University students shout slogans against US and foreign troops during a demonstration following US air strikes in Farah province, in Kabul. (AFP/Massoud Hossaini)

Concerns white phosphorus used in Afghan battle

AP/Yahoo | May 10, 2009 | By JASON STRAZIUSO and RAHIM FAIEZ, Associated Press Writers

KABUL – Doctors voiced concern over “unusual” burns on Afghan villagers wounded in an already controversial U.S.-Taliban battle, and the country’s top human rights groups said Sunday it is investigating the possibility white phosphorus was used. The American military denied using the incendiary in the battle in Farah province — which President Hamid Karzai has said killed 125 to 130 civilians — but left open the possibility that Taliban militants did. The U.S. says Taliban fighters have used read more

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image: paul shoul

Is company cost-cutting company throat-slitting?

Reuters | May 6, 2009 | By James B. Kelleher and Jennifer Ablan – Analysis

CHICAGO/NEW YORK (Reuters) – In recent weeks, a number of investors and economists have declared the recession all but over based on a handful of seemingly positive signs, including a flurry of better-than-expected earnings from U.S. companies. They may be getting ahead of themselves. read more

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An internally displaced girl, fleeing military operations in Buner, holds her sister at a UNHCR camp (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) in Takht Bai , about 150 km (85 miles) north west of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad May 9, 2009. The struggle in the scenic northwestern Swat Valley, which has caused an exodus of refugees fleeing the violence, has become a test of Pakistan’s resolve to fight a growing Taliban insurgency that has alarmed the United States. REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood (PAKIST

Gunships and planes strike Pakistan Taliban in Swat

Reuters — AlertNet | May 09, 2009 | By Junaid Khan

MINGORA, Pakistan, May 9 (Reuters) – Pakistani helicopter gunships and warplanes hit Taliban positions in the militants’ Swat Valley stronghold on Saturday, while a curfew prevented civilians from fleeing the fighting. The struggle in the northwestern valley 130 km (80 miles) from Islamabad has become a test of Pakistan’s resolve to fight a growing insurgency that has alarmed the West. read more

FAIR USE NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving such material(s) for informational, research and educational purposes. As such, we believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law.

Report: Hackers broke into FAA air traffic control systems

CNet | May 07, 2009 | by Elinor Mills

Hackers have broken into the air traffic control mission-support systems of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration several times in recent years, according to an Inspector General report sent to the FAA this week. In February, hackers compromised an FAA public-facing computer and used it to gain access to personally identifiable information, such as Social Security numbers, on 48,000 current and former FAA employees, the report said. read more

FAIR USE NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving such material(s) for informational, research and educational purposes. As such, we believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law.