May 2, 2011 nº 1.035 - Vol. 9
"He who strikes terror into others is himself in continual fear."
Insider's view: see how local concerns shape up the global world. Read the daily press review in Migalhas International.
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Read Migalhas LatinoAmérica in Spanish every Tuesday and Thursday. Visit the website at www.migalhas.com/latinoamerica
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Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead
Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan. The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a ground operation outside Islamabad based on US intelligence, the first lead for which emerged last August. Obama said after "a firefight", US forces took possession of his body. Bin Laden was accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001. He was top of the US "most wanted" list. To many in the West, Bin Laden became the embodiment of global terrorism, but to others he was a hero, a devout Muslim who fought two world superpowers in the name of jihad. The son of a wealthy Saudi construction family, Bin Laden grew up in a privileged world. But soon after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan he joined the mujahideen there and fought alongside them with his Arab followers, a group that later formed the nucleus for al-Qaeda. Obama said it was "the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al-Qaeda". The US has put its embassies around the world on alert, warning Americans of the possibility of al-Qaeda reprisal attacks for Bin Laden's killing.
The raid took 40 minutes. The intelligence operation took years. It started with the search for a courier, perhaps something of a misnomer for a senior aide to Bin Laden, one of the few men he trusted, according to prisoners who had been interrogated. Four years ago they uncovered his identity. The very high level of precautions the man took made them all the more suspicious. Two years ago they discovered the areas in which he operated. Last summer they identified the compound, in an affluent suburb of Islamabad. Eight times the size of similar homes in the area, it had 18ft-high walls topped with barbed wire and inner walls 7ft high. A large place, worth a million dollars, but with no phone, no internet access. The CIA believes it was purpose-built to hide Bin Laden.
At a time when there are so many doubts about America's role in the world, and so much economic gloom, there is something clear and plain about celebrating the "rubbing out" of a bad guy, an enemy. The president has been congratulated by even his opponents, and this success allows him to appear grimly resolute in pursuit of America's core interests.
Business gets new class-action shield
The high court handed business a powerful shield against consumer class actions Wednesday in a case involving AT&T, ruling that state laws can't override contract clauses requiring customers to present complaints individually to an arbitrator.
The role of the ECJ Case-Law
The Max-Planck Institute for Tax Law and Public Finance, the PwC Chair in Tax Law of the Catholic University of Louvain and the Tax Institute of the University of Lie`ge are pleased to invite you to the Congress on European Tax Law : "Beyond Discrimination : The role of the ECJ Case-Law in the International Division of Taxing Powers in Direct Taxation" that will be held on 19-20 May 2011 in Brussels. For additional information and registration, please click here.
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China frees one rights lawyer, another disappears
China's government released human rights lawyer Teng Biao Friday after more than 70 days of detention, but this was quickly followed by reports that fellow human rights lawyer Li Fangping disappeared later in the afternoon under suspicious circumstances. Teng's release came after discussions between Chinese officials and US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor Michael Posner. Just hours after Teng's release, Li reportedly called his wife to say security agents were waiting for him and he might be gone for some time. Human rights groups immediately called upon China to release Li. The group CHRD - Chinese Human Rights Defenders urged the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances "to take urgent action on Li Fangping's case, and to again convey its concern to the Chinese government about this escalating problem."
Investors ignore risks in pursuit of growth in china
The Chinese social networking site Renren is set to go public in the US this week, and investors appear to be disregarding the red flags that are in the company's I.P.O. filings.
China releases prominent human rights lawyer Teng Biao
The Chinese authorities have released a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Teng Biao after 70 days in custody. Rights group said he was freed on Friday afternoon and his wife was quoted as saying that he "is okay".
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US tobacco firms defeat hospitals
Six major US tobacco companies have defeated a lawsuit by hospitals seeking compensation for treating patients with smoking-related illnesses. Thirty-seven hospitals in the state of Missouri had claimed cigarette companies delivered an "unreasonably dangerous" product. They sought more than $455m reimbursement for treating uninsured smokers who had not paid for care. The hospitals treat many destitute, non-paying patients. They said medical ethics required them to treat people in need, regardless of their ability to pay. In the case, the hospitals claimed that tobacco companies manipulated the nicotine content in cigarettes and misrepresented the health effects of smoking. But a jury in St Louis rejected their claim.
US soldier charged with releasing classified documents competent to stand trial
A US Army panel of experts on Friday declared Pfc. Bradley Manning competent to stand trial for leaking a controversial classified video of a 2007 US helicopter strike in Iraq and classified State Department documents on Wikileaks last year. It took a panel of psychiatrists nearly nine months to determine Manning's competency. Manning was transferred last week from pre-trial solitary confinement to the Joint Regional Correctional Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A date for the pre-trial hearing has not yet been set.
Egypt in Palestine appeal to US
The Egyptian foreign minister urges the US to support the declaration of an independent Palestinian state, in a significant change of policy.
Federal judge refuses to dismiss Toyota acceleration lawsuit
A judge for the US District Court for the Central District of California on Friday denied a motion by Toyota to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed over the alleged sudden-acceleration defects. A final ruling is expected within the next two weeks. Last month, Judge James Selna agreed to dismiss economic damage claims from foreign Toyota buyers, citing a lack of standing.
Canada high court rules against farm workers union
The Supreme Court of Canada on Friday ruled that AEPA - Ontario's Agricultural Employees Protection Act does not violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The AEPA denies workers the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. The court determined by an 8-1 margin that the APEA does not violate the workers' freedom of association because workers are still permitted to form associations in order to bring grievances to employers. The decision overturned a 2008 decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario finding that the AEPA was in violation of the right and ordered the legislature to create a new law. Representatives for the respondent, UFCW - United Food & Commercial Workers Union, stated that they intend to focus on lobbying efforts to change the law and protect workers from rights abuses.
Europe investigates banks on CDS
The European Commission announced broad investigations into the world's largest banks and their roles in credit default swaps, part of the $600 trillion derivatives market.
Air France flight data recorder recovered
One of two flight recorders from an Air France plane that crashed in 2009 off the coast of Brazil has been recovered. France's Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that the device was "in good physical condition". French search teams last week found the outer casing of the so-called black box recorder, but not its memory.
French ex-PM faces appeal trial
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin is due to face an appeal trial over charges that he plotted to discredit Sarkozy. de Villepin was cleared in the case, but the state prosecutor appealed. He had been accused of failing to stop the Clearstream corruption inquiry into Sarkozy in 2004. The outcome of the case could have a major impact on next year's presidential election.
Obama sends up Trump's ambitions
Obama has sent up Donald Trump's presidential ambitions, joking that the real-estate mogul would turn the White House into a casino.
Law students lose the grant game as schools win
Merit scholarships help law schools enhance their cachet, but grading curves often make it impossible for students to keep the grants.
Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato dies
Argentine writer and human rights champion Ernesto Sabato has died aged 99 at his home near Buenos Aires. He won some of the most prestigious prizes in Hispanic literature but he was also known for his criticism of military regimes in Latin America. He headed the "Dirty War" commission that investigated the killings of thousands of people under Argentina's military rule in the 1970s and '80s.
California gambles on carbon trade
Regulators in the state are battling the clock, the courts and their own empty pockets to get a carbon market working within eight months.
ICTR removes US defense lawyer from tribunal work
The appeals chamber of the ICTR - International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has removed US lawyer and JURIST Forum contributor Peter Erlinder from his position as an ICTR defense lawyer. Appeals chamber judges said that last week's decision was based on Erlinder's failure to appear at the tribunal in Arusha, Tanzania. The decision cites Rule 46 of the ICTR Rules of Procedure and Evidence, which allows the tribunal to impose sanctions on lawyers guilty of misconduct, after giving the lawyer proper warning. Erlinder has claimed that he did not travel to the tribunal because his life is in danger and that he is on a reported hit list consisting of the opponents of Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The ICTR will replace Erlinder with another defense lawyer "as soon as possible."
Facebook numbers feed IPO view
Facebook's business is growing faster than it forecast several months ago, raising the stakes for an IPO as early as spring 2012.
Time
The terrorist hunter. How The G-Man Got His Groove Back. Inside Bob Mueller's 10-year campaign to fix the FBI.
Newsweek
Why the super-rich pay half the taxes we do. It’s easy for Mark Zuckerberg to say he’s ‘cool’ with raising income-tax rates. Because it won’t affect him.
Business Week
Seriously? President Trump? 'I'm Very Serious' Donald Trump may or may not run for the White House, but he has already reached his preferred destination: the center of attention.
The Economist
What's wrong with America's economy? Angst in the United States.
Der Spiegel
Mordswut - Die unheimliche Eskalation der Jugendgewalt
US forces kill Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, says President Obama in blow to Al-Qaeda
Al Arabiya, Online news, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Osama Bin Laden killed in raid
Arab News, Pro-government, Jidda, Saudi Arabia
Egypt calls on US to recognise Palestinian state
Asharq Al-Awsat, Pan-Arab daily, London, England
Iran backs down on political challenge
Egyptian Gazette, English-language, Cairo, Egypt
U.S. intelligence officials: This is how we killed bin Laden
Haaretz, Liberal daily, Tel Aviv, Israel
Moves to undermine Egyptian revolution
IPS Middle East, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Jihadists: Bin Laden death will not mute Jihad call
JPost, Conservative, Jerusalem, Israel
Osama bin Laden killed in U.S. raid, Obama says 'justice has been done'
Nahamet, Online news portal, Beirut, Lebanon
Syrian community in Libya condemns conspiracy against the country
Sana, Syrian Arab News Agency, Damascus, Syria
Japan's Nikkei closes above 10,000 after bin Laden death
Times of Oman, English-language daily, Muscat, Oman
Yemen police kills high profile al-Qaeda, detects two
Yemen Observer, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen
US forces kill Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
'Al Qaida will continue' warning
BreakingNews.ie, Online news portal, Cork, Ireland
Emotions erupt in U.S. after Obama addresses nation
CNN International, London, England
Osama bin Laden, world's most wanted terrorist, killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan
Daily Mail, Conservative daily, London, England
Osama Bin Laden is killed in Pakistan
EuroNews, International news, Ecully Cedex, France
USA: Osama bin Laden 'is dead'
France 24, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
Hit squad swooped on bin Laden pre-dawn raid
Independent The, London, England
Central bank raises interest rates
Moscow News The, Independent, Moscow, Russia
Petroleum exports banned as fuel crisis deepens
Moscow Times The, Independent daily, Moscow, Russia
Thousands gather in New York, Washington after Bin Laden killed
Radio Free Europe, Prague, Czech Republic
Al Qaeda Leader Osama Bin Laden Killed
Sky News, Independent newscaster, Middlesex, England
Royal wedding: You're next down the aisle, Harry told Chelsy
Telegraph The, Conservative daily, London, England
Aerosmith's Steve Tyler 'blew $20m on drugs'
Telegraph The, Celebrity news, London, England
Osama bin Laden killed after being shot in the head
WNC News, London, England
ASEAN youth connect through evening of rock
Antara News, News agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
Obama: Bin Laden killed in US raid
Bangkok Post, Independent, Bangkok, Thailand
NATO strike kills one Gadhafi son, three grandchildren, but leader escapes
China Post, English-language daily, Taipei, Taiwan
Universities are charging too much money for little benefit
Chosun Ilbo, Conservative daily, Seoul, South Korea
The week in iPhone 5 rumors
Computer World, IT information, Fairfax, New Zealand
Iraqi officer killed as figures show violence down
Daily Jang, Left-wing daily, Karachi, Pakistan
Qadhafi's son killed as NATO escalates air campaign
Hindu The, Left-leaning daily, Chennai, India
Osama bin Laden killed by US forces in Pakistan: Obama
Hindustan Times, New Delhi, India
World's most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden is dead: US
India Express, News portal, Mumbai, India
RTO plans office in community centres to issue licenses
India Times, Conservative daily, New Delhi, India
Crowds cheer death of 'mass murderer' Osama bin Laden
New Zealand Herald, Conservative daily, Auckland, New Zealand
Iraqi officer killed as figures show violence down
News The, Left-wing, Karachi, Pakistan
$90m to be spent on Paktika development
Pajhwok Afghan News, (Independent news agency), Kabul, Afghanistan
GCC chief to renew Yemen's power-transition mediation (3)
People's Daily Online, English-language, Beijing, China
University of Calif. targets out-of-state students
Sify News, Chennai, India
Five killed in raid, including bin Laden and son: US
Straits Times, Pro-government, Singapore
US team kills bin Laden in Pakistan
Sydney Morning Herald, Centrist daily, Sydney, Australia
Osama killed in Pakistan, justice done: Obama (Fourth Lead)
Thaindian News, Bangkok, Thailand
US motorists to face further rise in gasoline prices
The Economic Times, Business, Mumbai, India
Night raid that killed Osama
Times of India, Conservative, New Delhi, India
Osama bin Laden killed, Obama says
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Antigua to get tsunami, earthquake monitoring station
Caribbean360, Online news portal, St. Michael, Barbados
Dominican and Haitian authorities join force against cholera, dengue
Dominican Today, Independent daily, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Where was Osama Bin Laden killed?
International Business Times, Business news organization, New York, U.S
Bolivia steps up campaign at U.N. to legalise coca leaf
IPS Latin America, International cooperative of journalists, Rome, Italy
Obama announces that Bin Laden is dead
Maclean's, Centrist newsmagazine, Toronto, Canada
George Bush: Osama's death 'victory for America'
Newser, News web site, Chicago, U.S
Buffett believes reputation after Sokol still intact
Reuters, Business News, New York, U.S
Osama bin Laden killed in shootout, Obama says
Reuters, World News, New York, U.S
Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden dead
Toronto Star, Toronto, Ontario
Ramesh gives govt 21 days to respond
Trinidad Guardian, Independent daily, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
UN leaves Tripoli amid attacks
BBC News, Centrist newscaster, London, England
Takoradi marks May Day with a workers parade
GhanaWeb, Online news portal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
US kills Osama bin Laden
iafrica, Online news portal, Cape Town, South Africa
INDONESIA: Government to relocate volcano survivors
Irin News, Humanitarian news and analysis, Nairobi, Kenya
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