News Archive - 30 June 2011

On the surface, the recent turmoil in Teheran looks like a case of the clerical elite, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, slapping down an independent-minded President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, though the battle is couched in vocabulary that does more to obscure than to reveal. Accusations of "sorcery" and "witchcraft"...

>BEIRUT (Reuters) - A U.N.-backed tribunal seeking the killers of statesman Rafik al-Hariri handed indictments and arrest warrants to Lebanon on Thursday that officials said accused members of the militant Hezbollah group of involvement. The long-awaited move was hailed as a "historic moment" by Hariri's son, opposition leader...

BAGHDAD -- Shiite militias backed by Iran have ramped up attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, making June the deadliest month in two years for American forces. The militiamen's goal is to prevent the U.S. military from extending its presence in the countr ...

BAGHDAD - Shiite militias backed by Iran have ramped up attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, making June the deadliest month in two years for American forces. The militiamen's goal is to prevent the U.S. military from extending its presence in the country past the end of this...

Dubai “The bad news is, we did not find oil. But the good news is — we did not find gas either” — used to be the case in the Middle East’s energy exploration business about half a century ago, according to legend.

CARACAS : Hugo Chavez has traveled a bumpy road since being elected Venezuelan president in 1998, inspiring love and loathing at home and abroad -- and the fury of critics for dividing the population.

BAGHDAD — With American troop deaths in Iraq reaching a two-year high in June, U.S. military officials are fingering Iran for the violence, accusing an Iranian special forces unit of supporting the militia groups suspected of carrying out the attacks.

From Lalit K JhaWashington, Jul 1 (PTI) A series of actions by India over the last year, including not signing a deal on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, signal New Delhi''s steps to join the US-led efforts "to shut Iran out of the international financial system", a Congress report says. ...

Asian Activities Report for July 1, 2011: Cougar Energy (ASX:CXY) Announce Project Progress in China and Mongolia

The United Nations this week tabbed North Korea to head its Conference on Disarmament. That would be the North Korea that: * Was building a nuclear site in Syria before Israeli warplanes put an end to it. * Was caught by the US Navy smuggling missile parts to Burma's junta.

UNITED NATION — The Security Council united to support the UN peacekeeping force on the tense Syrian-Israeli border Thursday but remained deeply divided over any condemnation of Syria’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators and human rights abuses.

Kingsrose Mining Limited (ASX:KRM) Appoints Mr Chris Start as Managing Director

Manhattan Corporation Limited (ASX:MHC) Divests Interest in Siccus Uranium Project South Australia

Chinese PMI Falls, Softening Australian and New Zealand Dollars

If Euro is Weak… and the Dollar is Weak... Where should I go?

Euro and S&P 500 Rally Faces Liquidity Slump, Reversal Conditions

Hezbollah militant indicted in death of Lebanon 's former leader

Merrimack’s Joel Cherian, a fifth-grader at John Mastricola Upper Elementary School, accepted a handsome trophy at a student assembly on the last day of school Wednesday when he was pronounced the school’s official chess champion. The school’s 633 students competed in the event.

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia’s coach Datuk K. Rajagobal is confident that Malaysia will prevail when they take on Taiwan in the second leg match of their 2014 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifier in Taipei on Sunday.

Another big dump this week of alleged State Department cables by the activist organization WikiLeaks, from Ashgabat -- with no explanation of why this, why now.

Amid assessments that Israel may eventually attempt to set back Iran's nuclear program with a military strike, a former commander of the Israel Navy says that such an endeavor would most likely fail, and that bolstered deterrence via submarines is the key to countering Iran's nuclear aspirations.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been chosen to fill one ofthe six seats contested for the Asia Region for the Independent Permanent HumanRights Commission (IPHRC) at the 38th Session of the Council Meeting of ForeignMinisters of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Kazakhstan. The Foreign...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad suggested to set up an Iran-Africa joint fund, the local Satellite Press TV reported Thursday. Ahmadinejad made the proposal at a meeting with the visiting former Malian President Alpha Oumar Konare on Wednesday.

A U.N.-backed tribunal does not name the four suspects in the 2005 truck-bomb assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But reports suggest all are Lebanese nationals linked to Hezbollah. A United Nations-backed tribunal issued a long-anticipated indictment Thursday in the 2005 truck-bomb assassination of former Lebanese...

Drillsearch Energy Limited (ASX:DLS) Arno-1 Oil Exploration Well Spuds

Murchison Metals Limited (ASX:MMX) Received Feasibility Studies From Crosslands and Oakajee Port and Rail

Dr. Naftali Moses, whose son was murdered in the terrorist attack on the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva, commemorates his son’s memory through Jewish music. Netanyahu, Peres, Barak tell graduating IAF pilots Iran is overstating its abilities and, while Israel seeks peace, its first priority is security.

Weaker Japanese Manufacturing and Services Sap Risk Appetite

Mitsui (TYO:8031) Executes WestSide Corporation Limited (ASX:WCL) Bowen Basin Tenement Farm-in Agreements

More forward signs for the Japanese economy 

Eagle Eye Metals Limited (ASX:EYE) Aphrodite Gold Project Option Expiry

A search and rescue team is looking for survivors of a plane crash in northern Saskatchewan.

The people of Lebanon and the entire world now know that the Special Tribunal of Lebanon, known as the STL, indicted some members of Hezbollah for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. . . .

Four more members of the anti-Iran terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) have fled Camp Ashraf and defected to the Iraqi forces, a senior Iraqi official says.

Israel's growing missile defenses will reportedly be integrated into the United States' planned regional defense network -- and could end up shielding Arab states that, in theory at least, are considered adversaries of the Jewish state.

One dead politician in a tiny Arab country and now, six years on, the quest for justice in his assassination divides a people and could add to regional instability.

News items from around the world

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of Ryan Crocker to be the new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan.

Israel's leaders told a graduating class of Israel Air Force pilots on Thursday that Iran is overstating its abilities and that Israel is ready to defend itself.

Follow Israel news on and . Israel's leaders told a graduating class of Israel Air Force pilots on Thursday that Iran is overstating its abilities and that Israel is ready to defend itself.

After governments fall in secular Egypt and Tunisia, Islamist parties are poised to enter the political mainstream.

Four accused allegedly part of Hezbollah, who now control government

RATING: (POLITE APPLAUSE) Citizen U.S.A.: A 50-State Road Trip: Documentary by Alexandra Pelosi. 9 p.m. Mon., with encore broadcasts through July 19 on HBO premium channel. It would be challenging to watch Alexandra...

Here is a brooding and rather brilliant drama about conscience and the law that deserves the widest possible audience.

QE2: Was it Worth It and Will There be a QE3?

US Dollar Finds Refuge at Key Retracement Level- Sell-Off to Slow

Two Techniques to Maximize the Results of a Trade

LONDON, June 30 (UPI) -- The former Saudi ambassador to Washington told NATO his country will get nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them, The Guardian reported.

share: digg facebook twitter The culture that brought us the sublime beauty of Sufi poet Rumi, the wonder of Shaherazade's Tales Of 1001 Nights and scientific minds subtle enough to introduce to the world the concept of zero bears only a passing resemblance to the mind numbing totalitarianism being passed...

THE world's largest container firm has suspended operations at Iran's biggest ports, potentially disrupting critical food shipments as it complies with tightening Unit

A UN-backed tribunal seeking the killers of statesman Rafik al-Hariri has handed indictments and arrest warrants to Lebanon for members of the militant Hezbollah group.

At first, it was the horrible Syrians. Since the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri wanted the remainder of Syria's military rabble – around 20,000 men, although the news agencies claimed 44,000 – out of Lebanon, it must have been the Syrians who did it. Syria's "friends" in Lebanon –...

WHAT`S wrong with the army isn`t necessarily the choices it makes, but the fact that it`s the decision-maker.

PETALING JAYA: National junior Soong Joo Vern is relishing the opportunity to make an impact on his debut in the Asian Junior Badminton Championships, which begin in Lucknow, India, tomorrow.

A senior commander of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said the western sanctions have had no impact on Iran's military advancements, the English language satellite Press TV reported Thursday.

In late 2010 and early 2011, a long list of Latin American countries suddenly recognized the existence of an independent Palestinian state. These countries included both regional powers (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) and their smaller neighbors (Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay).

On September 18, 2009, seven former heads of the CIA publicly told President Barack Obama not to prosecute CIA torturers. On April 16, 2009, Obama had already publicly told Attorney General Eric Holder not to prosecute CIA torturers. On September 18th, Holder publicly reassured the CIA.

Massachusetts Representative James P. McGovern, who traveled to Afghanistan last week with two conservative GOP House colleagues, returned convinced of the need to leave yet worried about whether the country will survive the departure of US troops.

Canada ought to go a step beyond simply denouncing the ironic appointment of North Korea to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, a leading foreign policy expert said Thursday.

Listen to the Audio HARI SREENIVASAN: The news from Greece helped reassure Wall Street, and stocks gained ground for a fourth day. The Dow Jones industrial average was up nearly 153 points to close at 12,414. The Nasdaq rose 33 points to close above 2,773. U.S. forces in Iraq...

Hundreds of Asian students will converge in Kuala Lumpur this month in a competition designed to address the global energy challenge and help meet the world’s growing desire for mobility in a more sustainable way.

NZD/CAD Approaches Channel Support- Bullish Scalp

In just a few days, the state of Texas is scheduled to execute a Mexican citizen. His name is Humberto Leal Garcia. Mr. Leal...

Buy USD/CAD After Rebound Above Two-Month Range Bottom

U.S shares close in green…

Strong Risk and Euro Momentum Will Soon Enter a Liquidity Vacuum

Saudi Arabia has warned Nato that it would pursue policies that could lead to “untold and possibly dramatic consequences” if Iran obtains nuclear weapons, a British newspaper has reported.

Despite signing preliminary agreements almost two years ago to sell more liquefied natural gas to China, Qatar Liquefied Gas Co has yet to sign contracts with Cnooc or PetroChina, Qatargas’ chief representative in Beijing said yesterday.

Issue 4669. Last Updated: 06/30/2011 Since the reset button in U.S.-Russian relations has been pressed, Russia and the West have learned to cooperate on multiple issues from Iran and Afghanistan to nuclear arms control.

MANAMA (Reuters) - The international committee investigating violent protests in Bahrain this year will be given access to official files and be able to meet witnesses in secret, the panel's chair said on Thursday.

The Security Council united to support the U.N. peacekeeping force on the tense Syrian-Israeli border Thursday but remained deeply divided over any condemnation of Syria's crackdown on peaceful demonstrators and human rights abuses.

Iran's Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has arrived in Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku to cement mutual ties during his talks with Azeri officials.

DAN Wyee fills up at the Esso gas station on Lonsdale Avenue at 17th Street. He is considering moving back to Calgary because of gas costs in British Columbia.

Gas prices have consistently gone up in years past during summer holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, but this year is a little different. The price of gas in Utah has dropped about 12 cents since last month, and in Provo, drivers can expect $3.60 to...

On the 90th anniversary of its Communist party, China must face up to three major political and economic adjustments if it wants to avoid falling into a middle-income trap. 1 Jul 2011 6:22 AM

Soldier on patrol in Paktika province, Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of Defense Department One day after the White House released its counterterrorism strategy to conquer al-Qaida and its partners, the Defense Department announced the death of a leader of the Haqqani terrorist network. Defense officials linked the insurgent leader, Ismail Jan,...

STARKERS! A YOUNG woman shocked passers-by in Guangzhou, southern China’s Guangdong Province by stripping down and walking through the streets naked. The woman, who appeared to be in her 20s, was first spotted mid-morning, walking along a busy street while smiling and pointing at passers-by.

Smith's, Albertson's and Wal-Mart have agreed to stop selling fireworks in New Mexico, but private sellers can still sell their stash of fireworks and they have the right to do so. > 3 major retailers agree to pull fireworks

A leading staffer of J Street — the Washington-based “pro-Israel, pro-peace” lobby that has occasionally raised the ire of right-of-center and some centrist pro-Israel groups — came here last week to brief local Jewish leaders on the group and its positions.

Prince William and Kate arrived in Ottawa to screams and cheers as thousands gathered to greet the royal couple at the start of their nine-day Canadian tour.

Here at The Atlantic Wire, we respect and value the social media editors who share the links that make our jobs easier. Sometimes, though, we have no idea what they're talking about. So after a day of staring at Twitter, we're sharing our favorite head-scratchers.       .bbpBox86420309946798081 {background:url(http://a3.

LARA JAKES Associated Press BAGHDAD Shiite militias backed by Iran have ramped up attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, making June the deadliest month in two years for American forces. The militiamen's goal is to prevent the U.S. military from extending its presence in the country past the...

UNITED NATIONS - The young woman hiker released by the Iranian government nine months ago and relatives of the two men still in custody appealed to the U.N. on Thursday for more support as their trial date nears.

U.S. Stocks extend gain by midday...

Mixed sentiments spotted in the currencies trading…

We are optimistic that just as we were successful in defeating the LTTE in the battlefront, we would be able to complete the process of resettlement and development, and let these actions speak of our commitment to ensure that all Sri Lankans live with dignity and freedom in a prosperous...

U.S. Dollar Consolidation Ahead, Euro Rally Hinges On ECB

Euro Rallies as Greece Out of Danger, but Watch Spain and Italy

Sometimes you need a visual to explain the seemingly inexplicable. In this case, the mystery behind

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The young woman hiker released by the Iranian government nine months ago and relatives of two U.S. men, still in custody on spying charges, appealed to the U.N. Thursday for support as the trial date nears.

Social media day: From Iran to Tunisia and Egypt and beyond, Twitter and Facebook are the power tools of civic upheaval – but social media is only one factor in the spread of democratic revolution.

Azerbaijani people have gathered in front of the presidential building in the capital Baku to demand the release of pro-hijab activists arrested in May.

Four members of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah have been indicted in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, a high-placed source in the Lebanese Army confirmed on Thursday.

Greek Vote Passage Pushes Euro Higher, But Uncertainty Still a Factor

A Lebanese woman passes a portrait of slain Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri near his grave, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday June 30, 2011. A U.N.-backed court investigating the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri delivered an indictment and four arrest warrants Thursday, the latest turn...

European shares closed in green, amid optimism Geece will avoid default...

MANAMA (Reuters) - The commission tasked by Bahrain's king to investigate protests that rocked the Gulf island nation earlier this year will be given access to official files and be able to meet witnesses in secret, the government said on Thursday.

Iran's Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has called on Muslim countries to take a stance against the destruction of a part of East al-Quds (Jerusalem)'s wall by Israel.

Day Trader Wins 25K in Monthly Forex Trading Contest

MANILA, Jul 1 (PNA) -- Defending champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo, Ronato “Volcano” Alcano and seven more Filipino cue masters have entered Final 32 after winning their respective matches in the 2011 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 9-Ball Championship at Al Sadd Sports Club in Doha, Qatar Wednesday...