Amid War, Obama Picks Up Nobel Peace Prize

In a formal ceremony at the Olso City Hall in Norway, U.S. President Barack Obama picked up his Nobel Peace Prize. Defending his involvement in the war in Afghanistan, Obama said, “the instruments of war have a role to play in preserving peace,” AFP. Transcript of Obama’s speech, Associated Press. In pictures, BBC News.
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Obama Speaks to Senate Democrats as Debate Rages

President Obama met with Senate Democrats today as the chamber debated healthcare reform in a rare Sunday session. Obama’s spokesman said the President thanked the Democrats for their support and encouraged them to “continue forward on this historic opportunity.” The Senate is expected to heavily debate funds for abortion this week, CNN.
Over 20 mothers who [...]

Obama Plans to Remove Troops from Afghanistan in 2011

In a live address at West Point, President Obama outlined his plan for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, adding 30,000 troops and looking to pull all from the country by the end of 2011. He also seeks to pull all combat brigades from Iraq next year. President Obama’s full remarks can be found here.
Today, December 1st, [...]

Suspect in Tacoma Police Shootings Shot Dead

The suspect in the shootings of 4 police officers in Washington state on Sunday has been fatally shot. A Seattle officer was on a routine patrol when he encountered Maurice Clemmons, who he says charged at him. Clemmons had been arrested on charges of child rape and assaulting a police officer in May but was [...]

Germany’s Top Soldier Resigns over Civilians Deaths

Wolfgang Schneiderhan, Germany’s top soldier in Afghanistan, has resigned due to allegations of a cover-up of the events of September 4 in which a fuel truck that has been stolen by militants was blown up by a NATO airstrike under the command of the German military. Many civilians were also killed in the attack, although [...]

H1N1 Fears Keep Hajj Turnout Low

The Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims make at least once in their lifetimes, began today amid heavy rains, BBC News. Pilgrims from Egypt were required to receive the H1N1 swine flu vaccine before beginning the journey, Voice of America. Complete coverage from CNN.
The Bariyapur festival, a celebration of Gadhimai, a Hindu goddess of power [...]

Afghan Pres. Karzai Sworn in for Second Term

Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for his second term today. Karzai was declared the winner of the August 20 vote despite widespread fraud. A run-off was set to occur between Karzai and his nearest vote-getting opponent, but his opponent dropped out because it would have been too dangerous for voters to go to [...]

Obama Speaks to Chinese Students

U.S. President Barack Obama led a town hall meeting with 400 students in Shanghai, China earlier today. Obama chose his words carefully to avoid controversy but he did criticize China for restricting internet access, Christian Science Monitor.
4 civilians were killed today in Afghanistan after militants fired 2 rockets into a crowded marketplace northeast of Kabul. [...]