Baghdad. Thousands in Baghdad Protest U.S. Troop Accord "More than 10,000 supporters of Moktada al-Sadr gathered to protest the Iraqi plan to sign the security agreement." Iraqi protesters burn George Bush effigy "The crowd of thousands, gathered where a Saddam Hussein statue once stood, protests plans to keep American troops in Iraq through 2011."
China. Soil erosion threatens 100m Chinese "Crops and water supplies suffering serious damage as earth is washed and blown away across China." China's shifting student death toll from quake angers parents "Officials say 19,000 students died in May's 7.9-magnitude quake, then immediately back away from that estimate."
Safe Haven. Nebraska Revises Child Safe Haven Law "The revision to a law permitting parents to hand children over to state custody limits its reach to infants." Neb. lawmakers OK 30-day age limit for safe-haven law "Lawmakers have approved adding a 30-day age limit to a safe-haven law that resulted in 35 children - including teenagers as old as 17 - being abandoned at state hospitals.
U.S. Dominance Declines. U.S. influence is on the decline, report says "American intelligence agencies predict that China and India will cut into U.S. clout over the next two decades. The report also sees an increase in terrorist violence." 2025: the end of US dominance "US intelligence says incoming president will inherit country unable to 'call the shots' alone."
Obama Transition. Obama's Once-Disciplined Team Springs Leaks During Transition "Barack Obama was famously able to impose discipline and control over his presidential campaign, but it didn't take long for him to discover that running a transition is something quite different." Obama to delay repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' "President-elect Barack Obama will not move for months, and perhaps not until 2010, to ask Congress to end the military's decades-old ban on open homosexuals." Democrats Oust Longtime Leader of House Panel Henry A. Waxman's victory over John D. Dingell is expected to accelerate passage of energy, climate and health legislation backed by Barack Obama.
Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton nomination as secretary of state 'imminent' "Barack Obama plans to announce move after Thanksgiving, according to unnamed sources." How would Hillary Clinton do as top US diplomat? "Some raise questions, but most analysts - left and right - think she's qualified."
Citigroup. 'Everything on table' in Citigroup talks "Embattled CEO meets with senior executives ahead of board meeting to mull merger or break-up." Citigroup's options dwindle as shares sink after report bank may mull whole or partial sale "Citigroup's options are dwindling along...some of its prized businesses. Citigroup has already raised $75 billion in capital."
Guantanamo. Judge orders release of Guantánamo five "No legal basis to justify holding Algerian prisoners, judge rules." Judge orders release of 5 Guantanamo prisoners "The government's case against five Algerian natives, accused of plotting with Al Qaeda, is weak, a federal judge in Washington says."
Al-Qaida. Al-Qaida leader releases new tape warning Obama against Bush policies "Osama bin-Laden's right-hand man uses Malcolm X to criticise President-elect." US forces kill senior Al Qaeda in Iraq leader "Hajji Hammadi, a senior member of Al Qaeda in Iraq, was believed by US military officials to have been responsible for the abduction and murder of US Army Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin in 2004." Global Forecast by American Intelligence Expects Al Qaeda's Appeal to Falter "While noting that Al Qaeda remains a major threat, the group's indiscriminate killings and inattention to the practical concerns of Muslims have hurt its support, a new report says."
Economy. Falling Prices Raise a New Fear: Deflation "Economists warn sustained period of falling prices would make it harder for people to repay debts and would prompt consumers to delay purchases." Looking to Washington Amid Turmoil, So Far in Vain "With the stock market plunging and the credit market freezing, cries are being heard for quick government intervention."
Stock Market. Stocks Open Higher After Sell-Off "Moves by bargain-hunters help markets rebound in first minutes after this morning's opening bell." Stocks Drop Sharply and Credit Markets Seize Up "As a new bout of fear gripped the financial markets, stocks fell sharply again, and the credit markets seized up as confidence in the nation's financial system ebbed."
Auto Industry. Unconvinced Congress Tables Auto Decision "With two of Detroit's Big Three automakers teetering on the brink of collapse, congressional leaders yesterday refused to advance a proposal for a federal bailout, saying auto industry executives had failed to persuade lawmakers that they would make good use of the money."
Unemployment. Bush signs unemployment extension "President Bush Friday morning signed an extension of unemployment insurance"
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!