My Press Review - Thursday 19 August

Cholera threat to Pakistan's children

Aid agencies are reporting a ten fold increase in deaths from cholera and dehydration in Pakistan.

Pakistan floods: residents brace for a second wave of problems

Pakistan floods recede but experts warn of a second wave of heavy rains that could spell disaster for those who already remain cut-off from aid now that many bridges have been washed away.

Afghan protesters say dead 'insurgents' were civilians

Hundreds of people protest outside a key town in eastern Afghanistan over the deaths of two men branded insurgents and killed by coalition forces.

France to begin Roma deportations

France prepares to expel the first of 700 Roma as part of a police crackdown on illegal camps in the country.

Egypt to increase wheat production up to 75% over 3 years

Egypt setting up a strategy to increase domestic production of wheat between 70 and 75% over 3 years using new varieties, ranging from productivity between 22 to 27 ardebs acre.

Zionists launch Wiki editing courses

Two Israeli groups set up training courses in Wikipedia editing with aims to 'show the other side' over borders and culture

India, Pakistan in border clash

India's army accuses Pakistani troops of firing across the Line of Control that divides the disputed region of Kashmir.

First US Guards at Mexico border

The first of up to 1,200 National Guard troops are deployed along the US border with Mexico as part of President Barack Obama's pledge to increase security.

Growing number incorrectly call Obama Muslim

Americans increasingly are convinced - incorrectly - that President Barack Obama is a Muslim, and a growing number are thoroughly confused about his religion....

Muslims pray daily at Pentagon's 9/11 crash site

While Americans are bitterly debating the proposed building of a mosque near New York's ground zero, Muslims have been praying for years less than 80 feet from where another hijacked jetliner struck....

Grain Imports May Exceed Exports

Russia will sharply increase imports of agricultural goods this season and may become a net importer of grain for the first time in 11 years, as a severe drought continues to ravage the harvest, analysts said.

Uzbek Militant Group Names New Leader

An Uzbek militant group linked to al-Qaida unveiled a new leader this week following the death a year ago of his predecessor, Central Asia's most wanted Islamist fighter, and called for a holy war in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Turkey fails to grant its expatriates the means to vote

Although expatriates from many countries are provided the technical and procedural means to vote for elections or referendums in their home countries, many Turks living abroad will not be able to vote in the referendum slated for Sept. 12 because of the decisions of the Supreme Election Board

Bahrain arrests more Shiite activists

Bahraini authorities have detained four more Shiite activists on security grounds, raising the stakes in the run-up to parliamentary elections after earlier arrests were criticized by rights groups.

Drop in oil demand hits trade balance

The UAE’s trade deficit is estimated to have widened to US$14.1 billion.

Swiss-Iran gas deal sends 'wrong message'

EGL's €18 billion contract prompts criticism from US Embassy.

Despite US pressure, Merkel unlikely to close Iran bank

Hamburg institution reportedly funneled over $1 billion to Iran.

Africa's ambitious reintroduction of rice

One by one, Ali Kassim pulls out the weeds that have grown in his rice paddy. It's surprisingly rare in Africa, but he is cultivating African rice - once close to extinction after it was pushed aside centuries ago for a higher-yield imported Asian variety.

China Tightens Grip on Tibet's Business Class

The recent arrests and heavy prison sentences of members of Tibet's business elite indicate that Chinese officials' suspicion of Tibetans is spreading to other levels of society

Up to 12,000 foreign 'sex slaves' work in British brothels

Up to 12,000 foreign women are being forced to work as "sex slaves" in British brothels by criminal gangmasters running multi-million pound rackets, police have disclosed.

Iceland cuts interest rates to 7%

Iceland's central bank cuts its key interest rate to 7% after inflation eases and the country's currency strengthens.

'Ant tribe' should try luck in smaller cities

A majority of more than 3,000 people who participated in an online poll feel China's "ant tribe" should try their luck in second- or third-tier cities instead of struggling for opportunities in highly competitive metropolises.

US ballet troupe returns to Cuba

The American Ballet Theatre company is to perform in Cuba later this year for the first time in 50 years.

Kashmir shoe-thrower is pardoned

The chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir pardons the policeman who threw a shoe at him on Sunday.

Egyptians protest power outages, block key highway

Crowds of Egyptians angered by daily power outages at the height of a scorching summer blocked a major highway south of Cairo Wednesday with barricades of burning tires.

Businesswoman launches first British halal make-up

As a Muslim, Samina Akhter was disturbed to find some of her make-up contained pig by-products so she came up with a solution -- a range of halal make-up, free from alcohol and animal products.

Astronauts 'become as weak as 80-year-olds'

Astronauts who spend months in space become as physically weak as 80-year-olds, a study has found.

North Korea steps up Kim Jong-il succession campaign

North Korea has been making posters and badges with pictures of Kim Jong-Un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-il, as it builds up a personality cult around the leader's likely successor, according to reports.

iPods 'led to surge in teen hearing loss'

The rapid rise in iPods and other MP3 music players has led to a surge in teenage hearing loss, say campaigners.

French railway gaffe sends sleeper train from Spain off course

Tourists travelling on a sleeper train from Spain to Italy woke up nearly 200 miles away in Switzerland after French railway staff made a signalling mix-up in Lyon.

Quelle horreur! Asterix surrenders to McDonald's

An advert featuring Asterix eating a burger sparked outrage in France.

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What's Happening Today - Thursday 19 August

Going on holiday, back on 2^nd September.

Russia: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon continues visit (-20) after attending quadrilateral summit with counterparts from Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan in Sochi on 18 August

 

Afghanistan: The Afghan government has begun recruiting thousands of militiamen, following approval in July by President Hamid Karzai. The U.S.-backed move is under way in Wardak and Uruzgan provinces, according to Afghan Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Munir Mangal, and will soon expand to the rest of the nation with a force of about 10,000 men.

 

Afghanistan: A military operation in two districts of Kandahar province will begin within days, Afghan Gen. Sher Mohammad Zazai said

 

Pakistan: Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami have set up camps in Karachi to raise funds to help victims of massive floods in Pakistan, The Times of India reported

 

Armenia: Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev begins visit ahead of Collective Security Treaty Organization summit (20-22); several bilateral agreements on strategic cooperation expected to be signed

 

Armenia: Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is in Yerevan, Armenia, to attend an informal Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit Aug. 20-21

 

Turkey: National Security Council to hold two-monthly meeting.

 

Lebanon: Next round of talks between rival politicians to discuss incorporation of Hezbollah in national defence strategy, relations with Israel following border clashes in early August

 

Lebanon: Following up Fatah al-Islam confirmed the death of two of the group’s leaders, Abu Muhammad Awad and Abu Bakr Mubarak, and said they were killed by Lebanese intelligence services while on their way to Iraq

 

Sudan: President Umar al-Bashir holds meeting with political parties to discuss 2011 referendum on South Sudan independence following reports that it may be delayed; South Sudan's ruling Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) boycotts meeting

 

Sudan: Khartoum will begin publishing daily oil production figures and will carry out a complete, independent audit of the oil industry since 2005, Sudanese Energy Minister Lual Deng said, which is to be released before the January 2011 referendum on southern independence.

 

Mozambique. The government has approved the construction of a $2 billion hydroelectric dam intended to increase energy and attract foreign investments. The dam, Mphanda Nkuwa, will produce 1,500 megawatts of power and will be constructed 60 kilometers downstream from the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam on the Zambezi River

 

South Africa: More than one million public sector workers resume strike action after negotiations over pay and conditions ended in deadlock. More unions expected to join the strike. Will monitor schools and hospitals. 

 

Serbia: Serbian Minister of Kosovo-Metohija Goran Bogdanovic said that Kosovo's ban on state visits by Serbian officials is an attempt to demonstrate quasi-statehood, FoNet reported and said it is the job of EULEX to ensure that Serbian politicians are allowed access to Kosovo.

 

Bosnia: Turkish President Abdullah Gul visits Bosnia-Herzegovina.

 

Holland: Once every five years, hundreds of tall ships and historic sailing boats sail on the wide canals around Amsterdam.

 

France: First plane with 79 illegal Roma migrants on board flies to Romania; part of controversial plan to repatriate 700 Roma to Romania, Bulgaria by end of August

 

Spain: Spain will spend 500 million euros ($644 million) on 50 infrastructure projects which were suspended in May “to help austerity measures”, Transport and Development Minister Jose Blanco said

 

UN: World Humanitarian Day.

 

UN: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hosts a meeting at the UN to ask countries to contribute to the Pakistan flood appeal that was launched last week. The UN says six million desperately need emergency aid but most still have not received it. Ten of thousands of villages remain under water .Meanwhile new flood warnings have been issued in some areas of Pakistan.

US: New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu addresses a National Press Club lunch about how the city is faring five years after Hurricane Katrina. His speech begins at 1 p.m.

  Ecuador: China will lend $1 billion to Ecuador for telecommunication and hydropower projects, and Chinese company CAMC is interested in investing another $1 billion in irrigation and agricultural projects

 

 

 

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My Press Review - Wednesday 19th August

Concern in US over Ramadan timing

Islamic groups in the US fear an overlap between the end of Ramadan and the anniversary of 9/11 will lead to criticisms that Muslims are celebrating the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Bangladesh prostitutes given IDs

The Election Commission in Bangladesh says prostitution will be recognised as a job title on new voter ID cards.

Solar plans lit up by $5bn fund

North Africa streaks ahead of the Gulf in the race to develop renewable energy.

Bedouin heritage of Syria in danger

Modernising trends bring health and wealth, but they also represent destruction of old ways in the country.

Brotherhood TV drama hits a nerve in Egypt

More than 3,000 have joined a Facebook group in protest as the country’s most popular Ramadan series angers supporters of the Islamist group.

UN official calls on Israel to extend settlement freeze

Security Council briefing summarizes recent activity in the area.

Afghan polling stations to stay shut

Election commission says it has no option but to turn away voters in some of the most violent parts of Afghanistan

Ukraine to halve grain exports, Egypt seeks suppliers

Ukraine will halve its 2010 grain exports, adding pressure to markets already grappling with Russia's drought-induced grain export ban, while the world's top wheat buyer Egypt remains set on importing 6 million tonnes.

France to expel hundreds of Roma on Thursday

Hundreds of Roma will be expelled from France on Thursday as part of President Nicolas Sarkozy's summer clampdown on members of the minority living illegally in the country.

Iran to Export Gas to EU through Iraq and Syria

Gas Export Chief at the Iranian National Gas Company Asghar Sohaili Bour declared an official Iranian-Syrian invitation to install pipelines to export gas to Syria through

Wave of Heat Striking Cotton Crop in Syria

The cotton crop in Syria is in good condition despite the wave of heat striking Syria, Director of Administration of Cotton Research at the Ministry

Direct train services to Germany move a step closer

Direct rail services could take passengers from London to Frankfurt in just four hours as part of plans for German trains to cross the Channel Tunnel.

Taiwan parliament inks China pact

Taiwan secures parliamentary approval - despite an opposition boycott - for a historic trade deal with China.

China increases military advantage over Taiwan

China is extending its military advantage over Taiwan and building up a force with power to strike in Asia up to the US territory of Guam, the Pentagon has said.

China and the US battle to assert presence in South China Sea

US warships are staging their third set of exercises in less than a month off the coast of China, in a show of force that has prompted fears of prolonged maritime tensions in the region.

Five out of six new drugs 'don't work'

Five out of six approved drugs offer "few if any new benefits" to patients, according to a leading critic of the pharmaceutical industry.

Rio state sets up hotline to improve grammar

The authorities in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has set up a grammar hotline to help people who have difficulties using Portuguese.

'Chameleon' Hassan al-Alawi survives, thrives

Before his election to Iraq’s new parliament in March, Hassan al-Alawi’s last successful political campaign was more than 30 years ago, when he engineered the rise of a ruthless young general to the top of Iraq’s ruling Baath Party.

9/11 Suspect Videotaped in Morocco Prison

Ramzi bin al-Shibh was secretly detained after C.I.A. operatives brought him there in 2002, officials said.

Senior pupils to use electronic versions of textbooks at beginning of school year

Pupils of the 10th grades at comprehensive schools at the beginning of school year may have to use electronic editions of textbooks placed on the Web sites of the Education and Science Ministry of Ukraine and some other specialized publishers, as the books themselves haven't been printed yet.

Colombia court blocks bases deal

A Colombia court rejects a 2009 deal allowing US troops access to army bases, saying its approval was unconstitutional.

Israeli denies Facebook mistake

A former Israeli soldier says she did nothing wrong by posting pictures of her and Palestinian prisoners onto Facebook.

Serbia accuses 'certain influential EU states' of blackmail

Serbia has accused "certain influential EU states" of blackmail, claiming they plan to block its accession to the EU unless the Balkan country accepts the independence of Kosovo.

Can A Killer Lake Solve Rwanda's Energy Problem?

Residents living along the shores of Lake Kivu in central Africa have always appreciated -- and feared -- its power.

Growing Number of Couples Meet Online

Today the Internet is the second-most common way to meet a partner, according to results from the How Couples Meet and Stay Together Survey.

Zimbabwe slams 'lunatic group' for banning its diamonds

One day after the Rapaport Diamond Trading Network announced a ban on some Zimbabwe diamonds, Zimbabwe's Minister of Mines, Obert Mpofu told the Monitor that the country will just sell the diamonds in Asia.

Gillard eyes Australian republic

Australia should become a republic when Queen Elizabeth II dies, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says, just days ahead of a general election.

US court drops Somali piracy charges

A federal judge throws out piracy charges against six Somali men accused of attacking a US Navy ship off the coast of Africa, although other charges stand.

Uganda army 'in torture campaign'

A Uganda MP accuses soldiers of carrying out torture and killings in a campaign to disarm an area where cattle-rustling is common.

Journey of Trojan hero Aeneas to be re-enacted

Archaeological work that has been in progress for a decade in the ancient city of Antandros -- located in modern-day Balıkesir province’s Altınoluk district -- is nearly complete, and a host of educational projects to showcase the site’s findings is in the works.

Nicolas Anelka banned for 18 games by France after World Cup disgrace

Nicolas Anelka has been banned for 18 games for his role in the player revolt which ruined France's World Cup campaign.

Chain of human pylons planned for Iceland

Proposal to transform the volcanic landscape into "Land of the Giants".

Bobby Fischer 'not girl's father'

A DNA test has proved that late chess champion Bobby Fischer is not the father of a nine-year-old Filipino girl, her lawyer says.

World's first 3D camera unveiled

The world's first 3D camera and printing service was launched on Tuesday.

Erykah Badu fined for stripping at site of JFK assassination

Erykah Badu, the American soul singer, has paid a fine and will serve six months probation for stripping naked at the site of President John F Kennedy's assassination while filming a music video in Texas.

Russian political adviser escapes jail until 2024

A political adviser to Vladimir Putin's United Russia party who mowed down two pedestrians in her car triggering a backlash against Russia's elite has been told she does not need to go to jail until 2024.

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What's Happening Today - Wednesday 18 August

China: US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo A. Valenzuela gives a news conference to discuss US and Chinese policy goals and common interests in Latin America.

South Korea: South Korea's anti-North Korea civic groups send anti-North Korea leaflets by balloons toward North Korea.

Taiwan: Taiwan's parliament passed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), a free trade pact with China, by a vote of 68-0 after opposition lawmakers declined to participate. The opposition claimed the agreement sacrifices Taiwan's sovereignty in exchange for economic gain.

 

Philippines:  The trial of the main suspect in the massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines opens at a local court, with state prosecutors calling in their witnesses. The prosecution has said possible witnesses have been targeted by the powerful Ampatuan clan who are implicated in the murders.

 

Thailand: Thai army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda said the new Southern Border Province Administrative Centre in the Muslim south of the country will bring peace and stability. The centre “is authorized to rehabilitate people affected by the conduct of government officials”, according to The Nation newspaper.

 

Russia: The Eurasian Economic Council Agro Industrial Policy Council has recommenced negotiations on the creation of a common grain market by September or October. (EurAsEC comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.)

 

Russia: Sochi hosts summit attended by President Dmitriy Medvedev, Afghanistan's Hamed Karzai, Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon; focus on Afghan security, fight against drug-trafficking; Zardari's trip curtailed to several hours over Pakistan floods, Rahmon continues visit until 20th

 

India: Maoist rebel leader Kishenji has suggested a three-month cease-fire for both the Maoists and Indian forces to facilitate negotiations for a peace process,

 

Afghanistan: Following up after the Pentagon has called Afghan President Hamid Karzai's four-month timeline to end private security contractors' presence there "very aggressive"

 

Afghanistan: The Independent Election Commission holds a press conference in Kabul at 10G and is expected to provide more information on polling centres and election preparations. Voting lists should also be published today.

 

Iran: An increasing number of foreign gasoline suppliers are offering to work with Iran, despite Western sanctions on Tehran's energy sector, Fars News Agency reported. Iran has imported 1.37 million tons of gasoline from seven countries in the last four months. The United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Oman and Saudi Arabia have been the primary gasoline suppliers in recent months.

 

Iran: Tehran plans to inaugurate the production line of the Karrar anti-aircraft defence system shortly, Press TV reported. The long-range defense system will counter any likely air attack on the country, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi stated, adding that a high-speed Seraj blade runner and the new generation of Zolfaghar missile launcher blade runner are produced domestically and will be launched during Iran's "Government Week" held Aug. 24-31.

 

Iraq: Al-Iraqiya List leader Iyad Allawi and members of the Sadr movement announced that the two parties will intensify talks in order to break the political stalemate in Baghdad and reach an "important, mutual stance" on forming a new Iraqi government, Reuters reported.

 

Qatar: Huthi rebel representatives and government officials are in Doha for Qatar-mediated talks over ways to implement the agreement

 

Lebanon: Following up after Lebanon’s parliament passed a law allowing oil and gas exploration off its coast. An aide to Nabih Berri, the speaker of Lebanon's parliament, said a consensus for the law emerged due to the size of Lebanon’s debt and concerns about “Israeli greed.” (NB Lebanon still must divide its areas for exploration into blocs in order to sign production sharing agreements with companies.)

 

Lebanon: Following up after Lebanon lifted restrictions that had previously kept the 400,000 Palestinian refugees in the country from working in the same professions as other foreigners, though refugees are still subject to the same regulations that apply to other foreign workers.

 

Gaza: Following up after Israel carried out four air strikes on Gaza near Rafah, Khan Yunis, Zeitoun and the Deir al-Balah refugee camp

 

Morocco: Activists begin week-long blockade of goods passing from Morocco to the Spanish enclave in an escalation of tension between the two countries.

 

South Africa: At least half a million teachers and health workers are due to strike in South Africa after rejecting the government's offer of a 7% pay increase.

 

Mali: Umar Sid'Ahmed Ould Hamma, a Malian man convicted of kidnapping three Spanish citizens in Mauritania and giving them to al-Qaeda in 2009, will be sent back to Mali today. Hamma was sentenced in Mauritania to 12 years in prison with hard labour in July 2010.

 

Ukraine: The world's sixth largest wheat exporter, is expected to decide whether to limit its grain shipments abroad. Rainstorms and extreme heat have damaged this year's wheat crop in Ukraine. Cabinet considers introducing 2.5m-tonne grain export quota until end of 2010

 

Spain: Arrival of three more released Cuban political prisoners, Journalist Juan Carlos Herrera, Fabio Prieto and Juan Fernández.

 

Brazil: Candidates launch political campaigns in run-up to presidential election in October.

Nepal: Fifth attempt by parliament to elect prime minister; contenders Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda", Nepali Congress Vice-President Ram Chandra Poudel failed to secure majority in fourth round on 6 August

 

US: Missile Defence Agency feeds video of the past weekend's test featuring an airborne laser engaging a short-range ballistic missile.

 

Paraguay: Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani meets with Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo and will look to advance an agreement in which Qatar would finance a regional natural gas pipeline connecting Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay.

 

Colombia: Colombia's Constitutional Court suspended a deal giving U.S. troops more access to Colombian bases until Congress approves it as an international treaty.

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My Press Review - Tuesday 17 August

Water-borne disease threat in Pakistan

Up to 3.5 million children are at high risk from deadly water-borne diseases in Pakistan following the country's floods says the United Nations.

World Bank to loan Pakistan $900m

The World Bank is to loan $900m (£574m) to Pakistan, as the country struggles to deal with the worst floods in its history.

Babies rented to beggars in South Africa

Creches in the South African city of Pretoria have been renting out babies left in their care to beggars who use them to elicit sympathy money from motorists.

Head of the OIC says ‘Fatwas must be regulated’

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu says Islamic states must move to control and protect the numbers of religious edicts that affect millions.

Britons 'don't recognise neighbours'

The majority of Britons do not even know the names of their neighbours, a study has indicated.

Putin Warns on Bread Prices

The government conceded that bread prices have risen across Russia and unleashed the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service on "market participants" who used the drought as an excuse to inflate prices by as much as 20 percent.

Pro-Kurdish BDP tries to cut deal over referendum

The pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), which has strongly urged its followers to boycott the referendum on government-sponsored constitutional amendments, has backed down from its position due to pressure coming from the people.

Turkey told to change stance on Israel for US arms deals

President Barack Obama has warned the Turkish prime minister that Ankara's position on Israel and Iran could lessen its chances of obtaining US weapons.

How the internet is changing language

'To Google' has become a universally understood verb and many countries are developing their own internet slang. But is the web changing language and is everyone up to speed? One example of this is evident in Ukraine, where a written variation of the national tongue has sprung up on internet blogs and message boards called "padronkavskiy zhargon" - in which words are spelled out phonetically.

Israel to refuse to stop building settlements

Israel is to reject demands to halt the construction of new settlements, in a move likely to complicate the resumption of direct peace talks.

Why Jakarta Needs to Pay More Attention to Papua

Rising tensions in Papua have Indonesian authorities worried about possible international intervention in the nation's easternmost province

Global solar powered car rally begins

Teams from three continents have set off from the Place des Nations in Geneva with their electric cars on the longest and greenest race of all time, called the Zero Race.

Reid speaks out against NY mosque

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid opposes plans to build a mosque near the site of the 9/11 terror attacks, days after Barack Obama defended them.

College aid for Jews and not Arabs criticised

Measures designed to benefit Jewish students applying for places in Israeli universities at the expense of Arabs have been criticised by lawyers and human rights groups.

Russia tycoon orders all his employees to find God and get married after fires

A religion-obsessed Russian tycoon has ordered his employees to quickly embrace the Russian Orthodox Church or lose their jobs.

Kyrgyz army involved in mob violence

A prominent human rights group said Monday that Kyrgyzstan's armed forces abetted and may even have actively taken part in violence by ethnic Kyrgyz mobs against the minority Uzbek community that left at least 370 people dead in June.

Gates says Afghan exit on course

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates says the United States will definitely start reducing the number of its soldiers in Afghanistan next July.

In ANC bill, South African media see threat to press freedom

The African National Congress (ANC) is proposing a bill that South African media say would take the country back to apartheid-era practices, restricting their ability to investigate government practices and look into cases of incompetence or corruption.

Artificial meat 'made in a giant vat' could solve global food shortage

Artificial meat "made in a giant vat" could be the best solution to the problems of feeding the world's growing population, scientists said.

Solar energy station to generate 140 megawatts electricity in Egypt

Egypt to operate first solar energy station to generate electricity. The station will be one of only four stations of this kind all over the world, adding the capacity of this station is

Anger at Israel Facebook photos

A former Israeli soldier is criticised for posting images of herself on Facebook posing with bound Palestinian prisoners.

NGO blasts increase in German-Iran trade

A German TV program reported last week that German factories had made motors for Iranian UAV’s with attack capabilities also capable of reaching Israel.

Gnomes replace Luther monument

Famed as one of Germany's most important religious figures, Martin Luther spent many years in the town of Wittenberg, where a statue commemorates him.

California gay weddings on hold

A US appeals court rules same-sex weddings in California cannot continue while it considers the constitutionality of the state's gay marriage ban.

Couples line up for love and marriage

Hundreds of couples in Beijing formed long queues outside their local marriage registry offices on Monday, swelling the tide of sentiment to get married on Chinese Valentine's Day, or Qixi.

Analysis: Blair's book

Decision to donate proceeds to Royal British Legion sparks debate

30 stone women cut from home

A 30 stone woman suffering breathing difficulties needed to be cut out of her home and hoisted from her bedroom with a cherry picker because she was too fat to be taken through the house.

In the name of the father?

It is estimated that 1,000 people in Britain and Ireland are the children of Catholic priests (tut, tut, tut)

Pretty women cyclists wanted

The Tour of Britain is looking for 'presentation hostesses' to kiss winning riders at this year's race - and organisers insist there is nothing patronising about the £50-a-day job

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What's Happening Today - Tuesday 17 August

Russia: Looking ahead to Medvedev’s summit with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi tomorrow.

 

Russia: Russian Deputy Minister for Regional Development Konstantin Korolevsky to hold a press conference on aid measures for wildfires victims.

 

India: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits northern city of Leh in Indian-administered Kashmir to review flood relief efforts; 200 people reportedly died, over 400 were injured in 6 August downpour.

 

Pakistan: The Sindh irrigation minister, Jam Saifullah Dharejo, said the dam in Sukkur faces a major test of its strength, adding that the next four to five days are crucial to see if it will hold.

 

Pakistan: UN Children Fund (Unicef) director for South Asia Daniel Toole tours flood-affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh to review progress of humanitarian response

 

Pakistan: It could cost more than $10 to $15 billion to rebuild Pakistan after massive flooding, Pakistani High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Wajid Shamsul Hasan,

 

Tajikistan: The export of grain, including wheat and flour, has been banned to prevent price increases in the southern Tajik province of Khatlon by the region's governor, Ghaybullo Avzalov.

 

Uzbekistan: Troop movement alert. Uzbekistan increases security dramatically on its border with Kyrgyzstan's Osh region, according to the Kyrgyz regional administration's department for defence and law enforcement

 

Uzbekistan: Uzbek Islamist fighter Tahir Yuldashev, whom the US links with al-Qaeda, has been killed, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. However, Yuldashev has been declared dead multiple times in the past.

 

Azerbaijan: Turkish President Abdullah Gul wraps up visit after talks on bilateral ties, easing visa requirements, energy cooperation, regional issues

 

Georgia: Breakaway region of Abkhazia holds military drills, involving reserve brigades, district military commissariats (-27)

 

Iran: Weekly Foreign ministry briefing for press

 

Iran: Court hears complaint against journalist, human rights activists Emadeddin Baghi over his interview with Ayatollah Montazeri, since deceased, which was aired on BBC Persian TV in December 2009. In the interview they discussed the execution of political prisoners. Baghi was sentenced on 23 June to one year of imprisonment and a five-year ban on political, media activities following his work at Association for Defence of Prisoners' Rights

 

Iran: Iran imported “nuclear reactor equipment” from 23 countries in the second quarter of 2010 totaling $3.6 billion, ISNA reported, including nuclear reactors, steam and warm water boilers, machinery and mechanical devices. (Iran received a nuclear reactor from Germany, reactor devices from Switzerland and Russia, and it purchased steam boilers and other pieces of equipment from Britain, France, China, Japan, the UAE, Belgium, South Korea, Turkey, Finland, India, Spain, Italy, Bahrain, Ukraine, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Slovakia, Singapore and Austria.)

 

Iraq: Army chief of staff Lt. General Babaker Zebari said the US military still controls air force and naval bases which it will turn over to the Iraqi army in a series of stages that will last until 2020. Zebari also said Iraqi forces need US assistance protecting the border.

 

Egypt: Egyptian security forces stopped a ship coming from Israel that was loaded with explosives and arrested the owner, Joseph Botryose El-Gabalwi, in Port Said

 

Yemen: Huthi rebels, opposition political parties, government officials meet in attempt to resolve security crisis; hundreds have been killed, more than quarter of million displaced by clashes between government troops, Huthi rebels since summer 2009

 

Lebanon: Parliament votes on bill which would grant Palestinians in Lebanon access to property ownership, social security benefits, exempt them from needing work permits

 

Somalia: Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke said forces of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia will no longer be trained in foreign countries and the government will establish bases for the armed forces

 

Morocco: Monitoring situation at Morocco-Spanish border at Ceuta Melilla with possible blockades by activists. Spanish Home Affairs Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba will travel to Rabat on 23/8 to meet with Moroccan Home affairs minister Taieb Cherkaoui to discuss recent tensions.

 

Namibia: Regional heads of state gather for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Windhoek; marks SADC's 30th anniversary.

 

Greece: Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visits to meet counterpart Yeoryios Papandreou; second and final day

 

Holland: Genocide trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic resumes at International Court for Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague

 

UN: Security Council members discuss Middle East peace process

 

Haiti: Electoral commission publishes list of candidates running in 28 November presidential election

 

Cuba: Arrival of six more released Cuban political prisoners.

 

US: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner delivers opening remarks at a housing finance conference at the U.S Treasury, on the impact of housing finance reform on financial markets and on broader housing policy goals.

 

US: Christopher Drotleff and Justin Cannon appear charged with the murder of two Afghan civilians in Kabul in May 2009. Both charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, related to a shooting, which took place on May 5 after a traffic light dispute.

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My Press Review - Monday 16 August

France urged to repay Haiti billions

A group of international academics and authors has written to Nicolas Sarkozy calling on France to reimburse the crushing "independence debt" it imposed on Haiti nearly 200 years ago.

Why is Morocco Picking a Fight with Spain?

As Morocco refuses to back down in a centuries-old dispute over two Mediterranean enclaves, many see the spat as yet another sign that Spain is losing the respect of the global community

Bahrain arrests Shia activists

Four Shia Muslim activists, including the head of the Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy, are arrested in Bahrain on security related charges, officials say.

Diplomat and poet al-Gosaibi dies

One of the best-known writers and public figures in Saudi Arabia, Ghazi al-Gosaibi, dies of cancer at the age of 70.

SA opposition parties will merge

Two South African political parties agree to merge, to challenge President Jacob Zuma's ruling African National Congress.

California to force rail companies to come clean on Holocaust role

Rail companies will be forced to come clean on their role in transporting Nazi victims during the Holocaust when they bid for a multi-billion-pound contract to operate a new bullet train in California.

Why Hollywood ignores Hiroshima

American cinema is omnivorous. It has swallowed almost every subject from the trivial to great historical events, and then spewed them up. However, there is one subject it has refused to tackle directly: the bombing of Hiroshima and its consequences.

Teen sex not always bad for school performance

There's good news for parents who worry that their teenagers' sex lives are affecting their school performance: A provocative new study has found that teens in committed relationships do no better or worse in school than those who don't have sex.

Superheroes 'poor role models '

Modern-day superheroes promote a macho, violent stereotype for young boys, a US psychologist has warned.

Roma protest blocks French bridge

Roma (Gypsies) block a major road near Bordeaux in protest after hundreds of them were evicted from an illegal campsite.

Living in fear

Deserted city streets left by Mexico's drug wars

North Korea takes to Twitter

North Korea's propaganda campaign has surged into the 21st century with a new Twitter account.

As U.S. combat troops exit Iraq, unresolved issues are left behind in a country facing an uncertain future

Seven years. $748 billion. 4,414 American servicemembers killed — and more than 130,000 Iraqi civilians.

Yemen, World Bank Fighting QAT Addiction Among Youth

The World Bank’s Civil Society Fund awarded six Yemeni Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) financial support for civic engagement in the fight against Qat,

Yemen affirms new oil and gas discoveries

Yemen's Minister of Oil and Minerals Amir al-Aydarus affirmed on Sunday that new exploratory works in many oil sectors have given positive

Why South Korea is proposing a reunification tax

A reunification tax proposed Sunday by President Lee Myung-bak would help South Korea's economy recover from the more than $1 trillion cost of merging with economically-stunted North Korea.

Brodsky in Israel under cloak of secrecy

The suspected Israeli spy released by Germany on bail in a case linked to the killing last January of a Hamas leader in Dubai is reported to be back in Israel.

Desperate housewives

The angry women protesters setting Kashmir ablaze

Peace marks historic mass at Sümela Monastery

A historic Christian mass at Turkey’s Sümela Monastery in the Black Sea coastal province of Trabzon -- a first in republican history -- was marked by peace contrary to widespread concerns that the religious service would be the target of an act of provocation by Turkish ultranationalists.

Netanyahu looks beyond Turkey in rare Greek visit

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins Israel's highest-level visit to Greece on Monday, in a sign Israel is looking beyond its troubled alliance with Turkey for other strategic Mediterranean partners.

U.S. aid, 164-ft. statue

In April, the president of the poverty-stricken nation of Senegal unveiled what he boasts is the world's "highest statue" — a $24 million bronze artwork called "African Renaissance" that measures slightly taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Water diversion project moves tide of people

For 6-year-old Tan Huilin, the long journey was exciting, wondering what her new life would be like.

Howard calls for Dr Kelly inquest

Ex-Conservative leader Michael Howard urges a full inquest into the death of government scientist Dr David Kelly.

Turkey dismisses allegations that it used chemical weapons

Turkey has dismissed allegations that it has used chemical weapons against members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorist organization during its operations, claiming that such reports only serve the interests of the terrorist organization.

India offers talks over Kashmir future

India's prime minister has appealed to the people of Indian-controlled Kashmir to end violent protests and said his government was ready to hold talks to resolve their long-standing problems.

Russians Criticize Putin on Corruption, Poll Says

Russians like Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for boosting Moscow's image abroad and improving living standards, but fault him for not fighting corruption or reining in billionaires, according to a new survey.

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Notice: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of our firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.

Posted via email from luay's posterous