National and International Headlines for June 30

Headlines from Democracynow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.

U.S. Advisers Helped Iraq Draw Up Oil Contracts

The New York Times reports a group of American advisers led by a small State Department team played an integral part in drawing up contracts between the Iraqi government and five major Western oil companies to develop some of the largest oil fields in Iraq. The disclosure marks the first confirmation of direct involvement by the Bush administration in deals to open Iraq’s oil to commercial development. The Times recently reported the original partners in the Iraq Petroleum Company–Exxon Mobil, Shell, Total and BP– as well as Chevron, are on the verge of getting no-bid contracts to service Iraq’s largest oil fields. In their role as advisers to the Iraqi Oil Ministry, American government lawyers and private-sector consultants provided template contracts and detailed suggestions on drafting the contracts.

Democrats Agree to Fund Major Escalation Of Covert Operations Against Iran

Investigative reporter Seymour Hersh of the New Yorker magazine has revealed the Democratic-led Congress agreed to a request last year from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran. Congress approved $400 million in spending for covert activities ranging from spying on Iran’s nuclear program to supporting rebel groups in a bid to overthrow the Iranian government.

UN: Civilian Death Toll in Afghanistan Soars 60%

The United Nations has revealed the number of civilians killed in Afghanistan has soared by 60 percent in the first half of the year. Nearly 700 civilians have been killed since January. John Holmes of the United Nations said the majority were killed by the Taliban or other militant groups but a significant number were killed by international forces. This comes as the Pentagon is predicting Taliban attacks and bombings will continue to increase because the Taliban has “coalesced into a resilient insurgency.” Fighting has also intensified across the border in Pakistan where Pakistani forces have begun a third day of assaults on suspected Taliban sites. It marks the first major Pakistani offensive against Taliban fighters in the Khyber tribal region.

Pentagon Drafts Secret Plan to Lunch Missions Inside Pakistan

Meanwhile the New York Times reports the Pentagon drafted a secret plan to make it easier for the Pentagon’s Special Operations to launch missions against Al Qaeda inside Pakistan. But the plan known as Operation Cannonball has never been implemented in part because of fears of alienating Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf. The Times also reports that the war in Iraq consistently diverted resources and high-level attention from the tribal areas. When American military and intelligence officials requested additional Predator drones to survey the tribal areas, they were told no drones were available because they had been sent to Iraq.

Clinton and Obama Campaign in Unity, NH

In campaign news, Senator Hillary Clinton joined Barack Obama in the New Hampshire town of Unity on Friday. It marked Clinton’s first public appearance with Obama since she dropped out of the presidential race.

Sen. Hillary Clinton: “Unity is not only a beautiful place, it is a wonderful feeling. I know what we start here in this field today will end on the steps of the capitol when Barack Obama is elected president of the United States.”

Senator Barack Obama praised his former opponent.

Sen. Barack Obama: “I’ve admired her as a leader, learned from her as a candidate. [Audience Members Shouts "She Rocks".] She rocks. She rocks. That’s the point I am trying to make. I am proud to call her a friend and I know how much we need Hillary and Bill Clinton as a party, as a country.”

Meanwhile Senator Obama has announced plans to visit the Middle East and Europe ahead of the November election. Stops will include Israel, Jordan, France, Germany and Britain. Obama said the trip will allow him to “consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face.”

Mugabe Sworn in After Disputed Run-Off Election

In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe was sworn in Sunday for his sixth term following a disputed run-off election. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai boycotted the poll due to a wave of deadly attacks on his supporters. Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 when it became an independent nation. Mugabe is in Egypt today for an African Union summit. Libyan state minister Ali Treiki urged Zimbabwe to accept a power-sharing government.

Ali Treiki: “I think now, let us envisage that a government of coalition should be formed from both the government and the opposition to run the country. I think the example we did in Kenya is a very good example, and are looking forward that our Zimbabwean brothers will follow that example.”

Moratorium Placed On New Solar Energy Projects on Fed Land

Solar energy companies have been dealt a major setback. The New York Times reports the Bush administration has placed a nearly two-year moratorium on the construction of new solar energy projects on public land. The Bureau of Land Management says it needs until the spring of 2010 to study the environmental impact the solar projects will have on land in Arizona, Nevada, California and other western states. Critics of the moratorium say it could paralyze the solar energy industry. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said: “This] is the wrong signal to send to solar power developers, and to Nevadans and Westerners who need and want clean, affordable sun-powered electricity soon.” Some environmental groups have praised the government for assessing the implications of large-scale solar development. Meanwhile the amount of oil drilling and gas drilling on public land has reached a new high. The Wilderness Society recently reported that more than 44 million acres of public lands are leased for oil and gas development. Last year the Bush administration approved over 7100 drilling permits, a new record.

1,000 Wildfires Burn in Northern California

In northern California more than 17,000 firefighters continue to fight over a thousand wildfires. The blazes have scorched more than 550 square miles and destroyed more than 50 buildings. Air pollution warnings have been issued throughout Northern California. Officials say air pollution readings in the region are two to 10 times the federal standard.

Some areas are experiencing the worst air quality on record, with the smoke hanging down to the ground like a fog. The fires have destroyed nearly 50 structures, injured 85 people and threaten nearly 10,000 homes.

Congress Approves Additional $170M For Israel

In news from Capitol Hill, Congress has approved giving Israel an additional $170 million in aid next fiscal year. This means the U.S. will give Israel a total of more than $2.5 billion next year. Israel remains the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The U.S. is planning to give Israel $30 billion over the next 10 years.

Israeli Officials Beat Palestinian Journalist At Border Crossing

Meanwhile a prominent Palestinian journalist has been hospitalized after being strip-searched and assaulted by Israeli officials at a border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank. The journalist, Mohammed Omer, was on his way back to Gaza after visiting London where he won the prestigious Martha Gellhorn Prize for journalism. Omer is the Gaza correspondent for the Inter Press Service and has been a guest on Democracy Now. According to Omer, Shin Bet officials interrogated him, pointed an M16 gun at his face then forcibly removed all of his clothing. Then officials pinned him to the floor and searched every cavity of his body. He began vomiting and fainted. He was then dragged on the floor with his head banging on the ground. He woke up in a Palestinian hospital.

Dow Jones On Brink of Worst June Since Great Depression

In economic news, the Dow Jones index is on the brink of its worst June since the Great Depression. The Dow has fallen by over nine percent this month.

Steven Hatfill to Receive Nearly $6 Million Settlement in Anthrax Case

In other news the Justice Department has agreed to give a nearly $6 million settlement to Steven Hatfill, the bio-weapons expert publicly tagged as a “person of interest” in the anthrax scare from October 2001.

50,000 Attend Mandela Celebration in London

And in London more than 50,000 people attended a star-studded concert on Friday to honor former South African President Nelson Mandela. Mandela turns 90 in July.

Nelson Mandela: “Even as we celebrate, let us remind ourselves that our work is far from complete. Where there is poverty and sickness including AIDS, where human beings are being oppressed there is more work to be done. Our work is for freedom for all.”

Congress Votes to Remove Mandela & ANC From Terror List

Meanwhile on Capitol Hill Congress has voted to finally remove Mandela and the African National Congress from the government’s terrorist watch list. The former South African president and some in the now-ruling ANC are still blacklisted under U.S. laws and need special permission to enter the United States more than a decade after the apartheid struggle ended.

Tags: headlines, international, national

Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain Coming to Grand Rapids

Republican presidential candidate John McCain will be making two appearances in Grand Rapids in July according to media reports. McCain will appear at two fundraisers in the Grand Rapids area at the homes of wealthy Republicans. On July 2, McCain will be at a fundraiser at the home of real estate developer Samuel Cummings and on July 17, he will be at the home of Peter Secchia.

Both Cummings and Secchia are prominent businessmen in Grand Rapids who have in the past provided significant support to Republican candidates running for a variety of offices. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Cummings–who owns Second Story Properties–has contributed $9,500 to Republican candidates and parties since 1995. Cummings is also listed as a “bundler”–a fundraiser that pools contributions from multiple political action committees (PACs) and individuals–for the McCain campaign according to White House for Sale.

Peter Secchia is a former Ambassador to Italy who has contributed $208,535 to Republican candidates and parties since 1995. In 2006, Vice President Dick Cheney spoke at a fundraiser at Secchia’s home.

Tags: elections2008, grand rapids, john mccain, michigan, republicans

National and International Headlines for June 27

Headlines from Democracynow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.

Supreme Court Rejects D.C. Handgun Ban

In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court has struck down a handgun ban in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, justices ruled the Second Amendment enshrines the constitutional right of an individual to own and keep a loaded handgun at home for purposes of self-defense. The five to four decision overturns the 32-year old ban on handguns in the nation’s capital. It’s the court’s most significant ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly seventy years. Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty criticized the ruling but said it will be respected.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty: “As mayor, even though I am disappointed in the court’s ruling and believe as I have for the past year that more handguns in the district will only lead to more handgun violence, it is both important to respect the court’s authority and to act quickly and I have already directed the metropolitan police department to implement an orderly process to allow citizens to register handguns for lawful possession in their homes.”

Court Strikes Down Campaign Finance Rule on Wealthy Candidates

In another judgment, the Supreme Court struck down a key part of campaign finance reform regulating how wealthy candidates finance their campaigns. The so-called “millionaire’s amendment” forces candidates to disclose additional information and allows opponents to raise more money. In a five to four ruling, the court said the amendment is unconstitutional because it unfairly restricts wealthy candidates.

In Disarmament Deal, U.S to Remove N.K. from Terror List

North Korea has reportedly destroyed a cooling tower at its main nuclear facility as part of a new agreement to abandon nuclear activities. The tower’s destruction was seen as largely symbolic as the plant had already been inactive. The move comes one day after North Korea pledged to begin disarmament in return for a partial lifting of sanctions from six other countries including the United States. The Bush administration agreed to remove North Korea from its list of states sponsoring terrorism. President Bush cautiously welcomed the agreement at the White House.

President Bush: “If they don’t fulfil their promises, more restrictions will be placed on them. This is action for action. This is we, you know, will trust you only to the extent that you fulfil your promises. So I’m pleased with the progress. I’m under no illusions that this is the first step; this isn’t the end of the process, this is the beginning of the process of action for action.”

Bush had famously labeled North Korea part of the so-called “Axis of Evil” along with Iran and Iraq in his State of the Union address in January 2002. The administration had initially rejected diplomacy with the North Korean regime. But some government officials say the Bush administration’s failures in Iraq and Afghanistan and its loss in the 2006 Congressional elections motivated the White House to reach an agreement before Bush leaves office. Carolyn Leddy, a former National Security Council counter-proliferation official under President Bush, said: “There’s certainly a desire on the legacy issue here.” Former UN ambassador John Bolton, a leading neo-conservative in the Bush administration until his exit two years ago, said: “I think it’s a very sad day. … It reflects the collapse of the Bush doctrine.”

41 Dead in Iraq Bombings

In Iraq, at least forty-one people were killed in separate bombings Thursday. Twenty Iraqis were killed along with three U.S. marines at a tribal council meeting in Anbar province. Another eighteen people were killed and eighty wounded in a car bomb attack in the northern city of Mosul. Thirteen Americans including two civilians have died in Iraq since Monday. Twenty-nine U.S. servicemembers have been killed in June, making it one of the bloodiest periods for the U.S. military in several months. At least fifty Iraqis have died in the same stretch.

June Deadliest Month of Afghan Invasion for Foreign Troops

Meanwhile in Afghanistan, June has become the deadliest month for foreign troops there since the 2001 invasion. On Thursday, a roadside bomb killed three service-members in a foreign convoy, bringing this month’s troop toll to thirty-nine.

Senate OKs War Funding War Bill

On Capitol Hill, the Senate has overwhelmingly approved a measure funding the U.S. occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. The final vote was ninety-two to six. The two-hundred-fifty-seven billion dollar emergency supplement funds the wars through the end of President Bush’s term and beyond. The House passed its version of the bill last week. Democrats agreed to back the measure after winning Republican concessions on benefits for veterans.

Senate Delays FISA Vote

In other news from Washington, the Senate has delayed a vote on a controversial measure to re-write the nation’s surveillance laws and grant immunity to phone companies involved in President Bush’s secret domestic spy program. The legislation gives the government new powers to eavesdrop on both domestic and international communications. The Democratic-controlled House approved its version of the bill last week. But on Thursday, Senate Democrats said they would delay debate following objections from Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. Democrats say they’ll take up the measure when Senators return from recess in July.

Zimbabwe Proceeds With Run-off Vote

Zimbabwe is proceeding with a controversial run-off election today despite local and international allegations of a rigged vote. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round of elections in March but withdrew from the run-off late last week. He has sought refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare out of what he says is concern for his life. On Thursday, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe rejected foreign criticism.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe: “We remain open to discussion, if there are any proposals that the other party’s would want to make to us in good spirit, we will listen to those proposals, discuss them with them. AU [African Union], it has no right in dictate to us what we should do with our constitution and how we should govern this country.”

Morales Accuses U.S. of De-stabilization Campaign

In Bolivia, controversy is growing over alleged U.S. political interference to undermine the government of President Evo Morales. This week six coca grower federations announced they would expel officials with the State Department agency USAID for allegedly funneling money to government opponents. On Thursday, Morales decried what he called a conspiracy against his presidency.

Bolivian President Evo Morales: “The conspiracy, as they say, against the Indian, against the government, against Evo Morales, is USAID, it’s the US embassy. We said, comrades, that we would never break relations. We are the culture of dialogue. Instead, we should be a territory free from U.S. imperialism. This is our great desire, that of the tropical zone of Cochabamba, it’s the conscience of our peoples.”

Tensions have risen since former Bolivian Defense Minister Carlos Sanchez Berzain said he had been granted asylym in the United States. Berzain is wanted for his alleged role in a 2003 government crackdown that left sixty-seven people dead and more than 400 wounded.

Obama, Clinton Make Joint Appearance

Back in the United States, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton made their first joint appearance in Washington Thursday since Obama won the Democratic nomination earlier this month. The private event was filled with Clinton supporters and seen as the first step towards reconciliation between the two campaigns. Under questioning from audience members, Obama said he acknowledged sexism had played a role in Clinton’s defeat. Obama and Clinton are set for their first joint public appearance today in Unity, New Hampshire.

Obama Rejects Nader Criticism on “Talking White”

Meanwhile Obama has engaged in his first public spat with independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader following Nader’s criticism of his campaign. In an interview with the Rocky Mountain News, Nader said Obama is trying to appease white voters while ignoring African-Americans.

Ralph Nader: “There’s only one thing different about Barack Obama when it comes to being a Democratic presidential candidate. He’s half African-American. Whether that will make any difference, I don’t know. I haven’t heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What’s keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn’t want to appear like Jesse Jackson? We’ll see all that play out in the next few months and if he gets elected afterwards.”

On Wednesday, Obama dismissed Nader’s criticism.

Sen. Barack Obama: “What’s clear is, Ralph Nader hasn’t been paying attention to my speeches. Ralph Nader is trying to get attention. He has become the perennial political candidate. I think it’s a shame, because if you look at his legacy in terms of consumer protections it’s an extraordinary one. But at this point, he’s somebody who’s trying to get attention and his campaign hasn’t gotten any traction.”

Al-Arian Jail Term Continues with New Indictment

And supporters of the jailed Palestinian professor Sami Al-Arian are voicing outrage over another new indictment against him in a case unrelated to his original jailing. On Thursday, prosecutors indicted Al-Arian for refusing to appear before a grand jury probing an Islamic charity in Northern Virginia. Al-Arian has already spent an additional eighteen months in prison for refusing to testify. He was due to be released in April after serving five years on charges that he was a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He had accepted that sentence after reaching a plea agreement to avoid a second trial. In his original trial, a Florida jury failed to return a single guilty verdict on any of the seventeen charges brought against him.

Tags: headlines, international, national

One-Sided Republican Report Calls for Tougher Immigration Enforcement

Earlier this week, Mediamouse.org reported that the Michigan Task Force on Border Security & Immigration Reform had released a new report that calls for a variety of new measures aimed at reducing undocumented immigration in Michigan. The task force includes West Michigan area Representative Dave Agema who has in the past pledged to make it difficult for undocumented immigrants “to survive” in Michigan.

Mediamouse.org has obtained a copy of the report, titled “Securing Our State,” which was previously unavailable online. The report frames the discussion in terms of how undocumented immigration affects “economic security,” “community security,” and the need to “protect Michigan citizens” in light of the so-called failings of the federal government. From the start, it sets a tone that undocumented immigration is a threat and that immigrants should be feared. The report’s introduction begins by talking about it as a security issue before asserting that “illegal immigration costs U.S. and Michigan taxpayers money as it results in higher costs to schools, health care and human services.” However, the report makes no mention of specific costs and indeed calls for more investigation into the topic.

The report contains 15 legislative recommendations that are designed to “help combat illegal immigration and the negative effects that it has on our state.” The recommendations were compiled based on the comments of those who testified at a series of four hearings held across Michigan by the task force. The majority of those testifying at the hearings were government, law enforcement, or business representatives. There was no testimony from immigrant rights organizations or nonprofit organizations that assist immigrants.

Consequently, the recommendations focus primarily on ways to reduce undocumented immigration by criminalizing immigrants. It urges more cooperation between state and federal law enforcement as well as giving law enforcement officers the ability to ask about a person’s immigration status. Similarly, the bill seeks to penalize cities by withholding revenue if they designate themselves as “sanctuary cities” in which they do not enforce immigration law. It also calls for stronger federal border patrols, as well as measures aimed at denying undocumented immigrants access to employment, identification cards, and labor unions.

Following the recommendations, the report summarizes the testimony delivered at the hearings. While it contains short summaries of what was said by each person on the agenda, it makes no mention of what was said during the public comment period. In the case of the hearing in West Michigan, this omission is particularly glaring as several people commenting directly contradicted what was said and called the task force out for only presenting only one side of the issue.

Tags: dave agema, government, immigration, michigan, republicans

Arlington Midwest Coming to Grand Rapids

Arlington Midwest, a traveling exhibit honoring the human lives lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars created by the Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition, will be in Grand Rapids this fall. The memorial is being brought to town by the West Michigan Justice and Peace Coalition:

Mark your calendar for Arlington Midwest: September 18 through 22!

Assembled by the Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition, the Arlington Midwest (AMW) display includes over 4,000 homemade “tombstones,” one for each U.S. soldier killed in the wars against Iraq and Afghanistan. The display, which resembles the U.S. national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, also includes a section of 36 planks to represent the large number of civilians killed in those wars, as well as a separate “cemetery” for U.S. soldiers who have committed suicide since returning from the war.

The AMW, which is a powerful, symbolic way to enable people to confront the human cost of war, is being brought to Grand Rapids by member groups of the West Michigan Justice & Peace Coalition (WMJPC). The Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids have graciously agreed to host the display in the southeast corner of their property at Marywood. As Joyce Ann Hertzig, O.P. puts it, “This is an opportunity to heighten awareness of our need and the need of our nation to seek peace. The human cost of the war and the poverty caused by the devastation of Earth will be highlighted” (InWord, May 2008).

At the time of his death in May, Joe Carmody (a member of Pax Christi – Grand Rapids and the WMJPC) was passionately leading the effort to bring Arlington Midwest here. Although he did not live to see this become a reality, the WMJPC Arlington Midwest Committee considers this a tribute to his peacemaking and commitment to justice.

Here’s where each of us comes in. We need to raise $1,000 to cover the expenses of transporting the display and at least 25 volunteers to help set it up and take it down, as well as volunteers to greet and guide visitors throughout the weekend. Please contact Nancy Peters at nancyjpeters@comcast.net if you will be able to help. The setup will begin on Thursday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. With 25 volunteers it will take six hours to set up, so the more volunteers the better. The takedown will begin on Monday, September 22, at 1:00 p.m. With 25 volunteers it will take three hours to take down.

The display will be open to the public on Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The WMJPC Arlington Midwest Committee is recommending four volunteers for each three hour shift to greet and guide visitors.

At the request of the AMW Committee, Mary Pat Beatty, O.P. will be the media contact person. The Dominicans are pleased that IGE will sponsor an Interfaith Prayer Service in Dominican Chapel/Marywood at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, the U.N. International Day of Peace.

Donations to help cover the costs of the display may be mailed to the Institute for Global Education, P.O. Box 68039, Grand Rapids, MI 49516. Please write “Arlington Midwest” in the memo line. Any help that you can provide, whether it be your time, your financial support, or both, are very much appreciated!

Arlington Midwest – September 18-22, 2008

Grand Rapids Dominicans Marywood Campus

2025 E Fulton

Volunteer Sign Up Information

Please call (231) 798-2915 or email the information to nancyjpeters@comcast.net who will keep a master list. She will email updates as times fill up… suggesting other times most needed. All volunteers will be contacted to confirm their scheduled times.

Tags: activism, afghanistan, antiwar, grand rapids, iraq, michigan, organizing, war

IGE Talks: Globalization

Here is the latest “IGE Talks,” a monthly cable access show hosted by the Institute for Global Education (IGE) and aired on Grand Rapids’ public access television. As part of our ongoing efforts to support independent and do-it-yourself media here in West Michigan, we will be posting these shows each month. In this episode, “IGE Talks” focuses on “Globalization:”

The topic for the next show is “weed and seed.” It will be taped on July 3 at 7:00pm at the IGE office. IGE is located at 1118 Wealthy Street SE. The public is welcome to participate in the discussion.

Tags: globalization, grand rapids, ige, ige talks, media, michigan

National and International Headlines for June 26

Headlines from Democracynow.org, a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US.

U.S. Attacks Kill 8 Iraqis, Including Family

At least eight Iraqi civilians have been killed in separate attacks from U.S. forces. On Wednesday, a family of five died when a U.S. helicopter struck their home in Tikrit. Both parents were killed along with their three children all under ten years old. Another five people were injured in a neighboring home. Also Wednesday three Iraqi bank workers were killed when U.S. forces shot their car near Baghdad’s airport. Meanwhile at least seven civilians were injured when a car bomb exploded in central Baghdad.

Witness: “We were sitting inside the shop, when we saw fire. The people who were sitting inside the shop were wounded and taken to the hospital. A number of vehicles were wrecked and glass was strewn.”

Bush Hosts Iraqi President for Talks on Long-Term Deal

Meanwhile at the White House, President Bush hosted Iraqi President Jalal Talabani amidst ongoing talks on a status of forces agreement between Iraq and the United States. Bush said the two sides are making progress.

President Bush: “We talked of a variety of subjects. We talked about a strategic framework agreement that suits the Iraq government. We talked about elections and different laws that have been passed. I did compliment the President on working hard to see to it that the legislative session this year has been very successful. We talked about the fact that the economy is improving, and that the attitude of the people there has improved immeasurably over the years.”

Earlier this month Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Malaki warned the talks had reached a dead end over several U.S. demands. The Bush administration is seeking to keep more than fifty military bases in Iraq. It’s also insisting on continuing military campaigns without consultation with the Iraqi government and immunity for American soldiers and contractors.

Supreme Court Cuts Exxon Damages for Alaska Oil Spill

The Supreme Court has sharply reduced the amount of money Exxon Mobil has to pay in punitive damages for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. An Alaskan jury had initially ruled Exxon should pay $5 billion in punitive damages for the accident that spilled eleven million gallons of crude oil into the fishing waters of Prince William Sound. Punitive damages were cut in half in 2006. On Wednesday the Supreme Court cut the amount of punitive damages again and ordered Exxon Mobil to pay just $500 million dollars – one-tenth of the original jury’s ruling. We’ll have more on this story after headlines.

Justices End Executions for Child Rape

In another ruling, the Supreme Court struck down the death penalty for raping a child. In a five to four judgment, justices said prisoners can only be executed for murder or crimes against the state. The ruling overturns laws in six states including Louisiana where two men have been on death row after being convicted of child rape.

Internal Probe Faults Security Gaps at U.S. Nuclear Sites

A leaked U.S. Air Force review has found major security flaws at most U.S. bases storing nuclear weapons in Europe. The probe was launched after an incident last August in which a B-52 bomber inadvertently carried nuclear warheads on a cross-country flight. According to the report, security infrastructure is in need of major repair at several sites. At some bases, nuclear weapons were found to be guarded by private security guards and U.S. soldiers with just months of experience. The report calls for reducing the number of nuclear weapons in Europe to “reduce vulnerabilities at overseas locations.” The report was leaked to the Federation of American Scientists and published on its website. Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists said: “The main implication of the … report is that the nuclear weapons deployment in Europe is, and has been for the past decade, a security risk.”

Amnesty International Erects Gitmo Cell on National Mall

In Washington, human rights activists with Amnesty International have erected a replica of a Guantanamo Bay prison cell on the National Mall. Zeke Johnson of the group Counter Terror with Justice said in addition to closing Guantanamo, government officials should be held accountable for authorizing torture.

Zeke Johnson: “Part of Amnesty International’s Campaign is calling for an end to torture and other cruel and inhumane, degrading treatment in the context against the fight against terrorism. So we want torture to end and for people who authorize it and implement it to be held accountable.”

The action comes ahead of a House hearing today on interrogation practices at Guantanamo. Vice President Cheney’s chief of staff David Addington and former Justice Department lawyer John Yoo are among those expected to testify. Today is also the World Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Canadian Judge: U.S. Treatment of Khadr Amounts to Torture

Meanwhile a Canadian judge has issued a harsh rebuke of the U.S. imprisonment of the Canadian prisoner Omar Khadr. On Wednesday, federal court judge Richard Mosley said Khadr’s treatement has violated international laws against torture. Mosley cited a document detailing a technique used against Kadr during his interrogation. Mosley did not reveal the technique but said it should be publicly exposed. Khadr was fifteen years old when he was arrested by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Judge: NSA Not Compelled to Disclose Spying on Gitmo Attorneys

In other Guantanamo news, a federal judge has rejected a suit that would have forced the National Security Agency to disclose whether it spied on the lawyers of Guantanamo prisoners. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote said the NSA does not need to tell lawyers whether they were spied on. Attorneys have claimed they’ve avoided international phone calls out of fear their phones are tapped.

Senate Begins Debate on FISA Bill

On Capitol Hill, the Senate has voted to begin debate on a measure that would re-write the nation’s surveillance laws and grant immunity to phone companies involved in President Bush’s secret domestic spy program. The legislation gives the government new powers to eavesdrop on both domestic and international communications. The Democratic-controlled House approved its version of the bill last week.

Obama, Clinton to Hold Joint Rally

On the campaign trail, Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are set to hold their first joint appearance today since Obama won the Democratic nomination earlier this month. Obama has reportedly asked top donors to help Clinton retire more than ten million dollars in campaign debt. On Wednesday, Obama said he would welcome Clinton’s aid during the campaign.

Sen. Barack Obama: “I think we can send Senator Clinton anywhere and she’ll be effective. Obviously it’ll be constrained by her schedule, but I’m looking forward to campaigning vigourously with her. I think we’ll have a terrific time together in New Hampshire and I think that she will be very effective going all the way through November.”

South Koreans Protest as U.S. Beef Imports Set to Resume

In South Korea, thousands of people continued to rally in the capitol Seoul Wednesday ahead of today’s expected move to resume importing U.S. beef.

Protester: “Obviously the president is not listening to us. He made his nationally televised apology, but after the apology he’s forcing to implement the deal. I can only think he’s not listening at all.”

South Korea imposed the ban five years ago after an outbreak of mad cow disease. But the ban was lifted last month, after US lawmakers threatened to withhold a pending trade deal.

Mandela Criticizes Mugabe on Political Crisis

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has ended a public silence on the crisis in Zimbabwe. On Wednesday, Mandela criticized Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe for what he called a “tragic failure of leadership.”

Nelson Mandela: “Nearer to home we had seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country and the tragic failure of leadership in our neighbouring Zimbabwe.”

Mandela was speaking in London at a dinner ahead of his ninetieth birthday next month. Mugabe has come under widespread criticism for refusing to cancel a run-off election scheduled for Friday. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the first round of elections in March but withdrew from the run-off late last week. He has sought refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare out of what he says is concern for his life. On Wednesday, Tsvangirai said Mugabe has declared a war.

Morgan Tsvangirai: “Well where does this leave the country? At a dead end. Let me say that it’s not an election. If he goes into the process of an election [inaudible] its not an election, that’ s what I’m saying. That this is not an election, it is war. Mugabe’s declared war and we don’t want to be part of it.”

Cuba Approves Lung Cancer Vaccine

In Cuba, health officials have approved what’s believed to be the world’s first registered vaccine for lung cancer. Doctors say the treatment, CimaVax EGF, can extend survival rates by an average four to five months, and in some cases longer. The vaccine is said to have few side effects because it attacks only cancer cells.

U.S. Mayors Call for Shunning Bottled Water

Back in the United States, the US Conference of Mayors has approved a resolution calling for the phasing out of bottled water. The measure calls on cities to cancel bottled-water contracts and re-direct taxpayer dollars to other resources. Each day an estimated 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Most are not recycled. The Pacific Institute has estimated 20 million barrels of oil are used each year to make the plastic for water bottles.

Countrywide Shareholders Approve Bank of America Deal

In business news, shareholders at the mortgage lender Countrywide Financial have approved a takeover offer from Bank of America. Countrywide has been at the center of the sub-prime loan crisis. It’s currently under investigation for giving misleading information on its financial condition in the company’s security filings. The three billion dollar deal comes at just one-tenth of Countrywide’s share price last year. Analysts say American taxpayers could ultimately end up footing the bill if Bank of America uses tax breaks to pay for the purchase.

Intelligence Estimate Warns on Global Warming

In environmental news, a new high-level U.S. intelligence review has concluded global warming will endanger U.S. operations abroad. In a new report, the National Intelligence Council says the effects of climate change have the “potential to seriously affect U.S. national security interests.”

Florida, Sugar Corp. Reach Everglades Deal

And in Florida, state officials have reached a deal to purchase large swaths of land in the Everglades. Under the agreement, Florida will pay the U.S. Sugar Corporation one point seven billion dollars for three hundred square miles of land.

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