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USA

Obama meets with war cabinet on Afghanistan strategy

President Barack Obama met Monday with his war cabinet for what could be the last time before he decides whether to dispatch more US troops to Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were present.

ENVIRONMENT

US to announce emissions target before Copenhagen

The US will announce a target for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions before the UN climate conference in Copenhagen, removing an obstacle to a deal, officials say. Obama is under pressure to attend the conference and show flexibility on targets.

AFP

Indian PM offers hand to Obama

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered a hand to the United States to help build an "open and inclusive" Asia as President Barack Obama prepared to toast him Tuesday with his first state dinner.Singh said the world's two largest democracies ...

AFP

Belgian in US court admits Iran arms dealing

A alleged Belgian arms dealer on Monday pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to export fighter jet engines and parts to Iran, US justice officials said.The US Justice Department said in a statement Jacques Monsieur now faced a maximum penalty of ...

NUCLEAR IRAN

Ahmadinejad on controversial visit to Brazil to discuss nuclear deal

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Brazil on Monday as part of a tour to countries who support Tehran's diplomatic vision. Demonstrators from gay, religious and anti-racism rights groups gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday in protest.

AFP

Missing US-Somali youth to spark new terror charges

New terrorism charges were expected Monday in the case of dozens of Somali-Americans, who disappeared from their homes in Minnesota and are believed to have joined an Islamist militia in Somalia.A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice confirmed ...

THE OBSERVERS

YouTube assault video worsens Somali reputation

A group of Minneapolis teenagers have found themselves headline news after they published a video of themselves pushing people over in the street.

DIPLOMACY

India's Singh urges US to stay committed in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (pictured) arrived in Washington on Sunday for a state visit with US President Barack Obama, urging him to stay committed in Afghanistan and to pressure Pakistan to act against Islamic extremists.

AFP

Zelaya to legally contest Honduras elections

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said Thursday he would legally contest November 29 elections because they were taking place before Congress decides if he can briefly return to power.Zelaya also called for the polls to be postponed.The ...

AFP

Abbas begins official visit to Argentina

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas began an official visit to Argentina Sunday that includes a meeting with President Cristina Kirchner to discuss the Middle East, just days after a visit by Israeli President Shimon Peres."President Abbas' visit brings

USA

Senate votes to allow healthcare debate, clearing critical hurdle

At an extraordinary weekend session, the US Senate voted to hold a full debate on a healthcare reform bill, with 60 votes in favour and all but one of the 40 Republicans in the chamber voting against it.

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AFP

Thousands throng rival Nicaraguan rallies, Ortega backers mass

Thousands of pro- and anti-government protesters took to the streets of Nicaragua's capital Saturday, protesting and backing President Daniel Ortega's bid to remain in power.Chanting "Democracy yes, dictatorship no!" Ortega opponents numbered at ...

AFP

Venezuela seizes Colombia-linked paramilitary chief

Venezuelan police captured a leader of a Colombia-linked paramilitary force, the interior minister announced Saturday amid sky-high military tensions between the South American neighbors.Magaly Janeth Moreno Vega was captured Thursday by Venezuelan ...

INTERNET

Smiling Facebook pics cost woman her health insurance

A Canadian woman who had taken long-term sick leave from her job for severe depression was deprived of health benefits after her insurance company saw pictures of her smiling in a bikini on her Facebook page.

AFP

1000 people evacuated after Colombia volcano erupts

A thousand people were evacuated and traffic was stopped after the Galeras volcano erupted in southern Colombia without causing casualties, officials said Saturday.The locals were taken to shelters in Pasto, the capital of Narino department on the ...

AFP

Elderly US couple pleads guilty in Cuba spy case

An elderly US couple charged with spying for Cuba for almost 30 years pleaded guilty in the conspiracy Friday, with the husband agreeing to serve a life sentence, the US Justice Department said.Former State Department official Walter Myers, 72, ...

PERU

Police arrest gang accused of killing victims for human fat

In a shocking criminal case, Peruvian police arrested members of a gang accused of killing victims to extract and sell their fat to cosmetics traders.

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