US to lead new anti-pirate force

"More than 20 nations are expected to contribute to the force, due to be fully operational later in January. After more than 100 attacks last year, the International Maritime Bureau said increased naval patrols had reduced hijackings in December last year. "

Monsoon link to fall of dynasties

"The demise of some of China's ruling dynasties may have been linked to changes in the strength of monsoon rains, a new study suggests. The findings come from 1,800-year record of the Asian monsoon preserved in a stalagmite from a Chinese cave. Weak - and therefore dry -...

Togo Flooding Submerges Villages

The West African nation of Togo is suffering intense flooding as entire villages are submerged. Thousands are now homeless as infrastructure is getting destroyed."Nine major bridges have been wiped out, stranding villagers in flooded hamlets, he said. As many as 5 000...

Praying Passenger Removed From Plane At JFK

" The Orthodox Jewish man, who wore a full beard, a black hat and a long black coat, stood near the lavatories and began saying his prayers while the United Airlines jet was being boarded at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday night, fellow passenger Ori...

French Muslim war graves defaced

Nearly 150 graves of French Muslim soldiers were defaced by vandals at  the Notre Dame de Lorette cemetery."A pig's head was hung from one headstone and slogans insulting Islam and France's Muslim justice minister were daubed on other graves.President Nicolas Sarkozy...

Downing Street burglar released

My main concern isn't the accused's arrest record, but the ease with which he and his girlfriend compromised the security of 10 Downing Street." A "prolific" burglar who triggered a major security alert when he tricked his way into Downing Street has been spared a prison...

Abbas cuts off contact with Israel after Gaza attack

"Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has suspended contact with Israel in protest at an assault on Gaza which has killed about 100 people, an aide says.The suspension came amid angry demonstrations in Gaza and clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank.Israeli PM Ehud Olmert...

40 killed in Iraq suicide attack

Another suicide bombing in Iraq, this time targeting pilgrims."An official told the BBC that a bomber wearing a suicide vest had detonated his device in a crowd. At least 60 people were injured in the attack.The blast happened on a main route to the Shia city of Karbala,...

Bush: "Peace And Prosperity" At Stake In Election

A strange choice of words, although Bush is not known as a great orator. One could read "peace and prosperity are in the balance" in two very different ways.""Prosperity and peace are in the balance," the president said in speech excerpts the White House released on Thursday...