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22 Feb 2011 12:51

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U.S.: The Republican Presidential field narrows as in-or-out time nears

  • NO Senator John Thune will not run for President in 2012 source
  • » The Republican field thins: The handsome young Senator from South Dakota (who was arguably the most President-y looking Republican) has decided he’ll return to his present job in 2012, serving his second term. It’s wholly likely Thune simply saw the writing on the wall as to his own electability, but will the Presidency be an easy grab for any challenger? This comes in concert with Mike Huckabee’s recent remark that Obama will be “tough to beat” in 2012, as well as voicing happiness with his current job at Fox News, leading some to think the former governor may sit this one out as well. Right now Mitt Romney is rubbing his hands together knowingly as he enjoys a celebratory cupcake.
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 12:31

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World: Mystery Libyan naval ship off Malta’s coast being monitored

  • yesterday As we mentioned, two Libyan Air Force pilots flew out of Tripoli in jets, bringing two helicopters carrying seven civilians with them. They made it to the small island nation of Malta, where they have claimed political asylum, saying they refused to fire on citizens.
  • today Italian authorities are watching a Libyan naval vessel stalled near Malta’s coast, but they haven’t yet determined what the ship’s intent is. Malta has served as a major relay point for those seeking to flee the chaos and violence in Libya’s besieged capitol, Tripoli. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 10:51

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World: Iran just moved a couple of boats from one place to another

  • So, Iran got a couple of dinghys through the Suez canal. A subject of much controversy over the last few days, when it actually happened, it wasn’t a big deal. The effect is very symbolic, though: It shows that Iran can have influence far away from its own shores, it strengthens the ties between Iran and Syria (where the ships will be stationed), and – most importantly – it makes a statement to Western nations that it won’t mess around. Just like everything else Iran’s leadership does these days. (By the way, in case you were wondering – of course you were! – this had nothing to do with the current unrest.) source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 10:29

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World: Top UN official: Libya’s attacks tantamount to war crimes

  • Widespread and systematic attacks against the civilian population may amount to crimes against humanity.
  • UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay • In calling for an international investigation against the crimes committed by the Libyan government in its attempts to keep hold on power. The former war crimes judge sounded angered by the entire situation. “The callousness with which Libyan authorities and their hired guns are reportedly shooting live rounds of ammunition at peaceful protestors is unconscionable,” she continued. “I am extremely worried that lives are being lost even as I speak.” So are we, Navi. So are we. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 10:16

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Biz, World: Not to belabor the point about Libya and oil prices, but …

  • 7% increase in oil prices today alone; blame the turmoil source
  • » There’s a point to be made here: Earlier, we complained loudly that USA Today would dare focus on oil prices over the crisis in Libya. But we still think it’s important to note – but not as a lead item, above the deadly violence taking over the region as we speak. Even though 7 percent in a single morning is akin to skyrocketing. Because, if anything, this tells us about the ties between dangerous regimes and cheap oil. Lose one, and you can’t sustain the other.
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 10:00

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World: By the numbers: New Zealand’s deadly Christchurch quake

  • 6.3 the magnitude of the quake that hit the city of Christchurch
  • 65+ reported killed in the region’s second quake quake in six months
  • 100+ feared hidden under the rubble of collapsed buildings source
  • » New Zealand’s worst disaster ever? While already the worst disaster the region has faced in 80 years, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key suggested it may be even worse than that. “We paid a very heavy price here,” he said. “We could be looking down the barrel at New Zealand’s darkest day.” Buildings with schools and television stations were reduced to rubble. Cathedrals lost their shape. All in all, he may be right.
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 09:44

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World: U.S. takes on Somali pirates, loses hostages in process

  • As (U.S. forces) responded to the gunfire, reaching and boarding the Quest, the forces discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages ultimately died of their wounds.
  • A statement from U.S. Central Command • Revealing that, during a U.S. Navy rescue effort to save the four Americans on the yacht Quest, the Somali pirates on board killed the Americans. After getting on the ship, the soldiers engaged in a battle with U.S. forces, with two pirates died and 13 others were captured. The remains of two others were found on board. An awful end to a scary story. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

22 Feb 2011 00:42

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World: What do Libya and Utah have in common?

  • libya’s ambassador to the us has renounced his allegiance to Moammar Gaddafi, calling for the embattled leader to step down. The country’s ambassador to Bangladesh has quit, as has the ambassador in India. It’s amazing to see a country’s diplomats so thoroughly and uniformly rebuke their leader. Imagine if an American ambassador were to start making movies against President Obama? Oh, right. source
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Feb 2011 00:34

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World: Tensions, protests, and buildings heating up in Libya

  • YES Libyan protesters have set fire to gov’t buildings source
  • » The TV wars – no, really: While the Libyan government has been trying its hardest to jam Al Jazeera’s signal, protesters have attacked the state television headquarters. It didn’t stop Muammar Gaddafi from appearing on state television, however. With an umbrella.
Posted by Seth Millstein • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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