James McCarthy, head of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), speaking on the eve of the group’s annual meeting in Chicago, warned that Barack Obama has just four years to save the planet. “We have a moment… Read moreObama has four years to save planet: leading scientist
The Committee to Protect Journalists called on the Obama administration to end the indefinite detention of journalists by the US military overseas. At least one reporter, in Iraq, is still incarcerated.
Obama administration surprised a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals by pressing ahead with a Bush-era argument for preserving state secrets in case concerning the torture of a Guantánamo Bay detainee.
Egyptian blogger Philip Rizk, detained after a rally for Gaza, was released following an international online campaign. But Diaa Eddin Gad, a blogger arrested the same day, remains in detention.
The Palestinian Authority is pressing the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel’s assault on Gaza—but this opens jurisdictional questions as neither Israel nor the PA are members of the court.
Several Israeli military vehicles overran the West Bank village of Jayyous and imposed a curfew on the area. Locals host weekly demonstrations against the building of the separation wall on village land.
Hamas said Israeli voters elected a “troika of terrorism”—an obvious reference to Tzipi Livni, Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman, the three politicians now jockeying to form a coalition government.
Taliban suicide attacks struck government buildings in Kabul, killing at least 20, on the eve of a scheduled visit by Richard Holbrooke, President Obama’s special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Car bombs and other attacks in Iraq targeted Shi’ite pilgrims headed to Karbala for Arabeen celebrations, leaving up to 20 dead and some 60 wounded.
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar issued a report urging the investigation and prosecution of Burma's top military generals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Mission "found patterns of gross human rights violations and abuses committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States that undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law," adding that there is likely sufficient evidence to establish "genocidal intent." (Photo: European Commission via Flickr)
The US North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to close waters off northern Alaska opened up by the break-up of the Arctic ice pack to commercial fishing pending further studies.
Scientists warn that climate change may make events like the devastating Australia bush fires more likely. The Victoria fires have left 200 dead, 7,000 displaced, and destroyed 900 homes.
