French Soldier Stabbed in Throat Outside Paris

A French soldier was stabbed in the throat in a busy commercial district outside Paris on Saturday, and France's president said authorities are investigating any possible links with the recent slaying of a British soldier. from AP 25 May 2013, 12:05 PM PDT

Hagel: Cadets Must Stamp Out Sex Assault Scourge

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday that they must stamp out the scourge of sexual assault in the military. from AP 25 May 2013, 11:14 AM PDT

16 Children, 1 Teacher Dead in Pakistan Bus Fire

Sixteen schoolchildren and a teacher burned to death in eastern Pakistan early Saturday when a short-circuit near a leaking gas tank caused their minibus to be engulfed in flames, police said. from AP 25 May 2013, 7:44 AM PDT

Obama Believes Terror Threat Reduced to Pre-9/11 Level

Some call it wishful thinking, but President Barack Obama has all but declared an end to the global war on terror. In a landmark speech Thursday in which he sought to refine and recalibrate his counterterrorism strategy, Obama asserted that al-Qaida is "on the path to defeat," reducing the scale of terrorism to pre-Sept. 11 levels. from AP 25 May 2013, 7:38 AM PDT

Syria Regime Unleashes Artillery Barrage on Qusair

Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad shelled a strategic western town on Saturday in their heaviest barrage of a week-long battle to dislodge rebels from there, activists said. from AP 25 May 2013, 7:31 AM PDT

Parents Patrolling Streets Help Deter Stockholm Rioters

Parents and volunteers have been patrolling the streets of Stockholm's immigrant-heavy suburbs to help quell riots that have raged for almost a week, serving as a successful deterrent to troublemakers and winning praise from police. from AFP 25 May 2013, 7:18 AM PDT

UK Zookeeper Dies from Tiger Attack Injuries

British police say a zookeeper who was injured in a tiger attack at an animal park has died. from AP 25 May 2013, 7:16 AM PDT

Niger Islamist Attackers 'Came from Libya'

The attackers who staged twin bombings at an army base and French-run uranium mine in northern Niger came from neighbouring Libya, Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou said Saturday. from AFP 25 May 2013, 7:09 AM PDT

Suicide Bomber Wounds 11 in Russia's Dagestan

Eleven people were wounded in an apparent suicide bombing in Russia's restive Dagestan region Saturday, a spokeswoman for the regional interior ministry said. from AFP 25 May 2013, 3:05 AM PDT

Britain Braces for Possible Copycat Attacks

Britain is bracing for clashes with right-wing activists and possible copycat terror attacks by Islamic extremists after the savage slaying of a young soldier, whose grieving family spoke Friday of their loss. from AP 25 May 2013, 3:02 AM PDT

UK-Bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested

Britain scrambled fighter jets Friday to intercept a commercial airliner carrying more than 300 people from Pakistan, diverting it to an isolated runway at an airport on the outskirts of London and arresting two passengers on suspicion of endangering the aircraft. from AP 25 May 2013, 2:59 AM PDT

Toronto Mayor Denies Smoking Crack Cocaine

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford denied Friday that he smokes crack cocaine and said he is not an addict after a video purported to show him using the drug. The mayor of Canada's largest city did not say whether he has ever used crack. from AP 25 May 2013, 2:13 AM PDT

7 Filipino Marines, 4 Militants Killed in Clash

At least seven Filipino marines and four Abu Sayyaf militants were killed in a clash Saturday as the military launched an offensive against al-Qaida-linked gunmen who have been blamed for recent kidnappings and of trying to sabotage a road project in the southern Philippines. from AP 25 May 2013, 2:10 AM PDT

Japan Mayor to Apologize to US over Brothels Advice

A Japanese politician who drew fire for calling "comfort women" a wartime necessity has been forced to apologise for suggesting US soldiers in Okinawa visit brothels to vent their violent frustrations. from AFP 25 May 2013, 2:02 AM PDT

Mexico Claims Drug Crime Deaths Drop

The drug-related murders that plagued Mexico for six years have decreased in the past six months, while fewer people have disappeared than previously thought, the interior minister said Friday. from AFP 25 May 2013, 1:50 AM PDT

Make Betting Legal, Says Top Indian body

A top Indian industry body has called for legalising sports betting amid a spot-fixing scandal in which cricketers were allegedly paid tens of thousands of dollars by bookmakers in underhand deals. from AFP 25 May 2013, 1:48 AM PDT

World View: Threat of Widespread Terror Network Grows as U.S. Leaves Afghanistan

According to an analysis by Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, the withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan in 2014 poses a "serious challenge to international stability" and increase the threat of terrorism and religious extremism. by John J. Xenakis 25 May 2013, 1:03 AM PDT

Saluting Our Fallen American Heroes

Memorial Day is one of our national holidays where the true meaning far too often gets lost in the shuffle. To those who have lost a family member or loved one defending America’s freedom, this weekend is much more than an opportunity to attend a barbecue and enjoy a three-day weekend. In the mix of the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, let us not forget the real reason for this weekend: those patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice during a time of war. by David Bossie 25 May 2013, 12:56 AM PDT

Three Women Drowned in Egypt Honor Killing

An Egyptian security official says 10 male relatives have killed a mother and her two daughters on suspicion of moral offenses—so-called "honor killings." from AP 24 May 2013

Erdoğan's Maryland Mosque

A $100 million mosque under construction outside Washington, D.C. attracted a visit last week from Turkey's Islamist Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. by Steven Emerson 24 May 2013

Islamists Hate North Carolina More than Gitmo

In his "drone speech" Thursday, President Barack Obama referred to the oft-cited argument that the U.S. should close the Guantánamo Bay terror detention facility (GTMO) because it stirs anti-American opinion: "GTMO has become a symbol around the world for an America that flouts the rule of law," he said. If that was once a reasonable argument, it no longer holds water after the Sep. 11 attack on the U.S. embassy in Cairo. by Joel B. Pollak 24 May 2013

Cleric: Beheading British Soldier Could Be Justified Under Islam

According to the British newspaper The Independent, Cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed believes the attempt to behead a British soldier in London can be justified "under certain interpretations of Islam." by AWR Hawkins 24 May 2013

Obama to Promote Benghazi Talking Points Manipulator

Continuing with the White House strategy of denying any wrongdoing with regard to manipulation of talking points after the Benghazi terror attacks of September 11, 2012, President Obama nominated a central figure in that manipulation, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland, to assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs. by Ben Shapiro 24 May 2013

Benghazi Review Board Chair To Meet With Issa Behind Closed Doors

The State Department announced on Thursday that it had no involvement in the decision of retired diplomat Thomas Pickering to meet in a closed session of the House Oversight Committee with Chairman Darrell Issa. Pickering, along with former Joint Chiefs Chair Mike Mullen co-chaired the Accountability Review Board that investigated the security failures surrounding the attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya in September of last year. by Meredith Dake 24 May 2013

Islamic Extremists Claim Responsibility for Niger Attacks

Suicide bombers in Niger detonated two car bombs simultaneously, one inside a military camp in the city of Agadez and another in the remote town of Arlit at a French-operated uranium mine, killing 26 people and injuring 30, according to officials in Niger and France. from AP 24 May 2013

Cars, Schools Torched in 5th Night of Stockholm Riots

At least nine cars were torched and two schools and a police station were set ablaze as riots swept through Stockholm's immigrant-dominated suburbs early Friday for the fifth straight night, police and firefighters said. from AFP 24 May 2013

One Killed in Brazil Giant Fuel Depot Blaze

One person was killed in a spectacular fire that broke out in a fuel depot on the northern edge of Rio de Janeiro and spread to nearby homes, officials said. from AFP 24 May 2013

Police Make New Arrests in London Soldier Killing

Police made two further arrests and raided houses across London following the brutal murder of a serving soldier who survived a tour of duty in Afghanistan. from AFP 24 May 2013

World View: China, Taiwan Gang up on Philippines in South China Sea

When the U.S. announced its "pivot to Asia" in 2010, there was hope in the Philippines that America would become directly involved in the South China Sea disputes and support the Philippines' sovereignty at least over regions in its U.N. defined exclusive economic zone (EEZ). by John J. Xenakis 24 May 2013

Iranian Backed Hackers Infiltrating U.S. Energy Companies

Current and former U.S. officials are reporting "Iran backed hackers have escalated a campaign against U.S. corporations" and have infiltrated "computer networks running energy companies." by AWR Hawkins 24 May 2013

Shrug: Obama Says Benghazi Attack Isolated Incident, Localized Threat

In his Thursday speech at the National Defense University in Washington D.C., President Obama went out of his way to spin the terrorist attacks in Benghazi as a predictable result of loosely-affiliated terrorism. by Ben Shapiro 23 May 2013

Hamas in Gaza Sending Out Tentacles to the West Bank

Hamas's West Bank terrorism infrastructure has not recovered after being devastated by waves of Israeli counter-terror operations launched a decade ago, and the organization's leadership would like to change that. by Yaakov Lappin 23 May 2013

Obama: Libya, Tunisia, Egypt 'Rebuke' to 'Violent Extremists'

On Thursday, in a wide-ranging speech on foreign policy and national security at the National Defense University in Washington, President Obama said that he would support what he termed democratic transitions in Islamic countries. He cited Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt as examples of democratic transitions that serve as a “rebuke” to terrorists. The only problem: all three countries are now in thrall to terrorists. by Ben Shapiro 23 May 2013

London Butchering Suspects Previously Investigated for Possible Terror Links

... the two suspects photographed and videotaped butchering a British solder were "part of an early security services investigation" into their possible ties to terror. by AWR Hawkins 23 May 2013

Islamists Tell the Truth When They Think Western Eyes Aren't Watching

MEMRI, which stands for the “Middle East Media Research Institute,” monitors Arab, Iranian, and Turkish media, schoolbooks, and sermons. MEMRI then translates them into English so we can know exactly what is being said in those cultures—unfettered by our gutless politicians and leftists media so punch-drunk on political correctness they feel the need to cover for those who wish us harm. by Steve Deace 23 May 2013

Report: Former U.S. Marine Kidnapped in Mexico

Fox News Latino is reporting that former U.S. Marine Armando Torres crossed the Brownsville, Texas bridge into Mexico to visit his father on May 14 and has not been heard from since. by AWR Hawkins 23 May 2013

Obama and Heckler Plead to Close Gitmo

In a speech at the National Defense University in Washington, DC., President Barack Obama called on Congress to permit him to close the terror detention facility at the U.S. Navy base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. by Joel B. Pollak 23 May 2013

Obama's Drone Address an Attempt to Bury Benghazi, Media Scandals

It is difficult to interpret President Barack Obama's speech Thursday on U.S. terror policy as anything more than an attempt to distract from the damaging recent revelations about the Benghazi terror attacks. by Joel B. Pollak 23 May 2013

Woolwich Beheading Suspect Linked with Islamic Hate Preacher

One suspect in the barbaric beheading of an off-duty British soldier has now been identified as Michael Abedolajo. Abedolajo, a Muslim from a Christian family, has also been linked with hate preacher Anjem Choudary. Both killers are of Nigerian background, and were previously identified by MI5. by Ben Shapiro 23 May 2013

Accused Ft. Shooter Fires Attorneys, Will Represent Self In Court

Accused Ft. Hood Shooter Major Nidal Hasan has fired his attorneys and told the trial judge he will represent himself in court. He also told the judge he wants the trial to start "as scheduled." by AWR Hawkins 23 May 2013

Anti-Israel Hatefest On Secret Facebook Page for Foreign Correspondents

A new Israeli report exonerating Israel in the events surrounding the death in 2000 of 12-year-old Mohammed al-Dura, an event used by the Palestinians to claim he was killed by Israeli crossfire and to incite crimes such as the lynching and subsequent disemboweling of two Israeli soldiers, triggered a hatefest against Israel within a “secret” Facebook group of foreign correspondents and human rights activists called the Vulture Club. by William Bigelow 23 May 2013

Markets Roiled by Nikkei's 7.3 Percent Slide

Financial markets around the world were roiled Thursday after Japanese stocks suffered their biggest slide since the country was hit by a devastating tsunami more than two years ago. from AP 23 May 2013

French Prosecutors to Grill IMF Chief over Payout

Prosecutors will grill IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Thursday as they investigate whether she should be charged in connection with a state payout to a disgraced tycoon during her time as French finance minister. from AFP 23 May 2013

Obama to Reset US Terror War in Key Speech

Barack Obama will renew his failed vow to close Guantanamo Bay and argue his drone war is legal and just Thursday, in a speech reframing US anti-terror policy that will shape his presidential legacy. from AFP 23 May 2013

Kerry Back in Israel for Peace Push

US Secretary of State John Kerry flew in to Israel Thursday as he kept up a push to bring Israelis and Palestinians back to peace negotiations amid a growing skepticism over his efforts. from AFP 23 May 2013

'You Will Never Be Safe': London Attacker

One of the two alleged killers of a British soldier on a street in south-east London on Wednesday explained his actions on an amateur video obtained by the television channel ITV. from AFP 23 May 2013

Pentagon Wants $450 Million to Keep Guantanamo Running

Requests revealed on May 21 show the Pentagon wants more than $450 million for maintenance and upkeep of Guantanamo prison. by AWR Hawkins 23 May 2013

World View: Iran's Supreme Leader Tries to Defeat the Younger Generation

In a stunning generational assault, Iran's Guardians Council has followed the wishes of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has disqualified all presidential candidates who do not follow Khamenei's hardline ideology. by John J. Xenakis 23 May 2013

Stockholm Riots Spread as PM Slams 'Hooliganism'

Rioting spread across Stockholm's suburbs early Wednesday in the third night of unrest to hit the Swedish capital, as Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt blamed the violence on "hooliganism" and appealed for calm. from AFP 22 May 2013

'We Want to Start a War in London'

As two knife-wielding Islamists stood over the body of a soldier they allegedly beheaded, a local woman began speaking with one of them, trying to convince them not to attack others. When the police arrived, the alleged terrorists apparently attacked police and then were shot. by Breitbart News 22 May 2013

West Point Adviser Charged with Videotaping Female Cadets in Shower

(UPI) -- A West Point Academy staff member faces charges after being accused of videotaping female cadets in their showers and locker rooms, Pentagon officials said. from UPI 22 May 2013

Jihadists Suspected in Shocking Daylight Attack Outside London

A British soldier is dead, and two suspected terrorists were shot in a shocking daylight attack outside London Wednesday. by Steven Emerson 22 May 2013

Mexico Cartel Dominates, Torches Western State

Michoacan is burning. A drug cartel that takes its name from an ancient monastic order has set fire to lumber yards, packing plants and passenger buses in a medieval-like reign of terror. from AP 22 May 2013

British Soldier Hacked to Death in Street in London Terrorist Attack

A young British soldier is dead after reportedly being "hacked and chopped" to death by two black men Wednesday afternoon on a London street. Sky News reports the incident is being treated by government officials as a terrorist attack. by A.J. Delgado 22 May 2013

Polish Man Gets Quick Face Transplant After Injury

A 33-year-old Polish man received a face transplant just three weeks after being disfigured in a workplace accident, in what his doctors said Wednesday is the fastest time frame to date for such an operation. It was Poland's first face transplant. from AP 22 May 2013

Military Sources: Obama Admin Not Pursuing Benghazi Suspects

Fox News is quoting U.S. military sources who claim "the Obama administration knows who is responsible [for Benghazi] but is not acting." by AWR Hawkins 22 May 2013

Hard-Right Historian Commits Suicide in Notre Dame

Dominique Venner, a French award-winning historian whose social views were strongly traditional, killed himself inside the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris beside the main altar, using a shotgun to shoot himself through his mouth. 1,500 people were inside the cathedral at the time. by William Bigelow 22 May 2013

Canada Warns of Possible Iraq 'Civil War'

A spate of deadly violence risks plunging Iraq into a sectarian civil war, Canada's top diplomat warned, adding that a Canadian was among the latest victims. from AFP 22 May 2013

Four Dead as Clashes Rage in Lebanon's Tripoli

At least four people have been killed in clashes in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli, a security source told AFP, as fighting raged into a fourth day on Wednesday. from AFP 22 May 2013

Top Syrian Official Due in Moscow for Talks

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad is due in Moscow Wednesday to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on a planned peace conference on ending the conflict in Syria, the RIA Novosti state news agency said. from AFP 22 May 2013

Diplomats: Iran Expands Nuclear Technology

Diplomats say Iran is moving ahead to update a program the West fears could be used to make nuclear weapons, in a blow to years of high-level diplomacy aimed at stopping it from doing so. from AP 22 May 2013

Syria Opposition Urges Rebels to Join Qusayr Battle

Syria's opposition urged fighters across the country Wednesday to "rush to the rescue" of rebel stronghold Qusayr, while appealing to the international community to set up a humanitarian corridor to the embattled town. from AFP 22 May 2013

Seven Egyptian Security Men Kidnapped in Sinai Freed

Six Egyptian policemen and a border guard kidnapped by suspected militants in the volatile Sinai Peninsula last week were freed by their captors Wednesday after successful mediation, the country's military spokesman said. from AP 22 May 2013

Iran's Ahmadinejad to Challenge Ally's Ban from Election

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday he would ask Iran's supreme leader to reverse a ban preventing his aide from running in next month's presidential poll, a test of stability after the violent trauma of the 2009 vote. from REUTERS 22 May 2013

World View: Syria, Allies Threaten War with Israel in the Golan Heights

Syria and Israel exchanged both weapons fire and threats of war on Tuesday over the border between Syria and Israel in the Golan Heights. An Israeli jeep in an overnight patrol in the Golan Heights near the border with Syria came under fire from Syrian forces across the border, and the Israelis returned fire. by John J. Xenakis 22 May 2013

State Dept Employees 'Accountable' For Benghazi Failures Receiving Pay Five Months Later

State Department Deputy Spokesman Patrick Ventrell announced on Monday that employees identified by the Accountability Review Board as responsible for the security failures that lead to the Benghazi attacks are receiving pay after five months on administrative leave. They are not, however, doing any work for the State Department. by Meredith Dake 22 May 2013

Army Has Paid Ft. Hood Suspect over $278,000 Since Shooting

Because the Army classified the shooting as "workplace violence" rather than a "terrorist attack," Fort Hood victims are unable to collect the benefits and financial help commensurate with combat injuries. by AWR Hawkins 21 May 2013

Tunisian Man Died of SARS-Like Virus After Mecca Pilgrimage

(UPI) -- A Tunisian man died after a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and two adults children tested positive for SARS-like virus, health officials say. from UPI 21 May 2013

Obama to Visit Africa for First Time Since 2009

President Obama will visit Africa in June for the second time in his presidency. He visited Egypt and Ghana in 2009, but has not returned since. The trip, scheduled for June 26 to July 3, will take Obama to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. by AWR Hawkins 21 May 2013

Islam Rising, Christianity Declining in United Kingdom

Britain’s ancient connection to Christianity is fading fast as Muslims have emigrated to Britain in droves. The 2011 census reveals that Christianity is plummeting 50% faster than had been thought previously. Within ten years only a minority in Britain will call themselves Christians. by William Bigelow 21 May 2013

Obama to Take First Major Africa Trip in Late June

President Barack Obama will leave on a first African tour next month, visiting Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa, but his itinerary bypasses Kenya, an ancestral homeland. from AFP 21 May 2013

MPs Set to Back Gay Marriage as Rebels Lose Vote

The legalisation of gay marriage is poised for approval by MPs on Tuesday after David Cameron headed off another Conservative rebellion. from AFP 21 May 2013

Israel Fires Back at Syria After Gunshots at Its Troops

Israeli troops shot at a target across the Syrian frontier on Tuesday in response to gunfire that struck its forces in the Golan Heights, the Israeli military said. from REUTERS 21 May 2013

Bangladeshi, South Korean Climbers Die on Everest

A climber from Bangladesh and another from South Korea have died on Mount Everest as hundreds flock to the world's highest peak during good weather, Nepalese tourism officials said Tuesday. from AFP 21 May 2013

Iran to List Approved Presidential Candidates

Iran's June 14 presidential election steps up a gear on Tuesday when the Guardians Council releases the approved list of candidates who have passed muster under the vetting process. from AFP 21 May 2013

Afghan Leader to Push for Indian Military Aid

Afghan President Hamid Karzai will try to secure more military aid in talks with Indian leaders on Tuesday as he looks to beef up his security forces after international troops pull out next year. from AFP 21 May 2013

World View: Wave of Terrorist Violence in Iraq Kills Hundreds

A dozen car bombings across Iraq on Monday killed at least 95 people, and this followed the killing of 200 people last week from bombings. Terrorist violence has been on the increase in Iraq since December 2011, when the last American forces pulled out of Iraq. by John J. Xenakis 21 May 2013

Boise Man Arrested on Terrorism and WMD Charges

A 30-year-old Uzbekistan national living in Boise, Idaho, was arrested on the morning of May 16th as part of a wide scale federal terrorism investigation. by Abha Shankar 20 May 2013

South Korea Deploys Israeli-Made Missiles to Protect Border Islands

South Korea has deployed Israeli-made Spike missiles to protect border islands in the West Sea. by AWR Hawkins 20 May 2013

Hezbollah Helping Assad's Forces in 'Most Intense' Battle of Syrian Conflict

On May 19, the Syrian military, working with Hezbollah fighters, began taking the city of Qusayr back from opposition forces. by AWR Hawkins 20 May 2013

Obama Admin Decries Sale of Russian Anti-Ship Missiles to Syria

On May 17, the Obama administration decried Russia's sale of advanced anti-ship missiles to Syria. According to the LA Times, the acquisition of these "Yakhont cruise missiles with advanced radar" will make it more difficult for the U.S. and its allies to use naval ships to conduct support operations like launching jets to impose a no-fly zone should the U.S. decide to intervene in Syria. by AWR Hawkins 20 May 2013

Uh-Oh: Hillary's Benghazi Scapegoat Speaks Out

The Daily Beast reports that one of the Benghazi fall guys is refusing to take the fall. Raymond Maxwell was put on indefinite leave by the State Department after its Administrative Review Board (ARB) investigation of Benghazi for reasons that are still unknown to him. The person he claims made the decision to cast him out was Cheryl Mills--Hillary Clinton's former chief of staff and counsel at the State Department. It is the second time Mills' name has turned up during scrutiny of the State Department's response to the attack. by John Sexton 20 May 2013

Former Counterterrorism Head: FBI Never Called Ft. Hood 'Workplace Violence'

Michael Steinbach, former head of the FBI’s counterterrorism division and now special agent in charge of Miami, told over 30 congressional staffers in March of 2012 that, contrary to the White House's classification, the bureau does not refer to the Fort Hood shooting as "workplace violence." As head of the FBI counterterrorism division, Steinbach oversaw the investigation into the mass murder at Texas Army base. by Kerry Picket 20 May 2013

Suicide Bomber Kills 14 at Afghan Province Council

A suicide bomber struck outside a provincial council headquarters in northern Afghanistan on Monday, killing the council chief and at least 13 others, authorities said. The Taliban insurgency quickly claimed responsibility. from AP 20 May 2013

Second Taiwanese Fighter Crash Within a Week

A Taiwanese fighter jet ploughed into the sea off the island's north coast on Monday, the air force's second crash in less than a week, military officials said. from AFP 20 May 2013

Gay Marriage Vote Poses Problems for Cameron

Prime Minister David Cameron faces further dissent from within the ranks of his Conservative Party as a bill to legalise gay marriage returns to Parliament Monday. from AFP 20 May 2013

Tunisia Arrests 200 in Salafist Crackdown

Tunisian police arrested some 200 members of the hardline Islamist Ansar al-Sharia in weekend clashes that erupted after a ban on their congress, Prime Minister Ali Larayedh said in remarks published on Monday. from AFP 20 May 2013

Car Bombs in Baghdad, South Iraq Kill at Least 40

A wave of car bombings across Baghdad's Shiite neighborhoods and in the southern city of Basra killed at least 40 people on Monday, striking at market places and crowded bus stops during the busy morning hours, officials said. from AP 20 May 2013

Legendary City of Central America Found?

The famed Honduran city called Ciudad Blanca (or The White City in English), which inspired explorers as famous as Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to search for it, may have been found at last. by William Bigelow 20 May 2013

Syria Ready to Strike Israel

Reports indicate that Syria has "surface-to-surface Tishreen missiles" zeroed in on Tel Aviv and "is ready to use them should Israel conduct a strike on Damascus." by AWR Hawkins 20 May 2013

World View: Israel's Army to Begin Using Live Fire on West Bank Palestinians

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are changing policies and are increasingly willing to use live fire "if necessary" on West Bank Palestinian protesters that threaten Jewish settlements. According to the IDF, there has been an escalation in Arab attacks on Israeli civilians. by John J. Xenakis 20 May 2013