
BBC: Front Page
- Syria rebels set 48-hour deadline
The rebel Free Syrian Army says it will stop adhering to a ceasefire at lunchtime on Friday if the government does not start observing the truce.
- Ireland prepares for treaty vote
Voters in the Republic of Ireland prepare to cast ballots in a referendum on whether to reject the European fiscal treaty, which limits budget deficits.
- Andy Coulson charged with perjury
UK Prime Minister David Cameron's former director of communications Andy Coulson is arrested by police investigating allegations of perjury.
- Tibetan mother in self-immolation
A Tibetan mother of three dies after setting herself on fire in Sichuan province, two reports say, days after two men set themselves on fire in Lhasa.
- Graff delays $1bn HK share sale
Graff Diamonds halts its $1bn (£646m) Hong Kong share sale, set to be Asia's biggest in 2012, citing tough market conditions.
- Canada manhunt after limbs posted
Canadian police name a 29-year-old Montreal man wanted in connection with two limbs sent through the post, and a headless torso.
- French reporter freed in Colombia
Colombia's Farc rebels release French journalist Romeo Langlois, who was abducted during an ambush last month.
- Bullet sales 'must be regulated'
UK-based charity Oxfam says the global trade in ammunition must be regulated, ahead of a UN conference on a new arms treaty.
- Leaders due at Somalia conference
World leaders and Somali politicians are due to gather in Istanbul for a conference on Somalia's future, with a new president due in August.
- Parents charged over fire deaths
The parents of six children who died in a house fire in the UK city of Derby are charged with their murders.
- SpaceX Dragon ship aims for Earth
The private Dragon cargo capsule is set to return to Earth on Thursday having spent a week attached to the International Space Station.
- Supervolcanoes 'quicker to blow'
The planet's biggest volcanoes do not need nearly as long to develop before eruption as previously thought, US research suggests.
- VIDEO: Yacht team avoid collision with whale
The crew on the New Zealand yacht in the Volvo Ocean race narrowly escaped a high-speed collision with a whale during the seventh leg of the event.
- VIDEO: Tin Tin memorabilia set to break record
A collection of Tintin memorabilia is about to go under the hammer in Paris, with a rare cover drawn by the author himself expected to fetch a record 1m euros.
- VIDEO: British hostage released in Sudan
Patrick Noonan, aged 48, was kidnapped by an armed gang while working for the World Food Programme in South Darfur.
- VIDEO: Woman rescued from Italy quake debris
Rescue teams in Italy have pulled a woman to safety from debris, 10 hours after an earthquake caused her home to collapse upon her.
- VIDEO: Mandela makes rare public appearance
Nelson Mandela made a rare public appearance on Wednesday, as part of the African National Congress (ANC) centenary celebrations.
- VIDEO: One-minute World News
Watch the latest news summary from BBC World News. International news updated 24 hours a day.
- VIDEO: Canada severed limbs suspect named
Canadian police investigating a parcel containing a human foot say they have discovered a second package containing a body part at a post office in Ottawa.
- AUDIO: 'Forgive me' begs woman who lied about rape
A US teenager who was sentenced for a crime he did not commit has been exonorated after his alleged victim admitted she lied.

BBC: Israel/Palestinians

BBC: Middle East
- Syria rebels set 48-hour deadline
The rebel Free Syrian Army says it will stop adhering to a ceasefire at lunchtime on Friday if the government does not start observing the truce.
- Mubarak sons to face new trial
The two sons of deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are to go on trial on suspicion of insider trading, Egypt's prosecutor general says.
- 'Militants die' in Yemen strikes
At least 10 Islamist militants have been killed in the southern Yemeni province of Abyan, officials say, as the army continues its advance on Jaar.
- Israel weighs 'unilateral move'
Israel's Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, says the government might consider a "unilateral move" if peace negotiations with the Palestinians fail.
- Spyware targets Iran's dissidents
Installation software for Simurgh, an anonymising proxy tool, has been compromised with a Trojan warn researchers.
- Iraq PM warns of Arab 'water war'
Arab countries could be headed towards a future war over water, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki warns at the opening of a conference in Baghdad.
- Leading Bahrain activist released
A pro-democracy activist in Bahrain who was arrested last month after staging a lone protest on a main road is released from jail after paying a fine.
- Islamist promises inclusive Egypt
The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate for president in Egypt, Mohammed Mursi, says he would include a wide range of political forces in any government.
- Iran 'finds Flame malware fix'
Iran says it has developed tools that can defend against and remove the sophisticated cyber attack tool known as Flame.
- Israel to pay non-Orthodox rabbis
The State of Israel agrees to tacitly recognise for the first time rabbis from non-Orthodox backgrounds and pay the wages of those serving communities.
- Nato 'kills senior al-Qaeda man'
One of the most senior al-Qaeda figures in Afghanistan was killed in a weekend air strike, Nato says, but Taliban sources deny it.
- Israel frees Palestinian activist
A Palestinian activist who was convicted of urging young people to throw stones has been freed by an Israeli court.
- Algeria profile
Provides overview, key facts and events, timelines and leader profiles along with current news about Algeria
- Bahrain country profile
Provides an overview of Bahrain, including key events and facts about this oil-rich state which has become a financial services centre
- Egypt profile
Provides an overview of Egypt, including key events and facts.
- Iran country profile
Provides an overview of Iran, including key events and facts about this country whose supreme leader is an Islamic cleric
- Iraq country profile
Provides an overview of Iraq, including key events and facts about the home of some of the earliest civilisations
- Israel profile
Provides an overview of Israel, including key events and facts about the world's only state with a majority Jewish population
- Jordan profile
Provides an overview of Jordan, including key events and facts about this small country in the Middle East.
- Kuwait profile
Provides an overview of Kuwait, including key events and facts about this oil-rich state.

BBC: South Asia
- Tibetan mother in self-immolation
A Tibetan mother of three dies after setting herself on fire in Sichuan province, two reports say, days after two men set themselves on fire in Lhasa.
- Japan makes games piracy arrest
Nintendo says Japan has used a new law to crack down on the sale of adapters that allow the use of pirated games.
- India petrol price strike begins
A strike called by India's opposition parties in protest against a sharp increase in petrol prices disrupts normal life in parts of the country.
- Twist in 'Bin Laden doctor' case
The Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA track down Osama Bin Laden was jailed last week for alleged links to militants, the court judgement shows.
- Burmese migrants cheer Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi vows to help Burmese migrant workers, as she addressed cheering crowds in Thailand on her first trip outside Burma since 1988.
- Samsung family feuds over shares
Samsung Electronics chairman to defend lawsuits from relatives
- India court bails Italian marines
An Indian court gives bail to two Italian marines charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen.
- Chess champion Anand keeps title
World chess champion Vishy Anand holds on to his title for a fifth year running against Boris Gelfand at the championships in Moscow.
- China worker death sparks protest
Hundreds of workers went on the rampage in China following the death of a colleague allegedly over a wage dispute, reports say.
- Thai web editor in suspended term
An editor of a Thai political website is given an eight-month suspended sentence for failing to remove comments deemed insulting to the monarchy.
- Chen attacks China 'lawlessness'
'Lawlessness' could be the biggest challenge to China's political stability and must be tackled, activist Chen Guangcheng has said.
- VIDEO: High pollution hits Bangladesh capital
Bangladeshi officials say dust pollution levels in the capital Dhaka are reaching well above acceptable limits during winter months posing serious health problems to its estimated 14 million residents.
- VIDEO: Bhopal gas legacy poisons Olympics
Campaigners in India are keeping up the pressure for Indian athletes to boycott the London 2012 Olympic games
- VIDEO: Suu Kyi vows to help Burmese migrants
Aung San Suu Kyi vowed to help Burmese migrant workers, as she addressed cheering crowds in Thailand on her first trip outside Burma since 1988.
- VIDEO: Burmese anger over Chinese pipeline
People in Burma are angry over government plans to sell the country's resources to China.
- VIDEO: Tajik town with almost no men
After the collapse of the Soviet Union many Tajiks left their country as civil war ravaged their lives, and the women took over.
- VIDEO: Nepalis protest as deadline expires
Clashes in Nepal as politicians fail to reach consensus over a new constitution.
- VIDEO: India-Burma border market helping trade
There are only a few border crossings between Burma and India, but at one there is a market where both communities can buy and sell produce.
- VIDEO: Where the world's ships go to die
Although dangerous and potentially poisonous work, ship-breaking is big business in poverty-stricken Bangladesh, as a BBC film crew discovers.
- Reptile has 'steak-knife teeth'
The unique saw-like chew of a New Zealand reptile could be the secret of its success, say scientists.

BBC: Asia Pacific
- Tibetan mother in self-immolation
A Tibetan mother of three dies after setting herself on fire in Sichuan province, two reports say, days after two men set themselves on fire in Lhasa.
- Japan makes games piracy arrest
Nintendo says Japan has used a new law to crack down on the sale of adapters that allow the use of pirated games.
- India petrol price strike begins
A strike called by India's opposition parties in protest against a sharp increase in petrol prices disrupts normal life in parts of the country.
- Twist in 'Bin Laden doctor' case
The Pakistani doctor who helped the CIA track down Osama Bin Laden was jailed last week for alleged links to militants, the court judgement shows.
- Burmese migrants cheer Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi vows to help Burmese migrant workers, as she addressed cheering crowds in Thailand on her first trip outside Burma since 1988.
- Samsung family feuds over shares
Samsung Electronics chairman to defend lawsuits from relatives
- India court bails Italian marines
An Indian court gives bail to two Italian marines charged with the murder of two Indian fishermen.
- Chess champion Anand keeps title
World chess champion Vishy Anand holds on to his title for a fifth year running against Boris Gelfand at the championships in Moscow.
- China worker death sparks protest
Hundreds of workers went on the rampage in China following the death of a colleague allegedly over a wage dispute, reports say.
- Thai web editor in suspended term
An editor of a Thai political website is given an eight-month suspended sentence for failing to remove comments deemed insulting to the monarchy.
- Chen attacks China 'lawlessness'
'Lawlessness' could be the biggest challenge to China's political stability and must be tackled, activist Chen Guangcheng has said.
- VIDEO: High pollution hits Bangladesh capital
Bangladeshi officials say dust pollution levels in the capital Dhaka are reaching well above acceptable limits during winter months posing serious health problems to its estimated 14 million residents.
- VIDEO: Bhopal gas legacy poisons Olympics
Campaigners in India are keeping up the pressure for Indian athletes to boycott the London 2012 Olympic games
- VIDEO: Suu Kyi vows to help Burmese migrants
Aung San Suu Kyi vowed to help Burmese migrant workers, as she addressed cheering crowds in Thailand on her first trip outside Burma since 1988.
- VIDEO: Burmese anger over Chinese pipeline
People in Burma are angry over government plans to sell the country's resources to China.
- VIDEO: Tajik town with almost no men
After the collapse of the Soviet Union many Tajiks left their country as civil war ravaged their lives, and the women took over.
- VIDEO: Nepalis protest as deadline expires
Clashes in Nepal as politicians fail to reach consensus over a new constitution.
- VIDEO: India-Burma border market helping trade
There are only a few border crossings between Burma and India, but at one there is a market where both communities can buy and sell produce.
- VIDEO: Where the world's ships go to die
Although dangerous and potentially poisonous work, ship-breaking is big business in poverty-stricken Bangladesh, as a BBC film crew discovers.
- Reptile has 'steak-knife teeth'
The unique saw-like chew of a New Zealand reptile could be the secret of its success, say scientists.

Command Post: Iraq
- House Rejects Iraq Pullout
The Washington Times reports the House last night overwhelmingly voted down a resolution calling for immediate withdrawal from Iraq. The Resolution simply read: It is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately. The vote was 403-3, with six voting present and 14 not voting. From California Yankee....
- Good News from Iraq (Arthur's Finale): 13 September 2005
Note: Available from Chrenkoff, as well as “WSJ Opinion Journal,” Winds of Change.NET and GoodNewsFromTheFront.com. As this is my last contribution to the series, an extra special thanks to WSJ's James Taranto and Joe Katzman of Winds of Change.NET, as well as to countless readers and bloggers for your support and encouragement right from the beginning. Here is the entire series. It's been almost a year and a half since I first started compiling the under-reported and often-overlooked stories of positive developments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Major changes and events have taken place in both countries. With the constitutional referendum in Iraq and a parliamentary election in Afghanistan still ahead, however, it is time for me to say good-bye. A change in my work circumstances will unfortunately prevent me carrying this forward or blogging at Chrenkoff; nevertheless, the trend has been set. I have no doubt that good news will continue to come out of the Middle East and Central Asia - and that it is likely to continue to lose prominence to stories of violence, mayhem, dislocation and crisis. With the Support of The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, however, GoodNewsFromTheFront.com has risen to fill the news void and redress the imbalance of negativity. Future reports will be found there; other briefings may arise as well. Big thanks go to James Taranto, the editor of WSJ's “Opinion Journal”, who had the courage, imagination and foresight to provide a forum for this news. If the American press and networks across the ocean had more editors like James, I'm certain Americans news providers would face a far less disillusioned public. As they don't, however, it's a huge loss for everyone. Big thanks also to all of my readers for your support and encouragement. I don't know what Iraq and Afghanistan will look like in five or ten years time, but I hope for the best. I hope that despite all the horrendous problems and challenges, both countries manage to make it through and join the international family of normal, decent and peaceful nations. If so, it will be all due to the amazing spirit and commitment of the majority of their people, and to the crucial help of the Coalition members both in and out of uniform. If that does indeed happen, many will wonder just exactly how these two countries, seemingly in the news only when blood flows, ever...
- Winds Iraq Report: Sept. 12/05
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from Iraq that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. This briefing is brought to you by Joel Gaines of No Pundit Intended and Andrew Olmsted of Andrew Olmsted dot com. TOP TOPICS The battle for Tal Afar, mentioned here last week, has expanded to include an attempt by the Iraq government to seal the Syrian border to prevent insurgents from slipping into the country to augment those already there. The fighting in Tal Afar itself seems to have slowed, however. JK: Michael Yon describes the operation in which Lt. Col. Kurilla was shot (he posts the photo of that exact moment) - an operation in which he picked up a gun in the middle of combat and charged in to help the wounded LTC and men of Deuce Four. The jihadi who did it had been released from Abu Ghraib in August. What a surprise. You'll be happy to hear that LTC Kurilla will make a full recovery, but now that he's state-side in hospital, he's annoyed at media coverage that absolutely fails to reflect the reality he lived. What a surprise. Maybe it would be different if they were there, and had the guts to do what Michael does. Someone purported to be Abu Musab al-Zarqawi released an audio tape in which he claimed the U.S. was using chemical weapons in Tal Afar. Al-Zarqawi claimed the Coalition would be defeated in Tal Afar, and he cursed the Iraqis who were joining Iraq's army and security forces as traitors. Other Topics Today Include: a hostage freed; RadioShack IED finders; Iraq takes the lead in Tal Afar; Iraq's stock exchange on the move; reconstruction highlights; working the constitution; Carnival of the Liberated; Dawn Patrol. Read the Rest…...
- 500 Die In Baghdad Stampede
Reuters reports up to 500 people died when a crowd of Iraqi Shi'ites stampeded off a bridge over the Tigris river in Baghdad on Wednesday, fleeing rumors of a suicide bombing threat: “So far we have 500 dead,” Jalil Al-Shumari, the deputy minister, told Reuters. The crowd, on its way to the Kadhimiya mosque for an important religious ceremony, panicked as rumors spread that a suicide bomber was preparing to blow himself up. Earlier at least seven people died in three separate mortar attacks on the crowd....
- U.S. Aircraft Destroy Terrorist Hideouts Near Iraq's Syrian Border
Bloomberg reports that suspected al-Qaeda fighters were killed in western Iraq today when precision guided bombs destroyed three terrorist hideouts in two cities near the Syrian border: Four bombs were dropped on a house “occupied by terrorists” outside the city of Husaybah in the first strike, the military said in a statement e-mailed from the capital, Baghdad. Then at 6:20 a.m. local time two bombs were dropped on a second house, killing a man identified as “Abu Islam, a known terrorist” and several others, the military said. At about 8:30 a.m. another attack was conducted, this time on a house in the city of Karabilah, six kilometers south east of Husaybah, where some of Islam's followers are believed to have fled, the military said. Several terrorists were killed, according to the statement. From California Yankee....

Command Post: Global
- Dutch police make terror arrests
The BBC, Reuters and other media report:Six men and a woman were detained in raids in The Hague, Amsterdam and nearby Almere, the national prosecutor's office said. (...) Riot police moved in to strengthen security at the Binnenhof castle in...
- How We Can Help Quake Victims
The death toll is in the tens of thousands and the United Nations says more than 2.5 million people were left homeless by Saturday’s monster 7.6-magnitude quake. A number of charities have already launched appeals to help with the earthquake...
- Quake kills More Than 18,000
The Associated Press reports more than 18,000 were killed in South Asia earthquake: Village after village was reduced to rubble, and landslides flattened an apartment building after an earthquake shook the Pakistan-India border Saturday. More than 18,000 people were killed,...
- Bin Laden Seeking Medical Attention
UPDATE: Reuters reports the U.S. military denies that one of its officers had told reporters Osama bin Laden was seeking medical attention. Reuters reports that Osama bin Laden is in poor health and is seeking medical attention. “Osama bin Laden...
- Chief Justice Rehnquist Dies
Chief Justice Rehnquist died of cancer at his suburban Virginia home, shortly before 11 p.m. ET Saturday. Rehnquist had an extraordinary career. Rehnquist's grandparents emigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1880 and settled in Chicago. His grandfather was...

Command Post: Terror
- Dutch jail terror group
The first ruling within the new Dutch anti-terror law: “Anyone who preaches hate and violence lays the basis for committing crimes directed at instilling fear among the people and destroying Dutch democracy.” Source: BBC...
- Australia Foils Terror Attack
The BBC reports Australian police arrested 16 people in Sydney and Melbourne preventing a “potentially catastrophic attack.” Chemicals, weapons, and computers were seized in raids on 23 houses in Sydney and Melbourne Tuesday, following a 16-month investigation. “I'm satisfied that...
- Quake Hits Area Where Osama Hides
The Associated Press reminds us yesterday's tragic earthquake struck where the world's most wanted terrorist avoids justice, but maybe not mother nature's wrath: No evidence suggests that the deadly earthquake that rocked Pakistan on Saturday injured or killed the world's...
- Reports of NYC Subway Threat
At this hour, CNN, MSNBC, and FNC are reporting that there will be an alert briefing by the New York City Police and Mayor addressing “unspecified threats for NYC subways”. The briefing scheduled to air at 5:30pm EDT. Newsday (via...
- Monday Winds of War: Sept 12/05
Welcome! Our goal at Winds of Change.NET is to give you one power-packed briefing of insights, news and trends from the global War on Terror that leaves you stimulated, informed, and occasionally amused every Monday & Thursday. Monday's Winds of...
|

WaPo: Front Page
Telegraph: Breaking
- Operations to be cancelled as doctors vote for industrial action on June 21
British Medical Association votes to strike over pensions, with non-urgent operations cancelled on June 21.
 
- Operations could be cancelled as doctors vote in favour of industrial action
For first time in nearly 40 years, British Medical Association members vote in favour of industrial action over pensions which could lead to the cancellation of non-urgent operations.
 
- Doctors vote to take industrial action: British Medical Association
British Medical Association members dramatically vote in favour of industrial action over proposed changes that will mean doctors currently under 50 having to work to 68 and paying more for their pensions.
 
- Greece on brink of collapse
Europe's financial crisis lurches into perilous new phase as IMF chief Christine Lagarde warns that Greek euro exit would be "quite messy", with risks to growth, trade and financial markets.
 
- Child benefit plan will be a disaster, warns institute
Removing benefit from middle-classes will cause confusion, intrusion and unfair fines, official accountants' body warns.
 
- Child benefit plan will be a disaster, warns institute
Removing benefit from middle-classes will cause confusion, intrusion and unfair fines, official accountants' body warns.
 
- State must pay family carers to look after elderly, say MPs
Report recommends doubling proposed £35,000 cap on amount an elderly or disabled person would pay for care over their lifetime.
 
- HMS Astute: Royal Navy's world-beating £1.2bn nuclear submarine
HMS Astute, the Royal Navy nuclear submarine is powered with a nuclear reactor the size of a dustbin.
 
- Wealthy woman with connections with a foreign head of state wins ban on allegations of her sex life being made public
A wealthy woman who has close connections with a foreign head of state has won a blanket ban on allegations of her sex life being made public.
 
- Super-injunction row: Lawyers for unnamed ex-wife of an Asian head of state have hit back at 'unwarranted' claims
Lawyers acting for an unnamed ex-wife of an Asian head of state have hit back at "unwarranted" claims made by a businessman under Parliamentary privilege.
 
- Nick Clegg wants to let MPs keep family fortunes under wraps
Nick Clegg says moves to disclose politicians' financial affairs should not be extended to spouses and families.
 
- 9/11: the day of judgment is nigh
The trial of alleged 9/11 mastermind is in danger of being undermined by political and legal wrangling.
 
- Council tenants to get up to £75,000 to buy their own homes, David Cameron to say
Council tenants are to be offered up to £75,000 to help buy their own homes, David Cameron will say today.
 
- Bus driver arrested after fatal M5 crash
Driver arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following fatal crash in foggy weather
 
- One dead in M5 crash between bus and lorry
Passenger dies and 27 are taken to hospital after a bus and a lorry crashed on a foggy M5 this morning.
 
- One dead in M5 crash between coach and lorry
A passenger has died and 27 taken to hospital when a coach and a lorry crashed on a foggy motorway this morning.
 
- Toulouse siege: as it happened
Live coverage as it happened of the siege at the home of Mohamed Merah, the suspected Toulouse serial killer responsible for the murders of four people outside a Jewish school and three paratroopers in south west France.
 
- Toulouse siege: live
Live coverage of the siege at the home of Mohamed Merah, the suspected Toulouse serial killer responsible for the murders of four people outside a Jewish school and three paratroopers in south west France.
 
- Toulouse siege: interactive graphic
Graphic details key events leading up to the siege at the home of Mohamed Merah, the suspected Toulouse serial killer responsible for the murders of four people outside a Jewish school and three paratroopers in south west France
 
- Child benefit cuts: 20,000 middle class children to be pushed below poverty line
Hundreds of thousands of middle class mothers face cuts to their state pension as a result of new limits to child benefit, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
 

Telegraph: International News
- Police hunt gunman after Seattle murders
Police are searching for the gunman that killed two people and wounded three others at a cafe in Seattle.
 
- Police find human hand in mail in Ottawa
A human hand was found in the mail at an Ottawa post office, hours after a foot was sent to Canada's ruling Conservative Party.
 
- Anders Breivik was victim of 'blood diamond' scam
Norwegian killer Anders Behring Breivik transferred nearly $5,000 into a Liberian man's bank account and spent another $13,000 travelling to Liberia and buying equipment, after falling for what appears to be an elaborate blood diamond scam.
- Anders Behring Breivik lost $18,000 in 'blood diamond' scam
Norwegian killer Anders Behring Breivik transferred nearly $5,000 into a Liberian man's bank account and spent another $13,000 travelling to Liberia and buying equipment, after falling for what appears to be an elaborate blood diamond scam.
 
- Fate of Chagos Islands to be decided
The fate of thousands of islanders expelled from a disputed archipelago in the Indian Ocean 40 years ago to make way for a US military base will be discussed by David Cameron and the prime minister of Mauritius for the first time this weekend.
 
- Petroc Trelawny hit with fresh charge in Zimbabwe
BBC music presenter facing prison after immigration files charge against him of lying on his visa application.
 
- Syria dispatch: fear and hate in the killing zone of Houla
The eight vehicle convoy of UN land cruisers and Red Crescent ambulances headed down the one mile straight road towards Houla past ruined buildings towards the dead horse that lies rotting at a roundabout.
- Syria: West may be forced to seize Bashar al-Assad's toxic gas stockpile
West could intervene if collapse of Assad regime were to leave chemical weapons vulnerable to terrorists, sources say.
- Civil war in Syria would be catastrophic - Kofi Annan's deputy
The UN Security Council needs to decide how a catastrophic full-scale civil war in Syria can be avoided, says Kofi Annan's deputy Jean-Marie Guehenno.
- Where's George W Bush? How a two-term president became the quiet man of US politics
George W Bush returns to the White House on Thursday for the unveiling of his official portrait. But where has the lesser-spotted 43rd President been hiding? Jon Swaine visited Dallas to find out more.
 
- The luxury villa of the British couple arrested in Bali in £1.6 million cocaine smuggling racket
Brits facing firing squad live in luxurious three-bedroom villa equipped with a large swimming pool and marble floors.
- The luxury villa of the British couple arrested in Bali in £1.6 million cocaine smuggling racket
Brits facing firing squad live in luxurious three-bedroom villa equipped with a large swimming pool and marble floors.
 
- Syrian rebels capture soldiers in Homs
Amateur video appears to shows rebels capturing soldiers during fighting in Homs.
 
- Syria: UN uncovers further evidence of massacre
UN observers uncovered evidence of another massacre in Syria, with the discovery of the bodies of 13 men with their hands tied behind their backs in a clear sign they had been executed.
 
- John Bolton: US Voters agree George W Bush left Barack Obama with a mess
American voters agree with President Barack Obama's claim that he inherited "a mess" from George W. Bush, according to John Bolton, one of Mr Bush's best-known former colleagues.
 
- Michaela McAreavey Mauritius murder trial thrown into disarray
The case against two Mauritian hotel workers for murdering Irish honeymooner Michaela McAreavey has been thrown into disarray after a defence lawyer withdrew and asked to stand as a witness instead.
 
- US election: Mitt Romney formally sets up battle with Barack Obama
Mitt Romney has been formally confirmed as the man to take on Barack Obama for the US presidency in November, setting up what analysts widely predict will be a long, attritional race fought mainly around jobs and the economy.
 
- Teenager jailed for 24 hours for skipping class
A teenager was jailed for 24 hours in Texas for truancy despite missing school so she could work two jobs to support her family.
 
- Barack Obama under pressure to apologise to Poland over 'death camps' gaffe
President Barack Obama is under growing pressure to apologise to Poland after the country's prime minister publicly rebuked him for making reference to "Polish death camps" in the Second World War.
 
- Nelson Mandela awarded ANC centenary flame
Nelson Mandela is honoured in his hometown of Qunu with the African National Congress flame
 

Telegraph: Opinion
- Admit it, chaps - you just prefer other chaps
Just imagine if it was Theresa May who had gone to the tennis, knocked back a few Pimms, and kicked off her kitten heels, asks Allison Pearson.
- Rothschild and Rockefeller: their family fortunes
Harry Mount marvels at how these two dynasties have held on to their wealth for so long.
- I salute you, marvellous mummy's boys of Britain
It's a big fat myth that mums and dads want their children to lead independent lives, believes Bryony Gordon.
- What would happen if David Cameron was run over by a bus?
If the unthinkable happened and David Cameron had to be replaced as Tory leader, who would the smart money be on, asks Sue Cameron.
- It may seem painless, but drone war in Afghanistan is destroying the West's reputation
A new phase of secret, unaccountable and illegal warfare is being deployed by the West, finds Peter Oborne.
- England is a green and pleasant man-made land
The tension between developers and Nimbys is sure to grow - but something has to give, says Bruce Anderson.
- Lynne Truss on the bugbears of holidaying abroad
The campaign to get us to holiday in the UK has missed one important draw: no bloodsucking insects
- My Week: Richard Eyre
Vanity on the tube and jogging with Rupert Murdoch
- The treasure on my doorstep that I've only just discovered
The extraordinary Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge needs to blow its trumpet better, says Rowan Pelling.
- A dental service to put a smile on your face
People would visit their dentist more often if there was clarity over costs and treatment, argues James Goolnik.
- Good dental practice will lead to happier smiles
People would visit their dentist more often if there was greater clarity over costs and treatment, says James Goolnik.
- Caution: the Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke at work
Don't revile Ken Clarke for slobbing out, envy his ability to switch off among digitally obsessed, says Max Davidson.
- Caution: minister at work
Don't revile Justice Secretary Ken Clarke for slobbing out at the cricket. Instead, envy him for his ability to switch off and have fun in a world full of digitally obsessed headless chickens, says Max Davidson.
- Yes, marriage is the 'gold standard'
Young people aspire to a good marriage - so why does the divorce rate continue to rise, asks Judith Woods.
- Kay Burley: 'I don't want to sit here with a paper bag on my head just because I've turned 50 and I'm getting hot flushes'
The veteran Sky News presenter Kay Burley talks to Bryony Gordon about her facelift, plans to enter politics, and her latest novel.
- Syria: no end in sight
Despite the Houla atrocity, President Assad's position remains firm, says David Blair.
- Reincarnation? Surely we've been here before
At least Joanna Lumley doesn't indulge in memoirs from a past life with royalty, says Christopher Howse.
- Our public service Queen has a lot to teach her failing politicians
Leveson and the Jubilee show the need for a new approach to democracy, says Mary Riddell.
- Doctor's Diary: Is Hughes syndrome the new syphilis?
An auto-immune condition that takes three years to be confirmed may be implicated in a variety of conditions, finds James LeFanu.
- Who'll get the impossible job?
Peter Stanford untangles the intrigues and rivalries in the 'snake pit' as the race to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury begins .

Yahoo: Politics
Yahoo: Oddly Enough
DoD: News Releases
DoD: Transcripts
DoD: Speeches
- Purple Heart Ceremony
As Delivered by, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Thursday, April, 20, 2006
- Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation Annual Gala
As Delivered by, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Friday, April, 07, 2006
- Caspar Weinberger (15th Secretary of Defense) Eulogy
As Delivered by, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Tuesday, April, 04, 2006
- Army War College
As Delivered by, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, Monday, March, 27, 2006
- 4th Annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference
As Delivered by, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Monday, March, 20, 2006
|

Yahoo: Middle East
Yahoo: Iraq
NYT: Op-Ed
- Op-Ed Contributors: The Parent Trap
Research shows that the closer bonds between young adults and their parents should be celebrated, and do not necessarily compromise the independence of the next generation.
- Op-Ed Columnist: The Tale of the Ticks and Other Excess
Be careful, people, when you’re out there in your gardens this season! Just take a look at the devastation the deer have been causing lately.
- Op-Ed Columnist: Markets and Morals
In America, it seems as though anything and everything can be bought and sold. But can we put a price tag on human dignity?
- Campaign Stops: Down With Religion?
Partly in response to the religious extremism on view during the Republican primary campaign, Americans seem to be feeling a bit differently about the role of religion in politics.
- Editorial: Too Much Power for a President
The Obama administration should not have the power to choose targets for assassination, including Americans, without any oversight.
- Room for Debate: Should Latin America End the War on Drugs?
Instead of an ever-escalating war, governments could approach drugs as a public health issue. Would that reduce the body count?
- Opinionator: The Fire Next Term
Race is likely to be the focus of the next Supreme Court term.
- Op-Ed Contributor: A Peace Plan in Name Only
The West must recognize that the only future for Syria is without the Assad political dynasty.
- Editorial: The Credit History Underclass
Lawmakers should stop employers from unfairly using credit checks to shut out job applicants.
- Editorial: Charles Taylor and the Next 50 Years
The prison sentence for the former president of Liberia should serve as a warning to other murderous leaders.
- Opinionator: Things I Saw — No. 13
The artist draws things he saw in Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming and New York.
- Editorial | Appreciations: Doc Watson
Young guitarists used to listen to old records and try to pick out the notes to master a song. But the arrival of Doc Watson and his flat pick changed everything.
- Opinionator | Fixes: The Dawn of the Evidence-Based Budget
The White House effort to base its spending decisions on hard evidence is a step toward delivering more social good per taxpayer dollar.
- Opinionator | The Conversation: The Presidential Cage Match
Brooks and Collins on the Obama campaign's shift from hope to fear and whether Mitt Romney is the second coming of Perry Como.
- Taking Note: Fox and Friends 'News Segment' Attacks Obama
A Fox and Friends "news segment" looks an awful lot like a super PAC attack ad.
- Latitude: Protests in Myanmar Over Power Cuts Challenge Both Government and Opposition
Recent protests in Myanmar over electricity shortages are a challenge for the government and even more so for Aung San Suu Kyi and the opposition.
- Opinionator | Disunion: Extra-Strength Re-Enacting
A group of latter-day Civil War "soldiers" takes role-playing to the extreme.
- Letters: How to Respond to the Violence in Syria
Readers offer opposing views on what the world should do.
- Letters: The Fisherman and the Consumer: Can We Hook You?
Readers react to an Op-Ed article about overfished species.
- Letter: Safety of Chemical Plants
The National Association of Chemical Distributors says the issues of safety and security have already been addressed.

NYT: International
- Top Israeli Weighs Imposed Borders for Palestinians
Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, on Wednesday became the most senior member of the government to suggest bypassing a stagnant peace process.
- News Analysis: For the White House, a Wary Wait as Syria Boils
President Obama is loath to engage in new military actions, but with each passing incident, the scale of the crisis in Syria grows.
- U.S. Envoy to U.N. Sees Grim Outcome for Syria
With hopes for Kofi Annan’s peace plan fading, and outrage over massacres building, Ambassador Susan E. Rice suggested Syria’s conflict appeared likely to develop into a regional war.
- Charles Taylor Sentenced to 50 Years for War Crimes
Charles G. Taylor, the former president of Liberia, is the first former head of state convicted by an international tribunal since the Nuremberg trials.
- As Bagram Detainees Are Transferred, U.S. Keeps Its Grip
Operations at the Parwan Detention Facility point out a gap between nominal Afghan control and the reality of lasting American authority.
- Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan Falling in 2012, U.N. Says
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan were reported to have dropped sharply in early 2012 as a smaller proportion was attributed to coalition and Afghan forces.
- In China, a New Round of Stimulus
Spooked by a slowing economy, leaders have begun opening the financial spigots, but they are signaling that the spending will fall short of levels during the global downturn.
- Brazil Is Jolted by Claim That Da Silva Pressured Judge
Judge Gilmar Mendes asserted that the former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, put pressure on him to delay a trial over a vote-buying scandal involving the governing Workers Party.
- Body Parts Found in Canada Came From One Man, Police Say
The Montreal police said that a foot, torso and hand, all discovered separately, came from a man who apparently had been killed and dismembered in an apartment in the city.
- New Details on Conviction of Pakistani Doctor
Dr. Shakil Afridi, whose vaccination program helped the United States track Osama bin Laden, was convicted not for treason, but for colluding with a local Islamist warlord.
- In Thailand, Burmese Workers Call Out to ‘Mother Suu’
Wednesday was Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s first full day outside of Myanmar in 24 years, and it seemed fitting that she began the day among the underprivileged and downtrodden in Thailand.
- Andy Coulson, Ex-Cameron Aide, Is Charged in Scottish Perjury Case Over Hacking
Andy Coulson, the former editor of The News of the World, was arrested and charged with lying under oath about phone hacking during testimony in a 2010 case involving a Scottish politician.
- Assange Loses Another Bid to Halt Extradition to Sweden
Britain’s highest court ruled on Wednesday that Julian Assange should be deported to Sweden to face allegations of sexual abuse there, but his lawyers won a stay of at least two weeks.
- Ireland Voters Expected to Approve Fiscal Pact
A European Union treaty on the ballot is designed to stabilize the euro by punishing member states who fail to adhere to strict budgetary constraints.
- Europe Fears Bailout of Spain Would Strain Its Resources
With a bailout of Spain becoming a more distinct possibility, European policy makers are questioning who will provide the money that Madrid needs to stay in business.
- South Africa Painting Removed After Raising Tensions
Controversy erupted after a painting depicting South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, with his genitals exposed was exhibited at a Johannesburg gallery.
- Poland Bristles as Obama Says ‘Polish Death Camp’
Prime Minister Donald Tusk denounced President Obama for using the term instead of “Nazi death camps” while conferring a Presidential Medal of Freedom on a Polish resistance hero.
- In Italy, Quakes’ Fallout Is Also Economic
Beyond the human cost of two earthquakes this month, concerns are turning to the looming economic uncertainties for an area that is a center for production of medical devices.
- Bolivian Politician Takes Refuge at Brazilian Embassy
Roger Pinto, an opposition senator, claims he is being persecuted by the administration of President Evo Morales over accusations against government officials.
- Researchers Link Flame Virus to Stuxnet and Duqu
Researchers said they believe the Flame computer virus came from different programmers but the same, state-sponsored campaign that damaged Iran’s nuclear program in 2010.

NYT: National
- Pain Spreads as Credit Vise Grows Tighter
Lenders have become even less willing to part with their money, further crimping budgets and family spending.
- For Rivals, Finance Crisis Is Posing on-the-Fly Tests
The presidential race has turned into an audition for who could best handle a national economic emergency.
- Drug Label, Maimed Patient and Test for Court
At issue is whether plaintiffs have the right to sue when the products that hurt them had met federal standards.
- After Impasse, New California Budget Agreement
California legislative leaders and the governor have come to an agreement on the state budget, which is now roughly three months late.
- California Bans Texting by Operators of Trains
After investigators said an engineer in last week’s collision had been texting on the job, regulators temporarily banned the use of all cellular devices by anyone at the controls of a moving train.
- Political Memo: Given G.O.P. Predicament, Rangel Opts to Ride Out the Storm
Democrats believe that a long list of Republican lawmakers with legal troubles makes it impossible for Republicans to gain much ground on the issues of ethics and good government.
- Panel Proposes Broad Changes in Federal Financial Aid for College
The recommendations included a simpler application, Pell grant maximums linked to the consumer price index and federally financed college savings accounts for children in low-income families.
- Chicago Unveils Multifaceted Plan to Curb Emissions of Heat-Trapping Gases
The blueprint would change the city’s building codes to promote energy efficiency, and it calls for installing huge solar panels at municipal properties and building alternative fueling stations.
- Vast Bailout by U.S. Proposed in Bid to Stem Financial Crisis
Treasury and Fed officials were discussing with leaders in Congress a plan for the government to buy up distressed mortgages.
- A Bid to Curb Profit Gambit as Banks Fall
A backlash against short sellers has begun, with regulators in the U.S. and Britain tightening rules and authorities in New York intensifying investigations.
- Bush Emerges After Days of Financial Crisis
The president spoke briefly on Thursday after remaining largely out of sight as Wall Street has become engulfed by a financial crisis.
- The New McCain: More Aggressive and Scripted on the Campaign Trail
Senator John McCain’s once easygoing if irreverent campaign presence — endearing to crowds, though often resulting in gaffes — has been put out to pasture.
- Alaska Star May Add Luster to Tarnished Senator
As Gov. Sarah Palin has moved to the national stage, Senator Ted Stevens, who goes on trial next week, has risen in some opinion polls in Alaska.
- Husband of Alaska Governor Refuses to Testify in Legislature’s Trooper Inquiry
Todd Palin was one of 13 people subpoenaed in the inquiry into whether Gov. Sarah Palin or members of her administration abused their power in the dismissal of a top state administrator.
- The Ad Campaign: Obama Attacks McCain in a Bid to Attract Hispanic Voters
A Spanish-language Obama ad misrepresents John McCain’s record on the immigration issue and his relationship with Rush Limbaugh.
- Agency and Bush Are Sued Over Domestic Surveillance
A privacy group filed a class-action lawsuit on Thursday seeking to halt what it describes as illegal surveillance of Americans’ telephone and Internet traffic.
- Power Still Not Restored to Many in the Midwest
Remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through the region on Sunday, bringing torrential downpours and strong winds.
- Action Is Sought to Ensure Timely Financing for V.A.
As the veterans’ health system strains to handle a growing caseload, a move is under way in Congress to avoid yearly delays in financing that can hamper the medical care of the nation’s veterans.
- Simpson Defense Alleges Police Glee in His Arrest
O. J. Simpson’s legal team began Thursday to mount a defense that will sound familiar to anyone who followed his 1995 murder trial.
- National Briefing | Midwest: Minnesota: Rebuilt Bridge Opens
Flashing headlights and honking horns penetrated the early-morning sky as police officers and first responders led drivers in a slow procession across the new Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis.

NYT: Magazine
- Craig Venter’s Bugs Might Save the World
The controversial scientist is convinced that the planet’s biggest problems can be solved by its tiniest organisms. It’s just a matter of creating the right ones.
- It’s the Economy: How the Art Market Thrives on Inequality
Buying fine art is a bet that the rich are going to get richer.
- Noomi Rapace Arrives in Hollywood, by Way of Outer Space
How the original girl with the dragon tattoo became Ridley Scott’s new heroine.
- Ina May Gaskin and the Battle for at-Home Births
Ina May Gaskin, the original home-birth evangelist, is finally winning converts in the mainstream.
- How Did Wisconsin Become the Most Politically Divisive Place in America?
Scott Walker, Scott Fitzgerald and the coming recall vote in the land of cheese and rancor.
- Yes, There Are Comedians in Qatar
And no, they can’t tell jokes about anything they want. Hosni Mubarak, however, is fair game.
- Riff: How Roland Barthes Gave Us the TV Recap
What would the man who essentially created cultural criticism make of a world in which criticism has become a kind of pop culture?
- The 6th Floor Blog: How Michael Haneke Uses His Actors
Haneke's movies come with an acknowledgement that actors have a texture and a history of their own.
- The 6th Floor Blog: Noomi, Rooney; Rooney, Noomi
Who do you think played the better Lisbeth?
- The 6th Floor Blog: The Dream Life of Syrian Yuppies
How good do the elites of Damascus have it? Video and imagery of the city's new luxury residences.
- Talk: Gayle King Gets Redonkulous
The morning-TV host on being Oprah’s B.F.F. and Charlie Rose’s sidekick.
- Makers: Who Made That Fly Swatter?
Building the perfect mechanism to kill with one hand.
- The One-Page Magazine
John Thain’s comeback; new fiction from Curtis Sittenfeld; gay marriage’s medieval roots.
- Lives: My Father, His Father and President Kennedy
Picture-perfect memories of father-son moments.
- The Ethicist: The Sexagenarian Lothario
Spreading germs, good will and the wealth.
- Reply All | Letters: The 5.13.12 Issue
Readers respond.
- Meet the Twiblings
How four women (and one man) conspired to make two babies.
- The Sunday Magazine Staff »
- The Women’s Crusade
The liberation of women could help solve many of the world’s problems, from poverty to child mortality to terrorism.
|