More than 200 dead in Philippine typhoon

More than 200 dead in Philippine typhoon


More than 200 dead in Philippine typhoon

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:32 PM PST

Philippine officials say the death toll from a powerful typhoon that sparked flash floods and landslides in the country's south has risen to more than 200 people.

Panel seeks accountability after Benghazi attacks

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:07 PM PST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - After a car bomb struck the U.S. ambassador's residence in Lima in 1992, the State Department convened a special panel to answer the same questions now hovering over a review of the September attacks in Benghazi, Libya: How much security is enough? What is the right role for U.S. diplomats?

Panel seeks accountability after Benghazi attacks

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:07 PM PST

An exterior view of the U.S. consulate, which was attacked and set on fire by gunmen yesterday, in BenghaziWASHINGTON (Reuters) - After a car bomb struck the U.S. ambassador's residence in Lima in 1992, the State Department convened a special panel to answer the same questions now hovering over a review of the September attacks in Benghazi, Libya: How much security is enough? What is the right role for U.S. diplomats? The Lima panel, known as an Accountability Review Board, issued a final report "that didn't find anybody had been delinquent," former U.S. Ambassador to Peru Anthony Quainton said. That report was never made public. ...


Fat police officers told to exercise in Indonesia

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 10:01 PM PST

Potbellied police in Indonesia's capital have been ordered to exercise, exchanging their uniforms twice a week for sweats and sneakers as they line up for aerobics and pushups to try to drop a few pounds.

Suicide bombers kill 3 soldiers in Pakistan

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 09:11 PM PST

Intelligence officials say a pair of suicide bombers rammed their truck filled with explosives into the gate of an army camp in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border, killing three soldiers.

VIDEO: Strikes turn US ports into ghost towns

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:13 PM PST

Clerical workers have been on strike at the US ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for more than a week.

VIDEO: Bangkok crowds celebrate King's Day

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:15 PM PST

The day each year sees buildings and homes all over the country adorned with flags, portraits of His Majesty and bunting, predominantly in the royal colour of yellow.

Far left outsider "winner" in Korean presidential debate

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:41 PM PST

South Korea's presidential candidate Lee talks with a staff member of a TV station before a televised debate in SeoulSEOUL (Reuters) - Sounding at times like a mouthpiece for hostile North Korea, a candidate with no chance of winning South's presidential election made the biggest impact in a televised debate and may have scuppered the chances of the main opposition candidate. Lee Jung-hee of the pro-North Korea United Progressive Party is polling less than one percent ahead of the December 19 election, but her strident performance in the debate on Tuesday evening may well have fatally damaged the mainstream left-wing candidate Moon Jae-in, whose party is allied with hers in parliament. ...


NATO warns Syria not to use chemical weapons

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:28 PM PST

BRUSSELS/BEIRUT (Reuters) - NATO told Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday that any use of chemical weapons in his fight against encroaching rebel forces would be met by an immediate international response.

Far left outsider "winner" in Korean presidential debate

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:41 PM PST

SEOUL (Reuters) - Sounding at times like a mouthpiece for hostile North Korea, a candidate with no chance of winning South's presidential election made the biggest impact in a televised debate and may have scuppered the chances of the main opposition candidate.

Philippines' biggest typhoon kills at least 82, many buried under mud

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:50 PM PST

Residents retrieve their belongings after their house was destroyed by a fallen tree caused by Typhoon Bopha in Cagayan de Oro CityMANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' strongest typhoon this year was headed towards tourist destinations on Wednesday after hitting a southern island, destroying homes, causing landslides and killing at least 82 people, but many more are reported dead and missing. Typhoon Bopha, with central winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and gusts of up to 160 kph (93 mph), was expected to hit beach resorts and dive spots in northern Palawan, the weather bureau said on Wednesday. Interior Minister Manuel Roxas confirmed 82 people had died and scores were missing after Bopha made landfall on Tuesday. ...


Egypt freedoms in balance during constitutional showdown

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 03:33 PM PST

"You are reading this message because Egypt Independent objects to continued restrictions on media liberties, especially after hundreds of Egyptians gave their lives for freedom and dignity."

Philippines' biggest typhoon kills at least 82, many buried under mud

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:50 PM PST

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' strongest typhoon this year was headed towards tourist destinations on Wednesday after hitting a southern island, destroying homes, causing landslides and killing at least 82 people, but many more are reported dead and missing.

More than 100 dead in Philippine typhoon

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 09:01 PM PST

Residents repair their damaged homes after Typhoon Bopha made landfall in Compostela Valley in southeastern Philippines Tuesday Dec. 4, 2012. Typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo), one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines this year, barreled across the country's south on Tuesday, killing at least 40 people and forcing more than 50,000 to flee from inundated villages. (AP Photo/Karlos Manlupig)The death toll from Typhoon Bopha climbed to more than 100 people Wednesday, while scores of others remain missing in the worst-hit areas of the southern Philippines.


Suicide bombers attack Pakistan army base, one soldier dead

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:08 PM PST

WANA, Pakistan (Reuters) - Two suicide bombers rammed their explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of an army base in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least one soldier and wounding eight, security officials said on Wednesday.

Suicide bombers attack Pakistan army base, one soldier dead

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 08:08 PM PST

WANA, Pakistan (Reuters) - Two suicide bombers rammed their explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of an army base in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least one soldier and wounding eight, security officials said on Wednesday. The attackers, who drove in from Afghanistan, were stopped before they could get into the camp in the South Waziristan capital of Wana, where thousands of soldiers are stationed, army officials said. "Security forces intercepted the car and opened fire as it neared the camp. The two men then blew themselves up," said one army official who declined to be identified. ...

NASA aims to send another rover to Mars

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 06:18 PM PST

New rover planned for 2020, as US space agency prepares for a manned mission to the Red Planet.

Software guru to seek asylum in Guatemala

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 07:18 PM PST

John McAfee crosses into Guatemala after evading police in neighbouring Belize for weeks in connection with murder.

VIDEO: US rejects Iran captures drone claim

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 05:35 PM PST

Iranian state media reported the drone was caught by the country's military forces after it violated its airspace.

In protest, man chains himself to U.S. Embassy in Dominican Republic

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 06:08 PM PST

SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) - A man behind a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic chained himself to the building's fence in protest on Tuesday, claiming that a botched DNA test led officials to wrongly deny his daughter American citizenship while also ruining his marriage.

Mali rebels agree to respect 'national unity'

Mali rebels agree to respect 'national unity'


Mali rebels agree to respect 'national unity'

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:22 PM PST

Ansar Dine and MNLA agree in talks with the government to respect territorial integrity and unity of country.

Israeli leaders gush over Hillary Clinton in tribute video

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:56 PM PST

Every year, D.C.-based think tank the Brookings Institution hosts, through its Saban Center for Middle East Policy, a conference of government officials and Mideast-focused thinkers. This year's featured a keynote speech by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was introduced by a polished, effusive, eight-minute video tribute. The video, embedded above, included interviews with a few American figures President Obama and former secretary of state Henry Kissinger, among others and with several foreign leaders: one each from Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, the U.K. and the United Arab Emirates, plus four of Israel's most prominent politicians.

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Restaurant Review: Moti Mahal Delux in Manhattan

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:00 PM PST

Mughlai food, rich in spices and butter, can be lavish when attention is paid to the ingredients, as it is at Moti Mahal Delux.

EU fails to agree bank supervisor

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:25 PM PST

EU finance ministers fail to reach agreement on setting up a single supervisor for eurozone banks after a meeting in Brussels.

Gunman made phone call to friends

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 11:18 AM PST

Friends of a council leader recall how he telephoned them moments after shooting his wife dead and just before he shot himself.

Media Decoder Blog: Netflix Bests Starz in Bid for Disney Movies

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:00 PM PST

Walt Disney Studios said that it would show films from its Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm banners on Netflix, the first time that one of Hollywood's Big Six studios has chosen Web streaming over pay television.

Rio arrests 59 police in corruption crackdown

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:34 PM PST

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Investigators in Rio de Janeiro arrested 59 police officers and 11 alleged drug traffickers on Tuesday after a year-long bribery probe and ongoing efforts to stamp out police corruption ahead of the World Cup in 2014 and Summer Olympics in 2016.

Amsterdam plans to relocate troublemakers to scum villages'

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:45 PM PST

In a move that sounds straight out of Orwell, Amsterdam allocated 1 million euros last week to a plan that would relocate trouble-making neighbors to camps on the outskirts of the city, the BBC reports.

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Obama: 'Taxes may drop in 2013'

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:44 PM PST

US President Barack Obama says taxes for the rich could go down in 2013 alongside broader reform, but must rise now as part of a "fiscal cliff" deal.

Government supporters attack Tunisia union

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:45 PM PST

Police in Tunis separate supporters of Ennahda party and trade union protesters as unrest reaches the capital.

Spain unemployment hits record levels

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 11:49 AM PST

Latest data shows that unemployment rate rose by 1.5 per cent in November, hitting 4.9 million.

Suspect in Fatal Subway Push Is in Custody

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:52 PM PST

After reviewing video footage, detectives found a man suspected of pushing a man into the path of a subway train in Midtown.

IOC suspends India from Olympics

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:07 PM PST

India is suspended by the IOC ahead of upcoming elections in which officials accused of corruption were set to be appointed.

VIDEO: Sri Lanka judge in corruption case

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:28 PM PST

Sri Lanka's most senior judge, Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, has appeared before a parliamentary committee which is looking into corruption allegations against her.

Italy court says wiretaps of president inadmissible in mafia case

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:24 PM PST

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's highest court on Tuesday ruled that a court in Palermo had wrongly dragged President Giorgio Napolitano into a probe on alleged negotiations between the mafia and the state following deadly gangland bombings two decades ago.

Merkel's conservatives show total unity before 2013 election

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:26 PM PST

HANOVER, Germany (Reuters) - Germany's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) put on a show of total unity at a congress on Tuesday, re-electing Angela Merkel as party leader by a record margin as she prepares to fight for a third term as chancellor.

IOC suspends India from Olympics

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:07 PM PST

India is suspended by the IOC ahead of upcoming elections in which officials accused of corruption were set to be appointed.

Scenes from Egypt's protests, The Last Warning'

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:08 PM PST

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has fled the presidential palace in Heliopolis after it was surrounded by angry protesters. Tens of thousands of Egyptians are rallying in violent demonstrations across the country in the worst political crisis there since the ouster two years ago of then-President Hosni Mubarak, the Washington Post reports.

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Egyptians take anti-Morsi protests to presidential palace

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:17 PM PST

CAIRO — Thousands of protesters massed outside the presidential palace and in Tahrir Square in Cairo on Tuesday, as Egyptians voiced their opposition to President Mohamed Morsi for a 12th straight day.

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Internet guru talks about life on the run

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 09:35 AM PST

The journey to interview Internet security guru John McAfee began with a secret phrase, a mysterious driver and a circuitous route full of left turns, right turns and U-turns.

More flexible visiting hours at government hospitals to be studied

More flexible visiting hours at government hospitals to be studied


More flexible visiting hours at government hospitals to be studied

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:51 AM PST

Visiting hours at government hospitals might be made more flexible for visitors who want to see the patients.

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Political leaders carry out indelible ink simulation

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:51 AM PST

The Election Commission (EC) today conducted an indelible ink simulation during polls for leaders of political parties from Selangor.

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Dr Hasan can appeal against demotion, says Health Minister

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:50 AM PST

Datuk Seri Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman, who was suspended as the director-general of health following a 'khalwat' (close proximity) case, can appeal against his demotion by one grade by the Public Service Commission (PSC), Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said today.

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Six dead as Typhoon Bopha lashes Philippines

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:29 AM PST

Typhoon Bopha killed at least six people in the Philippines on Tuesday as the strongest storm to hit the country this year forced more than 50,000 to seek refuge in emergency shelters, officials said.

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Pope takes to Twitter as Vatican woos Internet generation

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:22 AM PST

Pope Benedict XVI will join Twitter from December 12, with regular tweets in eight languages from the account @pontifex in time for Christmas as the Vatican tries to woo the global Internet generation.

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VIDEO: Anti-Putin detainees fight for justice

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:00 AM PST

A year on from the parliamentary elections in Russia, which triggered a wave of mass protests against President Putin, opposition organisers are claiming they have been subjected to inhumane treatment.

Iran captures U.S. drone over its airspace - media

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:41 PM PST

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran captured a United States drone that was flying in the country's airspace, its media reported on Tuesday.


Yahoo! reveals top searches of 2012

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 12:07 AM PST

Search engine Yahoo! has unveiled its report on what the US was searching for in 2012. Unsurprisingly, the presidential elections attracted the most interest, but other popular search topics included Kim Kardashian, Kate Middleton and the London Olympics.

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Kampung Pantai Acheh

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:47 PM PST

Pantai Acheh is one of the traditional Chinese fishing villages located at the southern of Penang Island. The natural rustic village filled with dense mangroves. Local specialties belacan and salted eggs are the charm of the village to most of the tourists.

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'Girls Gone Wild' at US campuses? Not really, study finds

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:28 PM PST

Are co-eds going wild with hook-ups or settling into cozy romances? A new study probes the finer points of the behavior of female US college students.

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Can a fit, sexy avatar inspire a fitter, sexier you?

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:25 PM PST

A new study looks at how the use of avatars in video games or apps could influence how we feel about our own health and appearance and offer a boost to weight loss and exercise training programs.

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Langat 2 delayed by 29 months due to non-cooperation from state govt

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:13 PM PST

The construction of the Sungai Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (Langat 2) and the Distribution System is suffering a delay of up to 40.55 per cent, or about 29 months from the original schedule due to the refusal of the Selangor state government in giving the required approval.

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Increase road tax for large engine capacity vehicles

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:12 PM PST

The government needs to increase the road tax on large engine capacity vehicles as a way to protect the average consumer, says Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

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VIDEO: Nato 'to approve' Turkey defences

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:52 PM PST

Nato is expected to approve the deployment of Patriot Missile Interceptors to defend Turkey's border with Syria.

Blind China dissident says jailed nephew acted in self-defence

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 10:53 PM PST

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng said the jailing of his nephew last week was on trumped up charges which ignored clear evidence that he had acted in self-defence after men armed with sticks forced their way into his home and beat him.


VIDEO: World leaders congratulate royals

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:13 PM PST

The news that Prince William and Kate are expecting their first child swept around the world with speed - world leaders and royal watchers quick to congratulate the couple.

Indonesian embassy warns maids to avoid Malaysia

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:11 PM PST

Indonesia Tuesday warned its nationals not to work as maids in Malaysia after a weekend raid freed 105 women who were confined against their will and forced to work without pay.

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Call to expedite blueprint to make Klang Valley Asia's e-book hub

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 11:09 PM PST

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir today suggested that the book industry resolve the issue of intellectual property first in expediting the blueprint to realise the objective of making the Klang Valley the e-book hub of Asia.

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VIDEO: Typhoon Bopha hits Philippines

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 10:33 PM PST

A powerful typhoon has struck the southern Philippines causing flooding and power cuts and forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes.

VIDEO: Second day in hospital for Kate

Posted: 03 Dec 2012 10:43 PM PST

The Duchess of Cambridge is beginning a second day in hospital for treatment for severe morning sickness.