Thursday, December 25, 2008
International
TOP STORIES as of 1000 GMT -- 25 December, 2008
SAUDI JUDGE: CHILD BRIDE MUST STAY MARRIED
The decision by a Saudi judge not to annul the arranged marriage
of an 8-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man has been attacked.
The Society of Defending Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia has
condemned the decision, adding that achieving human rights in
the kingdom means standing against those who want to "keep us
backward and in the dark ages."
ISRAEL AND EGYPT DISCUSS HAMAS CLASHES
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni flew to Cairo Thursday for
meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and other top
officials in the midst of escalating cross-border violence with
Hamas.
STRONG EARTHQUAKE JOLTS SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES
A strong earthquake jolted the southern Philippines on Thursday,
the U.S. Geological Survey said.
JAPAN MULLS SENDING SHIPS TO TACKLE PIRATES
Japan is considering joining an international effort to protect
ships from a growing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden near
Somalia, a top official told reporters. Japan's response is the
latest reaction to attacks and hijackings in the all-important
gulf -- which links the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
POPE CALLS FOR MIDEAST PEACE DURING MASS
Pope Benedict XVI called for peace in the Middle East and an end
to the exploitation of children in the homily he delivered early
Thursday during the annual Christmas Eve Midnight Mass in St.
Peter's Basilica.
CAR BOMB KILLS 4 IN BAGHDAD
A car bomb exploded in northwestern Baghdad Thursday morning,
killing four people and wounding 26 others, an Interior Ministry
official said.
BUSH ORDERS PARDON RE-EXAMINED
President George W. Bush on Wednesday ordered one of 19
presidential pardons granted earlier in the week to be
re-examined before making a final decision.
CHINESE MILK FIRM FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY
Sanlu Group, the company at the center of China's tainted infant
formula scandal, has filed for bankruptcy.
BUSINESS
AMERICANS KEEP TIGHTER GRIP ON CASH
In a troubling sign that U.S. consumers are retrenching this
holiday season, consumer spending and orders for durable goods
fell further in November, according to government reports.
POLL: MOST BACK OBAMA'S $800B STIMULUS PLAN
A new national poll suggests most Americans favor an economic
stimulus package even if it comes with an $800 billion price
tag, although that support doesn't indicate the public wants to
see a new era of big government.
JAPAN'S CABINET APPROVES RECORD BUDGET
Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's Cabinet on Wednesday approved
a record budget, including an emergency economic stimulus
package, for the 2009 fiscal year.
