Al Zawahri's Letter: Real or Fake?
October 19, 2005 --
Al Zawahri's Letter: Real or Fake?
A close examination leads by ABC News shows that experts conclude that the letter is genuine. (ABC News Investigative Unit)
"The Case of His Life"
The reporter for the German Stern Magazine, who wrote the linked story, told ABC News that a total of 10 Syrian officials have been questioned by the UN investigating team. He said five Syrians, including Syrian President's Bashar al Assad's brother in law Asef Shawkat, will be accused by the investigators of involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al Hariri. (Stern Magazine)
Head of Syrian Military Intelligence Suspect in Hariri Killing, Says SternAssef Shawkat, brother-in-law to Syrian President Bashar Assad and the head of Syrian military intelligence, has been named as a suspect by the head of UN team investigating the murder of Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri. (The Daily Star)
Report Finds U.N. Isn't Moving to End Sex Abuse by Peacekeepers
The United Nations has developed procedures to curb sexual abuse by peacekeepers, but the measures are not being put into force because of a deep-seated culture of tolerating sexual exploitation, an independent review reported Tuesday. (NY Times)
U.S., France to Introduce U.N. Resolutions Against Syria
The United States and France are planning to introduce two U.N. resolutions next week aimed at holding Syria to account for meddling in Lebanon and for its alleged links to the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, according to several sources close to the diplomacy. (Washington Post)
Fresh Bird Flu Outbreak in China
China has announced a fresh outbreak of bird flu, saying 2,600 birds have died from the disease in Inner Mongolia. (BBC)
Bird Flu Set To Hit Africa Soon
East Africa needs urgent help to combat the bird flu virus which could soon spread there, the United Nation's food agency, the FAO, is warning. (BBC)
Police Arrest Two Men in Bali Blast Probe
Indonesian police said on Wednesday they had arrested two more men in connection with their probe into this month's suicide bombings on the resort island of Bali. (AFP)
No Final Report Seen in Inquiry on C.I.A. Leak
The special counsel in the C.I.A. leak case has told associates he has no plans to issue a final report about the results of the investigation, heightening the expectation that he intends to bring indictments, lawyers in the case and law enforcement officials said yesterday. (NY Times)
Court Victory for Peru's Fujimori
Peru's ex-President Alberto Fujimori has been cleared of corruption in a case relating to a 1994 arms purchase. (BBC)
Hussein Pleads Not Guilty to Charges
Former Iraqi leader faces charges in 1982 mass execution in town of Dujail. Defense request for postponement granted; trial to resume Nov. 28. (Washington Post)
From the Blogs
Christopher Allbritton, former AP and New York Daily News reporter, posts dispatches from Baghdad. Today he writes about the Saddam Hussein tribunal, giving real-time updates. He also reports on the strange number returns in the Iraqi constitution vote. http://www.back-to-iraq.com/
Iraq Vote Counts 'Point to Fraud'
Iraq's independent electoral commission says statistical irregularities in last week's referendum could indicate fraud. (BBC)
Guardian Journalist Missing in Iraq
The Guardian today confirmed that its Baghdad correspondent Rory Carroll, an Irish citizen, is missing, believed kidnapped, in Iraq. (The Guardian)
Head to head: Should Saddam die?
If Saddam Hussein is convicted in a trial which begins on Wednesday, he could face death within 30 days of a final judgement - meaning other serious charges against the former ruler could be shelved. (BBC)
A Chance for Justice, But Will It Be Seized?
Saddam Hussein's trial before a special tribunal in Baghdad is being portrayed as a watershed moment for the Iraqi people and the global legal system. (The Guardian)
Forward From Here
Iraq's apparent ratification on Saturday of a new constitution is an important step forward in the political process and could help speed the return of at least some of the 152,000 U.S. troops serving there. A "yes" vote on the document would not mean a quick end to the violence that has devastated the nation, but it would set the stage for December elections for a permanent national assembly and government. (LA Times)
King Abdullah ? Patience and Friendship
The two words patience and friendship are quite exhilarating. They were implicitly present during the interview of the US anchor Walters with King Abdullah. (Al Hayat)
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