Eight Afghan civilians killed in attacks

KABUL – Eight civilians, including four bothers, were killed in a firefight and an explosion in southern Afghanistan, a provincial spokesman said Thursday.

Four civilians were killed in crossfire between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in Marjah district in the southern province of Helmand, Daoud Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor, said.
Four …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Eight Afghan civilians killed in attacks.

Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” declares “war” on prostitution

SYDNEY – The inhabitants of Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” or Hills Shire Council, are strongly campaigning for the complete closure of the city’s brothels by seeking alterations in state planning laws.

Earlier, the council had approved a new draft development control plan that bans brothels from functioning anywhere except in industrial zones and now they will request the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sydney’s “Bible-Belt” declares “war” on prostitution.

China launches fourth satellite

NEW DELHI – China successfully launched its fourth orbiter into space shortly before midnight Wednesday, as a part of its indigenous satellite navigation and positioning network known as Beidou, or Compass system.

A China Daily report said the satellite was launched from the Long March 3III carrier rocket.

It will join another three satellites in orbit to [..] Read the original article: here.

Macca feared being punched by Obama when crooning ‘Michelle’ to Michelle

LONDON – Sir Paul McCartney said that he might be the first guy ever to get punched by a president, after he serenaded US First Lady Michelle Obama with the lyrics “I love you, I love you, I love you”.

At a White House event honouring his contribution to music, McCartney dedicated a rendition of the … Read more >>.

Israel Navy prepares to confront more ships

TEL AVIV – The Israel Navy will likely choose the same unit – Flotilla (Shayetet) 13 – to lead a commandeering operation of the ships expected to try to break the sea blockade of Gaza later this week, the Jerusalem Post quoted defense officials, as saying on Wednesday.

“No other unit has the capabilities that the …. Original article  : Israel Navy prepares to confront more ships.

Pak religious leaders say no terrorists in Punjab, blast Malik for framing madrassas

ISLAMABAD – Leading Pakistani religious scholars and leaders have criticised Interior Minister Rehman Malik for hinting towards a possible military operation in Punjab to dismantle the ever expanding terror network in the province.

Top Islamic leaders such as Tahafaz-i-Dini Madaris Committee patron Mufti Ataur Rehman, during a meeting in Bahawalpur, denounced Malik for pointing a finger … Read more >>>.

Karzai calls on ‘dear Taliban’ to make peace with his government

KABUL – A conciliatory Afghan President Hamid Karzai has appealed and implored “Dear Talibs” to lay down their weapons and make peace with his government.

Stating that reconciliation within Afghanistan is the key to ridding the country of foreign forces, Karzai said on Wednesday at a peace jirga in Kabul: “My dear Taliban, you are …. Source  : Karzai calls on ‘dear Taliban’ to make peace with his government.

Britain rejects India’s demand for return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond

LONDON – The British High Commission has summarily rejected India’s demand for the return of the fabled Koh-i-Noor diamond, which they had seized during the British Raj, by ludicrously claiming that the diamond was acquired “legitimately” and that its return is “non-negotiable”.

India joined several other erstwhile colonies including Mexico, Greece, Turkey and Egypt, in a …. Source  : Britain rejects India’s demand for return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

US considering sending aircraft carrier to Korean Peninsula

WASHINGTON – With tensions escalating on the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. is weighing whether to deploy the massive aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Yellow Sea, where North Korea allegedly sank a South Korean warship.

The New York Times quoted American defense officials, as saying that such a deployment would be a show of force …. Original article  : US considering sending aircraft carrier to Korean Peninsula.

Engineers suggest nuking Gulf oil spill, but US Govt. says ‘No Way’

WASHINGTON – Engineering experts have suggested that one way the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could be stopped by nuking the well.

The idea has gained fans with each failed attempt to stem the leak and each new setback, reports the New York Times.

“Probably the only thing we can do is create a weapon …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Engineers suggest nuking Gulf oil spill, but US Govt. says ‘No Way’.

US to consider new approach in ties with Israel following Gaza attack

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration considers Israel’s blockade of Gaza to be untenable and plans to press for a new approach to ensure Israel’s security while allowing more supplies into the impoverished Palestinian area.

The New York Post quoted senior American officials as saying on Wednesday that Israel’s deadly attack on a flotilla presented a new …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US to consider new approach in ties with Israel following Gaza attack.

US-India strategic talks could put more pressure on China

NEW DELHI – China could be placed under more pressure to deliver on key global issues in the wake of the United States and India seeking to forge stronger ties through their first-ever strategic dialogue being held in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

India, as a major power in Asia, has long placed its relationship with …. Original source  : US-India strategic talks could put more pressure on China.

Chinese economy may decelerate due to European debt crisis

NEW DELHI – The Chinese economy may be hit by the current European debt crisis, but a complete economic slump is unlikely, say experts.

However, market observers are also becoming increasingly anxious about the possibility of rapid economic deceleration.

“The economy is expected to decelerate from the strong spurt of growth we saw in the first … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chinese economy may decelerate due to European debt crisis.

Locals, officials rebuff Pak Army’s claims of successful conclusion to Orakzai offensive

PESHAWAR – The Pakistan Army may have announced a ’successful’ end to the offensive in the Orakzai Agency, but local residents and officials have said that more than half of the region is till under the Taliban’s control.

A statement issued by the Inter Services Public …. Original source  : Locals, officials rebuff Pak Army’s claims of successful conclusion to Orakzai offensive.

Indian origin science teacher suspended by Canadian school for being late

LONDON – An Indian origin teacher who was giving lessons in science at a Canadian school has been suspended for repeatedly coming late.

Jasbir Dhillon, 40, was suspended after pupils complained he repeatedly turned up late for lessons, the Daily Mail reports.

Dhillon was recorded … Read more : Indian origin science teacher suspended by Canadian school for being late.

Virgin Blue sacks 20 employees for viewing pornography

MELBOURNE – Australia’s second largest airline Virgin Blue has sacked up to twenty of its staff after they were found viewing pornography on work computers.

The sacking had come on June 2 after an extensive investigation by the airline’s head office in Brisbane.

While Virgin Blue would not confirm …. Original article  : Virgin Blue sacks 20 employees for viewing pornography.

Imam in Spain accused of launching “jihad” against prostitutes

LONDON – An imam has been accused of launching a “jihad” against prostitutes in a city in southern Spain by encouraging women to harass and intimidate them.

The streetwalkers in Cartagena, on Spain’s southern Mediterranean coast, complained that the imam, who is now facing a restraining … Read more >>.

US expresses concern over Turkish aid body’s ties to Hamas

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has expressed concern over reports that the Turkish aid organization behind the ship Israel commandeered Monday had contacts with Hamas.

Washington considers Hamas a terrorist organization, and reports of the Turkish aid group, Insani Yardim Vakfi, a.k.a. IHH, is a matter of great concern, said an official.

“We … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US expresses concern over Turkish aid body’s ties to Hamas.

Low enrolment may force closure of Tamil schools in Malaysian estates

KUALA LUMPUR – Tamil schools in Malaysian estates are facing a crisis with many on the verge of closure due to low enrolment rates.

While Tamil schools are flourishing in the cities, they are floundering in the rural areas.

Ulu Kinta Teacher’s Training College …. Read the original article  : here.

UN vote on Iran sanctions may be deferred

WASHINGTON – A U.N. vote on Iran nuclear sanctions will likely be pushed back because of fallout from the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla, sources have said.

According to Politico, the Obama administration had been planning to bring a new Iran sanctions resolution to a vote at the [..] Read the original article: here.