The battered U.S. housing market looked a little better in 2011, but that may change soon. A company that tracks foreclosures says owners of 1.8 million properties got notices they were in some stage of the foreclosure process in 2011. That is about one-third less than the number of properties facing foreclosure the prior year. […]
Ahmadinejad Slams Capitalism in Cuba
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 8:50 pm (UTC-5)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticized capitalism as a “system in decay” in a speech in Cuba, his latest stop on a Latin American tour. Mr. Ahmadinejad said Wednesday capitalism is a “dead-end street” and said when capitalists “lack logic” they resort to using weapons to kill and destroy. He made the remarks during a speech […]
US Official Meets Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Leaders
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 8:05 pm (UTC-5)
The number two diplomat in the U.S. State Department met with a leader of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Wednesday but was unable to see representatives from the more hard-line Al-Nur party. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Deputy Secretary of State William Burns met with Mohammed Mursi as part of a series of meetings with Egyptian […]
Scotland, Britain Clash Over Independence Vote
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 8:00 pm (UTC-5)
Scottish leader Alex Salmond says the people of Scotland should set the terms of a referendum on independence from Britain, not the British government. The Scottish first minister said Wednesday his government is prepared to debate the issue, but will not be bullied by London. “We won’t be talked down to from Downing Street. The […]
AU Wants to Expand Somalia Mission
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 7:50 pm (UTC-5)
The African Union is asking the United Nations Security Council to approve expanding its mission in Somalia, saying the gains made against Islamic insurgents must be protected. AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, told the Council in New York Wednesday that for the first time in 20 years, Somalia’s transitional government controls nearly […]
US to Investigate Video of Marines Urinating on Dead Taliban
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 7:40 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. military says it is investigating a video that appears to show four U.S. Marines urinating on the corpses of three Taliban fighters. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Pentagon said it had not yet verified the “origin or authenticity” of the video, which has been posted on several websites. However, the statement condemned […]
Czech Government to Compensate Churches for Confiscated Property
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 6:25 pm (UTC-5)
The Czech Cabinet has approved a bill that will compensate churches for assets seized by the communist regime that ran the former Czechoslovakia for about 40 years after World War II. Prime Minister Petr Necas said the restitution measure was approved unanimously Wednesday. “It was approved unanimously by all present ministers. I consider the result, […]
Militants Kill 14 Pakistani Soldiers
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 6:15 pm (UTC-5)
Pakistani officials say at least 14 paramilitary soldiers were killed late Wednesday when suspected Baluch separatists ambushed their vehicle in southwestern Baluchistan province. The officials said the incident took place in Turbat district near the Iranian border. Baluchistan is home to various militant groups, including pro-Taliban factions, as well as Baluch militants. The province has […]
Nigerian Oil Workers Threaten to Shut Down Production
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 5:55 pm (UTC-5)
(NEW LEAD AND INFO GRAF 2)) A Nigerian oil workers union says it is taking the first steps toward shutting down production to protest soaring gasoline prices. The Pengassan union said Wednesday its workers are refusing to send production reports to government officials — the initial move toward cutting off production. The union says it […]
Assad Rallies Syrians; Western Journalist Killed
Posted January 11th, 2012 at 5:50 pm (UTC-5)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a rare public appearance Wednesday, telling thousands of supporters in Damascus that his government will defeat a “conspiracy” behind 10 months of opposition unrest. Mr. Assad, surrounded by security guards and casually dressed, told the crowd he drew strength from their presence. He said that “true patriots” are defending the […]
