European finance ministers struggled Tuesday to resolve the continent’s debt crisis and save the euro as its common currency. The ministers, meeting in Brussels, appeared set to negotiate terms of proposals that could force the 17 countries that use the euro to cede control of their sovereign spending to a central authority. An elite group […]
Europe Working to Ensure the Euro’s Survival
A Look At Conflicts Between Iran and Britain
Tensions between Britain and Iran date to the 19th century when London acquired large economic concessions. Britain later had significant control in Iran’s oil industry. For decades, conspiracy-minded Iranians have alleged British interference in Iran, including in the overthrow of the late Shah in 1979. Here are some recent incidents: APRIL 1980: Iranian gunmen storm […]
India Remains Deadlocked on Retail Reform
The Indian government failed Tuesday to win support for a reform allowing foreign retailers into the country. A meeting of lawmakers from all parties broke up without a deal being reached, forcing India’s parliament to adjourn amid protests against the reform. The Indian Cabinet last week had approved a measure allowing global firms to own […]
Serbia’s Tadic: Kosovo Serbs Need to Abandon Barricades
KOSOVO VIOLENCE, 1ST UPD HEADLINE: Kosovo Serbs Need to Abandon Barricades DATE: 11/29/11 NUMBER: 1685267 TYPE: CN )) Serbian President Boris Tadic is calling on Serbs to abandon roadblocks in the north of Kosovo, saying it is damaging the country’s bid for European Union membership. The appeal came as another standoff arose on Tuesday, as […]
Afghan President Karzai Urges Pakistan to Attend Bonn Conference
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is urging Pakistan to change its mind about boycotting the upcoming international conference on his country’s future. Mr. Karzai called Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, requesting the Pakistani government attend Monday’s conference in Bonn, Germany. The Afghan leader also extended his condolences for the losses Pakistan suffered in the NATO […]
Michael Jackson’s Doctor Sentenced to 4 Years
Michael Jackson’s doctor has received the maximum sentence of four years in prison for the death of the pop superstar. Doctor Conrad Murray learned of the punishment Tuesday. A Los Angeles jury found Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter following a six-week trial that ended in early November. The judge said Jackson died not because of […]
Syria Mulls Response to Arab League Sanctions
Syria says it is considering ways to deal with sanctions imposed by the Arab League. In a Tuesday news conference, the country’s information minister said the country is “self-sufficient” and has a “stockpile” of food and basic supplies. The state-run news agency SANA says the minister commented after a Cabinet meeting on the league’s sanctions, […]
Iranian Protesters Storm British Diplomatic Compounds in Tehran
Iranian protesters have stormed two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran in response to Britain’s new economic sanctions against Iran. The sanctions were imposed over Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program. Protesters Tuesday broke windows, scattered documents and pulled down a British flag at the embassy in central Tehran. They also looted a portrait of Britain’s Queen […]
EU ‘Deeply Concerned’ About Thai Text Conviction
The European Union says it is “deeply concerned” about the Thai court conviction and 20-year prison sentence meted out last week to a 61-year-old man accused of sending text messages that authorities say insulted the Thai monarchy. The EU delegation to Thailand, in a statement, urged Thai authorities to “ensure the rule of law is […]
Kenya: Court Order to Arrest Sudan’s Bashir ‘Very Unhelpful’
Kenya’s foreign minister has expressed “deep concern” at a high court ruling ordering the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Moses Wetang’ula said in a statement Tuesday that the order is “very unhelpful” and a “direct affront” to the principle that heads of state are immune from criminal prosecution. He added the Kenyan government is […]