Karzai Sworn in for Second Term - Promises to Clean Things Up in Inauguration Speech
November 19, 2009
(ChattahBox) — Tainted Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for his second term on Thursday. This will be the second five-year term for the controversial figure whose first term was haunted by accusations of corruption, followed by his disputed victory in fraud-marred presidential elections. Karzai was proclaimed the winner after his main challenger, Abdullah Abdullah, withdrew from a runoff election.
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Australian Lawmaker Calls Scientology ‘Criminal Organization’
November 18, 2009
(ChattahBox)—The Church of Scientology founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, and popular with Hollywood stars, is under increasing international scrutiny for its alleged cult-like practices and undue influence over its members. Now, Australia is following suit in the wake of shocking allegations made by former members, which includes physical and sexual abuse, imprisonment blackmail and forced abortions. A senator from South Australia condemned the church, as a “criminal organization,” and is calling for an investigation. Read more
Seven Men Rescued After Two Months Lost At Sea
November 18, 2009
Papua New Guinea (ChattahBox) - Seven men have been rescued from their boat, which had ran out of fuel two months ago and left them trapped in the middle of the Atlantic.
Somali pirates attack US cargo ship Maersk Alabama again
November 18, 2009
(ChattahBox) — Remember the plight of the cargo ship MV Maersk Alabama, which came under attack by Somali pirates? The brave captain Richard Phillips was held hostage for five days in April, after he offered himself to the pirates in a bid to save his 19-member crew from harm. Phillips was rescued when American naval snipers opened fire on the pirates holding him in a lifeboat, killing three outright.
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Steve Irwin Compound On Fire, Widow Blamed?
November 17, 2009
Australia (ChattahBox) - A neighbor next to the eco habitat dedicated to Steve Irwin has alleged that it is Terri Irwin to blame for a large wildfire.
US, Russia expect START deal by the end of year
November 15, 2009
(ChattahBox) — Russia and the U.S. are still hopeful of signing a successor to the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-1), but likely not before it expires December 5, but perhaps before the end of the year. President Barack Obama and Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev met Sunday in Singapore, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Medvedev said afterward, “I expect that we can have a final text of the agreement by December,” referring to a successor to the Cold War-era START agreement. Medvedev said there were “technical” issues that still need to be resolved, but would not specify. Once the agreement is finalized it would still need to go through the US Senate and the Russian Duma for approval, making the Dec. 5th target date unlikely.
Palestinians To Appeal To The UN For Support Of Independant State
November 15, 2009
Palestine (ChattahBox) - Officials have said that they plan to seek out an endorsement from the United Nations for a Palestinian state, amidst growing cynicism over Israel-Palestine negotiations.
Obama urges release of Burma democracy champion Suu Kyi
November 15, 2009
(ChattahBox) — President Obama has delivered a strong message directly to Burma Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein, during his summit with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations in Singapore.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Mr Obama called on Burma to free his fellow Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a pro-democracy leader, and other political prisoners, and end oppression of minorities.
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US ambassador warns President Obama about proceeding in Afghanistan with Karzai as partner
November 12, 2009
(ChattahBox) — President Barack Obama who is still struggling for a war strategy he is comfortable with in Afghanistan has been given new pause for concern. Reportedly he is calling on his national security team to revise the options already on the table for troop deployment and to clarify how and when they would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government,” a senior administration. Administration officials say Obama wants to make clear to Afghan President Hamid Karzai that the U.S. commitment in Afghanistan is not “open-ended.” Read more
Co-Workers Called Cops on Drunk United Airlines Pilot
November 11, 2009
(ChattahBox)—A Boeing 767 aircraft was scheduled to leave London’s Heathrow Airport for Chicago with 124 passengers and 11 crew on board. The United Airlines pilot assigned to the flight was drunk and apparently still intended to sit at the controls of the plane. But his alarmed co-workers called the police to stop the inebriated pilot from putting the lives of the passengers and crew at risk. Read more