In the News: May-14

U.S. lists polar bears as 'threatened' species - 14 May 2008 at 2:33pm - The U.S. government has decided to list polar bears as a threatened species under its Endangered Species Act - a decision that could deal a severe blow to the lucrative sport hunt in Canada's North.

Congress pushes pay raise for troops - 14 May 2008 at 2:03pm - WASHINGTON -- Congress wants a 3.9 percent pay raise for troops next year - more than President Bush wants but in synch with a broader election-year effort by lawmakers to boost benefits for service members and veterans.

Russia says "Six" could guarantee Iran security - 14 May 2008 at 8:18am - YEKATERINBURG, Russia (Reuters) - The six powers negotiating with Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program could offer Tehran security guarantees, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters on Wednesday.

U.S. says Iran security pledge not on table - 14 May 2008 at 3:15pm - JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday six world powers had no plans to offer Iran security guarantees to encourage it to suspend nuclear activity, hours after Russia floated the idea.

Defense lawyers accuse Pentagon of delay in 9/11 cases - 14 May 2008 at 8:51am - Leading legal defense groups Tuesday accused the Pentagon of foot-dragging on security clearances that would let civilian lawyers help their military counterparts defend the alleged plotters of the Sept. 11 attacks at Guant?mo.

Thought for the day:
The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being an honest coward like everybody else. -Umberto Eco (1932 - ), Travels in Hyperreality