In the News: Jun-18

Green group accuses Conservatives of ignoring Kyoto law - 18 Jun 2008 at 2:58pm - The federal government is ignoring a law requiring it to comply with the Kyoto Protocol and defying the will of Parliament, according to lawyers for an environmental group that has taken the accusation to court.

Swedish Parliament rejects "Big Brother" surveillance bill - June 18, 2008 12:11:00 PM - A sweeping surveillance bill in Sweden, dubbed by the public as the "Big Brother law," was unable to get enough votes by parliament during the second vote today, forcing it back for revisions. Officials now promise to include better privacy protections for Swedish citizens concerned about their phone, e-mail, and Internet traffic being monitored in the name of national security.

Audit cites lack of planning for Afghan security - 18 Jun 2008 at 1:54pm - WASHINGTON -- Six years and $16.5 billion later, the U.S. still lacks a solid plan to create a self-sustaining security force in Afghanistan, a new independent audit finds.

US watchdog upholds Boeing protest of US tanker contract - 18 Jun 2008 at 1:54pm - WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Congress watchdog agency on Wednesday upheld Boeing's protest over a huge military aerial refueling tanker contract awarded to Northrop Grumman, and recommended the US Air Force review the entire deal.

Iraq foreign minister hails US "flexibity" - 18 Jun 2008 at 1:37pm - WASHINGTON -- Iraq's foreign minister on Wednesday said prospects for a new security agreement with the United States had brightened because of U.S. flexibility on the terms.

Report: Exams prove abuse, torture in Iraq, Gitmo - 18 Jun 2008 at 8:02am - WASHINGTON -- Medical examinations of former terrorism suspects held by the U.S. military at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, found evidence of torture and other abuse that resulted in serious injuries and mental disorders, according to a human rights group.

Boomers roll over hapless Iran - 18 Jun 2008 at 8:07am - US college sensation Patrick Mills led the Boomers to their second victory in their three-match series against Iran, cleaning up the visitors 97-53 in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

Thought for the day:
I think it's about time we voted for senators with breasts. After all, we've been voting for boobs long enough. -Claire Sargent