The special U.S. congressional committee tasked with finding ways to trim the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next decade has failed to reach an agreement. The co-chairs of the 12-member, Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction made the announcement in a statement Monday. Democratic Senator Patty Murray and Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling said […]
Supercommittee Admits Failure to Reach Debt Deal
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 7:10 pm (UTC-5)
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UN Panel Cites Rights Abuses in Burma, Iran, North Korea
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 6:50 pm (UTC-5)
A United Nations human rights committee has condemned rights abuses in Burma, Iran and North Korea. The committee said it still has concerns about what are called “systematic” human rights violations in Burma despite some moves toward reform there. It welcomed recent talks between Burma’s government and democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as well […]
US, Britain, Canada Impose New Iran Sanctions
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 6:45 pm (UTC-5)
The United States, Canada, and Britain have each announced new measures to increase economic pressures against Iran in response to international concerns that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons. The U.S. said late Monday it was imposing sanctions on goods and services used by Iran’s oil and gas industry to discourage foreign companies from investing in […]
Libya to Announce New Govt. Tuesday
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 6:30 pm (UTC-5)
Libya’s transitional Prime Minister Abdurrahim el-Keib says he has finalized the line-up for a new government and that he would name his cabinet Tuesday. Mr. Keib said he was working hard to ensure that he picked competent people capable of doing the job. His announcement Monday came after Libyan leaders moved to bring the former […]
Supercommittee Admits Failure to Reach Debt Deal
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
The special U.S. congressional committee tasked with finding ways to trim the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next decade has failed to reach an agreement. The so-called “supercommittee” made the announcement in a statement issued Monday. The 12-member, bipartisan committee had a Monday night deadline to produce the deal. The debt reduction committee […]
White House: No Comment on Spies Outed in Iran, Lebanon
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 5:50 pm (UTC-5)
The White House is refusing to comment on reports U.S. spy networks have been uncovered in Iran and Lebanon, in what would be a significant setback for U.S. intelligence efforts. White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters Monday he would not comment on intelligence matters. But separately, U.S. officials have confirmed to reporters that Iran […]
US Debt Squabble Hurts Stocks
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 5:25 pm (UTC-5)
The possible failure of negotiations aimed at slashing the massive U.S. debt discouraged investors Monday. By the close of U.S. trading, stocks were off around 2 percent. European indexes were down more than 3 percent, while Asian stocks lost less. Another key U.S. economic issue is the high unemployment rate. The jobless rate for veterans […]
Romania’s Social-Liberal Union Starts Procedures to Suspend President Traian Basescu
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 5:15 pm (UTC-5)
Romania’s Social-Liberal Union says it has started procedures to suspend President Traian Basescu, saying he is overstepping his authority and breaching the constitution. The USL, which is comprised of the Liberal Party and Social-Democrats, is upset with Mr. Basescu’s plan to freeze pensions next year regardless of a ruling from the Constitutional Court. The USL […]
Britain, Canada Impose New Iran Sanctions, US Measures to Come
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 5:00 pm (UTC-5)
Western nations are increasing economic pressures against Iran in response to international concerns that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons. Britain said Monday it will stop business transactions with all banks in Iran, including Iran’s Central Bank, the first time Britain has cut ties with the entire banking sector of a country. Later in the day, […]
Thai Government Says Pardon Won’t Allow Thaksin’s Return
Posted November 21st, 2011 at 4:30 pm (UTC-5)
Thailand’s government has ruled out a royal pardon that would have allowed fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to the country. Thai media reported that the proposed amnesty was agreed to during a Cabinet meeting last week. But Justice Minister Pracha Promnok told reporters Monday that no changes would be made to allow […]
