Yahoo! News: Iraq

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• Seattle police recruits get a break on past pot use
• Obama promises gun control action early next year
• US Army seeks death penalty in 16 Afghan killings
• Possible Hagel pick raises concerns in Senate GOP
• Latin Americans rank as happiest people on planet
• U.S. soldier referred to court martial in Afghan killings
• Canadian aid groups say UN Syrian refugee appeal needed to counter winter threat
• Latin Americans most upbeat despite woes
• Poll says Latin Americans most upbeat
• ShelterBox Responds After Cyclone Evan Hits Fiji
• Poll says Latin Americans experience positive emotions most, Singaporeans and Armenians low
• Poll says Latin Americans most positive
• Obama Social Security offer at odds with top Dems
• Army seeks death penalty in Afghan massacre case
• Former German defense minister Struck dies at 69
• Cuts to ranks may shock, but it's happened before
• Army Tech to Ease Soldiers' Burdens
• Iraqi president's stroke fuels fears of crisis
• Corporate Whistle Blower Center Now Urges Employees of Private Contractors in Afghanistan to Step Forward for Rewards if They Possess Proof of Defrauding the US Taxpayer
• Iraq: Ailing president to be treated in Germany
• Iraq's President Talabani to be transferred to Germany after stroke
• Syrian troops battle rebels in Damascus suburbs
• Panel on Benghazi attack heaps blame on State, citing 'systemic failures'
• Medical teams in Iraq to help treat Talabani
• Malmstrom Air Force Base, Home of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) 341st Missile Wing Awards Desktop Alert Enterprise Sustainment Contract
• The Benghazi report: Big trouble for Hillary Clinton?
• Medical team arrives in Iraq to treat Talabani
• Medical team from Germany arrives in Iraq to treat President Talabani after he suffers stroke
• Iraqi President Talabani's health improving after stroke
• Republican Diversity Fueled by Tea Party
• Obama faces backlash on possible Hagel nomination for Pentagon
• "Zero Dark Thirty" won't be "Hurt Locker" at the Box Office

Seattle police recruits get a break on past pot use Posted: 19 Dec 2012 04:16 PM PST OLYMPIA, Washington (Reuters) - A month after Washington became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, the Seattle Police Department has relaxed its rules on previous pot use for job seekers. Going forward, applicants must not have used marijuana for at least a year before joining the force, police officials said. Previously, the rule was no pot use for three years. The change was spurred by Washington state's groundbreaking vote last month to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, Assistant Chief Jim Pugel said. ...

Obama promises gun control action early next year Posted: 19 Dec 2012 04:13 PM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama vowed to press for tighter gun laws early next year, as he sought to turn national outrage over the Connecticut school massacre into action to ban assault weapons and ensure better background checks on gun buyers. Obama held a White House news conference on Wednesday to announce that Vice President Joe Biden will lead an interagency effort to craft new gun policies. The group is expected to offer its proposals in January. "We know this is a complex issue that stirs deeply held passions and political divides," Obama said. ...

US Army seeks death penalty in 16 Afghan killings Posted: 19 Dec 2012 03:56 PM PST SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army said Wednesday it will seek the death penalty against the soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in a predawn rampage in March, a decision his lawyer called "totally irresponsible."

Possible Hagel pick raises concerns in Senate GOP Posted: 19 Dec 2012 03:54 PM PST President Barack Obama's possible pick of Republican Chuck Hagel to run the Pentagon raises serious concerns among some of his former Senate colleagues, who question his pronouncements on Iraq, Israel and the Middle East.

Latin Americans rank as happiest people on planet Posted: 19 Dec 2012 02:45 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

U.S. soldier referred to court martial in Afghan killings Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:55 PM PST SEATTLE (Reuters) - A decorated U.S. soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in two forays from his remote military camp has been referred to a court martial over the slayings as a capital case, the military said on Wednesday. No date has been set for the trial of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, which is scheduled to take place at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State, military officials said in a statement. Bales could face the death penalty, if convicted. ...

Canadian aid groups say UN Syrian refugee appeal needed to counter winter threat Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:46 PM PST OTTAWA - Aid workers in Canada are hoping their fellow citizens respond generously to a new $1-billion emergency appeal from the United Nations to help Syrian refugees.

Latin Americans most upbeat despite woes Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:44 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

Poll says Latin Americans most upbeat Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:03 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

ShelterBox Responds After Cyclone Evan Hits Fiji Posted: 19 Dec 2012 12:56 PM PST International disaster relief organization, ShelterBox, is in Fiji after Cyclone Evan struck the Pacific nation, destroying homes, causing flash floods and cutting power.Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) December 19, 2012 International disaster relief organization, ShelterBox, is in Fiji after Cyclone Evan struck the Pacific nation, destroying homes, causing flash floods and cutting power. ...

Poll says Latin Americans experience positive emotions most, Singaporeans and Armenians low Posted: 19 Dec 2012 12:12 PM PST MEXICO CITY - The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

Poll says Latin Americans most positive Posted: 19 Dec 2012 12:07 PM PST MEXICO CITY (AP) — The world's happiest people aren't in Qatar, the richest country by most measures. They aren't in Japan, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Canada, with its chart-topping percentage of college graduates, doesn't make the top 10.

Obama Social Security offer at odds with top Dems Posted: 19 Dec 2012 11:19 AM PST President Barack Obama's offer to slow the growth of Social Security benefits would force fellow Democrats in Congress to abandon promises to shield the massive retirement and disability program from cuts as part of negotiations to avoid the year-end fiscal cliff.

Army seeks death penalty in Afghan massacre case Posted: 19 Dec 2012 10:29 AM PST SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army said Wednesday it will seek the death penalty against the soldier accused of massacring 16 Afghan villagers during pre-dawn raids in March.

Former German defense minister Struck dies at 69 Posted: 19 Dec 2012 08:02 AM PST BERLIN (AP) — Former German Defense Minister Peter Struck, a vehement opponent of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, died Wednesday following a heart attack. He was 69.

Cuts to ranks may shock, but it's happened before Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:57 AM PST COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A war over, the Army heeds Congress' demands to cuts costs by paring its ranks. But the nation's economy is weak, and unemployment rates are high. It's an uncertain time for thousands of service members and their families.

Army Tech to Ease Soldiers' Burdens Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:52 AM PST Due to growing health costs from the 100-pound combat loads soldiers carry, the U.S. Army is searching for technologies to share weight more equally across troops' bodies.

Iraqi president's stroke fuels fears of crisis Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:25 AM PST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is to be transferred to Germany for treatment for a stroke that may end his moderating influence in a dispute edging Baghdad and the country's autonomous Kurdistan region closer to a confrontation over oil. The portly 79-year-old former guerrilla, who has often mediated among Iraqi Shi'ites, Sunnis, and Kurds and between the Arab-led central government and the self-ruled Kurdish enclave, was admitted to hospital on Monday night. ...

Corporate Whistle Blower Center Now Urges Employees of Private Contractors in Afghanistan to Step Forward for Rewards if They Possess Proof of Defrauding the US Taxpayer Posted: 19 Dec 2012 07:14 AM PST The Corporate Whistle Blower Center is urging employees of federal contractors, or their subcontractors, that were, or are providing any type of service in Afghanistan to step forward, if they possess significant proof of over billing, or defrauding the U.S. federal government out of millions of dollars. For more information please contact the Corporate Whistle Blower Center anytime at 866-714-6466. http://CorporateWhistleBlowerCenter.Com(PRWEB) December 19, 2012 The Corporate Whistle Blower Center is urging current, or former employees of major U.S. ...

Iraq: Ailing president to be treated in Germany Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:45 AM PST BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi President Jalal Talabani will be flown to Germany for further treatment after suffering a stroke earlier this week, two Kurdish officials close to him said Wednesday.

Iraq's President Talabani to be transferred to Germany after stroke Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:34 AM PST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's President Jalal Talabani is in stable condition and will be transferred to Germany within a day for treatment after suffering a stroke, one of his medical team said on Wednesday. "Most likely he will be transferred within 24 hours," Najmaldin Karim, the governor of Iraq's Kirkuk city who is also part of the president's medical team, told Reuters. He said a team of doctors from Germany who had treated Talabani for past illnesses had recommended he be moved there after evaluating him in a Baghdad hospital. (Reporting by Patrick Markey)

Syrian troops battle rebels in Damascus suburbs Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:21 AM PST BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian government forces are carrying out a broad offensive against rebels in the suburbs of Damascus, the state media said Wednesday, as the United Nations appealed for a billion dollars to support rising numbers of Syrian refugees.

Panel on Benghazi attack heaps blame on State, citing 'systemic failures' Posted: 19 Dec 2012 06:02 AM PST • A daily summary of global reports on security issues.

Medical teams in Iraq to help treat Talabani Posted: 19 Dec 2012 05:45 AM PST BAGHDAD (AP) — Foreign medical experts rushed to Baghdad on Wednesday to assist Iraqi doctors treating ailing President Jalal Talabani, who is said to be in a coma but improving after suffering a stroke.

Malmstrom Air Force Base, Home of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) 341st Missile Wing Awards Desktop Alert Enterprise Sustainment Contract Posted: 19 Dec 2012 05:18 AM PST Patent pending notification system contacts available recipient devices in less than one minute for 99% of alerts published and received. Malmstrom AFB is part of Global Strike Command headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.Chatham, New Jersey (PRWEB) December 19, 2012 Desktop Alert Inc., a leader in network-centric emergency mass notification systems and provider of the FEMA enterprise-level ip-based mass notification system, today announced that the U.S. ...

The Benghazi report: Big trouble for Hillary Clinton? Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:50 AM PST An independent inquiry faults missteps by the State Department in the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens

Medical team arrives in Iraq to treat Talabani Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:46 AM PST BAGHDAD (AP) — Foreign medical experts began arriving in Baghdad on Wednesday to assist Iraqi doctors treating ailing President Jalal Talabani, who remains in a Baghdad intensive care unit after suffering a stroke.

Medical team from Germany arrives in Iraq to treat President Talabani after he suffers stroke Posted: 19 Dec 2012 01:30 AM PST BAGHDAD - An Iraqi lawmaker says a medical team has arrived from Germany to treat ailing President Jalal Talabani, who remains in a Baghdad intensive care unit after suffering a stroke.

Iraqi President Talabani's health improving after stroke Posted: 19 Dec 2012 12:26 AM PST BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani's health condition was improving on Wednesday and he responded well to treatment in a Baghdad hospital two days after suffering a stroke, his medical team coordinator said. His sudden illness prompted questions about Talabani's exit from politics where he has been a key mediator among Shi'ite, Sunni, and Kurds and helped ease tensions in the growing dispute over oil between Baghdad and the country's autonomous Kurdistan. ...

Republican Diversity Fueled by Tea Party Posted: 18 Dec 2012 10:53 PM PST For Republicans who believe the tea party is responsible for the GOP's struggles, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's decision to choose Rep. Tim Scott to replace Jim DeMint in the Senate would have come as a stunner. The nation's second Indian-American governor appointed the only African-American who will be serving in the Senate come 2013. And not only are they both Republicans, they are tea party-aligned conservatives who took on the party establishment and won.

Obama faces backlash on possible Hagel nomination for Pentagon Posted: 18 Dec 2012 07:50 PM PST WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pro-Israel groups, neoconservatives and even some former colleagues on Capitol Hill are confronting President Barack Obama with a growing backlash against Chuck Hagel, the ex-Republican senator tipped as his leading candidate for defense secretary. Obama's aides have given no sign of dropping Hagel from consideration - even after several American Jewish leaders privately complained about his policy views, most notably on Israel and Iran, at a White House-hosted Hanukkah party last week, according to one attendee. ...

"Zero Dark Thirty" won't be "Hurt Locker" at the Box Office Posted: 18 Dec 2012 05:01 PM PST LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Kathryn Bigelow's Osama bin Laden manhunt thriller "Zero Dark Thirty" hits theaters Wednesday, and when it comes to the box office, this isn't going to be "Hurt Locker." That was Bigelow's last film, a gritty Iraq war drama that upset "Avatar" for Oscar's Best Picture in 2009 but took in just $17 million domestically. "Zero Dark Thirty" could well top $100 million, say industry analysts - and if the awards season breaks the right way for the Oscar Best Picture front-runner, it could go higher than that. ...

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