News – Yahoo’s Plight

Asia/Pacific

Yahoo asks a US court to dismiss the case against it, accusing the company of complicity in rights abuses and acts of torture in China. Not because they didn’t do so, but because their Chinese subsidiary had no choice but to comply with local laws. Question is, as an international company, to what level must they obey US and International law as well?

China plans to have ‘virtual police’ that will appear on users screens every half hour to ‘remind them of internet security’.

China’s lawmakers are considering a new bit of legislation that would allow scientists to report research failures without harm to their careers.

A lot of China related news. But then China is interesting, considering the aspects of change and stagnation in their social and political landscape. Some things visibly improve while others do not. Trying to figure out the net gain or loss is something I do regularly.

Middle East

Maliki orders a curfew in Karbala after heavy fighting kills more than fifty people. Initial accusations from security officials pointed at Sadr’s militia, but Maliki said it was the work of ‘criminal gangs’ from remnants of Saddam’s regime. I doubt they’re sure who did it at all.

The US military admits mistake in the arrest of eight Iranians who were in Iraq at the invitation of the government.

Saudi Arabia, supposed ally to the US, bans a newspaper after it criticizes the government therein.

Lt-Col Steven Jordan, the only officer charged over the abuse at Abu Ghraib, is cleared of charges but found guilty of disobeying an order to not discuss the inquiry into the event. The defense said he was only nominally in charge of the Joint Interrogation and Debriefing Center there and that he had no direct control over the interrogations. So what’s the point in having a leader in a position that doesn’t lead and therefore has no responsibility of there are screw-ups? Where does the buck stop, if not with the man at the top?

Now it’s time for the Israelis to get huffy at the Muslims for infrastructure work being done near a holy site. The circle of life continues to spin.

Bush threatens to confront Iran over alleged support for insurgents in Iraq. With what? The majority of our military force is entrenched in Iraq. Air strikes? And if they decide to open up a fresh front in the way because of that? Air power can only get you so far if the rest of your force is tied up elsewhere.

Iraq a multi-front war? It could be divided up in this manner, I suppose.

Africa

Mogadishu suffers overnight clashes between security forces and insurgents. Ongoing talks fail to bring peace.

The world’s biggest diamond at 7k carets. Twice the size of the Cullinan Diamond that is centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels. Mind, it has yet to be confirmed as genuine.

Jean-Bernard Rutagarama, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, returns home. The filming of this return will be showing for the first time in the UK.

Europe

In a show of how problems of this nature should be resolved, Irish Police Commissioner Noel Conroy agrees to meet with Sikh community leaders to talk about a man on officers wearing turbans. What a novel concept.. talking about cultural issues rather than just banning whatever the hell you don’t like and damn those who protest.

The EU is considering putting together a standing force to respond to fires, floods and other ‘natural disaster’ related emergencies. Not a bad idea on the surface, but sure to be none to easy to form and fund.

Americas

Slate’s Editors squabble over the arrest of Sen. Larry Craig’s arrest for lewd conduct.

Alberto Gonzalez steps down as Attorney General. Why now? Your guess is as good as mine. Here’s the resignation letter. And now, speculation on who is next.

General

How the world rates video games.

A British company is halted from releasing software that could open iPhones to non-US networks with a predictable bout of legal threats. Did they think AT&T would let them do something like that, after hooking up with Apple? Really now.

Sony is accused of selling products that leave PCs vulnerable to attack by hackers.

The Blogs look at Sen. Larry Craig’s airport antics and news of arrests in the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

Today’s Papers has the Bush administration wanting more money for the Iraq war, claims there had been a number of arrests “regarding sexual activity in the public restroom” at the airport where Craig was arrested, new census figures that show the number of people without health insurance increased by 2.2 million in 2006 to a grand total of 47 million and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Pro-family values politician says she has no plans to quit working as a stripper and sex-line operator. Bring the eye bleach — there are pics

“I looked up and saw the face of Christ in the fence and I said, ‘Whoa'”

Not news: Rape victim pleads with attacker. News: By offering to set up a job interview for him. Fark: The douchebag actually shows up

Guy in a parking lot gets off with a warning after cops find him with some sort of “battery-powered sexual device hooked to his person”

Robber wants $4 from victim. Victim only has $10. Robber waits for victim to get change in pizza parlor and then flees with money. Robber gets captured two blocks away

Cigarette packs in Britian must soon have pictures of things like diseased lungs printed on them. Aaaah, Laramie

Terrorism 101: Googling terms like “how to blow up ATM machines” and “how much money is kept in bank ATMs” is sure to draw unwanted federal attention. Fail

The police chief’s secetary submits her resignation letter for all to read. Looks like you’re going to be in a little trouble there, Ed

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this bygone bonny babe in her bonnet

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this fruity guy

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this gauge into a real-world situation