Cycling's golden boy falls from grace

International headlines pick up on the congressional hearing in the US, which seeks to uncover the truth about how the US ambassador died in Libya in September. And are EU nationals throwing themselves into the fray in Syria? UK authorities are investigating a possible jihadist link with an NHS doctor. Finally, Lance Armstrong is named and shamed: the champion cyclist falls from grace in the US media.

IN THE PAPERS

The Wall Street journal reports that security was reduced in Benghazi just before the attack that resulted in the death of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

The Daily Beast looks at the political blame game, as the Republicans use this opportunity to criticise the state department’s handling of the affair. An editorial in The Independent says it's just the latest in a history of failures from the Obama administration concerning this case.

And Lance Armstrong is on the front of the New York Times, as an anti-doping agency names and shames him for drug use. Even his lawyer can’t stem the barrage of negative press about the champion cyclist.

20/05/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

Oil spill could now reach Florida and East Coast

A month to the day since the Gulf of Mexico oil rig exploded, oil is still spilling into the sea in gallons. We look at coverage in the American press. Also, the Bangkok Post’s editorial looks at events yesterday in the Thai capital. These and other stories in today’s international press review: THURSDAY, 20th MAY 2010

20/05/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

Renault’s plan to name new car “Zoe” upsets women called Zoe Renault

Zoe Renaults everywhere are worried, just like Méganes… after all. A Parisian woman by the name of Zoe Renault has hired a lawyer in a bid to stop the French automaker from calling a soon-to-be-released car, the Renault “Zoe”. This story as well as a dose of French politics in today’s French press review: THURSDAY, 20th MAY 2010

19/05/2010 - International Press Review

Brazil and Turkey’s deal with Iran fails to convince big powers

The New York Times’ editorial welcomes news that the US, Europe, Russia and China will press ahead with sanctions against Iran, saying “we are sure there is no chance of reining in Iran’s nuclear ambitions without sustained unified pressure by the major powers.” This and other articles in today’s international press review: WEDNESDAY, 19th MAY 2010

19/05/2010 - French Press Review

Burka is even banned in Mecca, insists French Justice Minister

France’s Justice Minister, Michelle Alliot-Marie, has defended the Government’s bill to ban the full Islamic veil in an interview in this morning’s Le Parisien. She says that the burka is even banned in Mecca and in “several Islamic states”. This and other stories in today’s French papers: WEDNESDAY, 19th MAY 2010