Pakistani Court Rules CIA Drone Strikes Are Illegal

A Pakistani judge ruled that U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan constitute a ‘war crime’ and are a ‘blatant violation of basic human rights.’

Alice K Ross
By Alice K Ross

In the first major Pakistani court ruling on the legality of the CIA’s drone campaign in the country, a Peshawar High Court judge said this morning that strikes are ‘criminal offences.' Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan ordered Pakistan’s government to ‘use force if need be’ to end drone attacks in the country’s tribal regions. He ruled that U.S.

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Smoke Forces Evacuation Of White House West Wing

Reporters and photographers were evacuated briefly from the West Wing of the White House early Saturday because of smoke from an overheated transformer in a mechanical room. President Barack Obama and his family were not affected by the incident, according to the White House. U.S. Secret Service spokesman Max Milien said that at about 7 […]

Associated Press
By Associated Press

Reporters and photographers were evacuated briefly from the West Wing of the White House early Saturday because of smoke from an overheated transformer in a mechanical room. President Barack Obama and his family were not affected by the incident, according to the White House. U.S. Secret Service spokesman Max Milien said that at about 7 a.m.,

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Why Are Europeans Waging Jihad In Syria?

Some 600 youths from Europe have joined Muslim extremists fighting to topple Syria’s government. Officials fear what happens when they return.

Teri Schultz
By Teri Schultz
A Free Syrian Army fighter holds his weapon as he prepares himself for advance, close to a military base, near Azaz, Syria, Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. The gains by rebel forces came as the European Union denounced the Syrian conflict, which activists said had killed more than 40,000 people. (AP Photo/Manu Brabo)

BRUSSELS, Belgium — A man looks deep into the camera and pleads, in Arabic: “You, there in Europe, watching this video. I’m calling you.” With urgency in his voice, he refers to children being murdered and women being raped at the hands of the enemy. “We really need you here. This is your opportunity for paradise.” “Paradise” via the

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Pakistan Election: Will The Violence End?

Ahead of a historic democratic election in Pakistan, violence has left scores dead and is putting the vote in question.

Mariya Karimjee
By Mariya Karimjee

KARACHI — Pakistan is gearing up for elections that are being hailed as the country’s first-ever democratic transition, but the ongoing political violence will likely overshadow the May 11 vote.  According to local media tallies, more than 100 people have died in elections-related attacks since late April, when campaigning for the general

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Afghan President Ready To Let US Have 9 Bases

The U.S. can keep nine bases in Afghanistan after the scheduled 2014 NATO combat troop pullout, the country’s president said Thursday, the first time he has made such an offer in public. Hamid Karzai insisted on “security and economic guarantees” first. Talks over a deal that would outline the American presence in Afghanistan after next […]

Associated Press
By Associated Press

The U.S. can keep nine bases in Afghanistan after the scheduled 2014 NATO combat troop pullout, the country's president said Thursday, the first time he has made such an offer in public. Hamid Karzai insisted on "security and economic guarantees" first. Talks over a deal that would outline the American presence in Afghanistan after next year

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30+ Dead After Police Clash With Islamic Hardliners In Bangladesh

Clashes took place between police and tens of thousands of protesters who demanded the passage of an anti-blasphemy bill.

Janessa Schilmoeller
By Janessa Schilmoeller

NAMIBIA - More than 30 people were killed in Bangladesh on Sunday and Monday in clashes between police and tens of thousands of protesters who demanded the passage of an anti-blasphemy bill in the Islamic state, ruled under a secular penal code dating back to 1860. As many as 36 people had been reported killed in protests across the country as of

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