THE DAILY WAR!
Non-pagan/papal date: 10-27
THE HOLY ROMAN
EMPIRE OF THE GERMAN NATION
Angela Merkel has pushed Germany's low birth rate to the top of the political agenda for the first time since the Nazi era as an expert said the nation could die out if the trend continued.
Northern Italy is mostly known for being a peaceful mountain getaway. But these days the region finds itself at the center of a political furor. Local leaders want the German-speaking region to be placed under the protection of Austria.
While the stunning election victory of Hamas in Palestine has dominated the world's attention, another important bombshell has exploded in Berlin, where it now seems that a majority of Germans now see the EU as the problem, rather than as any kind of solution.
EUROPE/RUSSIA
Further military threats have been made against the Socialist Party government in Spain. Spanish General Mena’s threatened to deploy the military to oppose the passing of a statute granting greater autonomy to Catalonia.
Even the EU itself now acknowledges that most EU citizens believe the European constitution should be redrafted or scrapped. But that did not stop European leaders from gathering in Salzburg, Austria, for a 2-day, high-profile conference largely dedicated to the treaty's future.
The Dutch Prime Minister said nations other than his and France likely would reject the EU charter if given a chance.
MIDEAST/AFRICA/ASIA
Mahmoud al-Zahar, widely regarded as the leader of Hamas in the Palestinian territories, offered no apologies for his past or his hardline views when he spoke to The Times this week.
(LT: EU shows signs of panic)
Iran reiterated Friday that a plan to allow it to enrich its uranium in Russia was not acceptable in its present form but was worth discussing further.
The EU is preparing to slow down its push to refer Iran to the UN Security Council in the hope of winning support from Russia and China.
North Korea has warned of nuclear war and has vowed to strengthen its deterrent forces, as it demanded that Washington show evidence backing its allegation that the communist regime is counterfeiting US money.
HOUSE OF ISRAEL
Ignorant sheeple...
Despite persistent disillusionment with the war in Iraq, a majority of Americans supports taking military action against Iran if that country continues to produce material that can be used to develop nuclear weapons.
When Human Rights Watch focuses its annual review on America's use of torture and inhumane treatment, every American should feel a sense of shame. And everyone who has believed in the US as the staunchest protector of human rights in history should be worried.
ECONOMY
Be afraid. Be very afraid. That's the message from 2 of the world's most successful investors on the topic of high oil prices. One of them has outlined 6 scenarios that could take oil up to a downright terrifying $262 a barrel.
The American economy grew at its slowest pace in three years in the 4Q of 2005, the Commerce Department reported, as spending by consumers and the federal government weakened significantly.
MISC
In one of the most ominous legal cases in an era of ominous litigation, an Italian judge today heard arguments on whether or not a parish priest in that nation should stand trial for claiming Jesus of Nazareth actually existed.
#10-27
