News Archive - 4 February 2011

After rousing success with one hostage film, Ben Affleck may be set to take on the biggest hostage story of the 20th century. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck, who had a surprise hit this summer when he directed and starred in the Boston bank heist movie 'The Town,'...

Cairo. Midnight. The Presidential Palace. Good evening, Mr. President. Who are you? How did you get in here? And why are you on fire? The name's Johnny Storm. I flew in through a skylight. And they don't call me the Human Torch for nothing. A member of the Fantastic...

>CAIRO (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians marched peacefully in Cairo on Friday to demand an immediate end to Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, but there was no sign of the army or the president's U.S. allies forcing him out just yet. Cairo's Tahrir Square was crammed with people...

>UNITED STATESU.S. President Barack Obama said on Friday that the transition of power in Egypt must begin now, but the details of the process have to be worked out by Egyptians.The White House stopped short of calling for Mubarak to step down right away. But a senior U.

>Here is a rundown of some of the uprisings since 1979 that have buffeted or toppled governments, sometimes ending entire ruling systems:CHINA - Tanks roll into Beijing's Tiananmen Square before dawn on June 4, 1989 to crush student and worker protests that had begun in April following the death of...

>LONDON (Reuters) - Crude oil futures bounced back on Friday after U.S. data showed a smaller-than-expected gain in non-farm payroll jobs but a fall in the unemployment rate, while focus remained on Egypt as protests rolled into their 11th day. U.S. crude was $1.05 up at $91.

Yet another Anglo-American-backed dictator is set to fall from grace. The Shah of Iran, Manuel Noriega, Saddam Hussein -- they all refused to concede defeat. And they all fell down. Hosni Mubarak will, too, if he doesn't review his history books. There are, after all, only two-types of Anglo-American...

>In his first public comments on the popular uprisings in the region, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran's Islamic revolution of 1979, which deposed the U.S.-backed shah, had served as an example to the people living under similar "dictatorships.""The awakening of the Islamic Egyptian people is an Islamic...

> "If they (protesters) are able to push this through then what will happen to the U.S. policies in the region will be an irreparable defeat for America," he told worshippers at Friday prayers in Tehran. (Reporting by Robin Pomeroy; Editing by Jon Boyle) Tweet this Share this Link...

Cairo - Egypt's defiant strongman Hosni Mubarak showed no sign of quitting on Saturday after a “departure day” drawing tens of thousands opposed to his 30-year grip on power and international calls for him to quit.

Today is Saturday, Feb. 5, the 36th day of 2011. There are 329 days left in the year.

Though the gunfire and protests of Egypt are happening more than 6,500 miles away, the effects may be felt on the wheat fields of the Palouse. Sam White, the chief operating officer of Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative, said changes in the Egyptian government could result in anti-American sentiment, which would...

Two years after Washington vowed to "reset" ties with Russia, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to launch a landmark nuclear pact.

WASHINGTON — For President Barack Obama, the crisis in Egypt presents two sometimes contradictory challenges:

WASHINGTON (AFP)--The White House Friday criticized Iran for intervening in the Egypt crisis, saying Tehran was in no position to make such "remarkable" comments after crushing its own uprising last year.

Egypt's defiant strongman Hosni Mubarak has shown no sign of quitting on the 'day of departure'.

IN his Anti-Memoirs, Andre Malraux wrote that if our caves and their flint implements remind us that man invented the tool, “it is in Egypt that we are reminded that he invented the tomb”.

President Barack Obama said “some discussions” have begun between Egyptian authorities and the opposition over a transition of power after as many as 100,000 protesters rallied in Cairo for an 11th day demanding that President Hosni Mubarak end his 30-year in power.

(WOMENSENEWS)-- Cheers read more

MAFRAQ, Jordan -- The tribal elders sat in their gowns and keffiyehs, fingering worry beads and smoking cigarettes, an immense woven image of King Abdullah II on a wall above their heads.

Dearborn resident's tip leads to arrest

Five weeks after her father's death, Jasmin Darznik is helping her Iranian mother, Lili, sort through their belongings in preparation for a move to smaller quarters. When a faded photograph falls out of a pack of letters, Jasmin is shocked to see her mother standing with a mystery man.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s top oil official says the country is not selling gasoline to Iran.

India and Iran have resolved a row over how to pay for Iranian crude oil, agreeing to set up a new mechanism to route payments through a German bank.

One year after Michelle Obama urged schools to serve healthier meals her program is earning her both cheers and jeers.

Five film premieres are on tap for the College of William and Mary's 2011 Global Film Festival taking place Feb. 17-20 at the Kimball Theatre in Merchants Square, Williamsburg.

WASHINGTON — West Texas lawmakers fervently hope the throngs protesting in Egypt will bear witness to a peaceful transition to a new democracy eager to nurture human rights and personal freedoms.

When Tunisian, Mohammed Bouazizi, in desperation after police seized the fruits and vegetables that he sold on the street to survive set himself on fire, neither he nor anyone else could provide the leverage that would have been needed to prevent the young martyr's death.

CAIRO (AFP) - Egypt's defiant strongman Hosni Mubarak showed no sign of quitting Saturday after a "departure day" drawing tens of thousands opposed to his 30-year grip on power and international calls for him to quit.

Amid protests, views of post-Mubarak Egypt emerge

One person has been killed and 11 injured in a fire that broke out at the Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex, which is located in the southern Iranian province of Khuzestan.

A single flame can ignite revolution. In the case of Tunisia, it happened when a desperate man chose to set himself on fire. In December, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself aflame to protest being denied a livelihood as a street vendor because the profession is illegal in Tunisia.

Many analysts believe Washington's credibility with Arab public opinion in Middle East is very low

While the world cautiously waits for the outcome of the chaos in Egypt, Turkey has abandoned its traditionally neutral stance with the country to gamble on the side of the protestors.

National Public Radio’s Mike Shuster will discuss “Winning Without War: Do Sanctions Work?” during a live webcast at Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave. from noon to 1 p.m. Monday.

Empire discusses the failures and successes of Barack Obama's presidency.

Much like the 40th president, the 44th aspires to build a world free of nuclear weapons

President Obama condemned the attacks on journalists in Egypt Friday amid mounting criticism that the assaults were being orchestrated by President Hosni Mubarark to suppress international coverage of bloodshed by pro-government operatives against peaceful protesters.

by Someshwar Singh South-North Development Monitor – Third World Network Dec. 1999 Geneva, 21 Dec 99 — More than half of the world’s population in 75 countries is subject to unilateral coercive economic measures or ‘sanctions’ by one country alone – the United States of America – according to a...

Rachid Ghannouchi speaks with Al Jazeera about his political strategy and reaching out to the country's youth.

As the world watches Egyptian society transform, various interest groups jockey for position in the new political order.

Egypt's prospects look better no matter what happens at this point, but its immediate future is still uncertain.

Listen to the Audio JUDY WOODRUFF: We return now to Egypt and the difficult diplomatic challenge the U.S. faces there. To examine that, we're joined by Michele Dunne, a former specialist on Middle East affairs at the State Department and on the National Security Council staff. She is now...

SYRIA PROTESTS:ANTICIPATED PROTESTS in cities across Syria failed to materialise yesterday but online groups calling for democratic and other freedoms are urging a “day of rage” today.

Egypt's turmoil is having limited impact on global financial markets, where investors see few parallels with Iran's 1979 revolution.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the upheaval in the region is a defeat for the U.S., and a 'liberating Islamic movement.' But Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood rejects his statement, calling it the 'Egyptian people's revolution.' Iran's supreme leader called for the end of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's rule,...

Robinson : America must stop making deals with despots

Kristof: Violence and courage

Who not been moved by the sight of thousands of Egyptians pouring each day into Tahrir Square in central Cairo, demanding the removal of their authoritarian president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak, and the democratic freedoms that we in Britain take for granted?

The Egyptian opposition's "day of departure" for Hosni Mubarak ended at midnight Friday with the embattled president refusing to transfer power amid a rising tide of international calls for him to stand down.

New York, Feb 5 : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday hailed Germany's strong commitment to the United Nations, noting that it the third largest financial contributor and provides peacekeepers in Lebanon, Sudan and elsewhere.

Iranian Aseman to buy used aircrafts

The time has come for the state to withdraw from the "marriage" controversy ("If you want the benefits of marriage, take the plunge", 4 February).

Iran's supreme leader yesterday saluted what he termed an "Islamic liberation movement" in the Arab world, and advised the people of Egypt and Tunisia to unite aro

Ben Affleck is two for two when it comes to directing high quality dramas, and it looks like he might have found project number three. According to EW, Affleck is in talks to direct Argo, a political thriller that’s set up a Warner Bros through George Clooney and his producing...

Gourmands can rejoice – Russia yesterday lifted a nine-year ban on the export of sturgeon caviar to Europe. However, anyone who is looking forward to snacking on a few blini with beluga will need deep pockets, because the price for the caviar is set to be over £4,000 per kilogram.

The U.S. has an opportunity in the changes coming in Egypt, writes guest columnist Lawrence Pintak. By forcefully declaring support for democratic reform, he argues, the U.S. can position itself as a powerful ally of the moderate forces of change in the Arab world.

Yesterday we asked whether or not Glenn Beck had any solutions to go along with his unsettling theories on the current upheaval in Egypt. Today, he gave them (don't worry, we won't take credit since today's episode might have originally aired yesterday if Beck hadn't been off Wednesday). But first,...

There is perhaps no piece of urban infrastructure more endangered than the neon sign. Blame its fading glory on our quest for energy efficiency, its expensive (and highly toxic) materials, and the fact that it's a fading art form with aging masters. But one woman is doing her best to...

ROTTERDAM: "We left Cairo Saturday," reflects Egyptian writer-director Ibrahim Batout. "I think when we go back, we'll meet the country for the first time." Batout has had a busy few days at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. While his latest feature, "Hawi," had its European premier in the festival's...

With Cuba poised to drill for oil off its coast as early as this spring, Florida lawmakers are renewing efforts to block it, citing fears about damage to the state's beaches in the event of a major oil spill.

But, questions remain about composition of Mr. Mikati’s Cabinet, whether it will deviate from previous government's pro-Western policies

And in a reminder of how

China is developing "counterspace" weapons that could shoot down satellites or jam signals, a Pentagon official said Friday as the United States unveiled a 10-year strategy for security in space.

WASHINGTON — For President Barack Obama, the crisis in Egypt presents two sometimes contradictory challenges:

The wave — and make no mistake, it’s a global one — has just crashed on our shores, soaking our imperial masters. It’s a sight for sore eyes. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen an election like midterm 2006. After all, it’s a truism of our politics that...

A South Carolina proposal would prevent the state's courts from enforcing foreign law, including Islamic Sharia law, though Muslim advocates say it could essentially ban religion from mundane matters such as weddings and even burials.

Todd McCarthy THR critic and Sundance juror Todd McCarthy gives the inside story of one of the best festivals in Sundance history. read more

WASHINGTON (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday urged U.S. officials to approve an oil pipeline from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast, calling his country a secure, stable and friendly neighbor that poses no threat to Americans.

Release Time:  For Immediate Release Location:  James S. Brady Press Briefing Room 1:43 P.M. EST      MR. GIBBS:  Good afternoon.  Before we get started, we have a few special guests -- you recognize Austan and Gene -- who are here to talk a little bit about a report...

When supporters of President Hosni Mubarak attacked protesters in Cairo this week, the tactic, if not the ferocity, was familiar to veterans of Egyptian politics. For years, pro-government gangs have prowled the streets in election times, lashing out with fists and clubs.

Several Iranian lawmakers say that Western countries are trying to prevent the occurrence of a situation similar to Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Obama says he hopes to see Egypt's 'moment of turmoil turn into a moment of opportunity' — and for Mubarak to make the 'right decision' for the country's future. Clashes Mar Protests in Cairo Egyptian President May End Days in Exile Militants Support Protesters Report: More Than 160,000 Foreigners Flee...

Just because you're really good at raising campaign cash doesn't mean you're good at anything else. Alas, politicians have to say thank you somehow. Cynthia Stroum bundled $500,000 for Barack Obama in 2008, and was rewarded with a plum gig that most rich supporters are able to coast through with...

Good read in simple and plain English. must have a democratic infrastructure, a democratic culture. In the most

While smaller-scale government-imposed blackouts have occurred in the past in an effort to quell protests, Egypt’s coordinated, widespread and simultaneous maneuver catapulted censorship to a whole new level.

Egyptian protesters vowed to remain in Cairo’s Tahrir Square after observing evening prayers on what demonstrators had called the “day of departure” for President Hosni Mubarak.

Tennessee GOP Chairman Chris Devaney has a blast email out today celebrating the endless fabulousness of Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Threatened and isolated, Egypt could become a dangerous pariah

Three scenarios for the way the uprising might end and what it all means for the US, Israel, and Iran.

Author of The Guardians of the Revolution: Iran's Approach to the World (Oxford University Press, May 2009). Served as senior adviser to the special adviser for the Gulf and Southwest Asia at the U.S. Department of State.

Rumors suggest that President Hosni Mubarak has decided to announce his resignation as millions of Egyptians take to the streets demanding an immediate end to his decades-long rule.

WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence agencies are drawing criticism from the White House and Congress that they failed to warn of revolts in Egypt and the downfall of an American ally in Tunisia.

As the Middle East is engulfed in a series of often violent pro-democracy demonstrations and counter demonstrations, that have shattered the myth of stability in that region, there are a number of other myths which have been shattered as well, about which no one has said a word.

BRUSSELS - Europe's leaders issued a resounding call for immediate change in Egypt on Friday as reports emerged the United States was preparing to dump its long-time ally President Hosni Mubarak.

# traderoundup Yes indeedy, the blonde wisp-angel is performing at this year's Oscars. Also today: turns out The Walking Dead actually does need writers, Ben Affleck might be headed to Tehran, and MTV finally says no to Lauren Conrad . More »

As events in Egypt have riveted world attention on the Middle East, al-Jazeera, the Arabic television network that is the region’s dominant messenger, once again is taking fire.

> * Egyptian assets are a fraction of overall global markets * Investors holding off awaiting protest resolution By Manuela Badawy NEW YORK, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Investors fear escalating protests against the 30-year rule of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak could spill over to other Arab countries and lead to...

As revolutionary fervor sweeps across the Middle East and the Obama administration takes steps to recalibrate decades of U.S. foreign policy toward the region, it must not neglect the issue of nuclear nonproliferation. The region's present instability, historic precedent, and inadequate safeguards make the rapidly increasing trend of...

Anyone remember what one of the most striking images to surface from Iran's uprising last summer over the fallout from the country's so-called elections were? Iranian women protesting. The world was shocked to see Iranians, 70% of whom are under that age of 25-years-old, pour onto the streets demanding...

Spanish police have arrested a British man whose brother-in-law was found dead in Barcelona. Related Stories Jordanians protest against new PM Giffords' husband heads for space Concern over Iran nuclear programme Post office raid at EU parliament Drunk driver jailed for killing two

Sunday, Feb. 6, will be the centenary of his birth. Looking at the Ronald Reagan presidency from today, can we get any sense of how he rates in history?

As Ronald Reagan supporters celebrate his 100th birthday on Feb. 6, it's astounding how not only the right wing has inflated and distorted his legacy, but most of the so-called liberal media as well.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay calls on Egyptian authorities to free all journalists and rights activists arrested for coverage of the revolution in the country.

Cairo's Tahrir Square was still packed with demonstrators at nightfall on Friday. Tens of thousands of Egyptians are gathered in the square on the 11th straight day of protests. They assembled after Friday prayers and have been there for several hours, once again, ignoring a night-time curfew. Thousands rallied in...

President Obama likely may have lost Egypt. If he has, it will be one of the most dramatic and devastating foreign policy defeats for the United States in decades.

Egyptian demonstrators have held a massive 'departure day' show of force aimed at ousting the president as both the US and Europe say he must go.

Malcolm Gladwell makes a handsome living endorsing or attacking common wisdom in ways that sound smart. And now, he has wormed his way into the unfolding drama in Cairo.

The Government remains "gravely concerned" over Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Foreign Office has said. Related Stories Battle to save stranded whales Danish cartoonist attacker jailed Crisis 'costing Egypt £200m a day' Jordanians protest against new PM Giffords' husband heads for space

Iran's supreme leader saluted on Friday what he termed an "Islamic liberation movement in the Arab world", and advised the people of Egypt and Tunisia to unite around their religion and against the West.