Japan’s central bank on Tuesday downgraded its economic forecast for the current fiscal year, saying the world’s third largest economy will likely shrink by four-tenths-of-one-percent because of the global economic downturn. The Bank of Japan had earlier predicted the country’s gross domestic product would rise by three-tenths-of-a-percent in the year ending March 31st. It now […]
Car Bombs Kill 10 in Iraqi Capital
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 4:20 am (UTC-5)
Four car bombs have exploded in mainly Shi’ite areas of the Iraqi capital, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 70 others. Authorities say the first blast Tuesday in Baghdad’s Sadr City hit a group of laborers waiting for work. The bombing killed at least eight people and wounded more than 20 others. […]
China Criticizes ‘Hyped’ Reports of Tibetan Clashes
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 4:05 am (UTC-5)
China on Tuesday accused foreign human rights organizations of exaggerating recent clashes between Tibetan demonstrators and police in southwestern China. Tibetan advocacy groups and witnesses said Monday that police in Sichuan province opened fire on several thousand unarmed Tibetan demonstrators in a county called Luhuo by China and Draggo by Tibetans. But foreign ministry spokesperson […]
Car Bombs Kill 10 in Iraqi Capital
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 2:50 am (UTC-5)
Iraqi police say two car bombs have exploded in a Shi’ite area of the capital, killing at least 10 people in the latest attack targeting Iraq’s majority. Authorities say the first blast Tuesday in Baghdad’s Sadr City hit a group of laborers waiting for work. The bombing killed at least eight people and wounded more […]
Wife, Son of Prominent Jailed Chinese Dissident Arrive in US
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 2:50 am (UTC-5)
The family of a prominent Chinese dissident who is jailed on charges of subverting state power has fled China and arrived in the United States. The U.S.-based ChinaAid group said in a statement that the wife and 12-year-old child of former university professor Guo Quan arrived Monday in Los Angeles, with the help of several […]
Iran Denounces ‘Unfair’ EU Oil Ban, Asset Freeze
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 2:05 am (UTC-5)
Iran has denounced the European Union’s decision to ban new purchases of Iranian oil and freeze the assets of the country’s central bank, calling the moves “illogical and unfair.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Monday the world’s long-term need for energy means it is “not possible to impose sanctions on Iran,” with its […]
US: Republican Presidential Candidates Debate Again in Florida
Posted January 24th, 2012 at 12:25 am (UTC-5)
The two leading candidates for the U.S. Republican Party’s presidential nomination traded sharp attacks during a nationally televised debate in Florida Monday, days before that state’s crucial primary election. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney went on the offensive against rival Newt Gingrich, prompted by Gingrich’s upset victory in last week’s South Carolina primary. Romney accused […]
