A mass protest that forced the temporary shutdown of one of the busiest ports in the U.S. erupted in violence, pitting demonstrators against police in riot gear. Police in the western Californian city of Oakland moved in on the protesters early Thursday, firing tear gas and making arrests, after dozens of protesters broke into an […]
‘Occupy’ Protesters, Police Clash in Oakland, Dozens Arrested
Interpol Joins Push to Save Asian Tigers
The International Police Organization has launched a campaign to help save the world’s last surviving tigers in 13 Asian countries where the giant cats still exist. Interpol said the project will link international wildlife officials with customs and law enforcement officers in Russia, China, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent to combat poaching and smuggling […]
At Least 8 Killed in Syria Despite Peace Plan
Activists say Syrian security forces killed at least eight people on Thursday, a day after the government agreed to a plan that calls for an end to violence against opposition demonstrators. The activists say Syrian troops targeted citizens in the flashpoint of Homs. At least some of the deaths in Homs came after troops attacked […]
WWF: Record Rhino Poaching in South Africa
An international wildlife group says rhino poaching in South Africa has hit an all-time high. The World Wildlife Fund on Thursday quoted government figures showing that 341 rhinos have been lost to poaching so far this year, compared with 333 during all of 2010. South Africa National Parks predicts the number of rhinos poached in […]
Greek Opposition Leader Calls for Transition Government
A Greek opposition leader is calling for creation of a transition government to prepare for early elections, rather than allow Prime Minister George Papandreou to hold a nationwide vote on a European Union bailout package for the country. Antonis Samaras said Thursday that the sole purpose of the transitional government would be to conduct elections […]
Slight Improvement For US Job Market
The U.S. job market improved slightly last week, with fewer Americans signing up for unemployment compensation. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department of new unemployment claims fell 9,000 to a nationwide total of 397,000. The lower total reflects fewer layoffs, which are a step toward lowering the relatively high U.S. unemployment rate. Economists surveyed by […]
Greek Vote Could Lead to Its Eurozone Departure
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou’s call for his countrymen to vote on a European debt-relief plan has raised the possibility that Greece could become the first country to abandon Europe’s common euro currency. The language of a referendum question has not yet been set. But Greek and European officials are already saying the vote’s significance […]
Two Guards Killed in Attack on NATO Contractor
Unknown insurgents killed two Afghan security guards in an attack on a compound housing NATO contractors in Afghanistan’s western Herat province. Thursday’s attack began with a suicide car bombing outside the offices of Monaco-based ES-KO. Gunmen then stormed the offices and launched an hours-long gunbattle with Afghan security forces. NATO said it provided air and […]
Five Killed in Syria Despite Peace Accord
Activists say Syrian security forces killed at least five people on Thursday, a day after the government agreed to a plan that calls for an end to violence against opposition demonstrators. The activists say Syrian troops targeted citizens in the flashpoint of Homs. At least some of the deaths in Homs came after troops attacked […]
Ethiopia Drops Terror Charge Against Swedes
An Ethiopian court has dropped terrorism charges against two Swedish journalists, but the two are still accused of supporting a terrorist organization. During court proceedings in Addis Ababa on Thursday, Judge Shemsu Sirgaga said there was insufficient evidence to pursue the more serious terrorism charge. The judge said investigative reporter Martin Schibbye and photojournalist Johan […]