Week in Review

Negotiations for an agreement for action on the problem of global climate change began as a UN-led summit opened in Copenhagen, Denmark this week. The summit will continue until December 18. At issue is how much financial support wealthy developed countries should give to developing nations to aid their efforts and what the target reduction [...]

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 [...]

NATO Pledges More Troops to Afghanistan

NATO has pledged an additional 5,000 troops to be sent to Afghanistan. U.S. President Barack Obama announced yesterday that the U.S. would be sending 30,000 additional troops. 42,000 NATO personnel are currently in Afghanistan, CNN. Map of forces in Afghanistan, BBC News. The Taliban has vowed to fight the surge, BBC News. Live blog of [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Woman Stoned for Adultery in Somalia

A woman in Somali has been stoned to death for adultery. The 20 year-old woman had previously been married and was divorced but a strict reading of Sharia law does not allow even a divorced woman to have sex with another man. The woman’s boyfriend was given 100 lashes. Al-Shabab, the hard line Islamic group [...]

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. [...]