The United States is marking the end of its military mission in Iraq ahead of a deadline to finish removing its troops by December 31. Here is a look at key events since the 2003 invasion. March 20, 2003: U.S. forces invade Iraq. April 9, 2003: U.S. forces pour into Baghdad. May 1, 2003: President […]
A Look at Key Events in the US Iraq Invasion
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
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Rights Activists Say Army Defectors Kill 27 Soldiers
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
Rights activists say Syrian army defectors have killed at least 27 soldiers and security force members, while a new report accuses military officials of authorizing the halting of protests by “any means necessary.” The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths occurred during multiple clashes early Thursday in the southern province of Daraa. […]
Somali Speaker Rejects Ouster Effort
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 9:30 am (UTC-5)
The speaker of Somalia’s parliament has rejected an effort to oust him from power, in the war-torn country’s latest political crisis. Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan spoke to VOA a day after fistfights broke out in parliament between his opponents and supporters. On Tuesday, lawmakers opposed to Adan voted to remove him as speaker, by […]
Somali Speaker Rejects Ouster Effort
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 9:20 am (UTC-5)
The speaker of Somalia’s parliament has rejected an effort to oust him from power, in the war-torn country’s latest political crisis. Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan spoke to VOA a day after fistfights broke out in parliament between his opponents and supporters. On Tuesday, lawmakers opposed to Adan voted to remove him as speaker, by […]
Italy Releases Jailed Prisoners Early to Save Money
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 9:05 am (UTC-5)
Italy’s new Justice Minister has announced plans to free thousands of prisoners from jail this week in an attempt to ease overcrowding and save the cash-strapped country millions of dollars. Paola Severino’s plan would release some 3,300 prisoner with 18 months or less to serve on their sentences. The released prisoners with serve the remainder […]
Thai Activist Jailed 15 Years for Insulting Monarchy
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 8:50 am (UTC-5)
A political activist from Thailand’s Red Shirt protest movement has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for insulting the country’s monarchy. The Criminal Court in Bangkok on Thursday found Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul guilty of making several defamatory comments against the royal family during a speech at a political rally in 2008. Known as “Da Torpedo” […]
US Marks End of Military Mission in Iraq
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 7:50 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says the dream of an independent and sovereign Iraq is now a reality, as the United States marked the end of its military mission in Iraq. Panetta spoke Thursday at a ceremony in Baghdad, calling it a “historic occasion” for both the Iraqi and American people. It comes weeks […]
Methanol-Laced Liquor Kills 126 in Eastern India
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 7:40 am (UTC-5)
Officials in eastern India say at least 126 people have died after drinking a batch of homemade liquor laced with the toxic chemical methanol. The residents, mostly day laborers and poor workers, became sick after buying cheap alcohol from bootleggers late Tuesday near the village of Sangrampur in West Bengal state. Officials say police have […]
US Marks End of Military Mission in Iraq
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says the dream of an independent and sovereign Iraq is now a reality, as the United States marked the end of its military mission in Iraq. Panetta spoke Thursday at a ceremony in Baghdad, calling it a “historic occasion” for both the Iraqi and American people. It comes weeks […]
UN: Burmese Opium Production Increasing
Posted December 15th, 2011 at 6:50 am (UTC-5)
The United Nations says opium production in Burma has increased for the fifth consecutive year. In an annual survey published Thursday, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime said opium production rose by 5 percent in 2011. The report also said the average price for opium jumped by nearly 50 percent in the past year, […]
