Texas ed board adopts new social studies standards that reflect ultra-conservatives’ influence

Texas ed board adopts social studies standards

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Board of Education agreed to new social studies standards on Friday after the far-right faction wielded its power to shape the lessons that will be taught to millions of students on American history, the U.S. free enterprise system, religion and other topics.
In a …. Original article  : Texas ed board adopts new social studies standards that reflect ultra-conservatives’ influence.

Bolstered by early election leads, Iraq’s al-Maliki seeks to make allies of foes in new govt

Iraq PM uses early lead to pursue new govt allies

BAGHDAD – Seizing on an early lead in Iraq’s election, the prime minister’s political coalition began reaching out to rivals Friday as partial results signaled a tight race that was unlikely to produce a clear-cut winner.
It’s doubtful that Nouri al-Maliki – even if he keeps his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bolstered by early election leads, Iraq’s al-Maliki seeks to make allies of foes in new govt.

Pope says thanks but no thanks: he’ll skip Alps and have a Roman holiday this summer

Pope to skip Alps this summer
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI, who broke his wrist last summer during his Alpine vacation, is passing up invitations to return to the mountains so he can spend his holiday near Rome.

Benedict received several invitations for the Alps, but the Holy See said Friday that while … Original article on : Pope says thanks but no thanks: he’ll skip Alps and have a Roman holiday this summer.

Pope’s former diocese admits error over abuse priest in 1980, says pontiff unaware

Pope’s former diocese admits error over priest

BERLIN – Pope Benedict XVI’s former German diocese said Friday it made a mistake when the pontiff was archbishop in allowing a priest suspected to have abused a child to return to pastoral work. However, it said Benedict was unaware of the decision.
The chaplain was sent to Munich in …. Read the original article  : here.

Vaishno Devi shrine security beefed up

JAMMU – The security of the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir will be strengthened as it faces a threat of terror attack, an official said here Friday.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Governor N.N. Vohra. Senior security officials, including Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda and Additional Director General of …. Read the original article  : here.

Shiite religious alliance leading in southern Iraq province vote tally, as counting continues

Shiite group leads in southern Iraq province vote

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Shiite religious alliance with ties to Iran is leading in one southern province according to the latest vote tallies released.
Results have only been released for six of 18 provinces, excluding Baghdad, so the final outcome is far from certain.
Election officials said Friday that the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shiite religious alliance leading in southern Iraq province vote tally, as counting continues.

Iraqi PM’s bloc lays groundwork to form new govt after strong showing in initial results

Iraqi PM starts laying groundwork for new govt

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi prime minister’s bloc said Friday it has started laying the groundwork to form a coalition government, signaling growing confidence after preliminary election results showed it winning in at least three provinces in the southern Shiite heartland.
But the outcome from the key parliamentary vote was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Iraqi PM’s bloc lays groundwork to form new govt after strong showing in initial results.

Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Aqil dead

HYDERABAD – Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Hameeduddin Aqil Hussami, who was also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, died here Friday after a brief illness. He was 82.

Moulana Aqil, who was suffering from a lung problem for some months, was shifted to his house from a hospital Thursday night after his …. Read the original article  : here.

Israel declares two-day closure of West Bank to head off unrest

Israel seals off West Bank to prevent unrest

JERUSALEM – Israel has sealed off the West Bank for 48 hours, preventing Palestinians from entering Israel because of fears of unrest.
There have been clashes after Friday prayers at mosques in Jerusalem and elsewhere in recent weeks, sparked by deadlock in peace talks and Israel’s inclusion of two … Original article on : Israel declares two-day closure of West Bank to head off unrest.