Newser Story Index from November, 2007
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Mugabe Seizes Platinum and Diamond Mines
Times (UK)
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Nov 21, 2007 7:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
Zimbabwe's catastrophic economic situation got still worse yesterday as Robert Mugabe announced a new law giving the government controlling stakes in the country's platinum and diamond mines. The Times of London writes that the state may now take control of 51% of all mining companies and has to pay for only half of it. One economist called the plan...
Sabotage Cripples French Trains
Financial Times (UK)
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Nov 21, 2007 6:53 AM CST
(Newser) -
France's transit strike turned ugly in its second week, as widespread sabotage to the country's high-speed rail network created huge delays to already crippled services. The Financial Times reports that while the majority of railway workers are now back on the job pending negotiations, fires and damaged cables have prevented the national rail service...
Christian Sues Springer Musical for Blasphemy
BBC
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Nov 21, 2007 6:53 AM CST
(Newser) -
A Christian activist in Britain is battling in court to sue the men behind hit musical "Jerry Springer—The Opera" for blasphemy. The play, which depicts Eve as a pole dancer and Jesus as a diaper-wearing deviant, is a "spiteful, willful denigration of Christian belief," his attorney argued.
Anorexia Blogs Shut Down
AFP
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Nov 21, 2007 4:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Four websites hosted by Microsoft's Spanish division have been shut down for allegedly promoting anorexia and bulimia. The sites were closed following complaints by a Catalan provincial government internet watchdog, Iqua. It's the first time that a host has voluntarily closed websites accused of promoting eating disorders following complaints by the...
40 Taliban Militants Killed in New Pakistan Battle
Associated Press
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Nov 21, 2007 4:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
Dozens of Taliban militants have been killed in new fighting in northwest Pakistan, reports AP. Pakistani security forces moved into the Swat valley in the latest battle against supporters of hardline Islamic cleric Maulana Fazlullah, who is calling for Islamist rule in the area. Militants from Afghanistan have been crossing the border to join his...
'Melo, Nuggets Thrash Flailing Bulls 112-91
Chicago Tribune
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Nov 21, 2007 4:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
Carmelo Anthony had 26 points, Allen Iverson had 22, and Marcus Camby grabbed 20 rebounds for Denver in last night's 112-91 domination of Chicago, reports the Tribune . For the Bulls, who have "a lot of things to address," the high scorer was Joakim Noah, the rookie whose 16 points were his first as a pro. In other NBA action:
Dozens Invited to Mideast Peace Talks
Reuters
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Nov 21, 2007 4:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
The negotiating table may be packed Nov. 27 in Annapolis, when the Mideast peace conference brings together not only Israelis and Palestinians, but upwards of 40 other countries and institutions invited yesterday. The White House's priority is to persuade Saudi Arabia and Syria to attend the talks, to bolster the chances of making real progress towards...
Oil Tops $99 as Dollar Sinks
Reuters
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Nov 21, 2007 4:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
The price of oil hit a record high mere pennies from $100 a barrel and the dollar sunk to a new low in early trading today. Oil hit $99.29 but slipped back to $98.64. With cold weather hitting the US, and OPEC supplies limited, some analysts think oil prices could hit the $100- a-barrel milestone as early as today. The continued drop in the dollar...
Showdown Looms on War Funds
Washington Post
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Nov 21, 2007 3:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
A showdown is rapidly approaching between Congress and the White House over funding for the Iraq war. The Pentagon has warned that up to 200,000 contractors and civilian employees may be laid off by Christmas unless Congress acts on a $196 billion request for war funds, reports the Washington Post . The money is stalled by Democrats who are demanding...
Bruins, Former Maple Leaf Beat Toronto 4-2
Globe and Mail
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Nov 21, 2007 3:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Toronto Maple Leafs watched a 2-0 lead ebb away last night as the Boston Bruins surged back to win 4-2, reports the Globe and Mail . Chuck Kobasew found the net twice in three minutes for Boston's final goals, and former Maple Leaf goalie Tuukka Rask excelled in his first start for the Bruins. On other NHL ice:
US Stores Riddled With Unsafe Toys
McClatchy Newspapers
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Nov 21, 2007 3:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
Despite massive recalls, hazardous toys still crowd US shelves, warn consumer watchdog organizations. Dozens of toys pose choking hazards, contain toxic chemicals, or use dangerously strong magnets, according to an annual toy survey by the US Public Interest Research Group released yesterday. Nine of 100 toys tested by the Center for Environmental...
Poll: Iowa Loves Huckabee
Washington Post
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Nov 21, 2007 3:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is making a come-from-behind surge in Iowa, sweeping past Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson and John McCain to challenge front runner Mitt Romney. Huckabee has tripled his support in Iowa since July, reports the Washington Post . His drive is being fueled by support from Christian conservatives, according to a Post-...
Knicks' Slide Steeper With Warriors' Win
New York Times
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Nov 21, 2007 3:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
Even with Stephon Marbury back in the starting lineup, the New York Knicks found themselves on the wrong end of an embarrassing loss, the New York Times reports. That familiar position—the 2-8 Knicks have dropped seven straight games—came courtesy of the small-ball game of Baron Davis and Golden State, who won with a resounding 108-82.
Jolie's African Child Conceived in Rape, Mom Reveals
Reuters
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Nov 21, 2007 2:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
The sickly Ethiopian baby adopted by actress Angelina Jolie was conceived after a knife-point rape, revealed the child's biological mother, Mentwabe Dawit, who said she's happy her daughter has found a good home. Her attacker "pulled a dagger, put one hand on my mouth so that I could not scream," raped her and disappeared, the 24-year-woman...
Sweatshop Crucifixes Stir Up Unholy Mess for Church
Newsday
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Nov 21, 2007 2:13 AM CST
(Newser) -
Revelations that crucifixes in their gift shops are made in a Chinese sweatshop has shocked officials at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity Episcopal Church, who removed the crosses from stores, reports Newsday . Young workers at the crucifix factory reportedly work 15-hour days in poor conditions for only 26 cents an hour. The $1.40 crosses...
Tide Coach Compares 9/11, Pearl Harbor to Alabama Loss
Associated Press
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Nov 21, 2007 1:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
Alabama Coach Nick Saban may have pushed the metaphor too far, raising the specters of some of the darkest moments in American history in reference to Saturday's humiliating loss to LA-Monroe. "Changes in history usually come from a catastrophic event...it may be 9/11...Pearl Harbor kind of got us ready for World War II," he said during Monday's...
Parker, Spurs Push Past Hawks
Associated Press
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Nov 21, 2007 12:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
Tony Parker had a mammoth 17-point second quarter as the Spurs beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-83, the AP reports. Parker would finish with 31 points. The Spurs have won six of their last seven, and were not threatened last night, as the Hawks never managed to shrink San Antonio's lead to single digits, despite two late rallies.
Kobe's 32 Carries Lakers to Drubbing of Pacers
Associated Press
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Nov 21, 2007 12:28 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kobe Bryant had reached his season average 26 points before the end of the first half, finishing with 32 as the Lakers blew out the Pacers at Indiana, 134-114. LA is on a four game tear after handing the Pacers their worst loss at home since March 2001. Elsewhere in the NBA last night:
#11 Marquette Ascends to Maui Final
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 10:58 PM CST
(Newser) -
College basketball's no. 11-ranked Marquette will play in the EA Maui Invitational finals, after smothering Oklahoma State, 91-61. The Golden Eagles defense keyed a 13-2 opening run, after which their lead was never threatened; the team employed three and four guards at times to cut off passing lines and contest shots. In other college hoops blowouts:
J-Roll Fields NL MVP
MLB.com
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Nov 20, 2007 10:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Jimmy Rollins, who helped fulfill his bold prediction of a playoff appearance for the long-suffering Phillies, squeaked by Colorado's Matt Holliday for the National League MVP award, reports MLB.com. At 353 voting points, his 17-point margin over the brawny Rockies slugger was the slimmest in 16 years.
Doc Defends Surgery on Kanye's Mom
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 20, 2007 10:17 PM CST
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The doctor who performed cosmetic surgery on Kanye West's mother said her operation went off without a hitch and suggested she might have had a heart attack or taken too many painkillers the next day, the LA Times reports. "When she left this office, there was no problem whatsoever," said Jan Adams, who walked off the set of "Larry...
Firefox 3.0 Beta Unleashed
PC World
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Nov 20, 2007 10:12 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mozilla has rolled out a beta version of its Firefox 3.0 browser, PC World reports. The new version boasts added security and a host of new features - all of which it wants user feedback on while it's in beta, before the final release. The way Firefox manages browsing history has also been revamped, and memory leakage issues are said to have been...
Feds: Vick Should Pay $1M for Dogs
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Nov 20, 2007 10:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
The feds want Michael Vick to pick up the nearly $1-million tab for the 48 pit bulls they seized from his home. Prosecutors say the Atlanta Falcon, who surrendered to authorities yesterday to begin serving his time, should pay for the seizure, care, and adoption of the dogs, which they allege were abused at Vick’s home. Sentencing isn’t...
Rhodesian PM Ian Smith Dies at 88
Guardian (UK)
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Nov 20, 2007 9:47 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ian Smith, the Rhodesian leader who unilaterally declared independence from Britain in 1965 and defended white rule for 15 tumultuous years, died today at 88. Seen as a symbol of African colonial-era racism, Smith was unrepentant during his lifetime, arguing that what is now Zimbabwe suffered more under the tenure of current President Robert...
Facebook is Grinch Stealing X-mas: MoveOn
CNET
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Nov 20, 2007 8:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
MoveOn.org plans to campaign against Facebook's "Beacon" ads, and do it on the social networking site's own turf, News.com reports. MoveOn promises an ad drive, a protest group, and an online petition over the advertisements—which post information about users' purchases on friends' news feeds. MoveOn calls the ads a “glaring violation...
Cuban Vote Signals Future of Castro
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 7:44 PM CST
(Newser) -
National parliamentary elections—which could mark a formal end to Fidel Castro's rule—will be held on Jan. 20, the AP reports. The ailing Castro must be re-elected to Cuba's National Assembly to regain his position as president. If he withholds his name from the ballot, "he is effectively resigning," said one analyst.
Astronauts Wire Up 'Harmony'
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 7:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Two astronauts set up a new room on the international space station today, the AP reports. Their relatively quick, successful work was greeted with smiles from Mission Control: The room has to be functional before NASA can send up its next shuttle, currently scheduled for a Dec. 6 launch, which will bring a European laboratory that docks to it.
Regan's Claim Reveals the Real Fox
Guardian (UK)
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Nov 20, 2007 7:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
After 11 years of “the rabbit hole fiction” that Fox News is unbiased, the jig may be up, claims the Guardian ’s American editor, Michael Tomasky. An admitted liberal journalist himself, Tomasky thinks it's time Fox stopped pretending not to be a conservative voice, as its audience clearly understands it to be. And he thinks...
Dalai Lama May Name Own Successor
BBC
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Nov 20, 2007 6:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
Fearful that the Chinese will influence the process, the Dalai Lama says he may break with Tibetan tradition and choose his own successor, the BBC reports. For centuries, senior Buddhist officials have searched for a child born around the time the previous Dalai Lama died. "If China selected my successor after my death, the people of Tibet would...
USDA Yanks Tyson's Coveted ‘No Antibiotics' Tag
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 20, 2007 6:34 PM CST
(Newser) -
The USDA has revoked permission for Tyson to label its chicken “raised without antibiotics,” a major blow to a company that has spent tens of millions trumpeting the tag it won in May. The government says it erred in granting the label, because Tyson’s poultry feed contains antimicrobials—which the company maintains aren't antibiotics.
Mubarak Gives Peace Talks Thumbs-Up
New York Times
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Nov 20, 2007 6:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
Saying "Now is the right time for a comprehensive peace," Hosni Mubarak today endorsed next week's Middle East summit in Annapolis, the Times reports. The Egyptian president's backing boosted hopes that more Arab states will take part. “Obviously we would hope that Egypt’s position will be representative of a larger Arab position,”...
Bush Blamed in Plamegate
Salon
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Nov 20, 2007 6:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Bush's ex-press secretary says he falsely exonerated Scooter Libby and Karl Rove in the outing of a CIA agent in 2003 because the president told him to, Salon reports. A leaked excerpt of Scott McClellan’s upcoming memoir says that his misinformation came from "the president himself" when McClellan claimed the two men were innocent...
Beowulf Blurs Line Between Video Games and Movies
Wired
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Nov 20, 2007 5:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Most of the reviews of Robert Zemeckis' Beowulf have noted the video-game feel of the CGI flick, and they're right: there is no technological difference between the film and animations used in high-end video games. Wired gaming blogger Chris Kohler argues this is a watershed for film; when scenes of video-game quality can succeed in the box office...
Jeffs Gets Two Terms on Rape Charges
Salt Lake Tribune
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Nov 20, 2007 5:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs received consecutive five-year-to-life terms today for two counts of accomplice to rape, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. A Utah judge also made him pay $18,500 on each count of forcing an underage girl to marry in 2001 at the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where Jeffs is considered a...
3,700 Adoptions in Limbo
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 5:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
Thousands of Americans are caught in heartbreaking limbo as Guatemala debates new rules for its adoption system, the AP reports. US families await 3,700 kids, but Guatemala wants to regulate what many call a crime-ridden $100 million business that includes coercion and kidnapping. The US has asked for current adoptions to be okayed, but Guatemala claims...
Sarko: 'No Surrender' to Strikers
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 4:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Nicolas Sarkozy, in his first public comments on the matter, said today he will not back down from pension reform in the face of a week-long transit strike, the AP reports. "France needs reforms to meet the challenges imposed on it by the world," he said as he called for transit employees to return to work.
25M Britons' Private Info Lost in Mail
BBC
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Nov 20, 2007 4:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
Two computer discs containing the personal details of 25 million British citizens are missing, the chancellor of the exchequer told Parliament today. There’s no reason to believe the names, addresses, and bank info were stolen by criminals, but citizens were told to beware of “unusual activity.” Several MPs gasped as they learned...
She's the Real 'Sweet Caroline'
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 4:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Neil Diamond ended decades of mystery about his most famous song by confessing to JFK’s daughter that she’s the “Sweet Caroline” in question—and then serenading her via satellite at her 50th birthday bash. “I’ve never discussed it with anybody before,” says Diamond, who got inspired after seeing a photo...
Atlantic City Takes on Las Vegas
Associated Press
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Nov 20, 2007 4:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Atlantic City is about to get a $9 billion makeover, with four companies slated to build as many new mega-casinos by 2012. The luxury resorts constitute the biggest burst of investment in the city since the start of casino gambling in 1978, the AP reports. As Atlantic City bids to compete with Las Vegas as a luxury travel destination, many older...
Stocks Take a Ride, End Up
CNN
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Nov 20, 2007 3:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Stocks nosed up today after rallying, plunging, then rallying again. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae reported big losses and pushed the markets downward, but stocks made up some lost ground with a good sales report from Hewlett Packard and a UBS upgrade for Exxon. The Dow was up 51.70 to 13,010.14, the Nasdaq up 3.43 to 2,596.81, and the S&P 500 up...
Musharraf Leaves Home to Mend Fences
Reuters
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Nov 20, 2007 3:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Pervez Musharraf traveled to Saudi Arabia today, and the desperate Pakistani president may attempt to broker a power-sharing deal with the PM he ousted in a 1999 coup, Reuters reports. Nawaz Sharif has said he will not meet with Musharraf while emergency rule is in effect, but Musharraf relaxed the edict last night by releasing 3,400 prisoners.
Beware of Boobs at Jets Games
New York Times
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Nov 20, 2007 3:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
At Giants Stadium for Sunday's Jets game, some fans had expectations of more than the upset they got from their team: an informal "halftime show" of a few temporarily topless women. The Times reports on a years-old tradition of fans congregating around the spiral Gate D pedestrian ramp to chant and encourage women to expose themselves.
Cave of Romulus and Remus Comes to Light
Reuters
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Nov 20, 2007 3:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
Archaeologists have found the cave worshiped by ancient Romans as the site where a wolf nursed the infant twins Romulus and Remus, who later founded the city. The cave, called the Lupercale, was found underground in an unexplored site near the palace of Augustus. "You can imagine our amazement, we almost screamed," says the head of the archaeological...
Calif. Sues Toy Firms Over Lead
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 20, 2007 3:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
California filed suit yesterday against Mattel, Toys R Us, and 18 other companies, accusing them of making or selling products that contain "unlawful quantities of lead," reports the LA Times. The suit, which follows major recalls of toys during the last year, aims to force manufacturers and retailers to inspect products and ensure they're...
Iran Defends Nuke Program in Letter to the World
Reuters
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Nov 20, 2007 2:51 PM CST
(Newser) -
Iran has written a letter to world diplomats insisting that the nation's nuclear program is not a threat. "I would like to emphasize that Iran's nuclear program is completely peaceful," the foreign minister writes, adding that Iran has worked with the IAEA "even beyond its legal commitments." The state news agency said the letter...
Gulf States May Dump the Dollar
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 20, 2007 2:31 PM CST
(Newser) -
The flagging greenback is forcing oil-rich Gulf states to consider uncoupling their currencies from the US dollar to fight runaway inflation at home and the devaluation of their own currencies, the Wall Street Journal reports. Leaders are considering everything from an outright break to revaluing their own currencies to pegging them to several currencies,...
Movie Imperils Copycats, Computers
Reuters
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Nov 20, 2007 2:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Doctors are warning fans of Ang Lee's new film, Lust, Caution, not to try to imitate the sexual positions featured in the movie, Reuters reports. The uncut version's extensive sex scenes moved one Chinese doctor to caution, "Only women with comparatively flexible bodies that have gymnastics or yoga experience are able to perform them."
Housing Permits at 10-Year Low
Bloomberg
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Nov 20, 2007 1:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Homebuilding permits fell for the fifth straight month in October to their lowest point since 1993, another signal that single-family home construction is drying up. Housing starts were unexpectedly up, but those were mostly work on condo projects. “All of us are ratcheting down our expectations for the bottom of the housing sector,” an...
Supreme Court Will Hear Landmark Gun Case
SCOTUSblog
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Nov 20, 2007 1:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Supreme Court agreed today to hear its first case on the meaning of the Second Amendment in 68 years. At question is the scope of the “right to bear arms”: A circuit court ruled last year that it applied to individuals' guns, but the city of Washington argued it guaranteed only a collective right for groups such as the National Guard,...
Musharraf or Bhutto? Bush Decision Looms
Bloomberg
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Nov 20, 2007 1:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
As Pakistan's state of emergency wears on, the Bush administration is still hedging its bets on whether to withdraw support for Pervez Musharraf, Bloomberg reports. But now that a power-sharing deal with Benazir Bhutto is almost surely off the table, Bush may no longer be able to support both sides—and the White House is realizing that the general's...
