Issue 150

World News in Brief

04th December 2006

These are your "world news nuggets" from Issue 150. In this issue; a Russian spy is murdered, and the Pope visits Turkey.

Russian Spy Murdered

After the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko this week, twelve locations including four planes have been searched and found to have traces of radioactive material - the same as that which was used in his murder by unknown agents. Home secretary John Ried has stressed that the public health risk is very low.

Ailing leader Fidel Castro missed his own 80th birthday celebrations this week as fears for his health grow. He has not been seen in public since the end of July after having gastric surgery and will now only appear in officially sanctioned photographs and videos.

Continuing violence in Sudan

At least 300 people have been killed in clashes between the army and rebels in the troubled state this week, although many of the deaths were of soldiers, there are continuing civilian deaths across Sudan in both the Southern and Darfur regions from famine and lack of healthcare.

NATO summit

Riga has been the scene for the NATO summit this week. The summit has concentrated on the war against the Taleban in Afghanistan and the belief that NATO should take on a more global role; perhaps even developing from being a defence force in Europe to further international intervention and supplying more humanitarian aid.

Pope visits Turkey

The pope began his goodwill visit to Turkish mosques this week, the gesture being overshadowed by his comments about Islam. Many protesters have taken to the streets in anger towards his visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Mumbai terror arrests

Thirty people have been charged with the Mumbai bombings on July 11th which killed 185 people and injured a further 700 in seven almost simultaneous blasts. The blasts were masterminded by Azam Cheema the alleged leader of Islamic militant group Lashkar-e- Toiba.

Waterfront Online