09 Jan 11
Gates says China moving fast on new weapons
China has made strides in building a new stealth fighter jet and Washington is also concerned about a new ballistic missile that could theoretically explode a U.S. aircraft carrier nearly 2,000 miles out to sea. China has also apparently beaten U.S. estimates to develop that weapon.
Dems, Media Blame Tea Party, Palin for Shooting; Shooter Linked to Leftwing Politics
As U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords fights for her life after a mad gunman shot her on Saturday, some Democrats and major media have moved to pin the blame for her attack on the tea party movement and conservatives like Sarah Palin, despite the fact that the shooter was both deranged and fascinated by leftwing politics.
Coptic Christians protest in Italy
Several hundred Coptic Christians and others gathered in Rome and Milan to demand religious freedom and protection following a New Year's church attack in Egypt that killed 21 worshippers. Some 500 people gathered in a downtown Rome piazza Sunday, some holding candles, some chanting. Many said they were demonstrating against religious violence not just in Egypt but across the world.
Strong 6.9 quake strikes off Vanuatu
A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck beneath the sea near the south Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, but no tsunami warning was issued, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said Sunday. There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake, which hit at 9:03pm (1003 GMT) at a depth of 31.1 kilometres (19.3 miles), 110 kilometres from the town of Isangel on Tanna island, the USGS said.
'Thousands rally over blasphemy law in Pakistan'
More than 20,000 people rallied in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi on Sunday, police said, against proposed amendment to blasphemy laws that were recently used to sentence a Christian woman to death. The protest follows Tuesday's assassination of the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, by one of his bodyguards, after the politician sought to reform the law that gives the death penalty for defamation of the Prophet Mohammad.
Obama Eyeing Internet ID for Americans
President Obama is planning to hand the U.S. Commerce Department authority over a forthcoming cybersecurity effort to create an Internet ID for Americans, a White House official said here today. It's "the absolute perfect spot in the U.S. government" to centralize efforts toward creating an "identity ecosystem" for the Internet, White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt said.
Obama, in blow to closing Guantanamo, signs law
President Barack Obama, in a setback to hopes for the quick closing of the Guantanamo Bay prison, reluctantly signed a bill on Friday barring suspects held there from being brought to the United States for trial. Making plain he would fight to repeal language in the law obstructing civilian U.S. trials for Guantanamo terrorism suspects, Obama said he was left with no choice but to sign the defense authorization act for fiscal 2011.
China Backs Europe, Euro for Investment, Central Bank Deputy Governor Says
Europe and the euro will remain among the most important areas of investment for China’s world-record $2.65 trillion of foreign-exchange reserves, a central bank official said in the nation’s latest show of support. “The euro and the European financial markets are an important part of the global financial system and were, are and will be one of the most important investment areas for China’s foreign-exchange reserves,” Deputy Governor Yi Gang said in a statement on the central bank’s website.
Banks lose key foreclosure ruling in top Massachusetts court
In a decision that may slow foreclosures nationwide, Massachusetts' highest court voided the seizure of two homes by Wells Fargo & Co and US Bancorp after the banks failed to show they held the mortgages at the time they foreclosed. Bank shares fell, weighing on broader stock indexes, on fears the decision could threaten lenders' ability to work through hundreds of thousands of pending foreclosures.
Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang making UK state visit
Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has arrived in Scotland at the start of a four-day visit to the UK to promote links between the countries. The state visit is taking a focus on trade and business and includes talks with Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Li is being greeted at Edinburgh Airport by Scottish Secretary Michael Moore.
Jo Yeates murder case: MP backs DNA testing
A MP has backed calls for the DNA screening of all men in Bristol as part of the hunt for the murderer of Jo Yeates. Miss Yeates' body was found at the roadside on Christmas Day eight days after she was reported missing. Bristol East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy said if police thought the exercise was worthwhile she believed most men would understand why they were being asked.
Cameron says banks 'should pay smaller bonuses'
Prime Minister David Cameron has called on banks to pay smaller bonuses this year. Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show he said banks should be more "socially responsible". The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which is majority-owned by the taxpayer, should not be "leading the way" on bonuses but should be a "back marker", he said.
Mexico violence: Headless bodies found in Acapulco
The decapitated bodies of 15 young men have been found in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco. Police said they were discovered near a shopping centre and were all aged between 15 and 25. They were dumped there by drug cartel members fighting over the control of the drugs business in the city.
Arab World: Rewarding bad behavior
US President Barack Obama’s recent decision to appoint a new ambassador to Damascus is further proof positive of the effectiveness of the strategy pursued by Syria over the last half decade. It also showcases the sense that the current US administration appears to be navigating without a compass in its Middle East diplomacy. The appointment of experienced and highly regarded regional hand Robert Ford to the embassy in Damascus is not quite the final burial of the policy to “isolate” Syria.
Peretz: IDF needs to step up its attacks on Hamas
As violence escalated on the Gaza Strip border, Labor Party MK Amir Peretz said that the IDF deterrence strategy in the territory is beginning to weaken, reported Israel Radio on Sunday. The former defense minister said that the military needs to step up its reactions and attacks on Hamas; adding that he trusts the IDF and its judgment.
