IPPC report blasts Asst Commissioner over Menezes death

The IPCC, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has ruled that Asst Commissioner Andrew Hayman deliberately misled the press and even his own Commissioner Ian Blair over the facts behind the mistaken shooting of Charles de Menezes in 2005. The Brazilian was shot after police mistakenly identified him as a terrorist and would be suicide bomber. The events came the day after a series of attempted suicide attacks on London’s transport network and a week after several suicide attacks left 52 dead. The £300,000 IPCC investigation said Sir Ian Blair was “almost totally unaware” of events and did not “wilfully mislead the public”. The IPCC saying he was “not well-served by his staff”. AC Andy Hayman is accused of inconsistency in providing different information to the press and to his Commissioner Sir Ian Blair
The IPCC also concluded that Mr de Menzes did not disobey police instructions. [BBC / Sky News]

US bridge collapse kills 9, injures 64

A bridge has collapsed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the US killing at least 7 people according to CNN. Federal authorities say that the collapse was not due to terrorism but the event has nonetheless shocked a nation and posed many questions over the structural integrity of America’s other bridges. Only yesterday a partial collapse on a bridge in Orville, California, injured one lorry driver. In Oakland, California a section of the Bay Bridge collapsed back in April this year. That incident was blamed on a truck which crashed and burst into flames and melting structural supports. In 2002 in Webber Falls, Oklahoma, a barge crashed into a bridge crossing the Arkansas River. Fourteen were killed in that incident. In 1983, three died when a section of a bridge crossing the Mianus River, in Connecticut, collapsed. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, in a report released in 2003, up to 160,000 bridges across America were “structurally deficient” and “functionally obsolete”. According to the report it would take an annual spending of $10 billion for the next twenty years to bring these structures up to standard.

CNN International was today broadcasting domestic news coverage and was showing exclusive footage taken from a security camera which captured the actual collapse as it happened. At least 60 people are said to be injured and a further 20 are missing.

The I38 interstate bridge collapsed suddenly and without warning, however there are questions as to whether there were structural problems with the bridge which spans a distance of 140 metres. Besides having passed inspections in recent years the bridge, which was built in 1967, was undergoing engineering work at the time of the collapse with only 4 of the 8 lanes open to traffic. Around 50 vehicles plummeted into the water when, after a creaking sound, the roadway gave way at 18:00 local time. Witnesses described the centre of the 8 lane bridge collapsing into the river below. Many had a lucky escape even as their cars plummeted 20 metres into the river, some escaping through their sun-roofs. Around 60 school children were rescued after their bus, returning from a swimming trip, was caught up in the disaster. It became wedged precariously at an angle on one of the collapsed sections.

Besides the tragedy, in terms of loss of life and injury, the collapse will have a significant economic impact as well as creating transport chaos in the local vicinity. The bridge carries more than 200,000 vehicles per day, traffic that will have to be rerouted. The collapse also severed a major railway line and also blocks a much used water way.

Meanwhile, the search for victims will continue at first light after being called off at midnight.

UK smoking ban 'adds to global warming'

The China Daily reported last month a ban in Guanzhou

A month after the nationwide smoking ban in public places came into force in Britain, the country has seen a dramatic decline in numbers going to pubs, bars and bingo halls. There has also been an increase in the use of patio heaters, drawing criticism from environmentalists [BBC]. Whilst the relatively warm summer months give smokers refuge in pub gardens, many establishments, especially those in towns and cities are losing customers. And even those with gardens are increasingly using patio heaters which can issue more carbon dioxide than a domestic gas cooker. "Just to give you some idea of the scale, the average patio heater uses the same amount of energy as a gas hob uses in six months and we estimate that the average patio heater would emit around 50kg of carbon dioxide per year," says Jon McGowan, of the Energy Saving Trust, who is leading a campaign against their use. Over the last 18 months, their use in pubs and restaurants has increased with the smoking bans, to 12,500.

Pub customers 'down 40%'

But besides efforts by some establishments to make their gardens a little more comfortable for their smoking clientele, customer numbers are dropping. According to the Sunday Mirror, some establishments had seen a 40% drop in business [Sunday Mirror]. According to the article more than half of the 70 pubs, members-only clubs and bingo halls had lost money since the ban came into effect. Simon Olley, landlord of Beacon Court Tavern in Gillingham, Kent, told the Sunday Mirror, "We've had a slide of about 10 to 20 per cent. I'd like to know where the nonsmokers that were supposed to be coming into pubs when the ban was introduced are. I haven't seen any."
In Scotland, where the ban was introduced in March last year, beer sales are down seven per cent and 34 per cent of pubs have laid off staff, whilst Ireland has seen a 7% a year drop in sales. And with hostility amongst consumers increasing, some publicans are allowing customers to continue smoking rather than subjecting staff to possible violence and abuse. Tony Blows, of the Dog Inn at Ewyas Harold, in Herefordshire, said the ban, introduced across England on 1 July, contradicted health and safety laws. Herefordshire Council said it may review whether Mr Blows was a "fit and proper person" to hold a pub licence. Mr Blows said that under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to provide a safe place of work for all staff. He said he believed asking bar staff at the village pub to confront smokers would contradict those guidelines. Mr Blows said: "When people come in here I tell them that smoking in a public place like this is against the law and they could face a £50 fine or a court appearance. "However, because of the previous health and safety rulings, we can't enforce it. "This is not an excuse to just get us out of the smoking ban - anyone who looks on the Health and Safety Executive's website can see the contradiction there in black and white." [BBC]. But while the Sunday Mirror suggested a decline in sales and hostility to the ban, a survey by the BBC suggested more than 50% of publicans had reported ‘positive feedback’ from customers, and said only a fifth of pubs had experienced a loss in sales. As the nights get colder even these conservative figures may increase as the refuge of the pub garden becomes an uncomfortable refuge for the committed smoker.

World ban on the way

Whilst Britain’s smokers suffer the latest inconvenience in their lives, restrictions against smokers are increasing all over the world. France, once considered the land of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, is due to implement a smoking ban in public places next year. And in Germany, measures are already been test for a country wide ban [Deutche-Welle]. The small Himalayan state of Bhutan faces the toughest restrictions where tobacco products are entirely banned from sale [BBC]. In Europe, smoking restrictions are already in place in Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Montenegro, Serbia and Spain. Even China is set to impose restrictions on smokers. Guangzhou is to become the 89th city in China to ban smoking in cinemas and department stores later this year with further restrictions to come. The city, home to 1.6 million smokers, faces a fraught task in stopping any flouting of the proposed rules. Smoking in public, especially amongst the male population, is common place and one will often see people smoke in places long considered taboo in the West. Smokers can be spotted in shops, at swimming pools and in taxis. Even police officers in uniform can often be seen taking a cigarette break as motorcyclists, without crash helmets, pass by drawing on a 555 International.
As ‘health-fascism’ and the ‘nanny-state’ imposes restrictions on the individual, in the supposed effort of reducing smoking-related deaths and disease, governments still draw huge amounts of tax from such products. Little of this is allocated to public health care. In addition, there is continued ignorance of industrial polluters who, it could be agued, create a greater or equal risk to the general public at large.

Iraq returns to violence after football victory

After brief celebrations over Iraq’s win against Saudi Arabia [BBC] this week the violence soon returned to the streets of Baghdad and elsewhere in the beleaguered country. Even during the festivities four people died after being ‘accidentally shot’ during celebratory gunfire.

Today at least 67 died and more than 100 were injured in a series of bomb blasts [BBC]. The biggest death toll resulted from a petrol tanker being exploded at a filling station near Mansour, a mainly Sunni district of Baghdad, killing 50 [CNN]. And whilst coalition casualties have dropped in July from the previous month, Iraqi officials say that civilian casualties have risen by almost a third to 1600. However July’s troop casualty rate still towers above figures for the same time last year besides the new security initiative. This July saw 87 coalition troops killed, nearly double from the same month last year [icasualties.org]. The rising casualty rate, standing at 3,950 including 164 British and 129 other coalition countries, is making difficult reading for the US and British public alike. Many see no end in sight to the conflict, and besides Bush and Brown’s resolve to turn the country over to Iraq’s own security forces, few see this as coming any time soon. Unfortunately, even for critics of the war, to leave Iraq in the near future, may we well see the whole area become further inflamed, spilling over into the region as a whole. As the Americans might say, they’re ‘caught between a rock and a hard place’.

Brown & Bush united in War on Terror

Both leaders insisted a 'special relationship' still exists

Gordon Brown today made his first address to the American public during his first visit to the US as Prime Minister.
“I would describe Gordon Brown as someone I can do business with,” President Bush said in summarizing his feelings towards the new PM. He said shared visions were “all important”. And he referred to the defence of freedom and the ideological struggle against terrorism. He said that success in Iraq and Afghanistan was important to stop the spread of terrorist with dark ideologies. He said they had talked at length about world poverty and said that the new relationship would be a constructive one. Gordon Brown said the partnership was of shared values. Nuclear proliferation, climate change and terrorism were all problems that the two countries faced. Security and reconciliation was important in helping Iraq develop into a stable country the Prime Minister stated. He said Afghanistan was “the front line on terrorism”.

With regards Iran, and its ignoring calls to stop its nuclear enrichment, he urged for further sanctions against the country. He also called for greater efforts in stopping the crisis in Darfur. He said that efforts would also be made to curb climate change.

Back to Iraq, and Gordon Brown said he was pleased with the way in which Iraq was building up its own security. But following a question from the BBC correspondent, both the Prime Minister and the President said it was important that the two allies do not withdraw before the situation was stable.
“This Prime Minister got a taste of what these people will do” President Bush said, referring to the recent attack in Glasgow and attempted car bomb attacks in London; “He handled it well.”

“We’re in a generation-long battle” the Prime Minister said, “and we are at one with that battle.” The President echoed the strong ties existing between the UK and the US. Besides trade, security and common interests throughout the world, he said “We think of the same values of freedom and justice”. As regards as to how he felt personally towards the new PM, George Bush said he thought Gordon was a “humorous Scotsman” as opposed to the dowdy man portrayed in the media.

tvnewswatch in France

As tvnewswatch is currently in France, news is a little difficult to
receive. BBC World Service is virtually unreceivable on the west coast
though in Normandy both the BBC and CRI (Chinese Radio International)
were partially receivable on medium wave. In St Gille Croix de Vie a
copy of the Times was available at a cost of €3.25, but was in fact
the previous day's newspaper. Nonethe less it provided a much desired
summery of recent events. The main headline was that Hamas is likely
to be isolated by the US whilst at the same time launching "a fresh
effort to kick-start the Middle East peace process". Japan also hit
the front page after a 6.8 quake hit the north east of the country.
Over 500 were injured and 20,000 homes left without electricity after
the Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant was damaged. The Kashiwazaki plant
leaked a small amount of radioactive waste into the sea. Iraq
continues to dominate the news with several bombings on Monday. One in
Kirkuk killed at least 80 in triple suicide attack. Finally, Lin Bao,
who died 36 years ago in a plane crash whilst trying to escape from
China, has been 'rehabilitated', according to Xinhua News Agency. The
former head of the military had been accused of plotting against Mao
Zedong.

21/7 bombers jailed for life

Four would-be suicide bombers have been sentenced to life imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court following their conviction on Monday. All had been found guilty in conspiring and attempting to carry out suicide attacks in London on the 21st July 2005. Speaking during the sentencing, Judge Justice Fulford QC said, “I have no doubt that they were both part of an al-Qaeda-inspired and controlled sequence of attacks”. The jury was unable to come to any agreement over two others who the prosecution said had been part of the plot. Manfo Kwaku Asiedu and Adel Yahya both face a retrial later this year. The 21/7 bombers, Muktar Ibrahim, 29, Yassin Omar, 26, Ramzi Mohammed, 25, and Hussain Osman, 28, will serve at least 40 years before being considered for parole [BBC].

Many of the newspapers published on Tuesday, led with the conviction of the would-be bombers. The Daily Mail concentrated on the fact that all four were in fact refugees receiving benefits. It ran with the headline, "To think we gave them sanctuary".
The Sun went a step further, asking why all four men should not be dropped back to the east African states they came from, “with or without a parachute”. Other newspapers reported on the blunders made by the men, specifically the bad mathematics that had led one of the four to mix the bomb ingredients incorrectly. "If the detonators had been slightly more powerful or the hydrogen peroxide slightly more concentrated, then each bomb would have exploded," Judge Fulford said.

Besides this conviction, Britain faces continued threats. Over the weekend al-Qaeda’s number 2, Ayman al Zawahiri issued further threats in a video message and an audio tape [BBC]. In a 20-minute recording, the al-Qaeda second-in-command said the group was preparing a "very precise response" to the knighthood of Salman Rushdie [BBC]. And today a senior Iranian cleric warned of further attacks aimed at the UK in response to the announcement that Salman Rushdie was to be given a knighthood. Grand Ayatollah Saanei told Sky News, “This is blasphemy and an insult to all the prophets in the world. Terrorists can use this as a pretext to attack Britain.” The decision to offer Rushdie a knighthood had already been condemned by Iran last month. Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said the decision to praise the "apostate" showed Islamophobia among British officials [BBC]. Sir Salman's book The Satanic Verses sparked protests by Muslims around the world and led to Iran issuing a fatwa in 1989, ordering his execution.

Air China - Chinglish "threat to air safety"

Language barriers between Chinese pilots and western ground control staff are creating cause for concern for some in the airline industry, CNN reports. English is the internationally agreed language for airline pilots, but problems in communication are increasing the possibility of accidents. In one incident highlighted by CNN, an Air China flight from Beijing has a confused discourse with New York ground control staff.
When Air China flight 981 touched down at JFK last April there followed a confused dialogue between the pilot and the tower that could have led to disastrous consequences.

Tower: Make the right turn here at Juliet, join Alpha, hold short of Mike Alpha, Air China 9-81.
Pilot: Air China join right..err..Juliet join Alpha err hold (unintelligible) November.
Tower: OK, I’ll say it again.

Three times the tower repeated instructions, but the confusion persisted.

Tower: Air China 9-81 have they cleared you into the ramp?
Pilot: Roger. Err (unintelligible)
Tower: Have you been cleared into the ramp?
Pilot: OK, going to the ramp.
Tower: No, that was a question. Have the ramp people cleared you into the gate?
Pilot: Roger, to the gate, Air China 9-81
Tower: I’ll try it again, it’s a question. Hold your position. This is a question. Have you been cleared into your gate?
Pilot: OK, we hold here.

The frustrated controller at the tower is then heard to say: Nobody seems to speak English here today.
Air China admits there was an incident with flight 981 but blames the language used by the control tower. “He didn’t use the standard RKO language” Xu Xiukai, from the Air China English Training school, told CNN, “That’s why the pilot didn’t catch the actual meaning”.

Air China will require all its international pilots to have completed an English examination by next March. However as it stand of the 8,593 pilots who fly internationally, only 753 had taken the exam and of them only 651 had passed [source: China’s General Administration of Civil Aviation]. Even where pilots have passed the English exam, there are causes for concern as their grasp of the English language lacks a certain je ne sais quoi! And it was the French that used to create concern only a few years ago. But after many years efforts were made to force all pilots to use English. Capt. Bertrand de Courville, director of flight safety for the French national carrier explained, "Before this decision, we had in the same terminal airspace a mix of Air France flights (speaking aeronautical French) and other international flights (speaking aeronautical English)."
[CNN]

Al Gore - Global Warming is a "planetary emergency"

The polar ice caps are melting at a rate which may see them gone in as little as 30 years, Al Gore told CNN’s Larry King; “But we can still save it” insists the former Presidential candidate. He says he doesn’t miss politics saying he has a far more important mission. “I’m on a very different campaign to solve the biggest problem our planet faces” Gore insists. He is helped by friends and former colleagues. Tommy Lee Jones a former room mate with Gore at Harvard narrates the voice over to commercials promoting efforts to changing peoples’ attitude to protecting the environment. “We are living in a bubble of illusion” says Al Gore, “we are in a planetary emergency”.

And he is helped in his mission by Kevin Wall, Live Earth’s founder and Co-Producer, who says he saw Al Gore’s slide show and wanted to be a part of the effort to save the planet.

The concert featuring a number of top musical acts will be performed in 7 continents from the US to China.

Starting in Sydney Australia, the proceedings will bring coverage from, Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; New York, USA; London, UK; Hamburg, Germany; and Johannesburg in Africa. One can only guess the carbon footprint such an event will leave in its wake. However Al Gore is pragmatic with regards criticism targeted at this latest effort to bring the Global Warming threat to people’s attention. “If we can get even a small proportion of people to sign up to this 7 point pledge, then it will make a difference”, Gore insists.

But will really make a difference? And is scepticism in the global warming argument still too strong? Gore concedes there is much work to be done and says people must “wake up”.

Whilst many might agree that pollution is an issue, there still exists disagreement on what the causes of global warming are. A visitor to Shanghai or Beijing in China can see at first hand what pollution can do to the air. Too many vehicles, uncontrolled industry and coal fired power stations all add up to create a toxic mix of pollutants which hang over the city often for weeks at a time. But whilst others live in relatively cleaner environments, and suffer wet and windy summers, the argument for global warming is less convincing.

Gore is not put off by sceptics. “There are some who still think the world is flat” Gore quips, “but it’s hard when some of the largest polluters close their ears and spend millions of dollars a year to intentionally confuse people into thinking this isn’t real”.
But Gore insists the problem is very real, “and some of the problems that scientists say we should watch out for, because they are associated with global warming, are beginning to happen; the stronger storms, the sea level rise, the diseases from the tropics moving into areas where people live, the melting of the ice…”
“This is a moral issue, an ethical issue, it’s about the survival of our civilization, we’re not used to thinking or talking in that way but that’s what’s at stake” says the former US Vice President. “We don’t have that many years to play around”, he warns, “every day we will put 70M tonnes of Global Warming pollution into the atmosphere of the Earth as if it’s an open sewer. And we cannot continue to do that. But we will find it difficult to stop it until there is enough political will, that comes from the grass roots, to embolden the political leaders to pass new laws and policies that stop it.”
Gore says his mission to save the planet is far from over as he tries to convince politicians. “If I do my job correctly, within 500 days when the election is held in the US, then all candidates will be talking about it in realistic terms and offering meaningful solutions.” And although he is taking his message to all the countries of the world he finishes by saying “the US should provide leadership.”
[liveearth.org / Larry King Live]

Stuttering PM stumbles over PMQs

Much of the media focused today on the nervousness the Prime Minister appeared to display as Gordon Brown stuttered through his first Prime Minister’s Question Time. “The way, the way, the way forward“ the Mr Brown stammered in reply to one question from David Cameron. “Of course, of course I think that,..I think the …” at which point the Leader of the House urged the assembled MPs to keep order as he wished to hear the Prime Minister’s answer. This ironic remark brought guffaws of laughter from the House. Eventually Gordon Brown only gave further ammunition to the Opposition. “Has he not has forgotten I’ve only been in this job or five days” declared the Prime Minister. This was something many pundits hinged upon saying he was like a nervous schoolboy [Guardian / The Times]. Mr Brown has much to make him nervous as Britain faces a new wave of terror attacks. However, the threat level was today reduced to ‘Severe’ from ‘Critical’ by the government. The situation is still very critical in both major fronts in the war on terror, Iraq and Afghanistan. Today 6 Canadian NATO troops and an interpreter were killed in Afghanistan [BBC] whilst several suicide attacks killed a dozen in Iraq [BBC]. Two US troops also died in a helicopter crash the US military confirmed Wednesday. Last week saw 5 troops killed in what was described as a ‘coordinated attack by insurgents. Those deaths brought to 99 the number of U.S. troops to die in Iraq throughout June. The toll for the past three months — 329 — made it the deadliest quarter for U.S. troops in Iraq since the war began in March 2003. [Fox News]
And on Tuesday a blast in Yemen killed several Spanish tourists [BBC]. These events have been pushed to the back of the news agenda in light of the events at home. But the news abroad will no doubt be playing on the Prime Minister's mind as much the continuing domestic crisis.

8 suspects held in terror probe

Dr Kafeel Ahmed, Dr Bilal Abdullah, Dr Mohammed Asha, Marwa Daana,

Dr Sabeel Ahmed, Dr Mohammed Haneef and two un-named suspects are now in custody

After two attempted terror attacks and a car bomb attack in Scotland, the police investigation has moved swiftly with several arrests having been made. Information found on mobile telephones in the failed London car bombs led police to Scotland. One letting agency was contacted, through which one of the suspects had rented a property. But then came the attack on Glasgow airport and the arrested of the two suspected would-be suicide bombers. They have been named as Bilal Abdullah, a doctor of Iraqi descent, and Dr Kafeel Ahmed.
Within hours of the blast at Glasgow airport, police detained Dr Mohammed Asha on the M6 along with his wife, Marwa Daana a 27 year old laboratory technician. His father, Jamil Asha, has said he was a neurologist working in the UK and has said “this is so strange”. Pictures have been shown on some TV networks which depict Mohammed Asha meeting with Queen Noor of Jordan during a graduation ceremony. His father insisted his son was innocent. “Our son is not a fanatic,” he told reporters, “this is a mistake”.

A further arrest was made at a house in Liverpool, named as Dr Sabeel Ahmed, and two more were detained in Paisley near Glasgow a short time later.

COBRA, the government’s security panel, had met several times by early Monday morning and in the fast paced investigation police said they had made much progress. Then came news that another suspect had been detained half way round the globe. Dr Mohammed Haneef was arrested and subsequently questioned after attempting to take a flight to Pakistan from Brisbane, Australia, on a one-way ticket. He is described as an Indian doctor who had also worked in the UK. In addition the Prime Minister, John Howard, said another man was “helping police with their enquiries”. Dr Haneef is said to have moved to Australia in 2005 from Liverpool. He previously worked at Halton Hospital, Runcorn, Cheshire. The 26 year old Indian doctor arrested in Liverpool earlier is also said to have worked at the same hospital. Sky News reported that the men detained at an address in Paisley were trainee doctors. They are said to be 25 and 26 years old.


Several controlled explosions were carried out on Tuesday; one carried out on a suspicious car at a mosque in Glasgow and a further one at Alexandra Hospital, where at least one of the suspects remains in critical condition.

During the reporting of the story there has been confused and differing ways in which the details are reported. Whilst Sky News have used photographs and names of suspects, others, including CNN, have blurred out faces and refrained from reporting their names. Channel Four News on Tuesday showed only three of the eight suspects’ pictures, refraining from showing that of Dr Sabeel Ahmed beside many photographs having already been published of the hospitalized suspect.

Besides Sir Iain Blair saying the attacks could not have been prevented, it has now been reported in the media that MI5 already had some of the suspects in their sights. It may be coincidence, but it has been reported that one supposed al-Qaeda leader had given a coded warning to Canon Andrew White who visited Baghdad recently. He said that the man had threatened attacks in the UK and said, “those that cure you will kill you”.

BBC journalist freed after 114 days

After 114 days in captivity, Alan Johnston, the BBC correspondent, has been freed. In that time there had been doubts about his well being and at times rumours that he had been killed by his kidnappers. Most recently concerns were heightened when pictures were released showing the journalist wearing what appeared to be a suicide bomb vest. Speaking to the assembled media he said he was “enormously relieved” to be free. He spoke of his having listened to the BBC World Service during his captivity and he thanked many media organisations for keeping his plight in the public domain. He said he was generally well treated by his kidnappers who provided him with bread, cheese and eggs, food he said he had asked for. At one point one of the kidnappers allowed him to see the television when his parents appeared to make an appeal. But besides these gestures, Alan Johnston spoke of intense psychological pressure and deep depression during his ordeal. It was a “weird, dark world,” he said. He said the pressure by Hamas had probably been the pivotal factor in securing his release. He said the nature of his release came suddenly and without warning. “They burst in my room last night and one looked wild eyed and I thought this was bad news”. He said he was then taken into the centre of town and handed over to some more gunmen after a terrifying car ride. But as he caught a glimpse of a photographer he recognised he said he realized it was all over. He said he was moved by the kindness of ordinary Palestinians and added that today was “the most extraordinary day of his life”. His first press conference was covered in its entirety by CNN. The BBC covered most of the proceedings but cut away to news about the conviction of a murderer. Sky News also cut away after 30 minutes to update viewers on the UK terror investigations, now in their 4th day. Al Jazeera covered the entire 42 minute press conference, which was held at the British Consulate in Jerusalem, and followed up which an in depth studio discussion. The BBC also continued with analysis of the news of Alan Johnston’s release. His plight has been successfully resolved. However the world has become an increasingly dangerous one for journalists. At least 155 were killed last year, 64 of them in Iraq alone.

UK - Terror threat 'Critical'

The Home Office has raised the security threat level to 'Critical' in the wake of the terrorist attack at Glasgow Airport. It suggests that a terror attack within the UK is imminent. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has asked the British public to remain calm but vigilant. "I know the British people will tand together; united, resolute and strong," he said in a short statement early this evening. Meanwhile, two men, one of which is believed to be suffering from severe burns, have been arrested and remain under guard at hospital.

'Terrorist attack' at Glasgow Airport

A car has been driven into Glasgow Airport’s terminal building in what appears to be a terrorist attack. Witnesses described two persons having exited the vehicle before it exploded at least one of them engulfed in flames. One witness said the men appeared to be Asian and one was on fire, his skin peeling. Members of the public intervened to detain the men some being injured in the mêlée. According to Sky News sources Police are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. The incident comes a day after two car bombs were found in London, one in the Haymarket and one in Park Lane. Both of those devices were made safe by police. COBRA, the government security panel, will meet this evening to discuss the series of events. Meanwhile the White House has said security will be boosted at US airports.
The area remains sealed off both from the press as well as members of the public. The vehicle, which is still embedded in the building, has been described as a Jeep Cherokee. However it is not known at this time whether the fire resulting from the explosion has been extinguished [BBC / CNN / Sky News].

Home Secretary - UK 'faces serious threat'

Speaking outside No 10, Jacqui Smith the new Home Secretary announced Sir Admiral Alan West as the new counter-terrorism and security minister. She reiterated the need for vigilance in the light of the new terror threat and urged the media not to speculate on the events. In her short statement she said, “As the government has made clear… we are currently facing a sustained threat from international terrorists”. She maintained that the government and security services were making all efforts to reduce this threat.
Besides her request for media to avoid speculation, such discussions persisted on many news channels. CNN and Sky News have both reported on a possible suspect having absconded from the vehicle. Reports also suggested the vehicle may have been abandoned after crashing into a litter bin. There is speculation that the night club may not have been the intended target and that the vehicle may have been left due to the device malfunctioning prior to arrival at its final destination. Many commentators have liked the potential attack as being similar to attacks that take place daily in Iraq. However, to place this into perspective, Baghdad sees car bombs almost daily. This was one failed attack. It certainly sends a clear message, and would have created massive devastation, but it is not the sustained attack seen in the streets of Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. But for many members of the public it adds to the fear of uncertainty. Many Londoners may shrug off the threat having experienced similar threats from the IRA over many years in the past. However, the effect on tourism may seriously affect the economy as Americans particularly avoid visiting the city.

London - Car bomb fails to explode

The green Mercedes parked in Haymarket, W1

A potentially devastating terrorist attack, possibly targeting a night club in London, has failed. A car laden with gas cylinders, 60 litres of fuel and nails failed to explode outside the Tiger Tiger night club in Haymarket near to Piccadilly Circus in West London in the early hours of Friday morning. The new Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has said it clearly showed the “sustained and serious threat” that Britain faces. The failed terror attack, which police say could have taken a substantial number of lives, comes within hours of Gordon Brown forming his new government after Tony Blair’s departure. And this morning he convened COBRA to discuss the government response at 77 Whitehall which was also attended by police and security personnel. The new Prime Minister then held a marathon cabinet session of nearly 90 minutes
Deputy Asst. Commissioner Peter Clarke told reporters earlier that the police were alerted to the Mercedes vehicle by an ambulance crew who had notice smoke coming from it. Explosives officers disarmed a potential way of detonating the device and DAC Peter Clarke praised officers for their bravery in disarming the device and preventing loss of life.
The Brown government has been handed a terror crisis in less than 24 hours after forming his cabinet. Police have significant work to do as they sift through evidence left in the vehicle and look through hours of CCTV footage. A man hunt is also underway after reports that a man had absconded from the green Mercedes.

China's manufacturing slated by West

Some Chinese toothpaste manufacturers have been criticized
for adding engine coolant to their products

China continues to make world headlines with many Western media organisations being particularly critical of the Chinese government as well as policy. In particular, their has been a great deal of focus on the Chinese government’s apparent arrogance and failure to act decisively with regards to quality standards on a number of exports which have caused concern in the west. Two months ago, exports of dog and cat food created anger amongst pet owners in the US after their pets became sick or died after eating Chinese products containing melamine. The substance was added to the food in order to boost perceived protein levels. But the chemical proved fatal to dozens of animals across the United States. The product was swiftly withdrawn, but within weeks another scare created even more concern for the American public after the FDA announced that toothpaste imported from China contained Diethylene glycol, a chemical more often used as an engine coolant [BBC]. The substance, described by the FDA as being a huge cause for concern, was dismissed as harmless by Chinese officials. Most recently has been the recall of toy trains which had been painted with lead paint – banned under regulations applying to children’s toys in the west. The Thomas the Tank Engine toys were swiftly recalled, but many disappointed children may have to wait weeks for a replacement. The company involved, RC2, has said that it may take as long as 6 to 8 weeks to mail back a replacement. Consumers may have to wait even longer for shipping costs to be refunded, since they are dealt with at another building. And it was only after parents reacted angrily that the company reversed the decision not to cover mailing costs.

The problems associated with all of these recalls, and public concerns associated with them, highlight the realities of off-shoring. Products produced abroad, out of sight of tightly controlled public regulators at home, can lead to many issues being overlooked or even ignored altogether. Many of the companies which licence Chinese manufacturers to make their products are extremely secretive about their operations. This makes it all the more difficult to scrutinize levels of safety both within the product itself and for those workers manufacturing it. Even when it comes to inspecting the thousands of products entering the West every year, control has become an issue with fewer. In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has fewer employees than they did 20 years ago.

Governments on both sides need to take stock. In China, it is a matter of reputation as well as issues of safety and workers’ rights. For the West it is an economic issue. If cheap imports are stopped or curtailed, either by bans and withdrawals, or by the public’s refusal to buy such products which they perceive to be dangerous, manufacturing bases may shift resulting in price increases.

In China, premier Wen has insisted he will crack down on bad practices. There have been signs that he means business. Recently a top official was sentenced to death for taking bribes in connection with the manufacturing of fake medicine. And most recently dozens have been arrested including two officials responsible for allowing the enforced slavery of children and adults within brick kiln factories [BBC]. According to the Xinhua news agency, two of those arrested were officials at the head of a labour inspection team in the Yongii region of Shanxi Province. According to police 55 other people were being investigated in 15 separate cases of slavery at brick kilns. According to the state media organisation, 591 workers including 51 had been freed across two provinces, Henan and Shanxi. But this high profile case may be just the tip of a very big iceberg. One Xinhua journalist revealed to tvnewswatch that it was very common for adults to be abducted after being plied with drink laced with drugs, only to find themselves miles from home forced to work for little or no money. Unemployment and an increased homeless population is further escalating the problem as people are enticed by non-existent promises of work but are instead lured into slave factories. The West too has an obligation to put pressure on both its own manufacturers, as well as the Chinese government, to crack down on these practices. A failure to do so may have far graver consequences than the recall of tubes of toothpaste and toy trains. Amongst the older population in China, many of whom do not benefit from China’s increased economic success, there is still a strong admiration and nostalgia for Mao. He brought about a popular revolution built much on the grievances of a subjugated and poor peasant population. If the balance between rich and poor, as well as continued exploitation of peasants is not addressed, China may see history repeat itself.

tvnewswatch in China

tvnewswatch has been in China for the last week, hence the lack of reports. English speaking newspapers are hard to find unless you're at top hotels. On arrival Chinese news media were reporting on a 6.0 earthquake which occurred in Yunnan province. Yunnan experiences most of China's earthquakes, and China itself sufferers from a third of all earthquakes worldwide. But the last news here is the heavy rainfall, which followed by flooding and landslides, have killed 14 people and displaced more than 20,000 people in south China's Guangdong Province. 

 

The storms have led to the collapse of more than 3,000 homes, and some 26,000 hectares (64,247 acres) of cropland have been damaged. The hardest-hit areas are Heyuan, Shaoguan, Meizhou, Shanwei and Qingyan, but here in Kunming the capital of Yunnan, heavy rain persists and has been for the last 24 hours.

 

As for other news, from here it's difficult to pull information together, especially whilst on the move. But from an occasional read of an out of date China Daily and glimpses of CCTV-9 [China's only English speaking news channel] it appears the G8 is well under way with much being debated about the environment, with China coming in for particular scrutiny. China daily also reported recently on a foiled attempt to blow up JFK airport in the US and of several attacks in Iraq, one of which killed 7 US troops. The paper also reported that Britain's Home Secretary had indicated he would be strengthening terror laws in the country. Google was also a topic in the China Daily with an article about a street level mapping which some believe is going too far in regards to personal privacy. The new Google feature called Street View enables Internet users to view locations in full photographic detail. The photographs were taken by Google using vans roaming many parts of the US. At the moment the areas are confined to the USA but Google plans to extend its tentacles all over the globe. So keep your curtains closed if you have something to hide!

Terrorism 'spreading beyond Iraq'

Al-Qaeda in Iraq may be spreading its influence beyond the borders of this war torn country. Last week saw a return of a significant number of car and suicide bombings within Iraq, but outside its territory there were a number of incidents which bore all the hallmarks of al-Qaeda.
In Lebanon, violence broke out between Fatah al-Islam and Lebanese security forces. Many experts say the group has strong links with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Meanwhile Turkey saw its first terror attack in several months initially blamed on Islamic extremists. The bombing targeted a shopping mall in a tourist area of Ankara killing at least 6 and injuring more than 100. The bombing was later said to have been launched by a PKK suicide bomber, Guven Akkus [BBC]. Turkey has been hit by several bombings in recent years. Some have been blamed on Kurds and others on Islamic militants. In November 2003, more than 60 people were killed by a series of suicide bombings in Istanbul which the authorities linked to al-Qaeda. Kurdish rebels also carried out a number of attacks on tourist sites in Turkey last year, killing more than a dozen people.
The al-Qaeda threat to surrounding countries appears to have been the impetus for persuading the Iranians to come to Iraq along with US officials to discuss the security situation in the country.

During the talks the violence continued outside. More than 20 died and at least 66 were injured in a Baghdad car bombing. The blast also damaged an important Sunni mosque.
CNN in a report Monday suggested that al-Qaeda in Iraq were sending trained terrorists to Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen in order to spread its terror campaign. Dennis Pluchinsky, a former State Dept. Intelligence Analyst, told CNN, “Iraq is a laboratory of tactics and terrorist techniques”. It is clear, at least from claims made, and a certain amount of evidence at attack sites that the Iraqi terror groups are having a wider effect. Three bombings in Amman, Jordan which targeted western hotels have been attributed to the now deceased Zarqawi led al-Qaeda in Iraq terror group [BBC]. An audio tape, purported to be from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, stated that three members of his group were sent to Jordan to carry out the attacks “against Jews, Crusaders and other enemies of God”. Even before his message, many were convinced al-Qaead were behind the blasts [BBC]. But as the security situation deteriorates in Iraq, it, like Afghanistan in the past, is fast becoming a terrorist training camp from which al-Qaeda and similar groups are launching attacks beyond its borders.
And the battle against the insurgency is far from over. At least 38 died in 2 car bombings Tuesday and on Monday 2 US troops died when their helicopter crashed after coming under fire. A further 8 other troops died when they went to their aid [early reports suggested only 6 had died, but CNN reported that another 2 had been confirmed dead late Tuesday]. It brings the total number of US dead to 3,363 since March 2003. The BBC also reported on Monday that five Britons had been abducted from Iraq’s Finance Ministry in Baghdad.
It was not a good week for British authorities when it emerged that a number or terror suspects on ‘control orders’ had absconded [BBC]. Within days the government were suggesting further ‘draconian’ laws in order to stop terrorism in its tracks. New so called ‘stop and quiz’ terror powers would enable police to stop and question anybody whether or not they had any suspicion or ‘reasonable cause’ to do so [BBC]. The proposals were swiftly condemned by many human rights groups and politicians on all sides [BBC]. Mr Hain, who is in the running to become Labour's deputy leader, told BBC1's Sunday AM programme, "We have got to be very careful that we do not create circumstances that are the domestic equivalent of Guantanamo Bay."
"Guantanamo Bay, which was an international abuse of human rights, acted as a recruiting sergeant for dissidents and alienated Muslims and alienated many other people across the world."
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg warned it would only increase radicalism. The proposals are seen as a ‘knee jerk’ reaction to the authority’s failure to keep hold of the terror suspects who absconded last week. When it emerged on Thursday that three men suspected of wanting to kill UK troops had disappeared, Mr Reid criticised his political opponents and judges for stopping the use of tougher measures against terror suspects. He promised new anti-terror measures and told MPs that the government could consider suspending some parts of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) so it can impose tougher control orders.

Litvinenko death - Russian faces murder charge

Lugovoi denies involvement in Litvinenko's death

Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB operative, faces a charge of murder of Alexander Litvinenko by the British Crown Prosecution Service. Litvinenko, also a former KGB operative, was poisoned with Polonium 210 in London last November. However, despite the British Foreign Secretary saying she expected “full cooperation” from the Russian authorities, the Russians have already said there was “no chance” of the Russian being extradited to the UK. [BBC / Sky News / CNN]

Violence breaks out in Lebanon

Serious violence has broken out near to Palestinian refugee camps on the outskirts of Tripoli, Lebanon. The battles seem to be between Lebanese armed forces and Fatah al-Islam, a group described by one CNN correspondent as having links with al-Qaeda. Pictures broadcast Live on CNN, Sky News, BBC News 24 and al-Jazeera show thick black smoke rising from a number of spots across the city against a backdrop of heavy gunfire. Al-Jazeera reported that the fighting was in response to rocket attacks on the Palestinian refugee camps situated at Nahr al Bared.

Blair meets Bush in US for one last time

On his final visit to the US as Prime Minister Tony Blair met with President George W Bush. After a private meeting the two leaders addressed the press in the Rose Garden. George Bush addressed the assembled media first and acknowledged Tony Blair as a ‘friend’ and a ‘partner in peace’. The President said they had discussed, Iraq, Afghanistan and the peace initiative in the Middle East. They also discussed the need to tackle issues surrounding Africa, particularly the chaotic situation in Darfur in the Sudan. The environment was also discussed, the President said; however no great detail was given as to what plans the two countries had placed on the G8 agenda. He then handed the floor to Mr Blair. The Prime Minister said the President was “unyielding, unflinching and determined” and described the relationship as a controversial one but it was nonetheless important that the two countries stood side by side. Mr Blair said it was important to work towards a two state solution in the Middle East in order to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Mr Blair said that the two countries would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder” as allies in the war against terrorism. “The forces we are fighting in Iraq are the same elements we are fighting everywhere… there is no alternative for us but to fight it wherever it exists,” the outgoing Prime Minister said; “This is a fight we cannot afford to lose.” There was much praise from President Bush for the Prime Minister. He said that Mr Blair was widely respected in the International Community. “When Prime Minister Blair talks, people listen”, the President said. “And he follows through on his conviction…so yes, he is the right guy to be dealing with,” Mr Bush added. This reaction came in response to a series of critical questions coming from the British media during the later part of the press conference. During these statements of support, Mr Blair appeared almost embarrassed with a broad grin across his face. It will be interesting to see the developing relationship with the new Prime Minister soon to take over from Tony Blair. Already President Bush has described Gordon Brown as a “good fellow” and says he looks forward to dealing with him. How strong their relationship will be, only time will tell.

Prince Harry prevented from fighting Iraq war

Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, is no longer being allowed to go to Iraq. Reasons cited by the MoD are that he would be a danger to his troops, and although many were prepared to take the risk, the MoD have said they were not prepared to place the extra stress upon their families. There has been criticism from other family members of those serving in Iraq suggesting there was a sense of favouritism and a lack of even handedness. The Vanessa Feltz show on BBC London drew a mixed response to the decision. Some expressed the view that there had never been the intention of sending the Prince due to the open public announcement made several months ago, which was bound to draw out the insurgent threats and intense media coverage. If there had been a real intention to send Prince Harry, he could have been sent without any mention to the media and only after his time had been served, should it have been announced. The media speculation surrounding his intended tour of duty has been intense since it was originally announced. Countless reports have surfaced that indicate insurgent groups would make the Royal a prime target. This along with increased attacks on British troops in southern Iraq as well as recent kidnappings of US troops near Baghdad were probably factors in the MoD decision which was made public late Wednesday afternoon. As for the Prince, he was said to be “disappointed” at the decision. He had said publicly several months ago he had always had a strong desire to see action and join other British troops on the frontline. “Why else would I drag my sorry arse through Sandhurst”, he said with regards his intention to fight for God, Queen and Country. It now looks as though he is caught between a desk job or making a decision to resign his post [BBC / CNN].

Sarkozy wins French Election

Nicolas Sarkozy has won the Presidency of the French Republic, defeating the other leading candidate Marie-Ségolène Royal. According to early results Sarkozy took 53% of the vote. But while France celebrates or commiserates in the news, Newsjunky is crawling back to bed with pneumonia. Au revoir...

Al Qaeda 'thriving' despite 'War on Terror'

Despite high profile court cases and the breaking up of terror cells, al Qaeda is ‘thriving’ according to a high ranking chief at Scotland Yard. In an article published in the Guardian newspaper [25/04/2007], Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke said that despite the six year long “war on terror”, al Qaeda and other terrorist groups still retained the ability to launch attacks on Britain. “It [al Qaeda] is global in origin, reach and ambition. The networks are large, fluid, mobile and incredibly resilient,” he said. He dismissed critics who claimed the threat was overblown and said that more than 100 people awaited trial for terrorist offences. But he said many arrests were brought about by “technical means” [intrusive bugging devices or video surveillance] as well as a flow of information from foreign intelligence agencies. With this in mind it was important to “increase the flow of intelligence coming from [Muslim] communities.”
His comments came as six men were held after terror raids in the early hours of Tuesday [24/04/2007]. Five were arrested in London and another in Luton. Their names were not released to the media, but Abu Izzadeen who is well known for his outspoken views, was believed to be amongst those arrested. Scotland Yard said, “The arrests form part of a long-term, proactive and complex investigation into alleged incitement and radicalisation for the purposes of terrorism, as well as alleged provision of financial support for international terrorism.” Several days later all were charged with terror related charges [BBC]

Abu Ayyub Al Masri, al Qaeda in Iraq’s leader, has been killed according to reports on CNN. However, his body has not been recovered and there was no absolute confirmation of the news [BBC]. It was too early to say if his death, if true, would slow down the insurgency. However there has already been a slight decline in civilian deaths throughout April, despite several ‘spectaculars’ which drew international headlines. In a decline from the previous month, 1,501 Iraqi civilians lost their lives in sectarian and insurgent violence in April, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Tuesday. March saw 1,872 civilians killed, and 1,646 died in February. There were 2,334 Iraqi civilians wounded during April, compared with 2,708 the month before, the ministry said. Other figures released today showed a general increase over 2006. CNN reported that there was a 25% increase in attacks from the previous year, amounting to 14,000 deaths.

Fertiliser bomb plot saw 5 convictions on Monday [BBC] [30/04/2007]. But there was little celebration. Instead the trial served only to show the widespread terror network in existence. Links to the 7/7 attacks in London in 2005 became apparent, but at the time of police investigations authorities did not see the bombers as a threat. But families of those killed on 7/7 believe there was incompetence in the investigations and demanded an inquiry [BBC]. This has been rejected by Prime Minister Tony Blair s well as other top officials. The war on terror continues to be fought elsewhere too. In Australia a number of men are due to appear before court charged with planning attacks there. According to a report on CNN the nine men had stockpiled chemicals for bomb-making purposes.
The fight against terrorism is also emboldening the terrorists, at least according to one political pundit. The ‘War on Terror’ phrase was all too often making terrorist more important than they were, Hillary Benn said in early April [BBC]. Mr Benn said, "In the UK, we do not use the phrase 'war on terror' because we can't win by military means alone. And because this isn't us against one organised enemy with a clear identity and a coherent set of objectives." The British Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken MacDonald, said in January this year that no such war existed and, further, that the very concept of a "war on terror" was dangerous. "It is critical that we understand that this new form of terrorism carries another more subtle, perhaps equally pernicious, risk. Because it might encourage a fear-driven and inappropriate response. By that I mean it can tempt us to abandon our values. I think it important to understand that this is one of its primary purposes," he said.
The phrase may have been dropped from common use [BBC], but the war against terrorists and terrorism continues, even if it only has a marginal effect.

[editorial note: apologies to regular readers for a lack of reporting over the last fortnight. This has been due to a number of factors. Foreign assignments, other work related issues and illness have all taken their toll on regular commentary.]

Iraq - suicide attack kills 9 US troops

The US military says nine American soldiers have been killed and 20 wounded in a suicide car bombing of a patrol base northeast of Baghdad, according to news agency reports. BBC News 24 flashed the news onto screens shortly before 01:00 GMT with Sky News following suit and were the first to post on their new-look website. CNN also reported on the news at the top of the hour along with al-Jazeera English.
The attack was in Diyala province, an area that has been the site of fierce fighting between US and Iraqi troops, Sunni insurgents and Shi'ite militias, according to reports. There were at least 46 other deaths throughout the country on Monday including a least 20 dead in Ramadi [BBC].
There were few other details with regards tonights attack, however there were reports from other news agencies quoted by the BBC that at least 15 blasts had hit the capital Baghdad.

China - 'under attack' by western media

Channel Four's Lindsey Hilsum is often highly critical of China

One doesn’t have to look far to find news items critical of China. Whether it’s human rights, displacement of residents in order to make way for new factories and office blocks or the state of the environment, China is the subject of continual criticism in the media. Today is of no exception. Sky News might be thought of as having a ‘vendetta agenda’, as almost weekly they highlight negative issues of this large emerging economy. With a special report from Russia, Sky News reported on the illegal hunting of tigers for their supposed medicinal properties. The report said that although hunting was illegal, “one doesn’t have to look far to find products made from tigers”. In David Bowden’s report he said, “The Siberian - or Amur - tiger is the biggest of all the big cats and lives exclusively in the vast forests of the Russian far east. But poaching and traditional Chinese medicine are threatening to wipe them out.” Recently a BBC report highlighted the breeding of tigers in order to make tiger bone wine.
Manufacturing in China also comes under fire. The BBC highlighted a ban on a number of Chinese made toys and other products cited as being dangerous. And the newspaper USA Today reported that China was to blame for a “tainted ingredient” that had been added to pet food. The tainted food had killed some animals and hospitalised others throughout the US last month.
The environmental impact of China’s industry is never too far from the news. On Monday the BBC reported how much of the Yangtse river was “irreversibly polluted”, whilst a critical report on Channel 4 News told how China was destroying valuable rain forests in the country. Lindsey Hilsum said, “China is trading in timber that has been logged in parts of south east Asia and Africa where timber laws are lax.” And that this timber could be “exported under the label 'Made in China' - so no-one need ever know the timber came from Indonesia. And no Chinese law would be broken.” Just today on BBC LDN, a report told listeners how there was a shortage of fence panels and partly blamed the shortage on increased exports to China. Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, Paul Masterman, who works for timber merchants A&W Cushion Ltd, in Barn Road, Norwich, said “That [the January storms] were a big problem for the fencing industry, but it wasn't the only problem. Demand in Europe has also been forced up by China and Russia.”
It is of course true that China faces many challenges in solving many problems, both in regards to its environment and the effect that the new economic boom is having upon its people. However the constant criticism without constructive support, advice and encouragement, will do little to curb these practices. Indeed Chinese authorities may become increasingly defensive, rather than acknowledge the deepening problems. There exists in China, a strong patriotic spirit and a sense of pride. No-one, least of all an entire country, likes to be criticized. And western media in particular needs to balance the criticism with some of the positive efforts China is making in tackling some of the problems highlighted in the news [Chinadialogue].

US - killer's multi-media manifesto emerges

Paranoid, psychotic and violent, these were just some of the descriptions given to Cho Seung-Hui‘s behaviour as seen in a video he himself released to the media. The 23 year old South Korean had apparently left the first crime scene after killing two victims and recorded a video of himself before heading out to kill again. But prior to his second excursion he had the forethought to mail the video and a number of photographs to NBC television. It had a date stamp of 9:15 indication he had posted the package after his “message from beyond the grave”. Amongst the items were photographs showing Cho Seung Hui posing with a number of weapons; guns, knives and hammers. In the video Cho is heard reading a rambling manifesto which is peppered with expletives and anger against his unnamed enemies described only as ‘you’.
"You had a hundred billion chances and ways to have avoided today” he is heard saying…But you decided to spill my blood. You forced me into a corner and gave me only one option. The decision was yours. Now you have blood on your hands that will never wash off." MSNBC.com reported that Cho also discussed "martyrs like Eric and Dylan" apparently referring to Columbine High School gunmen Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 13 people and themselves on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado. In another tract he says, "You had everything you wanted. Your Mercedes wasn't enough, you brats. Your golden necklaces weren't enough, you snobs. Your trust fund wasn't enough. Your vodka and cognac weren't enough. All your debaucheries weren't enough. Those weren't enough to fulfill your hedonistic needs. You had everything." These statements are only part of a significant package which consisted of 27 Quicktime video files, an audio file and 23 photographs as well as an 1,800 word statement. Police Col. Steve Flaherty said the material "may be a very new critical component of this investigation.” However, the killer’s multi-media ‘manifesto’ will do nothing to ease the pain for the victims, their families and friends. The disclosure of the material by NBC was swiftly picked up by news broadcasters. It became the top story on BBC News 24, Sky News and CNN. Even CCTV9 and al Jazeera English broadcast extracts. Sky News specifically looked at whether Cho may have copied scenes from a South Korean film ‘Oldboy’. There are certain similarities between a still taken from the film and one of Cho holding a pistol to his head, but this may prove to be a coincidence. It has been suggested he repeatedly watched the film which in the US was rated R for strong violence including scenes of torture, sexuality and pervasive language. Oldboy (Hangul:올드보이) was directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on a Japanese manga of the same name, written by Nobuaki Minegishi and Garon Tsuchiya.

Iraq - A day of carnage leaves 170 dead

Baghdad has seen its worst day of violence since the US led clamp-down started two months ago and four days ago. More than 170 have died in a series of attacks that followed an announcement by Nouri al Maliki that he hoped to soon bring his country under Iraqi control. But soon after his upbeat statement a reign of terror hit the streets of Iraq’s capital. CNN continually broke into regular programming with the Breaking News. First it was 30 dead, then 66, the death toll rising all afternoon. By the day’s end it was above 170 and described by Channel 4 News as being “A day that defies belief.” The first blast hit near to a hospital killing around 11 people. A further 35 died in the second bomb blast in the mainly Shi’ite area of Sadr city in north-east Baghdad. Then can the most devastating attack of the day at Sadriya market. Here at least 118 died with over 100 others injured. This was the scene of another tragic blast only months before in which over 130 died. But the killing was still not over. Only minutes later a fourth bomb a short distance away killed another four Iraqis [BBC].

US - gunman named by police

Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech, news stations in the UK have been saturated with coverage. Sky News has covered few other stories today and along with CNN have kept viewers up to date with new information emerging at press conferences. One new fact to emerge today was the name of the gunman. Identified from fingerprints on a handgun, police named him as Cho Seung-Hui, a 23 year old South Korean who was living and studying in the US. Later reports soon emerged suggesting he had recently become ‘increasingly violent and disturbed’ according to one student. Another report suggested he had left notes in his room which heavily criticized richer students at the university. He has also been described as ‘troubled’ by one professor, whilst others have said he was a ’loner’. There are conflicting reports as to how many weapons have been found by police. Most report the finding of a 9mm Glock handgun. Other reports say that a Walther P22 handgun was also found at the scene [CNN]. In some of the more tragic details to be revealed it was reported that Liviu Librescu, a professor and holocaust survivor, apparently died trying to save students. There are currently 17 injured people being treated in hospital. All are described as stable. Sky and BBC are looking at the possible ramifications following the shootings, and whether new gun laws might be implemented. According to Sky News, there over 200 million guns in the US; at least one for each member of the population. In particular both networks looked at the lax gun laws in the state of Virginia. US networks have so far avoided the repercussions and how gun laws might be affected. It was the grief, the shock and the condolences being sent by world leaders that CNN concentrated upon.

Iraq sees another deadly weekend

The massacre in Virginia in the US has left the nation reeling. Tragic as it is, the incident is something which the Iraqi population experience daily. This weekend was particularly tragic. According to the Monterey Herald at least 289 people were killed or injured across the country on Saturday. A car bomb in the Shi’ite city of Karbala killed 36 and injured more than 160. The attacker detonated explosives at a crowded bus station in the city close to a shrine holy to Shia Muslims, at around 0915 local time (0515 GMT) [BBC].
Another bridge in the capital, Baghdad, was struck by a bomb killing at least 10. And a further 3 were killed elsewhere in the city by another blast [CNN / CBS].

Sunday and Monday also saw continued violence. On Sunday over 40 people died in a series on blasts in the capital [BBC] and on Monday there were reports of an ambush by militia men [BBC]. According to reports, gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint in the Abdaiyah area of Mosul, also wounding four soldiers. Coalition troops also died over the weekend too. Two British service personnel died and another severely injured when two helicopters collided on Sunday [BBC]. Tributes poured in the following day for the two [BBC]. Further problems emerged for the Iraqi government this week as Moqtada al Sadr called on six prominent Shi’ite politicians to quit. An attempt to force the Maliki led government to set a time line for US withdrawal had been earlier been rejected. This was cited as being the main reason for the decision to withdraw [BBC]. Moqtada al Sadr, himself, has not been seen for sometime in public. US officials have claimed he has fled to Iran, while his supporters claim he remains in Iraq.
The effect that the new US led initiative to curtail the violence was having, was also called into question and there were further calls for Britain to withdraw from Iraq. But speaking at his monthly press conference, Tony Blair said on Tuesday that it was important for Britain to stand side by side with its allies. “If we want to remain a strong power capable of wielding real influence in the world then we have to keep these two principles intact; one, that we are allies with America and strong central partners in Europe, and secondly that we are prepared to use hard as well as soft power. And if you give up either of those two principles, for a country like Britain of 60 million people, a small geographical space in the 21st century, we will reduce significantly our power and influence. I know that’s not a popular thing to say in certain quarters but I believe it to be true.” He said that if Britain and its allies had not intervened in Iraq and more specifically Afghanistan it would “reduce our ability to fight terrorism effectively, even in our own country”.
He said he believed in an “interventionalist policy” and cited Bosnia as one example where by not intervening saw the deaths of more than 100,000 people before the international community stepped in. He said too that the situation in Darfur in Sudan needed a clear message to be sent. Added to this he said that the world was now greatly different since the terror attacks in America in 2001 - “I believe the attack on September 11th was not just an attack on America but also an attack on the western world and western values.” He said it was important for Europe and Britain to continue to stand alongside the US and said, “the biggest danger is that America moves to a more disengaged position.” And he warned, “if that happens, Europeans … will realize what they’ve lost.”

US university massacre - 33 dead

At least 30 people have been shot dead by a gunman. Not in Iraq but in the US. This is a country often known for gun-crime but the latest massacre has shocked a nation. The shooting occurred at a University in Virginia at around 7:15 a.m Local time. The news broke slowly on UK screens, much of the news coverage taken up with the Defence Secretary’s statement in parliament following the ‘cash for stories’ row that has dominated the UK press over the last week. But by 16:00 BST [15:00 GMT] most news stations were covering the story. According to early reports at least 20 students had died at the hand of a gunman, apparently an ‘Asian’ who was ‘looking for his girlfriend’. Suggestions of jealousy were cited later by the Sky News Washington correspondent, as being behind the shooting. A press conference held several hours later cleared up some of the confusion behind the incident; the worst school shooting in US history.

Officials confirmed that 33 people were dead including the gunman, and that 51 were being treated in hospital. Two had been killed in a dormitory, the first scene to which the police had been called. Here the police found the doors chained shut from the inside. Police Chief Wendell Flinchum said initial reports had indicated the shooting at the Ambler Johnston dormitory was “domestic in nature”. A ‘lock-down’ of that building was put in place, but that did not cover the whole campus. Between the time the initial call came in, and an e-mail was sent to students, nearly two hours had elapsed and a second incident was under way. This was at Norris Hall were most of the victims died, some 28 students at the hands of a gunman whose identification has not yet been confirmed.
Calls to this incident were received at around 09:15 a.m and police were soon surrounding the building. However, Chief Wendell Flinchum said “there was not a shoot out between officers and the shooter”.

The Virginia Tech President added that the names of the victims would not be released until the next of kin were notified. Officials said that at this point there was no conclusion as to whether there’s a connection between two shootings. The BBC correspondent speaking from Washington said it was clear that the authorities “had not obtained all the answers”. But according to the authorities the Red Cross, the FBI and ATF were all working together [vsp.virginia.gov]

President Bush has said he was “horrified” on hearing of the incident and that “our nation grieves with those who have lost loved ones”. But there may be political fallout to come. Questions are already being asked as to why there was a two hour gap between the two incidents and no warning to those other than at the dormitory building. Gun control will also be another issue raised following this tragic incident.

And it was an incident which had been captured not only by news broadcasters, but by students on the campus. Jamal Albarghouti had used his Nokia N70 camera phone to shoot several seconds of footage which captured 27 shots on the soundtrack. He told CNN that he felt compelled to shoot the video, but he was very saddened and shocked by the shooting. Jamal who had originally come from Palestine, and had lived for several years in Riyad in Saudi Arabia, said he had experienced a bombing in Saudi Arabia but added “I never thought I’d experience something like this here”. His short video was broadcast by CNN i-report, FOX and Sky News amongst others. But the gravity of the sound that rings out in the video did not reflect the true horror of what happened at the receiving end of those bullets [BBC].