Wednesday, May 19, 2010

05/19/10

* Merkel: Europe faces historic test in euro crisis German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for tougher regulation aimed at stock and bond traders along with a crackdown on government debt to contain the continent's financial crisis.

* UN powers back new Iran sanctions The United States introduced a United Nations resolution aimed at Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.

* Curfew in Bangkok after surrender of red-shirt leaders Thailand's authorities have put the capital Bangkok under curfew after red-shirt protest leaders surrendered to troops storming their barricades.

* World Cup bomb plot detailed by al-Qaeda suspect An alleged al-Qaeda militant detained in Iraq has given details about a plan he had to attack the World Cup in South Africa next month.

* 'PA seeks future NATO presence' The Palestinian Authority is considering allowing the permanent stationing of NATO forces in the future Palestinian state.

* Volcker Says Time Is Running Out for U.S. to Tackle Fiscal Woes Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, a top outside adviser to President Barack Obama, said time is “growing short” for the U.S. to address problems ranging from its budget deficit to Social Security obligations.

* NATO report calls Iran a 'major Article 5 threat' A NATO report said Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs constituted a major threat to the security of the Western alliance.

* Pakistan shuts down Facebook over 'Draw Mohammed' Day Pakistan is blocking access to Facebook in response to an online group calling on people to draw the Prophet Mohammed.

* PA official: Israel jeopardizing peace talks Special US envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat in Ramallah Saturday.

* Britons spend nearly 'one day a month online' British web users are spending 65% more time online than three years ago, according to research of net habits.