai Sunday night, the BBC reported. Full Story
Taliban kill Pakistan US 'spy': security official Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:17am
Taliban militants shot dead a man in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal belt after filming him confessing to spying for the United States, an official said Monday. The bullet-ridden body of local tribesman Tahir Khan was found dumped on Monday in a bazaar in Wana, the main town in the semi-autonomous South Waziristan tribal region, a notorious hub of Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants. Full Story
Fifteen dead, minister hurt in Sri Lanka suicide attack Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:20am
At least 15 people were killed and another 60, including a government minister, wounded on Tuesday in a suicide bombing in southern Sri Lanka blamed on Tamil Tiger rebels, officials said. The attacker targeted politicians attending a function at a mosque in the town of Akuressa, and came as the ethnic rebels continue to lose ground in the face of a fierce government offensive on their shrinking northeast base. Full Story
Pakistan tribe agrees to hand over Taliban Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:21am
A tribe in a Pakistani region where the military has fought insurgents has agreed to stop sheltering foreign fighters and hand over local Taliban leaders, authorities said. A tribal elder said some militants could be pardoned and freed. Full Story
Clinton seeks international meeting on Afghanistan Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:11am
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton proposed on Thursday a high-level international conference on Afghanistan to be sponsored by the United Nations and attended by a wide range of countries including Pakistan and NATO allies. Full Story
Canada's next drones will carry bombs Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:13am
Unlike the drones currently patrolling the Afghan skies, Canada's next generation of pilotless aircraft will carry bombs or guided missiles, says Canada's top air force commander. Full Story
Can Obama Avoid a Quagmire in Afghanistan? Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:17am
On the Friday after he was inaugurated, Barack Obama held a full-scale National Security Council meeting about the most serious foreign policy crisis he is facing the deteriorating war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "It was a pretty alarming meeting," said one senior Administration official. Full Story
Pakistan sees local link to cricket team attack Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:19am
Pakistani police suspect local militants were likely responsible for this week's bloody ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the eastern city of Lahore, an investigator said Friday. Britain's foreign secretary, meanwhile, said Islamist militants pose a "mortal threat" to Pakistan and called on the country's feuding president and opposition leader to unite to defeat it. Full Story
Islamic Sharia law expands in northwest Pakistan Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:21am
In an apparent expansion of Islamic fundamentalists' authority in the picturesque Swat Valley, local Pakistani officials have agreed to close shops at prayer times and crack down on prostitution and drug dealing as part of a proposed peace deal, according to local media reports Thursday. Full Story
Interpol chief in Pakistan, holds talks on Mumbai Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:23am
The head of global police agency Interpol met Pakistan's interior ministry chief on Friday as part of an investigation into the Mumbai attacks, which India has blamed on Pakistani extremists. Full Story
Artists flee Pakistan's Swat valley to escape fanatics' threats Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:26am
Mohammad Shahid scrapes together a living in a city slum by painting birds, flowers, animals and celebrity portraits onto minibuses -- and vows never to return to the horrors of Swat valley. Full Story
Mayor killed in Pakistan bomb blast: police Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:28am
The mayor of a town in remote northwest Pakistan was killed and his driver wounded Friday when a roadside bomb planted by suspected Taliban militants exploded near his car, police said. Full Story
Truce in Pakistan May Mean Leeway for Taliban Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 10:24am
The Taliban and the Pakistani Army signed a truce last month in Swat, the once popular tourist area just an hour north of the capital. But far from establishing peace, the pact seems to have allowed the Taliban free rein to expand their harsh religious rule. Full Story
North Korea Puts Army on Combat Alert Before Drills Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:33am
North Korea ordered its armed forces to be combat ready ahead of U.S.-South Korea military exercises that began today and threatened retaliation if its territory is violated, state-run media reported. Full Story
Blasts ahead of Tibet anniversary Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:34am
Two home-made bombs have exploded in a Tibetan region in the west of the country, Chinese state media says. Two vehicles - one of them a police car - were damaged in the blasts, but there were no reports of any injuries. Full Story
Home-made bomb explodes outside Citibank in Athens Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:36am
A home-made bomb exploded outside a Citibank branch in the Greek capital causing minor damage and no injuries, police said on Monday. There has been an outbreak of violence since the fatal police shooting of a teenager in December, which sparked Greece's worst riots in decades and rocked the fragile conservative government. Full Story
Deadly attack on British base rattles Northern Ireland Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:36am
Britain's prime minister and others vow that the peace effort won't be derailed by the shooting at an army base that killed two soldiers and injured four people, including two pizza deliverymen. Full Story
Pakistan to probe demands of US hostage's kidnappers Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:32pm
Hours before a deadline set by Pakistani kidnappers to kill a US hostage was due to expire Thursday, the government announced a top-level committee to investigate the captors' demands. The shadowy Baluchistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) said last month it was responsible for the abduction of John Solecki, head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Full Story
Bombing kills 6 Russian police Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:33pm
Six members of the Russian security forces have been killed when a bomb went off in a village in Russia's Caucasus region of Ingushetia, the Interfax news agency reported. Full Story
Muslims attack Christian community in Punjab Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:34pm
One woman has been killed, and 28 people have been injured at the Presbyterian church in Songo. Violence is on the rise in the Swat Valley and in the northern regions. Thousands of people are fleeing after the introduction of sharia, including many teachers and entire families. In Takhtbhai, in the district of Mardan, there have been bomb attacks on 16 music stores. Full Story
Al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader 'killed' Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:34pm
The military leader of the terrorist group al- Qaeda in Iraq, known as Abu al-Ansar, has been killed in Iraq's al- Anbar province, the Arabic satellite news channel al-Arabiya reported Thursday. The channel did not give further details. Full Story
Taliban blow up Pakistan music shops: police Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:36pm
Taliban militants blew up 16 shops selling music and DVDs in northwest Pakistan overnight, police said Thursday. "An improvised explosive device planted in a market selling music and DVDs in Takhtbhai town blew up 16 shops overnight," local police official Fazal Mabood told AFP, blaming Taliban insurgents. Full Story
'Israel seriously considering Iran military op' Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:44pm
Israel is seriously considering taking unilateral military action to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a report by top US political figures and experts released Wednesday. Full Story
Somali-Americans Disappearances Raise Alarm of Terrorism Ties Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:17am
Seven months ago, Mustafa Salat told his father he was taking his clothes to the laundromat near their apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota. He never returned. Full Story
SKorean airlines stay clear of NKorea after threat Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:17am
South Korean airlines are rerouting their flights away from North Korean airspace, hours after the North threatened Seoul's passenger planes amid heightened tensions on the divided peninsula. Full Story
Palestinian driver goes on rampage in Jerusalem Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:18am
A Palestinian man commandeered a construction vehicle Thursday on a major road and swung a police car into the air, smashing it against a bus before bystanders opened fire on him and police shot him dead. Full Story
Pakistan attack prompts federal officials to caution Indiana officials
Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:21amThe FBI and Homeland Security officials are cautioning Indiana law enforcement that the Big Ten basketball tournaments being held this month in Indianapolis are inviting targets for terrorists. Full Story
Mexican soldiers arrested for alleged drug ties Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:23am
A dozen Mexican soldiers were arrested on suspicion of working with the violent Gulf Cartel, the Mexican army said on Thursday, a blow to President Felipe Calderon's military-backed campaign against drug gangs. Full Story
U.S. delivers seven Somali pirate suspects to Kenya Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:24am
The United States on Thursday turned over seven suspected Somali pirates to Kenya for prosecution for the first time under a bilateral pact that opened the way for the U.S. Navy to capture pirates on the high seas. Full Story
Israeli, Turkish foreign ministers meet secretly Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:30am
The Israeli and Turkish foreign ministers met secretly on the sidelines of a NATO conference Thursday the first high-level contact between the countries since friction erupted over Israel's recent offensive in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli foreign ministry said. Full Story
Iraqi prime minister calls for reconciliation Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:30amIraq's prime minister on Friday called for Iraqis to forgive and reconcile with those who collaborated with the former Sunni-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein. Full Story
China says situation in Muslim area 'more severe' Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:31am
The security situation in China's Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang will be "more severe" this year, state media said Friday,
citing one of the area's top leaders. Full Story
Pakistani police say making progress on attackersPosted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:32am
Pakistani authorities said on Friday they were making progress in the investigation of this week's attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team as suspicion settled on home-grown militants. Full Story
Car explosion in Athens seriously injures man Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:36am
A bomb exploded in a car in a southern Athens suburb Friday, severely wounding a 62-year-old businessman, police said. They said they believed a business dispute was behind the attack. Full Story
Bullets Fly in Copenhagen as Drug Gang War Punctures City Image Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:38am
A turf war between drug gangs is turning one of Europes safest cities into a shooting gallery. Denmarks worst-ever bout of violence between criminals intensified last week with three shootings that left two dead in Copenhagen, the capital. Full Story
Karzai's Election Dates Rejected by Afghan Commission Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:06am
Afghanistan's election commission on Wednesday strongly rejected President Hamid Karzai's choice of dates for upcoming presidential elections, injecting new uncertainty and tension into a crucial transition for this struggling, Western-backed democracy. Full Story
The bus driver who saved the Sri Lankans Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:13amT
here was no match but plenty of applause around Qadhafi Stadium on the day. Six brave policemen laid down their lives so that the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers could return home safe. And no less heroic was the feat of Mahar Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who sped the visitors to safety after the vehicle they were travelling in was ambushed at around 8:50am on Tuesday. Full Story
Warning of attacks on Sri Lanka cricket team was ignored Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:15am
Pakistani officials received specific warnings that militants were planning to ambush the Sri Lankan cricket squad, but they were unable to prevent todays deadly attack because of the countrys spiralling political crisis, opposition MPs claimed tonight. Full Story
Nepal Maoists 'recruit thousands' Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:20am
The Maoist former rebel group in Nepal, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), says it has begun recruiting thousands of young people. The announcement comes just days after the army said it had filled 3,000 vacancies, a move that has been condemned by the former rebels. Full Story
Blasts target main US Afghan base Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:22am
The US military says two bomb blasts near the gate to its main Afghan base have injured at least three people. A car bombing outside the Bagram base was followed moments later by a suicide bombing, US officials said. Full Story
Sufi threatens to abandon Swat peace mission Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:22am
The Swat peace deal was dealt a serious blow when suspected Taliban ambushed a security vehicle, killing two troops and injuring an officer on Tuesday as pro-Taliban cleric Sufi Muhammad threatened to abandon his peace mission. Full Story
Pakistan: Indian expert blames local militants for Lahore attacks Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:23am
Pakistan's banned Kashmiri separatist group Lashkar-e-Toiba and militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed are the prime suspects for Tuesday's attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Indian terrorism expert and former spymaster Vikram Sood has told Adnkronos International (AKI). Full Story
Zardari rules out Taleban truce Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:25am
Pakistani President Asif Zardari has said Pakistan has not and will not negotiate with the "extremist Taleban and terrorists". Mr Zardari said that the "clerics" with whom his government had engaged in Swat valley were not the Taleban. Full Story
Afghans Face Obstacles In Securing Pakistan Border Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:30am
The 1,500-mile-long border Afghanistan shares with Pakistan is a wild and dangerous place, one ruled more by gunmen and tribes than by the government in Kabul. Full Story
For Pakistan, Attack Exposes Security Flaws Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:36am
A coordinated, commando-style ambush on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan on Tuesday revealed embarrassing security gaps in an increasingly unstable country. Full Story
Russian Welcomes Letter From Obama Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:37am
The Russian president, Dmitri A. Medvedev, said Tuesday that his administration was open to overtures from the United States on its proposed missile defense plan, but he dismissed the notion of a deal in which the United States would shelve the plan in exchange for Russias help on Iran. Full Story
Germany raids over 200 suspected neo-Nazi premises Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 12:03pm
German police have launched a nationwide search of more than 200 homes and businesses of people suspected of belonging to the country's extreme right, the Federal Crime Office (BKA) said Wednesday. Full Story
Bomb kills 10 in cattle market south of Baghdad Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:49am
A car bomb exploded Thursday in a crowded cattle market south of Baghdad, killing at least 10 people and injuring 60 others, Iraqi police and medical officials said. Full Story
Islamic Jihad says 2 killed in Gaza airstrike Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:50am
An airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Thursday killed two Islamic Jihad militants and wounded another, the group said, bringing to four the number of members killed by Israel in less than 24 hours. The strike drew retaliatory rocket fire at Israel. Full Story
NATO allies may agree to resume ties with Russia Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:50am
Seven months after breaking ties with Russia over its invasion of Georgia, the NATO alliance moved Thursday toward resuming formal relations despite lingering concerns about Moscow's approach to reasserting its regional influence. Full Story
Bank of England to cut interest rates again Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:51am
The Bank of England was forecast Thursday to slash interest rates to yet another record low -- and embark on measures to pump more cash into the recession-hit economy. Full Story
Wanted for war crimes in Darfur: Sudan's president Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:52am
The president of Sudan became a wanted man Wednesday when the International Criminal Court charged him with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur its first action against a sitting head of state and one that could set the stage for more world leaders to be indicted. Full Story
Unions suspend 44-day-old strike in Guadeloupe Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:54am
Union leaders on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe agreed late Wednesday to suspend a 44-day-old general strike as most of their demands continue to be met. Full Story
Diplomat: Somali pirates release Egyptian ship Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:55am Somali pirates freed an Egyptian cargo ship and its crew of 28 after holding the vessel for more than two months, an Egyptian ambassador said Thursday. Full Story
Opposition leader: Pakistan security has collapsed Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:57am
The bloody ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team shows that security in Pakistan has "collapsed" under the country's shaky pro-Western government, an opposition leader said Thursday, as police questioned several people detained in the hunt for the terrorists. Full Story
Des Moines police report suspicious activity on airplane Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:06am
Security officials say they found something suspicious Tuesday night while cleaning a plane at the Des Moines Airport. Maintenance staff found a 9-volt battery in one of the seats on the plane, ASA Delta Connection flight 5318. The bottom of the battery had been taken off and one of the cells was pulled up, police said. Full Story
Georgia accuses Russia of violating its airspace Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:07am
Georgian officials say Russian military helicopters have repeatedly violated the nation's air space over the past day. The Russian Air Force denied the claim. Full Story
Pakistan issues sketches; no breakthrough on attack Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:08am
Pakistani police issued sketches on Thursday of four of the gunmen who attacked Sri Lanka's cricket team but no breakthrough had emerged two days after the gunmen fired and then melted away. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
The Catholic and Protestant leaders of Northern Ireland's coalition government jointly pledged to crush Irish Republican Army dissidents in an exceptional show of unity Tuesday after the third killing in two days claimed by an IRA splinter group. Full Story
Alarming cost of false alarms, anthrax hoaxes Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:26am
A security camera recorded the man wearing dark sunglasses and a hooded sweat shirt as he walked by Boston's Symphony Hall Feb. 9 and dropped a cardboard tube marked "Anthrax Beware" at the door. Emergency medical crews raced to the site, firefighters cordoned off the area, police halted traffic and life froze to an anxious halt until a hazmat team signaled the all-clear: The tube was empty.
Officials: Ship in China spat was hunting subs Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:09am
The U.S. Navy ship that got into a scrape with five Chinese vessels last weekend in the South China Sea was looking for threats such as submarines presumably Chinese in waters that China claims as its own, defense officials acknowledged Tuesday. Full Story
Terror group suspected in blast Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:16am
Explosion at Citibank in Filothei that caused damage but no injuries bore hallmarks of Revolutionary Struggle. Police are basing their investigation into a strong explosion outside a branch of Citibank in northern Athens yesterday on the likelihood that it was carried out by the Revolutionary Struggle terrorist group, sources said. Full Story
Sudan: US embassy warns of terrorist attacks Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:17am
The U.S. State Department has allowed the departure of non-emergency personnel and family from its embassy in Khartoum due to "uncertain" security conditions following the expulsion of aid groups from the Darfur region, said a message issued by the embassy Tuesday. Full Story
Iraqi suicide attack kills 33; US blames al-Qaida Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:18am
A suicide bomber struck Sunni and Shiite tribal leaders touring an outdoor market after a reconciliation meeting in a Baghdad suburb Tuesday, killing up to 33 people in the second major attack in the capital area in three days. The bombings are raising fears that Sunni insurgents may be escalating operations as the U.S. phases out its combat role in Iraq and prepares to withdraw troops from cities by the end of June. Full Story
China extends Tibet travel ban to remote valley Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:20am
A famous scenic valley in a Tibetan part of western China has been declared off-limits to foreigners, officials said Wednesday, in a further tightening of security to prevent protests against Chinese rule during a volatile anniversary period. Full Story
Pakistan 'crackdown on activists' Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:21am
Police in Pakistan have arrested dozens of activists to prevent them joining a protest march that begins on Thursday, opposition leaders say. Political gatherings have also been banned in the two largest provinces - Sindh and Punjab. Full Story
U.S. intelligence candidate pulls out after objections Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:22am
The Obama administration's candidate for a top U.S. intelligence post withdrew on Tuesday amid congressional objections over his past criticism of Israel and ties to China and Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal of Charles Freeman, named to head the National Intelligence Council which produces formal U.S. intelligence assessments of security issues, is the latest personnel embarrassment for President Barack Obama as he struggles to staff his administration. Full Story
N.Ireland plans protests against IRA dissidents Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:52am
Labor union leaders called on workers across Northern Ireland to protest Wednesday against Irish Republican Army dissidents behind a surge of shootings that have killed three people and wounded four others. Full Story
French officials make case to rejoin NATO command Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 6:53am
French Defense Minister Herve Morin on Wednesday staunchly defended strengthened military ties between the United States and Europe as France prepared to rejoin NATO's integrated command after a 43-year absence. "We need a renewed trans-Atlantic partnership between an America that is open and a Europe that is being strengthened," Morin told a high-level military conference on France, European defense and NATO in the 21st century. Full Story
Former Saddam aide Tareq Aziz gets 15 years jail Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:28am
Former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz, the public face of Saddam Hussein's regime, was sentenced to 15 years jail on Wednesday for his role in the execution of dozens of traders for breaking state price controls in 1992. Full Story
Witnesses: Morocco explosion kills at least 1, wounds six Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:35am
Witnesses say an explosion has rocked a suburb of Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital. Authorities say at least one person is dead and six wounded. Resident Hassan Sajeed says the explosion occurred at about 8:45 a.m. in front of or inside a video game arcade on his street, the Boulevard el Joulane. Full Story
German Police Say School Shooting Kills at Least 10 Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:38am
German police say a gunman killed at least 10 people and injured several when he opened fire at a school near Stuttgart in the southwest of the country. The gunman, a former student, fled the school. Full Story
British PM visits N.Ireland barracks after deadly attack Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:41am
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday visited a Northern Ireland army barracks where the first soldiers to be killed in 12 years were gunned down, as leaders tried to gauge the threat to peace. Full Story
Five held over 'Turkey PM plot' Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:44am
Police in the Turkish city of Adana have arrested five people suspected of planning to attack Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports have said. The suspects were detained just before Mr Erdogan visited the southern city on Saturday for a political rally, the state-run Anatolia news agency said. Full Story
Tibetan exiles plan major protests in India Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 11:10am
Tibetan lobby groups based in the Indian hill town of Dharamshala said thousands of protesters would mark Tuesday's 50th anniversary of the failed uprising that forced them into exile. Full Story
Spain backs Serbia's EU bid, won't recognise Kosovo: PMPosted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 1:56pmSpain's prime minister told Serbia's visiting president Monday that Madrid has no plans to recognise the independence of Kosovo and backs Belgrade's bid to join the European Union. Full Story
U.S. citizen beheaded in apparent drug hit Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 1:57pm
A U.S. citizen was one of the three men who were found decapitated this week in Tijuana, Mexican authorities said Friday. The body of George Harrison, a 38-year-old former Chula Vista resident, had been dismembered and mutilated and was dumped in a vacant lot near Tijuana's beachside bullring. Full Story
Policeman shot dead in N Ireland Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:14am
A policeman has been murdered in Northern Ireland just 48 hours after two soldiers were shot by the Real IRA in Antrim. He was Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, a married man with children from the Banbridge area of County Down. Full Story
North Korea relents on crossing border to factory park Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:15am
North Korea on Tuesday allowed South Koreans back into a lucrative factory just across the border, a day after the reclusive state accused its neighbor and the United States of threatening war. Officials had to exchange a note by hand on who would cross the border because the North on Monday cut off a military hotline -- the usual method of communication -- in anger at the start of annual military exercises by U.S. and South Korean troops near the heavily defended border until March 20. Full Story
4 militants die in Pakistan's Bajaur area Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:16am
Four Islamic militants were killed by Pakistani forces in the Bajaur region where Pakistan has declared victory over the Taliban, officials said Monday. In what was reported to be the first clash in the area since Feb. 23 when a senior Taliban leader announced a unilateral truce, militants attacked a security post near Nawagai Sunday night, the BBC reported. Full Story
Taliban kill Pakistan US 'spy': security official Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:17am
Taliban militants shot dead a man in Pakistan's restive northwest tribal belt after filming him confessing to spying for the United States, an official said Monday. The bullet-ridden body of local tribesman Tahir Khan was found dumped on Monday in a bazaar in Wana, the main town in the semi-autonomous South Waziristan tribal region, a notorious hub of Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants. Full Story
Fifteen dead, minister hurt in Sri Lanka suicide attack Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:20am
At least 15 people were killed and another 60, including a government minister, wounded on Tuesday in a suicide bombing in southern Sri Lanka blamed on Tamil Tiger rebels, officials said. The attacker targeted politicians attending a function at a mosque in the town of Akuressa, and came as the ethnic rebels continue to lose ground in the face of a fierce government offensive on their shrinking northeast base. Full Story
Pakistan tribe agrees to hand over Taliban Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:21am
A tribe in a Pakistani region where the military has fought insurgents has agreed to stop sheltering foreign fighters and hand over local Taliban leaders, authorities said. A tribal elder said some militants could be pardoned and freed. Full Story
Clinton seeks international meeting on Afghanistan Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:11am
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton proposed on Thursday a high-level international conference on Afghanistan to be sponsored by the United Nations and attended by a wide range of countries including Pakistan and NATO allies. Full Story
Canada's next drones will carry bombs Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:13am
Unlike the drones currently patrolling the Afghan skies, Canada's next generation of pilotless aircraft will carry bombs or guided missiles, says Canada's top air force commander. Full Story
Can Obama Avoid a Quagmire in Afghanistan? Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:17am
On the Friday after he was inaugurated, Barack Obama held a full-scale National Security Council meeting about the most serious foreign policy crisis he is facing the deteriorating war in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "It was a pretty alarming meeting," said one senior Administration official. Full Story
Pakistan sees local link to cricket team attack Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:19am
Pakistani police suspect local militants were likely responsible for this week's bloody ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team in the eastern city of Lahore, an investigator said Friday. Britain's foreign secretary, meanwhile, said Islamist militants pose a "mortal threat" to Pakistan and called on the country's feuding president and opposition leader to unite to defeat it. Full Story
Islamic Sharia law expands in northwest Pakistan Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:21am
In an apparent expansion of Islamic fundamentalists' authority in the picturesque Swat Valley, local Pakistani officials have agreed to close shops at prayer times and crack down on prostitution and drug dealing as part of a proposed peace deal, according to local media reports Thursday. Full Story
Interpol chief in Pakistan, holds talks on Mumbai Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:23am
The head of global police agency Interpol met Pakistan's interior ministry chief on Friday as part of an investigation into the Mumbai attacks, which India has blamed on Pakistani extremists. Full Story
Artists flee Pakistan's Swat valley to escape fanatics' threats Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:26am
Mohammad Shahid scrapes together a living in a city slum by painting birds, flowers, animals and celebrity portraits onto minibuses -- and vows never to return to the horrors of Swat valley. Full Story
Mayor killed in Pakistan bomb blast: police Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 9:28am
The mayor of a town in remote northwest Pakistan was killed and his driver wounded Friday when a roadside bomb planted by suspected Taliban militants exploded near his car, police said. Full Story
Truce in Pakistan May Mean Leeway for Taliban Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 10:24am
The Taliban and the Pakistani Army signed a truce last month in Swat, the once popular tourist area just an hour north of the capital. But far from establishing peace, the pact seems to have allowed the Taliban free rein to expand their harsh religious rule. Full Story
North Korea Puts Army on Combat Alert Before Drills Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:33am
North Korea ordered its armed forces to be combat ready ahead of U.S.-South Korea military exercises that began today and threatened retaliation if its territory is violated, state-run media reported. Full Story
Blasts ahead of Tibet anniversary Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:34am
Two home-made bombs have exploded in a Tibetan region in the west of the country, Chinese state media says. Two vehicles - one of them a police car - were damaged in the blasts, but there were no reports of any injuries. Full Story
Home-made bomb explodes outside Citibank in Athens Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:36am
A home-made bomb exploded outside a Citibank branch in the Greek capital causing minor damage and no injuries, police said on Monday. There has been an outbreak of violence since the fatal police shooting of a teenager in December, which sparked Greece's worst riots in decades and rocked the fragile conservative government. Full Story
Deadly attack on British base rattles Northern Ireland Posted on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 6:36am
Britain's prime minister and others vow that the peace effort won't be derailed by the shooting at an army base that killed two soldiers and injured four people, including two pizza deliverymen. Full Story
Pakistan to probe demands of US hostage's kidnappers Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:32pm
Hours before a deadline set by Pakistani kidnappers to kill a US hostage was due to expire Thursday, the government announced a top-level committee to investigate the captors' demands. The shadowy Baluchistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) said last month it was responsible for the abduction of John Solecki, head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Full Story
Bombing kills 6 Russian police Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:33pm
Six members of the Russian security forces have been killed when a bomb went off in a village in Russia's Caucasus region of Ingushetia, the Interfax news agency reported. Full Story
Muslims attack Christian community in Punjab Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:34pm
One woman has been killed, and 28 people have been injured at the Presbyterian church in Songo. Violence is on the rise in the Swat Valley and in the northern regions. Thousands of people are fleeing after the introduction of sharia, including many teachers and entire families. In Takhtbhai, in the district of Mardan, there have been bomb attacks on 16 music stores. Full Story
Al-Qaeda in Iraq military leader 'killed' Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:34pm
The military leader of the terrorist group al- Qaeda in Iraq, known as Abu al-Ansar, has been killed in Iraq's al- Anbar province, the Arabic satellite news channel al-Arabiya reported Thursday. The channel did not give further details. Full Story
Taliban blow up Pakistan music shops: police Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:36pm
Taliban militants blew up 16 shops selling music and DVDs in northwest Pakistan overnight, police said Thursday. "An improvised explosive device planted in a market selling music and DVDs in Takhtbhai town blew up 16 shops overnight," local police official Fazal Mabood told AFP, blaming Taliban insurgents. Full Story
'Israel seriously considering Iran military op' Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 3:44pm
Israel is seriously considering taking unilateral military action to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a report by top US political figures and experts released Wednesday. Full Story
Somali-Americans Disappearances Raise Alarm of Terrorism Ties Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:17am
Seven months ago, Mustafa Salat told his father he was taking his clothes to the laundromat near their apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota. He never returned. Full Story
SKorean airlines stay clear of NKorea after threat Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:17am
South Korean airlines are rerouting their flights away from North Korean airspace, hours after the North threatened Seoul's passenger planes amid heightened tensions on the divided peninsula. Full Story
Palestinian driver goes on rampage in Jerusalem Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:18am
A Palestinian man commandeered a construction vehicle Thursday on a major road and swung a police car into the air, smashing it against a bus before bystanders opened fire on him and police shot him dead. Full Story
Pakistan attack prompts federal officials to caution Indiana officials
Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:21amThe FBI and Homeland Security officials are cautioning Indiana law enforcement that the Big Ten basketball tournaments being held this month in Indianapolis are inviting targets for terrorists. Full Story
Mexican soldiers arrested for alleged drug ties Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:23am
A dozen Mexican soldiers were arrested on suspicion of working with the violent Gulf Cartel, the Mexican army said on Thursday, a blow to President Felipe Calderon's military-backed campaign against drug gangs. Full Story
U.S. delivers seven Somali pirate suspects to Kenya Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:24am
The United States on Thursday turned over seven suspected Somali pirates to Kenya for prosecution for the first time under a bilateral pact that opened the way for the U.S. Navy to capture pirates on the high seas. Full Story
Israeli, Turkish foreign ministers meet secretly Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:30am
The Israeli and Turkish foreign ministers met secretly on the sidelines of a NATO conference Thursday the first high-level contact between the countries since friction erupted over Israel's recent offensive in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli foreign ministry said. Full Story
Iraqi prime minister calls for reconciliation Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:30amIraq's prime minister on Friday called for Iraqis to forgive and reconcile with those who collaborated with the former Sunni-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein. Full Story
China says situation in Muslim area 'more severe' Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:31am
The security situation in China's Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang will be "more severe" this year, state media said Friday,
citing one of the area's top leaders. Full Story
Pakistani police say making progress on attackersPosted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:32am
Pakistani authorities said on Friday they were making progress in the investigation of this week's attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team as suspicion settled on home-grown militants. Full Story
Car explosion in Athens seriously injures man Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:36am
A bomb exploded in a car in a southern Athens suburb Friday, severely wounding a 62-year-old businessman, police said. They said they believed a business dispute was behind the attack. Full Story
Bullets Fly in Copenhagen as Drug Gang War Punctures City Image Posted on Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:38am
A turf war between drug gangs is turning one of Europes safest cities into a shooting gallery. Denmarks worst-ever bout of violence between criminals intensified last week with three shootings that left two dead in Copenhagen, the capital. Full Story
Karzai's Election Dates Rejected by Afghan Commission Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:06am
Afghanistan's election commission on Wednesday strongly rejected President Hamid Karzai's choice of dates for upcoming presidential elections, injecting new uncertainty and tension into a crucial transition for this struggling, Western-backed democracy. Full Story
The bus driver who saved the Sri Lankans Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:13amT
here was no match but plenty of applause around Qadhafi Stadium on the day. Six brave policemen laid down their lives so that the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers could return home safe. And no less heroic was the feat of Mahar Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who sped the visitors to safety after the vehicle they were travelling in was ambushed at around 8:50am on Tuesday. Full Story
Warning of attacks on Sri Lanka cricket team was ignored Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:15am
Pakistani officials received specific warnings that militants were planning to ambush the Sri Lankan cricket squad, but they were unable to prevent todays deadly attack because of the countrys spiralling political crisis, opposition MPs claimed tonight. Full Story
Nepal Maoists 'recruit thousands' Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:20am
The Maoist former rebel group in Nepal, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), says it has begun recruiting thousands of young people. The announcement comes just days after the army said it had filled 3,000 vacancies, a move that has been condemned by the former rebels. Full Story
Blasts target main US Afghan base Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:22am
The US military says two bomb blasts near the gate to its main Afghan base have injured at least three people. A car bombing outside the Bagram base was followed moments later by a suicide bombing, US officials said. Full Story
Sufi threatens to abandon Swat peace mission Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:22am
The Swat peace deal was dealt a serious blow when suspected Taliban ambushed a security vehicle, killing two troops and injuring an officer on Tuesday as pro-Taliban cleric Sufi Muhammad threatened to abandon his peace mission. Full Story
Pakistan: Indian expert blames local militants for Lahore attacks Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:23am
Pakistan's banned Kashmiri separatist group Lashkar-e-Toiba and militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed are the prime suspects for Tuesday's attack against the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Indian terrorism expert and former spymaster Vikram Sood has told Adnkronos International (AKI). Full Story
Zardari rules out Taleban truce Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:25am
Pakistani President Asif Zardari has said Pakistan has not and will not negotiate with the "extremist Taleban and terrorists". Mr Zardari said that the "clerics" with whom his government had engaged in Swat valley were not the Taleban. Full Story
Afghans Face Obstacles In Securing Pakistan Border Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:30am
The 1,500-mile-long border Afghanistan shares with Pakistan is a wild and dangerous place, one ruled more by gunmen and tribes than by the government in Kabul. Full Story
For Pakistan, Attack Exposes Security Flaws Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:36am
A coordinated, commando-style ambush on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan on Tuesday revealed embarrassing security gaps in an increasingly unstable country. Full Story
Russian Welcomes Letter From Obama Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 9:37am
The Russian president, Dmitri A. Medvedev, said Tuesday that his administration was open to overtures from the United States on its proposed missile defense plan, but he dismissed the notion of a deal in which the United States would shelve the plan in exchange for Russias help on Iran. Full Story
Germany raids over 200 suspected neo-Nazi premises Posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 12:03pm
German police have launched a nationwide search of more than 200 homes and businesses of people suspected of belonging to the country's extreme right, the Federal Crime Office (BKA) said Wednesday. Full Story
Bomb kills 10 in cattle market south of Baghdad Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:49am
A car bomb exploded Thursday in a crowded cattle market south of Baghdad, killing at least 10 people and injuring 60 others, Iraqi police and medical officials said. Full Story
Islamic Jihad says 2 killed in Gaza airstrike Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:50am
An airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Thursday killed two Islamic Jihad militants and wounded another, the group said, bringing to four the number of members killed by Israel in less than 24 hours. The strike drew retaliatory rocket fire at Israel. Full Story
NATO allies may agree to resume ties with Russia Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:50am
Seven months after breaking ties with Russia over its invasion of Georgia, the NATO alliance moved Thursday toward resuming formal relations despite lingering concerns about Moscow's approach to reasserting its regional influence. Full Story
Bank of England to cut interest rates again Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:51am
The Bank of England was forecast Thursday to slash interest rates to yet another record low -- and embark on measures to pump more cash into the recession-hit economy. Full Story
Wanted for war crimes in Darfur: Sudan's president Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:52am
The president of Sudan became a wanted man Wednesday when the International Criminal Court charged him with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur its first action against a sitting head of state and one that could set the stage for more world leaders to be indicted. Full Story
Unions suspend 44-day-old strike in Guadeloupe Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:54am
Union leaders on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe agreed late Wednesday to suspend a 44-day-old general strike as most of their demands continue to be met. Full Story
Diplomat: Somali pirates release Egyptian ship Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:55am Somali pirates freed an Egyptian cargo ship and its crew of 28 after holding the vessel for more than two months, an Egyptian ambassador said Thursday. Full Story
Opposition leader: Pakistan security has collapsed Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:57am
The bloody ambush of the Sri Lankan cricket team shows that security in Pakistan has "collapsed" under the country's shaky pro-Western government, an opposition leader said Thursday, as police questioned several people detained in the hunt for the terrorists. Full Story
Des Moines police report suspicious activity on airplane Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:06am
Security officials say they found something suspicious Tuesday night while cleaning a plane at the Des Moines Airport. Maintenance staff found a 9-volt battery in one of the seats on the plane, ASA Delta Connection flight 5318. The bottom of the battery had been taken off and one of the cells was pulled up, police said. Full Story
Georgia accuses Russia of violating its airspace Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:07am
Georgian officials say Russian military helicopters have repeatedly violated the nation's air space over the past day. The Russian Air Force denied the claim. Full Story
Pakistan issues sketches; no breakthrough on attack Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 6:08am
Pakistani police issued sketches on Thursday of four of the gunmen who attacked Sri Lanka's cricket team but no breakthrough had emerged two days after the gunmen fired and then melted away. Full Story
Courtesy Terrorism Research Center, Inc.
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