The United Nations says Syria is refusing “unhindered” access for humanitarian aid. U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said Friday that Syrian officials “asked for more time” to consider a deal that would allow the U.N. to help the victims of the ongoing government crackdown on dissent. Amos told reporters in Ankara that Syrian officials agreed […]
US Businesses Sharply Boosting Employment
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 10:05 am (UTC-5)
Businesses in the United States boosted payrolls more than forecast in February, while the jobless rate remained unchanged from January’s 8.3 percent. In its closely watched monthly report, the U.S. Labor Department said Friday that employers hired 227,000 new workers last month. In addition, the report revised upward the number of people hired in January […]
Italy: Britain Must Explain Failed Hostage Rescue in Nigeria
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
Italian authorities are expressing anger that Thursday’s attempted rescue of a British and an Italian hostage in Nigeria apparently went ahead without their input. Speaking to reporters in Rome Friday, Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano said Britain did not tell Italy about the botched (failed) rescue operation in advance, behavior he called “inexplicable.” He said, “They […]
Bloody Friday Precedes Annan’s Syria Visit
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 9:45 am (UTC-5)
Renewed efforts to end the violence in Syria are being overshadowed by more demonstrations and deaths. Syrian opposition groups say at least 19 people died Friday as thousands took to the streets across the country to rally against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said most of the deaths […]
US Businesses Sharply Boosting Employment
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
Businesses in the United States boosted payrolls more than forecast in February, while the jobless rate remained unchanged from January’s 8.3 percent. In its closely watched monthly report, the U.S. Labor Department said Friday that employers hired 227,000 new workers last month. In addition, the report revised upward the number of people hired in January […]
Greeks Strike Deal to End Financial Crisis
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 9:25 am (UTC-5)
Greece says the majority of the country’s private lenders, including financial institutions, have agreed to a bond swap deal to help the country eliminate a $142-billion debt and avoid a default on its financial obligations. Greece intends to use legislation to force the remaining holdouts to sign on to the agreement. French President Nicolas Sarkozy […]
Bloody Friday Precedes New Envoy’s Syrian Visit
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 9:05 am (UTC-5)
Renewed efforts to end the violence in Syria are being overshadowed by more demonstrations and deaths. Syrian opposition groups say at least 19 people died Friday as thousands took to the streets across the country to rally against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said most of the deaths […]
US, Afghanistan Strike Deal on Prison Handover
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 8:05 am (UTC-5)
The United States has agreed to hand over control of the main U.S. military detention center in Afghanistan to Afghan authorities, paving the way for a strategic deal to be signed between both countries. Afghan Defense Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak and top American military commander General John Allen signed a memorandum of understanding Friday […]
Italy: Britain Must Explain Failed Hostage Rescue in Nigeria
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 7:55 am (UTC-5)
Italian authorities are expressing anger that Thursday’s attempted rescue of a British and an Italian hostage in Nigeria apparently went ahead without their input. Speaking to reporters Friday, Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano said Britain did not inform or consult with Italy on the botched (failed) rescue operation, behavior he called “inexplicable.” The head of a […]
Militant Ambush Kills 7 Pakistani Soldiers
Posted March 9th, 2012 at 7:30 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani officials say insurgents have ambushed a military patrol in the semi-autonomous tribal region of North Waziristan, killing seven soldiers. Authorities say Pakistani forces have retaliated, killing eight militants. North Waziristan, located on the Afghan border, is a major hub for Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants.
