Britain's Navy Is Encouraging Gays and Lesbians to Enlist
Five years after Britain lifted its ban on gays in the military, the Royal Navy has begun actively encouraging gays and lesbians to enlist and has pledged to make life easier for them when they do.
Royal Navy Starts Bid To Recruit Homosexuals Xtra News
British Military Prepares For Gay Unions 365Gay.com
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Ex-White House reporter considers suit:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 : Former Talon News writer Jeff Gannon has threatened to sue the liberal groups and blogs who exposed his lack of credentials, Newsweek said Monday.
Time for Bush to define 'independent press' Christian Science Monitor
Web Site Operator Says He Knew of Reporter's Two Identities New York Times
Niagarafallsreporter.com - Brattleboro Reformer - Eastern Echo - Augusta Free Press - all 36 related »

Former Marines React to Recruit Treatment
Former Marines are speaking out about the treatment of recruits on Parris Island. A young recruit died during training. But the day before, drill instructors roughed up the recruit and a news crew caught it on tape.
Recruit's death could mean legal action: New Kerala
Marines Suspended During Probe Of W.Va. Recruit's Drowning Hawaii Channel.com
CNN International - New York Times - Los Angeles Times - San Jose Mercury News (subscription) - all 138 related »

Iranian Earthquake Kills at Least 80
A massive earthquake shook central Iran today, killing at least 80 people and injuring more than 300. The epicentre of the earthquake, which struck at 5.55am local time (2.25am GMT), was 35 miles from Kerman ...
At least eighty 80 dead in Iran quake DeHavilland
Report: Earthquake in Iran Kills 80 ABC News
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Bush challenges Europe over Iraq and Russia
President George W. Bush yester-day both flattered and challenged Europe, urging America's "strong partner" work with the US to advance democracy from Russia to Syria, Iraq to the Middle East.
Big shoes to fill Boston Globe
Bush says Russia needs to commit to democracy Detroit Free Press
Houston Chronicle - Times Online - Scotsman - Reuters.uk - all 959 related »

North Korea ready to return to six-party talks if conditions met:
[World News]: Beijing, Feb 22 : North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-il has said that his country stood for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula and would return to the six-party talks mechanism at any time "if conditions are met".
North Korea may return to nuke talks Swissinfo
North Korea puts the focus on US 'sincerity' World Peace Herald
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Settlers promise to fight pullout
Jerusalem - Israeli settlers on Monday vowed to fight to the death after the government's historic vote to leave the Gaza Strip, as hundreds of Palestinians were released from Israeli prisons.
Israel frees 500 Palestinian prisoners Hi Pakistan
Make it a done deal Orlando Sentinel (subscription)
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Australia to Send Extra Troops to Iraq
Australia announced a 50 percent increase in its troop strength in Iraq Tuesday, saying the 450 new soldiers will guard Japanese engineers and train the Iraqi army after ...
Australia to send more troops to Iraq Aljazeera.net
Howard sends more troops to Iraq Age (subscription)
Reuters.uk - CNN - Brisbane Courier Mail - Australian -all 92 related »

Bush and Beirut protesters urge Syria to quit
President George W. Bush yesterday made his most specific call yet for Syria to curtail its influence in Lebanon as thousands of Lebanese joined a peaceful ...
Straw calls for probe into Hariri's death Independent Online
Bush, Europe, Beirut Protesters All Pressure Syria Reuters
CNN - Voice of America - Arab News - New Kerala - [b]all 698 related »b]

Death Toll in Kashmir Avalanches Jumps to 110
Rescuers on Monday dug out dozens of bodies buried by avalanches in Indian Kashmir, taking the death toll to 110 after the worst snows in two decades swept the Himalayan region.
Snow terrror abates in Kashmir, airlinks back Matamat.com
Over 100 killed in J&K avalanches NDTV.com
Taipei Times - Xinhua - CNN International - Indian Express - all 248 related »

Children's art expresses tsunami's emotional toll
They sat on mats on the ground where a house once stood, drawing pictures of their dreams. Some sketched flowers and pretty houses.
Sri Lankan tsunami-hit children sing, dance and draw for Clinton ... Borneo Bulletin
Former US Presidents Bush and Clinton Meet Young Sri Lankan ... Chosun Ilbo
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Indonesian plane crash kills 15
A plane operated by the Indonesian police has crashed into waters off the island of New Guinea, killing 15 people and critically injuring three others, a national police spokesman said.
15 killed as plane crashes in the sea off Indonesia Turkish Press
Dozens feared dead as police plane crashes in Papua Jakarta Post
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Iraqi Shiites to choose PM candidate in secret ballot
Leaders of Shiites in Iraq will hold a secret ballot to choose a prime minister candidate betweenIbrahim al-Jaafari, the conservative interim vice president, and Ahmad Chalabi ...
Blast near medic team kills three GIs in Iraq Newark Star Ledger
Iraqi Race for Prime Minister Shaping Up ABC News
Age (subscription) - Kansas City Star (subscription) - Reuters India - Jerusalem Post - all 90 related »

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle...sp?story=613520

80 killed in Iran earthquake

3 die as S. California hit by heavy rainfall
Three people died Monday due tothe incessant rainfall in Southern California, as the area could probably see the wettest winter season in more than 100 years.
Rain Continues to Plague Southern California Los Angeles Times
Four Dead After Storms Pound California Bakersfield Channel.com
San Francisco Chronicle - CBS News - CBC News - ABC Online - all 896 related »

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...iran_earthquake

Report: Earthquake in Iran Kills 126

White House wants states to help fund intercity rail
The Bush administration plans to introduce legislation to restructure the nation's passenger rail system, while Amtrak supporters in Congress fight to maintain funding in next fiscal year's budget.
Amtrak could be forced to sell assets Boston Globe
Amtrak may finally be at the end of the line USA Today
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Bush's 'private accounts' are nothing but trouble
Social Security has been a very good system for many years, and it certainly could use some tweaking. But there is no crisis, as the current administration claims.
Greenspan's gyrations Boston Globe
Dems prepared for big Social Security fight Newsday
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Woman dies in California avalanche
TRUCKEE, Calif. -- A woman died in an avalanche in a rugged back country area where as much as 20 inches of snow had fallen in a weekend storm, authorities said.
Experienced and equipped party caught in fatal Sierra avalanche San Jose Mercury News (subscription)
Victim identified in Tahoe avalanche Nevada City Union
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Despite Numerous Hurricanes Florida Tourism Increased
Despite being battered by numerous hurricanes in 2004, Florida tourism still managed to rise three percent. State tourism officials said they believe that ...
Florida has record year for visitors Orlando Sentinel (subscription)
Fla. notes increase in tourism for 2004 Kansas City Star (subscription)
Miami Herald (subscription) - WPBF Channel.com - South Florida Business Journal - all 46 related »

2005 global economy outlook favorable: UN report
The short-term outlook for the global economy is relatively favorable, but downside risks are dominating, according to a United Nations report released Tuesday.
Small economies and new members to drive EU growth in 2005: UN Channel News Asia
Newest EU members underpin growth BBC News
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Celeb numbers on the net
New York - First, an intimate video of Paris Hilton was sold on the internet, and now her address book has been posted for all to see, to the dismay of people at the phone numbers in it.
T-Mobile Responses to Paris Hilton's Hacked SideKick II SlashPhone
Pairs Hilton hacking victim? CNN International
Independent - [url=http://www.mobiledia.com/news/26233.html]Mobiledia - Cool Tech Zone - Sydney Morning Herald (subscription) - all 46 related »

HP expands security
Dubbed ProCurve Networking it is part of HP’s push on EDGE architecture. The offering includes a ProCurve Secure Router 7000dl series to allow SMEs provide a connection to the Internet and remote virtual private network.
HP expands security Globetechnology.com
HP ProCurve Releases Its First Access Router CRN
AME Info - all 5 related »

At least 190 killed in Iran quake
A strong earthquake which hit southeastern Iran early Tuesday has killed at least 190 people and wounded more than 1,000, state television reported.
Powerful earthquake strikes Iran, almost 400 dead Reuters South Africa
175 killed in Iran earthquake ic Wales
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Editorial: Voter ID doesn't get to real election problems
One person, one vote has become the bedrock foundation of American democracy, ensuring every legal citizen's vote matters, is accurately counted and thereby influences elected officials to reflect the intent of the majority of the electorate.
Election fix? Lawmakers still groping for answers kgw.com (subscription)
Partial recounts a totally bad idea Chicago Sun-Times
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Reagan Review - all 7 related »

Iraqi Shiite alliance names Jafari for premiership
Iraq's main Shiite list on Tuesday named Ibrahim Jafari as its candidate for premiership in the new government, the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV channel reported.
Shiites Pick al-Jaafari As Iraq PM Nominee ABC News
Iraq Election Update KTEN
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Looking for Help in Iraq, Bush Meets With NATO Leaders
President Bush met with NATO leaders today about the alliance's future role in Iraq, hoping to receive a pledge for more training aid.
Bush talks tough about Russia San Francisco Chronicle
Waters muddied on Syria pull-out Age (subscription)
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China Urges United States, North Korea to Be More Flexible in Resolving Nuclear Dispute
China is calling on the United States and North Korea to show more flexibility in efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear dispute.
China urges North Korea, US to resume nuke talks CBC News
North Korea reconsiders nuclear talks ISN
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SARBAGH, Iran (AP) Iranian state-run television says more than 370 people died in Tuesday's magnitude 6.4 earthquake.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) A former high school valedictorian has been charged with conspiring to assassinate President Bush and supporting the al-Qaida terrorist network.

Visit Yahoo! News for more details or search for this story on Yahoo! News Search.

Bush says NATO might be open to Ukraine
BRUSSELS, Belgium - President Bush suggested Tuesday after his first meeting with Ukraine's new West-leaning president, Viktor Yushchenko, that NATO might admit the former Soviet Republic if it adopts stronger, more open democratic systems.
Ukraine Wants to Join NATO and EU Zaman Online
Yushchenko Appeals For Closer Ties With NATO Radio Free Europe
EUbusiness - Interfax - RIA Novosti - ABC News - all 106 related »

Minefields await Iraq's likely new leader
BAGHDAD - Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who is all but certain to be Iraq’s next prime minister, is expected to use firm but understated diplomacy to navigate his country around sectarian minefields after last month’s historic election.
Field narrows in Iraqi PM race Guardian
Shiites Choose Al-Jaafari as PM Nominee Prensa Latina
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Pointless Bush Tour of Europe
On Sunday February 20 th President George W Bush left for a 5-day trip to “mend fences” with Europe. He will achieve nothing. Not only because of European payback for his own arrogant past actions, but ...
Bush Talks Mideast Peace, Iraq with NATO, EU NPR (audio)
Looking for Help in Iraq, Bush Meets With NATO Leaders New York Times
World Peace Herald - Zaman Online - San Francisco Chronicle - Guardian - all 775 related »

Bush Ready to Study EU Plan to Lift China Arms Ban
President Bush said Tuesday he might consider a compromise on European plans to lift a 15-year-old arms embargo against China provided it addressed US concerns about security on the Taiwan Strait.
BAE would need US backing to sell arms to China Reuters.uk
Bush Urges EU to Reconsider End to China Arms Embargo (Update2) Bloomberg
China Post - KVIA - Expatica - Xinhua - all 42 related »

China: 'Korean peninsula must be nuclear weapons free'
China's Foreign Ministry told reporters Tuesday Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il urging better ties and resolution of the nuclear crisis.
China Urges United States, North Korea to Be More Flexible in ... Voice of America
China urges N. Korea, US to resume nuke talks CBC News
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As military recruiting stumbles and needs grow, some say draft may be impossible to ignore.

http://csmonitor.com/2005/0222/dailyUpdate.html

Justices to Review Oregon's Right-to-Die Law
The Supreme Court agreed today to hear the Bush administration's challenge to the nation's only right-to-die law, an Oregon measure that permits dying patients to seek lethal medication from their doctors.
Assisted Suicide Timeline OregonLive.com
Assisted Suicide Law Gets Review: US Supreme Court Overview Bloomberg
Katu.com - World Peace Herald - KBCI - Cleveland Plain Dealer - all 164 related »

Foreign-born population in US tops 34 million
The foreign-born population in the United States numbered 34.2 million in 2004, accounting for 12 percent of the country's total population, figures released by the Census Bureau on Tuesday showed.
Population Swells in the US KSL-TV
Foreign-Born Population Grows and Is Better Educated BenefitsNext
Duluth News Tribune - MENAFN - San Francisco Chronicle - all 10 related »

Supreme Court rejects challenge to abortion ruling
SUPREME COURT The US Supreme Court has turned down a chance to review its 1973 decision legalizing abortion. The court rejected without comment a new appeal brought by the woman originally at the center of the historic case.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to abortion ruling KLTV
Supreme Court Rejects Challenge To Roe Vs. Wade KWTX
World Peace Herald - Kansas City Star (subscription) - Reuters AlertNet - Omega Letter Intelligence Digest (subscription) - all 57 related »

Europeans skeptical about Bush's message
WASHINGTON - President Bush is calling on European leaders to support his campaign to spread democracy abroad at a time people in many of those countries have doubts whether that should be the US role in the world, Associated Press polling found.
Many Canadians don't think US should promote democracy: poll National Post
Bush Democracy AP Poll KFOR-TV
Milton Daily Standard - all 82 related »

Scaring the Cap Out of You
President Bush irked some proponents of Social Security reform last week by suggesting he would consider lifting the pensions cap in the system.
Picking And Choosing A Fix Modesto Bee
Support for reform shrivels Kentucky.com
CNN International - San Francisco Chronicle - Bismarck Tribune - all 74 related »

Poll: 62 percent of voters say country ready for woman president
More than six in 10 voters believe the United States is ready for a woman president in 2008 and 53 percent of the voters think Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a New York Democrat ...
Majority in new poll says US is ready for woman president WSTM-TV
Poll: 62 Percent Of Voters Say Country Ready For Woman President WNBC
Albany Times Union - Duluth News Tribune - all 11 related »

US consumer confidence index fall in February
The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index, after improving in January, fell in February. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index now stood at 104.0, down from 105.1 in January.
Consumer Confidence Eases in February Reuters
Confidence dips but shows strength CNN International
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British finance minister promoting tourism in China
Visiting British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown said here Tuesday that he hoped his China visit would encourage more Chinese to travel to Great Britain now that the ...
Chinese kids ask for more Harry Potter Mail & Guardian Online (subscription)
Let China learn English, says Brown Guardian
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France's Top Librarian Attacks Google Online Library
France's top librarian wants Europe to develop its own online library and Internet search engines in order to protect French and other European languages and culture from American influence.
France Library in Uproar Over Google Book Plan DevShed
Google book plan sparks French war of words CNET News.com
Inquirer - BetaNews - WebProNews - all 8 related »

Xhosa Carmen Wins Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival
A film version of the opera Carmen, translated into the African language Xhosa and set in a South African township, has won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival, Reuters reports.
/Arts Weekly/:Berlin Film Festival Produces Surprises AllAfrica.com
Award puts Khayelitsha actors on cloud nine Independent Online
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EU, US Propose Joint Conference on Rebuilding Iraq
The United States and the European Union proposed Tuesday a joint conference to rally international efforts to rebuild Iraq, a move aimed at showing they had ended a two-year rift over the Iraq war.
Bush Denies US Plans to Attack Iran San Francisco Chronicle
Bush Says NATO Leaders Agree to Put Aside Past Disputes Voice of America
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http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...pe_050222190747

Dollar continues to fall as firm US consumer confidence fails to inspire.

Bush sends a warning to Moscow
As he tries to soothe Europeans, the US President adds a surprisetwist to a
speech.
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BlvS0E4

400 killed and quake toll rising
http://newsletters.fairfax.com.au/cgi-bin1...SLZ0Bnf0BlvT0E5