Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2008

Media Coverage Controversy at Arlington Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, is at the center of a controversy over media coverage of military funerals for those killed in the Iraq war. The complaints over restricted press access have led some to accuse the U.S. government of trying to limit images of the human costs of a war that most Americans now think was a mistake. But others at the center of the controversy say the problem stems from the lack of a clear policy outlining the parameters of media coverage - a policy the Pentagon says it is examining. More from VOA's Bill Rodgers.

Federal Law Violated in Hiring Practices at Justice Department

The inspector general at the Justice Department told members of Congress on July 30, 2008 that political bias was a serious problem in decisions about hiring at the U.S. Justice Department. The investigator concluded that senior aides to former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales discriminated against job candidates affiliated with the Democratic Party and that violates civil service law and department policy. In a number of cases, less qualified candidates were chosen over those with more experience. VOA's Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

Nato's 'Taliban problem' in Afghanistan

General David McKiernan, commander of the Nato led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, says his biggest problem is Taliban infiltration from across the border in Pakistan. According to Nato's military chief, they need a more sizable fighting force to defeat the Taliban. McKiernan took over the post two months ago, as a result he is the most senior US general in Afghanistan. Al Jazeera's James Bays reports on the exclusive interview.

New cult uncovered in Penza

A new cult has emerged in Russia's central Penza region, two months after a doomsday sect gave up its underground wait for the apocalypse. A group of around 20 people has barricaded themselves in a house on the outskirts of Penza.

Argentina's illegal abortions

Abortion is illegal in Argentian, and leaves many women struggling to find access to safe procedures. In Argentina, some 400 women die due to botched back street abortions every year. Al Jazeera's Teresa Bo reports from Buenos Aires

Ehud Olmert's political legacy

Ehud Olmert, Israel's prime minister, was under growing pressure to resign amid allegations that he recieved politically-motivated funding before he became head of the Israeli cabinet. An investigation into the 15 years of funding is the latest incident to hit Olmert's once-glittering career. Al Jazeera's David Chater discusses his political legacy.

International Olympic Committee Withdraws Ban on Athletes

Iraq has succeeded in its bid to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games. On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee, meeting with Iraqi officials in Lausanne, Switzerland, lifted its ban on Iraqi athletes at the games. Iraq is expected to send two track and field athletes to Beijing. IOC officials said Iraq's government has pledged to ensure independence of its national Olympic committee. Leta Hong Fincher has more.
Good news for John McCain. Doctors tell the Republican presidential candidate the there is no evidence of skin cancer in the small patch of skin removed from his right cheek.That means he doesn't have to worry about any further treatment.McCain had the biopsy as a precaution during a regular checkup with his dermatologist near Phoenix.The Arizona senator has a medical history of dangerous melanomas. He has survived three bouts of the disease.

US firms up for sale to foreign investors

The falling dollar means foreign investors are buying thousands of American firms, but at the same time American companies are going to countries such as Mexico in search of cheap labour and lower prices. Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros reports from Greenville, Michigan on what the foreign buy-up of America could mean for the US in the long term.

IOC probes China censorship claims

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is looking into reports of internet censorship for journalists covering the Olympics. As the Olympic Games approach, there are still limits to the amount of internet access granted to reporters. China's foreign ministry says some websites will remain blocked.

Karadzic extradited to The Hague amid protests

Radovan Karadzic, the war crimes suspect, has arrived in the Netherlands to face trial at The Hague on charges of genocide for his actions in the 1992-95 Bosnia war. His departure came just hours after supporters fought running battles in the streets with police. Many are hoping that as news of Radovan Karadzic's move to The Hague spreads, the violence of Tuesday night will not be repeated. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, reports from Belgrade.

Israel shoots dead nine-year-old boy

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers have shot dead a nine-year-old Palestinian boy, near the village of Ni'lin, according to witnesses. It happened at the end of a demonstration against the separation barrier Israel is building. The Israeli military say they will conduct a full investigation. Jacky Rowland reports.

Taliban leader says group has army of suicide bombers

The Taliban currently has direct control over large areas of the North West Frontier Province in Pakistan and tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. But this is only the start according to the Taliban's second-in-command. Maulana Fazlullah, the Taliban's leader in Swat, has told Al Jazeera that the group has an army of suicide bombers than can strike at any moment with the capacity to take control of the entire valley. Imran Khan reports.

Matron at Winfrey School Pleads Innocent

A former dormitory matron at Oprah Winfrey's South African girls school looked nervous and sullen as her trial got underway. Tiny Virginia Makopo is charged with assaulting and abusing six teens and a fellow 23-year-old dorm matron. But the 28-year-old denies the charges.

World's deepest lake gets even deeper

Two Russian submersibles have set a new record by reaching the deepest point of the world's deepest lake -- Baikal, in Siberia. Mir-1 and Mir-2 descended 1680 meters. It was previously thought that Lake Baikal was only 1637 meters deep. Also see Russia's endangered Lake Baikal ...

'Obamamania' hits Europe

Barack Obama has rounded off his international tour with a final stop in London. But will his globetrotting win him any votes back home? Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri and Cath Turner report from London, UK and Virginia, USA.

Race and Racism: Paraguay's linguistic equality

Spanish is the official language in Paraguay where native cultural tradition is still thriving in modern times. Every citizen is also fluent in Guarani, the language of the country's indigenous people. Al Jazeera's Lualjazeeracia Newman reports on the linguistic equality that is unique in Latin America.

Soaring prices hit Singapore's poor

One of the richest countries in Asia is seeing a dramatic rise in the number of people turning up for free meals. For the third straight month inflation in Singapore is at a 26 year high at 7 and a half percent. That along with soaring food costs and wages staying the same is forcing many Singaporeans to tighten their belts. Al Jazeera's Laura Kyle reports.

Iran executes 29 men....

Iran has executed 29 convicted drug smugglers and other criminals in Tehran's Evin prison. The executions follow an expanded crackdown on crime in the Islamic Republic. Amnesty International says Iran has the second highest level of executions behind China.

Mass Shooting at Church in Knoxville, Tennessee

man is reported to be in custody following a mass shooting at a church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Local television stations say a man walked into the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church around 10:15 Sunday morning. A witness tells W-V-L-T that the man fired 13 shots. Early reports say as many as seven people may have been shot. Some may be seriously injured.Witnesses tell WATE the shooter is a male who appeared to be in his 40s. The shooting happened while children from the church's summer musical theater workshop were putting on a performance.

Black Doll's Head on Car Antenna causes dispute

NEW YORK -- In Harlem there is a dispute over whether the head of a black doll, placed onto the antenna of an unmarked police car, was put there by cops or by somebody else. Community leaders suspect it was the police, and they want disciplinary action. The leaders on Thursday called for an independent investigation -- not just a probe by NYPD Internal Affairs

US probes offshore tax evasion

US politicians claim the government could be losing as much as $100 billion a year through people using off-shore tax havens. Al Jazeera's Rob Reynolds reports on how they say the practice amounts to 'massive cheating' placing an extra burden on American already suffering in the US economic slowdown.

Rising violence risks Afghan 2009 vote

In just over a year, Afghanistan is supposed to hold presidential elections ... But that may not happen. Election organisers say deteriorating security in the country could mean the elections have to be delayed. From Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, James Bays reports.

Race and Racism in S America: Quechua Indians

Aymara and Quechua Indians make up the majority of Bolivia's population. But it was not until two and a half years ago that an Aymara Indian, Evo Morales, was sworn in as the country's president. Despite that historic event, the nation's indigenous peoples continue to face serious obstacles to equality, as Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman reports.

Cambodia's 'unfair' election

Cambodians head to the polls this weekend, however, Human Rights Watch says conditions are not in place for free and fair elections. Hun Sen, Cambodia's prime minister, is widely expected to retain power. But the watchdog group says his party's grip on the media, and use of harrassment and intimidation undermine the credibility of the poll. Nationalist sentiment is running high over a border dispute with Thailand. However, many Cambodians also want to see an end to rampant corruption and solutions to rising living costs. Eleven parties are competing, including the new "Human Rights Party". Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) continues to dominate. He has effectively been in power since the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979. But many of Cambodia's younger voters may be looking for a change of rule, as Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from Phnom Penh.

Obama And The Wall

Barack Obama is treated like a rock star in Berlin as many European capitals are gripped by Obama-mania. But how was he received in the Middle East? And why did he refer to the Berlin Wall but not Israel's Separation Wall? Answers to these questions and more on Link TV's Mosaic Intelligence Report.

Rats! Pest problem in Uptown

A rat infestation earlier this week forced the Federal Reserve Bank on East Trade Street to close its onsite cafeteria. Reserve officials said they believe construction on their building, as well as other projects taking place nearby, scared the rats up from the sewers.

Race and Racism in Latin America: Brazil

Brazil is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world. But it too suffers from widespread racial discrimination with black Brazilians often finding themselves at the bottom of the social ladder. Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman visited Bahia, the heart of Brazil's black culture.

Donald Trump vs fisherman Michael Forbes? ("money means nothing to me")

You might have heard of Donald Trump. He is a billionaire businessman based in New York with a passion for development.Michael Forbes you probably have not heard of. He is a retired Scottish fisherman who lives on and owns a patch of Aberdeenshire coastline Trump wants for this golf course. Two years ago, when Michael Forbes was out mending his nets, Donald Trump appeared and asked to buy Forbes' land.

Bartending as a career

Bar-tending today is the buzz word in the food and beverages industry and now there are not one but three schools in Mumbai to help you add finesse to your moves. And the industry swears by the need to have professionals as bar-tenders

Health Care in Latin America

The increased cost of health care is an ongoing debate in the U.S. and a critical issue in Latin America. With so many different medical systems in the region, who does a better job? The government or private industry?

McCain Irked By Obama Hype

John McCain has struggled to be heard during Barack Obama's widely covered overseas tour of the Mideast and Europe. McCain pokes fun at what he calls the media's love affair with Obama in a new ad. Charlie D'Agata reports.

Women Hit Hard By US Job Losses

A Congressional study released on Capitol Hill this week reports the number of women in the workplace is declining. Some experts had theorized that more women were deciding to forego careers to spend more time at home. But a report from Congress's Joint Economic Committee suggests that many women who lost jobs since 2001 have not returned to work. VOA's Mil Arcega has more.

China's State-Run Sports Schools Train Would-Be Champions

The Chinese take athletics seriously. As the Olympic games approach, the intensity is obvious at places like Beijing's Shichahai Sports School. The school is one of the few at the top of a nationwide system comprising thousands of state-run sports schools. They train millions of Chinese student athletes. Stephanie Ho reports from the Chinese capital.

Pakistan's alleged "war on terror" missing

Human rights organisations are calling on Pakistan's new government to provide information about thousands of missing people. Most are said to be held by the country's security agencies in the so-called "war on terror", but the government has denied all knowledge. Imran Khan reports from Islamabad.

Eye On Pre-Diabetes

Doctors are now taking more aggressive measures in order to help the 57 million Americans at risk of developing diabetes. As Dr. Jon LaPook reports, a healthy diet and exercise are essential.

Fatal Stabbings Spread in Britain

In London, it is the season of brutal stabbings. More than 50 people have been stabbed to death in the capital this year alone; four knife killings occurred in just a single day earlier this July. Hardest hit by the crime wave are young people from black immigrant communities and from economically depressed urban areas. The Metropolitan Police, London's police force, has told its officers that their top priority has shifted from fighting terrorism to fighting knife attacks. Mandy Clark reports from London.

Karadzic's arrest sparks clashes

Radovan Karadzic will face charges of genocide at The Hague. His lawyers said the former Bosnian Serb leader plans to defend himself at the tribunal. He has been held in a Belgrade prison since his arrest on Monday, awaiting an appeal that is unlikely to prevent his extradition to face genocide charges. Karadzic's supporters who maintain he is a war hero - clashed with riot police again a day after his arrest. Al Jazeera's Dan Nolan reports on one of the most wanted men in Europe posing as a Doctor Dragan Dabic.

Obama Campaign: McCain Flubs on Iraq Timeline

John McCain says Democrat Barack Obama is wrong about the Iraq war. Obama's campaign says McCain was wrong about the war's timeline during a CBS News interview. (July 22)John McCain says Democrat Barack Obama is wrong about the Iraq war.But Obama's campaign says McCain was wrong about the war's timeline during a nationally televised interview Tuesday.McCain told the "CBS Evening News'' that the U.S.-backed revolt of Sunni sheiks against al-Qaida in Anbar was brought about by the American troop surge.But as Obama's campaign quickly noted, the Sunni "awakening'' -- as the turn away from al-Qaida was called -- got under way before President Bush announced his decision to flood Iraq with tens of thousands of additional U.S. Troops.In March 2007, before the additional troops began arriving, an American commander in Anbar said the newly friendly sheiks had helped cut attacks in the city by half. A spokesman for McCain did not immediately respond

Moving Migrants

Spain has Europe's fastest growing immigrant population, but it is illegal immigration mainly from North Africa and Eastern Europe that causes the greatest controversy. Spain's Moroccan enclaves are an attractive destination for huge numbers of would-be immigrants from Africa. Similarly, as the borders of Europe have opened, large numbers of economic migrants have made their way to the peninsula.

Peru's Guinea Pig Festival

Peru is famous for its Macchu Pichu ruins, its roaming llamas, and Lake Titikaka and now a Guinea Pig Festival. But pet lovers be warned, if you have a pet guinea pig at home, this is probably not for you. Lets take a look.

'Batman' Accused of Assaulting Mom, Sister

Batman star Christian Bale reportedly was arrested Tuesday over allegations of assaulting his mother and sister.British media say the arrest came after his mother and sister complained they were assaulted by Bale at London's Dorchester Hotel Sunday night.The reports say the women made the allegation at a local police station in southern England on Monday. A police spokesman did not confirm the arrest directly. The Sun newspaper says police didn't question the actor yesterday because they did not want to interfere with the premiere of the movie.