In the News: Dec-04

More problems for major post-9/11 security program - 4 Dec 2008 at 2:41pm - WASHINGTON -- A security program spurred by the 9/11 attacks to safeguard seaports has hit yet another snag, causing concern that commerce could be slowed during the busy holiday season.

Canadian Parliament Closed in Bid to Keep Prime Minister in Power - 4 Dec 2008 at 1:54pm - Canada?s formal head of state allowed the Parliament to be closed down until Jan. 26, granting an unprecedented request from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Iraq presidency council approves U.S. security pact - 4 Dec 2008 at 8:07am - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's presidency council has approved a security pact with the United States that paves the way for a complete U.S. troop pullout by the end of 2011, a spokesman for the council said on Thursday.

IRAQ: Low oil prices could affect government aid to IDPs - December 04, 2008 8:53:22 AM - BAGHDAD, 4 December 2008 (IRIN) - Low world oil prices could exacerbate the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs): The government, which relies on oil revenues for over 90 percent of its income, will have to cut financial assistance to IDPs in next year's budget, an Iraqi lawmaker has said.

Thought for the day:
If you hear that everybody is buying a certain stock, ask who is selling. -Anonymous