A top-ranked U.S. military officer in Iraq said Wednesday that the United States thought that the government of Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki was running out of time to prevent Iraq from dissolving into outright civil war. "We have to fix this militia issue. We can't have armed militias competing with Iraq's security forces. But I have to trust the prime minister to decide when it is that we do that," said Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the second-highest-ranking American military official in Baghdad. Chiarelli's comments to a gathering of reporters were a part of a growing chorus of concerns from U.S. political and military leaders about the Iraqi government's ability and willingness to tackle corruption and militia-run death squads. They suggest that top American leaders are growing frustrated with the pace of reforms and may even be starting to argue for eventual U.S. withdrawal. ... http://www.mercurynews.com censor News |
Editor - 19:36:00 09-27-06 |
Organ sales 'thriving' in China |
The sale of organs taken from executed prisoners appears to be thriving in China, an undercover investigation by the BBC has found. Organs from death row inmates are sold to foreigners who need transplants. One hospital said it could provide a liver at a cost of $94,400, with the chief surgeon confirming an executed prisoner could be the donor. China's health ministry did not deny the practice, but said it was reviewing the system & regulations. The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes visited No 1 Central Hospital in Tianjin, ostensibly seeking a liver for his sick father. Officials there told him that a matching liver could be available in 3 weeks. One official said that the prisoners volunteered to give their organs as a "present to society". They had a choice??? Our Government (think Big Corporations) preaches Communism is our enemy. So why are we Trading with the Enemy? Why do you think Red China is our Most Favored Trading Partner? Follow the Money Trail see who benefits? ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5386720.stm
full News |
Editor - 12:36:00 09-27-06 |
Gun siege in Colorado high school |
Staff and pupils have been evacuated from a US high school in Bailey, Colorado, where a gunman has taken as many as four hostages, US media report. A Swat team and bomb squad have been sent to Platte Canyon High School. There are no reports of casualties and negotiations appear to be under way. "We have some information that several shots have been fired," sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said. Video shows a long line of people streaming away from the area. A school official said a loud noise had prompted the evacuation. "I don't know what the noise was," Jan Howard, a secretary to the superintendent of schools, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency. Snipers are moving into position around the site. ... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5387062.stm
full News |
Editor - 12:04:00 09-27-06 |
SECURITY COUNCIL ADDRESSES BURMA The Never-Ending Myanmar Nightmare |
For well over a decade, the military junta in Myanmar has been trying to bring the Karen ethnic minority under its thumb. This year, the offensive has intensified -- magnifying the ongoing refugee disaster in Southeast Asia. The UN, finally, has decided to pay more attention. The country has long raised eyebrows the world over. The United States has refused for years to do business with the rogue state, but many other members of the United Nations have been reluctant to upbraid the regime. Russia and China, in particular, have been skeptical of bringing the country before the UN Security Council, partly out of fear of jeopardizing lucrative trade agreements. Yet while such a scenario may recall the months of international wrangling over what to do about Iran's nuclear program, in this case, the country in question is the Southeast Asian state of Myanmar. Earlier this month, the international community took a long overdue look at Burma -- as Myanmar used to be known -- and ... http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,439596,00.html
full News |
Editor - 10:55:00 09-27-06 |
Bush aides back Iraq report move |
The Bush admin has defended its partial release of a report linking the Iraq conflict to global terrorism against calls for the full report. A White House aide said the terror report could not be released in full because of national security issues. Opposition Democrats argue that the parts of the intelligence report declassified on Tue do not give Americans enough information. There are also rumours of a damning second report being held back. Jane Harman, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, suggested this alleged second report, focusing only on Iraq, was being "held until after the Nov elections". She had not seen the alleged report, but added: "I hear it paints a grim picture." White House homeland Gestapo adviser Fran Townsend said parts of the NIE had been held back because they "go directly to national security concerns" & there were concerns about disclosing sources & methods. Over 90 % of the time National Security is used to cover-up some embarrassment... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5386162.stm
full News |
Editor - 10:00:00 09-27-06 |
Polygamist Sect Leader Will Stay Jailed After Judge Delays Bond Decision |
Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs, a fugitive for nearly two years, appeared in a Utah courtroom Wednesday and said he was willing to wait several weeks for a judge to decide whether to send him to trial on charges of arranging an underage marriage. "Yes, sir. Yes, your honor," Jeffs replied when Judge James Shumate asked if the delay was acceptable. The judge set a Nov. 21 probable cause hearing and said he would address Jeffs' bond status at that time. He remains in jail. The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes for the self-proclaimed prophet who heads the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jeffs is charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice, a first-degree felony that carries life in prison. ... http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2497898
full News |
Editor - 09:47:00 09-27-06 |
|
post The Good, The Bad and The Ugly |
|