| Hard News
23 killed in wave of Iraq attacks:
A wave of bombings and shootings across Iraq killed 23 people on Monday as the country grappled with anti-government rallies and simmering political crises ahead of major Shiite commemoration rituals.
Iraqi PM questions role of Turkey in unrest:
Nouri al-Maliki says Ankara and Syria's rebels may have hand in stoking strife, as Sunni protests enter 10th day.
Protesters grab, hit Iraq deputy PM in Ramadi:
Two people were wounded when security forces opened fire to disperse protesters who attacked Iraq's deputy premier on Sunday, forcing him to flee a rally he was addressing, an AFP reporter said.
Iraqi PM orders release of female prisoners to appease protesters:
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki ordered on Sunday the release of female prisoners, who were arrested for terrorism charges without judicial warrants or because of terror crimes committed by their relatives, to appease to protesters who want to see the scrapping of anti-terrorism measures in the country
Obama regime kills 3 civilian in Yemen:
Sheikh Khaled Al-Dahab, a prominent social leader in Rada'a, said the three people were killed by a drone meant for Al-Qaeda members. He said the men killed are civilians and have no links to Al-Qaeda.
Obama Regime Killed 223 People In Yemen This Year:
In Yemen, 223 people have been killed by 40 US drone strikes this year, up from 10 airstrikes in 2011.
UN envoy Brahimi announces tentative Syria peace plan:
UN and Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi said Sunday he had created a ceasefire plan for the war-torn country that could be backed by the international community, as he warned that the conflict is getting worse "by the day".
British public wants to 'keep out of Syria':
While David Cameron is rallying support among EU leaders to send arms to the rebels opposing the Assad regime in Syria, he also faces a battle to persuade the British public to back the plan. According to a survey for The Independent, people do not believe Britain should provide military supplies to the rebels
Russia sends another naval ship to Syria:
The reports gave no information on the ship's intent, but said that it is expected to arrive in the Tartus area, where Russia has a naval base, in early January.
Chuck Hagel's big problem: being a realist about American power and Iran: Op-Ed:
The former Nebraska senator faces fierce opposition to possible nomination as defense secretary from Washington's militarists
Ahmadinejad slams push for Islamic life:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has spoken out against the use of pressure to impose Islamic values on people, especially university candidates, media reported.
9 Taliban militants found dead in Pakistan: officials:
Pakistani intelligence officials say they have found bodies of nine militants dumped in the North Waziristan tribal region. Three intelligence officials say the nine people were shot several times in the head and chest.
Afghans angry at US soldiers who drove away in the night leaving rent for base unpaid:
Only sign of huge US base is pile of rubbish and broken vehicles - and a festering land dispute in a volatile province
2 Killed As Coptic Christian Church Attacked In Libya:
Libya's small Christian community was in shock on Monday after an attack on a Coptic church near the city of Misrata killed two Egyptians and fanned fears of rising extremism.
Gunmen fire on protesters in Tahrir Square: -
Egyptian security officials say masked gunmen drove into Cairo's Tahrir Square and opened fired on an anti-government sit-in, seriously wounding two activists.
Central African Republic crisis: Bozize offer rejected:
Rebels in Central African Republic have dismissed the president's offer to form a national unity government. "We don't believe in [Francois] Bozize's promises," rebel spokesman Eric Massi told the BBC.
US troops sent to aid Central African Republic evacuation:
Fifty troops deployed to Chad to help evacuate US citizens and diplomats in rebellion-hit Central African Republic.
Venezuela's Chavez in 'delicate' state:
Venezuela's vice president, had arrived in Havana on Saturday in a sudden and unexpected trip to visit Chavez. He said on Sunday that he would remain in Havana "for the coming hours" but did not specify how long.
Hillary Clinton hospitalized after doctors discover blood clot:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hospitalized Sunday after doctors discovered a blood clot during a follow-up exam related to a concussion she suffered this month, her spokesman said.
US drug legislation to slow Mexico violence?:
In his first month as Mexico's new President, Enrique Pena Nieto has promised a different strategy to fight the so-called war on drugs.
Economists expect UK to lose AAA credit rating:
At least one of the three main credit ratings agencies expected to downgrade UK's status as experts predict tough 2013
'The fiscal cliff is a hoax':
The fiscal cliff is a hoax, according to Paul Craig Roberts, American economist and former assistant secretary of the Treasury during the Reagan Administration.
Judge gives 'shock' probation release of $13 million mortgage fraud chief: -
State District Judge George Gallagher has ordered the shock-probation release of a woman who has served less than two months of a 10-year sentence for a key role in a $13 million mortgage fraud scheme, prosecutors said Saturday.
===
"Let us be peace and joy"
Tom Feeley
| 
