Yemen Is Not A Good Place To Imprison Terrorist Suspects

Among the escapees Wednesday were members of an al-Qaeda cell that has killed foreign tourists and tried to attack the U.S. Embassy in Yemen and other Western targets, according to Yemeni officials. [Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula] was behind the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound commercial flight on Christmas Day 2009 and the mailing of bombs on cargo planes destined for the United States.

The prison break Wednesday, though far from the first in Yemen, came at a moment of political crisis in the country and seemed likely to heighten fears among U.S. counterterrorism officials that AQAP is gathering strength as the authority of the central government weakens.

Even in the best of times, Yemen was not a great place to imprison radical Islamists. The prisons there have always been leaky at best, and the central government's authority didn't extend very far past the capital. Now the country is even more wracked by chaos and intranational violence than usual, and AQAP has scored some successes—the latest being this prison break. The Obama administration has apparently decided, in the wake of the Christmas Day and cargo bomb attacks, that this is a threat worthy of a semi-secret drone war but not, well, an "actual" war.

In a "real" war, we'd go in and detain these guys ourselves, rather than relying on incompetent and potentially backstabbing proxies. That doesn't, thankfully, seem to be on the table right now. (I don't think America can afford another land war in Asia.) But the war on terror does produce some odd paradoxes. In today's world, it's easier, politically and legally, for America to vaporize a foreigner it suspects of terrorism than it is to keep that person in prison. That's pretty weird.

Joplin tornado disaster: 116 killed in Missouri, US

Chicago: A devastating tornado killed at least 116 people in US' Joplin city in the state of Missouri, and left over 2,000 homes in ruins, officials said. President Barack Obama has extended his condolences to the families of the city. Officials at the Springfield-Greene county emergency management confirmed the toll Monday afternoon in Joplin, a city of 50,000 people, Xinhua reported. The toll in the tornado that began on Sunday night stood at 89 on Monday morning. Missouri officials said the toll was expected to climb as search and rescue continue. Many people were injured and were admitted to hospitals. The tornado touched down into the heart of the city at around 6 p.m. on Sunday, destroying hundreds of buildings. Winds of up to 260 km per hour destroyed nearly 2,000 buildings, Jasper County emergency management officials said. The tornado also cut a path nearly 10 km long and more than a kilometre wide near the city. Besides, a series of gas leaks caused fires around the city overnight. The city's residents were given about 20 minutes notice with tornado warning sirens before the tornado touched down on the west side. But many people were unable to get to shelters in time, as "the storm was so loud you probably couldn't hear the sirens going off", said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. The governor has declared a state of emergency and called out the Missouri National Guard to help. Authorities began a door-to-door search Monday. But the task was difficult as strong winds and heavy rain continued to torment the city. Obama has called the governor to "extend his condolences" to the families of Joplin. Last month, tornadoes killed over 300 people and caused more than $2 billion in damages to the US southern states. More than 200 people were killed in Alabama alone.

Attack on NATO tankers bound for Afghanistan kills 16 people

At least 16 people were killed and several more injured when NATO oil tankers bound for Afghanistan were targeted with bombs in the Pakistani border town of Landi Kotal today, officials said. The oil tankers were parked at the Torkham border terminal when they were targeted with timed explosive devices. At least 10 tankers were destroyed by the blaze and another exploded while the fire was being doused, officials said. Eight of the dead belonged to the same family. Six persons were killed instantly while 10 more succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Tankers ferrying fuel for NATO forces in Afghanistan travel from the port city of Karachi to the northwestern border town of Landi Kotal through insurgency-hit areas where they are frequently attacked.

Obama watched Osama bin Laden killed

Washington: While Pakistan was unaware of what was happening in its backyard, US President Barack Obama watched as an American commando shot the world's most wanted man Osama bin Laden. Photographs released by the White House show President Obama watching on a TV screen as a commando gunned down Osama Bin Laden. The visuals were being transmitted to the Situation Room in the White House via a video camera fixed to the helmet of a US Navy Seal. Obama saw the Al Qaeda chief shot in the left eye. The Navy Seal then shot him again to ensure that he was dead. The footage of the firefight in Osama bin Laden's hideout in Abottabad was relayed to the White House by satellite. The footage also shows the moment when one of the world's most feared men hid behind his wife and used her as a human shield.

Royal couple ties the knot at a grand wedding show at London.

Newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton sealed their wedding with a pair of kisses on a balcony at Buckingham Palace, delighting thousands of spectators. There was a roar of approval from the crowd as William and his bride exchanged a peck on the lips. It was quickly followed by another, then a flyby of vintage and modern Royal Air Force planes. The couple will now attend a lunch reception for 650 guests, followed by an evening party for 300 friends and family. The couple were earlier pronounced man and wife, marrying in an elegant ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The cool, overcast weather failed to put a dampener on the biggest royal event in three decades as hundreds of thousands turned London red, white and blue for the big day. The couple will receive the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. William also became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which means Middleton will become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus. Her transformation from a commoner to a future queen was complete on as she entranced a global audience of two billion people. She emerged from a Rolls-Royce at Westminster Abbey in a long sleeved dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. With a full veil, deep v neckline, laced sleeves and teardrop diamond earrings, she cut a spellbinding figure, topped by a Cartier halo tiara lent to her by the Queen. In his scarlet tunic and navy blue trousers of the Irish Guards, Prince William, 28, cut a dashing figure, his arrival at the church announced by the sounds of bells ringing out in central London. He waved to the crowds before entering alongside Prince Harry, who himself made a regal appearance in his Blues and Royals uniform at the scene of their at their mother, Diana's funeral in 1997. With a nail-biting final 50-minute wait for his bride on his hands, William shared some quiet time together with his younger brother and best man away from the cameras to pass away the time. A million people packed the streets and an estimated 2 billion more tuned in around the world for the ceremony. The couple looked nervous but happy and got through their vows without stumbling before Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams pronounced them husband and wife. They composed a prayer for their wedding, read by the Right Rev. Richard Charters, Lord Bishop of London: "God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. "In the business of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. "Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen." The guest list was a Who's Who list of royalty, power and fame: David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, Prime Minister David Cameron, the queen of Greece, the cream of British nobility were among the hundreds of guests. Australian Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe was among the first to arrive, showing up shortly after 9am local time. Chelsy Davy, Prince Harry's on-again-off-again girlfriend, was wearing a blue satin gown. Tabloids have speculated endlessly about the state of her relationship with the younger royal - and her invitation to the abbey was seen as a sign the pair were still close. Other guests: Actor Rowan Atkinson, a friend of Prince Charles best known for his Mr. Bean act, and Guy Ritchie, director of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and ex-husband of Madonna. Socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson arrived decked out in royal blue: dress, hat, and heels. Diplomats and their partners from more than 180 countries trooped in about an hour and a half before the start of the ceremony. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was among the foreign dignitaries filing into the abbey. Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Labour leader Ed Milliband, London Mayor Boris Johnson, British Foreign Secretary William Hague and former Prime Minister John Major were among the leading UKpoliticians picking their way through the crowd. Royal guests included Queen Anna-Marie of Greece and Princess Mathilde of Belgium. A number of famous people were left off the guest list, including President Barack Obama and most other world leaders. Also not invited were Britain's last two prime ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, in what is seen by some as a snub to their Labour Party, which traditionally is not as strong a backer of the monarchy as the ruling Conservatives.

Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone attack

"Information is coming from that area that he is dead," Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters in comments broadcast by private TV channel Geo.Tribesmen said on condition of anonymity that Mehsud was killed with his wife when a US drone fired two missiles into a family home in the Laddah area of South Waziristan on Wednesday.

Senior officials in Pakistan's powerful security establishment who supervise operations in Mehsud's Waziristan stronghold said the warlord was dead, but the civilian government said it was still confirming this.

Global alert13 suspects wanted for the audacious 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks

The alert was issued on written request by Islamabad, which said the 13 suspects were wanted by police authorities in Pakistan in connection with ongoing investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks, a statement released by the international police agency said.

Though the statement did not identify the suspects, but it said the global alert contains the names of the fugitives and their other data which has been sent to 186 member countries.

Interpol issued a global alert for 13 suspects wanted for the audacious 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed nearly 183 lives. The alert asks Interpol member countries to assist in locating the fugitives and immediately notify National Central Bureau (NCB) at Islamabad or Interpol's General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon in France with any investigative leads.

Osama dead or alive no evidence

President Asif Ali Zardari said on Monday that Pakistani intelligence believes Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is dead but acknowledged they had no evidence

"The Americans tell me they don't know, and they are much more equipped than us to trace him. And our own intelligence services obviously think that he does not exist any more, that he is dead," he said.

Zardari said ,the question is whether he is alive or dead. There is no trace of him,but there is no evidence, you cannot take that as a fact, .We are between facts and fiction.

We're fighting for the survival of Pakistan

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari into signing the Shariah into force in Swat, a pro-Taliban cleric announced on Sunday that there is no room for democracy under Islamic law. He added that Pakistan's rulers were pleasing the West and demanded that all judges be withdrawn from Malakhand area or they will have to face consequences. In Swat's Mingora, Sufi Mohammad said: "Democracy is the system of Kafirs (non-believers)." He said no one can appeal against the Shariah courts In reaction to Mohammad, Zardari said: "Taliban is trying to take over the state of Pakistan. So, we're fighting for the survival of Pakistan." Appealing for support from the UK and the US, he said: "You've got democracy, democracy is part of the solution, but the second part of the solution is with you, so please give us that help that we need."

Pak demands Kasab’s statement

Pakistan had asked India to provide an “authentic copy” of Ajmal Kasab’s court statement to Pakistan to expedite investigations.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik said that . Talking to the media at Walima reception of PPP leader Jehangir Badr’s son, Zulfiqar Badr, on Sunday night, he said Pakistan needed Indian help to further investigate the incident of Mumbai attacks, but it had not yet answered all questions in this regard. He asked India to provide an attested copy of Ajmal Kasab’s statement in court of law facilitate the investigation process. He said government had arrested six accused in connection with Mumbai incident but it was not possible to prosecute them in the absence of strong evidence. He said Pakistan was investigating the matter with sincerity. Talking about the menace of terrorism, Malik said may it be in Pakistan or elsewhere in the world, it must be condemned.

Pakistan should not 'hide' involvement in 26/11- Former Pak President

The issue is that the nation and the people should oppose terrorism. If any of our people are involved in whatever happened in Mumbai and it comes out in the open, we should not hide it," Musharraf told media-persons in Islamabad. Pakistan should not make efforts to "hide" the involvement of its nationals in the Mumbai terror attacks , former President Pervez Musharraf has said, insisting that "we can't deceive the world".

"We can't deceive the world. We should openly oppose terrorism and extremism," Musharraf said while replying to a question on whether the Pakistan government was acting under pressure from the world community after the Mumbai incident."Pakistan is not a weak country, it is a nuclear and missile power. No one should have the mistaken impression that Pakistan is weak," he said.Islamabad last week said it had taken into custody six Pakistani nationals for their involvement in the Mumbai attacks and acknowledged that part of the conspiracy behind the incident was hatched on Pakistani soil.

In a lighter vein, Musharraf indicated that he would continue to be a "tough guy" in dealing with India when he visited the neighbouring country next month to participate in the India Today conclave.Asked if he would continue his "tough guy" approach towards India, Musharraf laughed and replied, "I never believe in weakness I always speak frankly." Musharraf said he would be the keynote speaker at the India Today conclave, which he described as "a very prestigious get-together" of intellectuals. "The conclave has been attended by former South African President Nelson Mandela, former US President Bill Clinton and other world leaders in the past. It is a matter of pride that I have been invited," he said, adding he would deliver a "frank talk" at the meet.

Asked if he planned to return to politics, Musharraf replied: "I am not doing that." Musharraf resigned as President in August last year to avoid impeachment by the Pakistan People's Party-led government. He has maintained a low profile since then.

Kazutsugi Nami Chairman arrested in Japan 'scam'.
Kazutsugi Nami, chairman of the now bankrupt L&G, had offered investors 36% annual returns and issued special electronic money termed "Enten". Japanese police have arrested the chairman of a Tokyobedding supplier over an alleged investment scam reportedly worth $1.4bn (£970m).

"Enten" was fed into investors' mobile telephones and used to buy items ranging from vegetables to futons, clothes and jewellery.Enten" is apparently a combination of the Japanese words for the yen currency and paradise. L&G was established in 1987, at first selling bedding and health products.It began its investment scheme, including the issuance of "Enten", in 2001. The company stopped paying cash dividends in February 2007, and by September of that year had sacked most of its employees.kyodo reported, It folded in November 2007 and is now undergoing a court-led bankruptcy process.

Two protesters have attacked the New Zealand Prime Minister.
Two protesters have attacked the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, as he arrived at a Maori memorial at Waitangi for celebrations marking National Day.One of the pair, whom Mr Key described as "glory seekers", managed to grab the prime minister before both were arrested and taken away by police. Mr Key, who is already recovering from a broken arm, said he was "quite shocked" by the incident.But he said the attack would not hinder government dialogue with the Maori. National Day celebrations have often been marred by Maori activists who argue that the New Zealand government has failed to honour the treaty - signed at Waitangi - founding the former British colony in 1840. Protesters say the agreement giving the indigenous people equal rights and ownership of tribal lands has not been upheld.
Maori activists
"It all happened very fast and I was quite shocked by it actually. "The next thing you know the diplomatic protection people around me were hauling this guy off and another guy came at me," Mr Key told Radio New Zealand. The Maori Affairs Minister, Pita Sharples, was knocked over as police tussled with the protesters, he said.The two men aged 19 and 33 were later charged with assault.Mr Key's predecessor, Helen Clark, refused to attend the annual celebrations there after she was jostled in 2004.

Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, center, stands with first princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, right, during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa.