Bali bombers buried amid protests

Clashes in Tenggulun, Samudra's funeral in Serang and the self-proclaimed 'martyrs'

Tensions are high following the execution of three men convicted for the 2002 terrorist attack in Bali. There are already reports of clashes in the home town of the men as hundreds of their supporters attended the funerals in Java. There are also fears of terrorist reprisals following the execution. Earlier many British relatives of the bombing victims had expressed regret that the men had been put to death [BBC / Sky News]. Susanna Miller, whose brother Dan was killed in the attacks, said the execution transformed the men into martyrs. She said the execution made "a mockery of justice." Miller, who is a member of the Bali Bombings Victims Group, told the BBC, "Justice is supposed to have two strands to it. One is to pay recompense for the crime committed and the other is a deterrent. If you undermine the deterrent by effectively encouraging, allowing these people to be seen as martyrs and encouraging the Islamist cause, then no it makes a mockery of justice. Can we be clear? They didn't kill my brother... They were secondary to the bombing plot and the most important person in relation to the plot is currently held in Guantanamo Bay."

Tobias Ellwood MP, who lost his brother Jonathan, 37, in the attacks has said many questions remained unanswered. The British MP said there had been no explanation as to why Hambali, the suspected mastermind behind the attacks and currently held at Guantanamo Bay, had not been brought to trial. He also criticised the British government for not having offered compensation to the families of those affected by the bombings. He also condemned British authorities for not warning of the attacks despite MI5 intelligence that showed the increased threat. "The threat level to British citizens should have been raised to 'high'... Failure to update the threat level meant many travel plans, including my brother's, went unchanged," Mr Ellwood said. The execution is also seen by some as a disposal of potential intelligence sources since dead men can't talk.

But not all were happy at the delays in executing of the men, which had been held up with appeals. Survivor and Coogee Dolphins player Erik de Haart lamented last week saying, "It's been going on for six years. The only people who have got excited about this are the press. Most of us have been in this situation for a long time now. We're saying 'Just don't tell us when these bastards are going, just let us know when they have gone'." Terrorist experts had also urged the Indonesian government to carry out the death penalty so as not to look weak in the face of terrorist threats. As Imam Samudra’s coffin was carried through Serang, a small town in west Java, supporters shouted “God is great” and called them holy warriors. Clashes were reported between supporters and security forces in Tenggulun in east Java as the bodies of Amrozi bin Nurhashyim and his brother Mukhlas, also known as Ali Gufron, were carried through the town [CNN].

Bali bombers executed

Remorseless: Ali Ghufron, Imam Samudra and Amrozi Nurhasyim

Three Indonesian Islamic militants convicted over the 2002 Bali bombings have been executed by firing squad. Imam Samudra, Amrozi Nurhasyim and Ali Ghufron (Mukhlas) were shot dead on the island prison of Nusakambangan at 00:15 local time [17:15 GMT Saturday], according to officials. They had been found guilty of planning twin attacks on nightclubs at the resort of Kuta, popular with Western tourists. The bombings killed 202 people and injured over 300 others[BBC / CNN]

Obama gives first press conference

In his first address since being elected as President of the United States, Barack Obama talked about the major issues facing both his country and the rest of the world. He said he wanted to tackle the economic crisis “head on” but although he was making plans he said he didn’t want to conflict with the current administration. “I am not the President and I won’t be until January 20th” he told reporters. But he called on help from economic experts. The US economy was in “bad shape” he said, “and people need help”. Obama said he understood the scale of the problem and said, “We cannot under estimate the enormity of the task that lies ahead” but added “America is resilient".

He named Rahm Emanuel as his Chief of Staff and said he would announce other members of his team in due course.

Asked a question about Iran he upheld the current policy and said Iran’s developing of nuclear weapons was “unacceptable”.

He was also asked about what type of dog he might pick for his daughters. He described it as a “major issue”. Obama said he would like to get a shelter dog but given one of his daughters was allergic, he said he had to balance the need of a “hypoallergenic dog” with other criteria.

Speeches of victory & defeat

In a victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, Barack Obama set out his determination to put America back on track. In his openining he spoke of how history had been made. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer” he said, “It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America”.

He thanked John McCain for his earlier congratulatory call and said “I congratulate him, I congratulate Governor Palin, for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead”. Beyond the thanks to both his friends, family and running mate Joe Biden he set out the challenges facing America. “Even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century” Obama said, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there”. America’s new President elect was also pragmatic about the difficulties and possible disagreements ahead. “There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree”. He called on everyone to join in the effort to “reclaim the American dream”.

“This is our moment, this is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: yes, we can” [BBC].

His rival John McCain accepted defeat, saying "I deeply admire and commend" Barack Obama. He also called on his supporters to lend the next president their goodwill. “We have come to the end of a long journey” McCain said to the assembled crowds in Phoenix, Arizona. “A little while ago I had the honour of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him” McCain told the audience. As parts of the crowd booed, McCain raised his hands and gestured for them to pay due respect. “Please” he said before continuing. “His success commands my respect for his ability and perseverance” McCain told the crowd. “I urge all Americans, who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but by offering the next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger and better country than we inherited”. He asked his supporters to “move beyond the disappointment” and spoke of his “gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding Senator Obama, and old friend Joe Biden, should have the honour of leading us for the next four years”. As the crowd booed once again, McCain raised his hand. “Please, please, I would not be an American worthy of the name, should I regret a fate that allowed me extraordinary privilege of serving this country for almost half a century. Today I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone. And I thank the people of Arizona for it” John McCain said.

In his summing up, McCain was humble, yet proud in his defeat. “I wish god-speed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans who I have often in my campaign to not despair of our present difficulties, but to always believe in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here, Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history, we make history. Thank you and god bless you and god bless America”.
[BBC / Sky News / CNN]

Barack Obama wins US Presidency

Barack Obama has won the US presidency. The news came as the west coast states closed and California and Washington fell to the Democratic candidate.

Obama wins Virginia, Fox predicts

Fox News has projected that Obama has won Virginia bringing him that much closer to the White House. The mood in Phoenix, where a party had been planned, is one of despair. Palin and McCain are due to make a short speech shortly after 05:00 GMT according to Sky News. It also looks as though the contest may well be over at least as far as many media websites are concerned. The Daily Telegraph is already predicting an Obama win, as is the The Times.

"All over for McCain"

As another set of projections roll in, a GOP insider has told CNN that it was "all over for McCain". The Republican contender has held Utah, but the Democrats have made their second gain of the night taking Iowa. The BBC suggested the Iowa gain was partly due to McCain's negative policy on ethanol fuel. The next group of states to close are California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington state and Hawaii. CNN has declared McCain has won Arkansas, something several other networks had already decided. Indiana remains too close to call as does Virginia, Florida and North Carolina.

Crowds gather as Obama looks set to win

Polls close in Montana, Iowa, Nevada and Utah at 03:00 GMT, but already several networks can't see how McCain can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Thousands of Obama supporters have already gathered in Grant Park in central Chicago for a celebration rally and they may well not be disappointed. Meanwhile ABC has projected McCain will hold Mississippi.

Obama wins Ohio, networks predict

With only 9 states still to close, and a full count yet to emerge it is difficult to suggest with absolute certainty, the winner in the presidential race. CNN, Sky and a number of other networks have declared Minnisota, Michigan, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, New York State and New Mexico have been won by Obama. John McCain has been projected to have won North Dakota and Wyoming. The Associated Press have reported that the Democrates retain control in the Senate. But the race for the White House is far from over. Florida has yet to be declared or projected by any network and there are few results from the key battleground states. Sky and the BBC have projected a win in Ohio for Obama. McCain has meanwhile picked up Louisiana, CBS has projected. The electoral votes now stand at 175 to Obama and 76 to McCain. Sky have suggested that it was unlikely McCain could see any victory.

McCain projected to win Arkansas & Alabama

The BBC have reported McCain will win Arkansas and Alabama. Sky News, Fox & NBC have also predicted he will take Georgia. Several more states, New Mexico, New York, Michigan, Wisconson and Colorado are due to close at 02:00 GMT. The electoral votes stand at 103 to Obama with 69 for McCain.

CNN projects Obama taking another 8 states

CNN has projected Obama’s winning Massachusets, Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia with McCain taking Oklahoma and Tennessee. ABC has meanwhile projected an Obama win in Pennsylvania.

McCain wins South Carolina

Sky News has projected McCain winning South Carolina. Results are generally slow to come in and another batch of states are due to close in another few minutes. They are Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey and Missouri.

First results come in as polls close

Obama has won Vermont and McCain is projected to take Kentucky. Polls in Ohio and West Virginia are due to close at 00:30 GMT.

UK papers sway towards an Obama win

Wednesday’s British newspapers are running with pro-Obama headlines besides being unable to run with the headline of who has actually won the US election. The Daily Mirror is emblazoned with a photograph of Barack Obama and the headline GO-BAMA while The Sun shows voters queuing alongside the headline Obarmy Army. Few papers show McCain on the front page though the few that do, show him face to face with Obama.

UK channel airs 'Death of a President'

Perhaps in a cynical attempt to get viewers a British television channel is showing the fictional and controversial docudrama Death of a President. Airing on the satellite channel More4, the film depicts the assassination of U.S. President George W. Bush on 19th October 2007, in Chicago. When originally released it was criticised for being exploitative. At the time, although not having seen it herself, US Senator Hillary Clinton said "I think it's despicable. I think it's absolutely outrageous. That anyone would even attempt to profit on such a horrible scenario makes me sick".

Voting hampered by faulty machines

While there are staggering numbers of voters lining up at the polling stations across the country, the problems facing them is earning more than a little criticism. Wet hands and clothing has caused problems as dampened voting slips created havoc with some machines and were unable to be counted [Washington Post]. In many locations machines simply broke down resulting in further delays for the long queues of voters. In Pennsylvania, Bethlehem, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have reported a number of problems with voting machine malfunctions in, as well as major breakdowns at three precincts in Allegheny County. CBS confirmed with state officials that there were several machine malfunctions throughout the state.

In Ohio a car hit a pole supporting a power line, cutting supplies to two polling stations for more than an hour. The long queues have put some people off. Some potential voters told ITN News they couldn’t wait all day in the queue as they had to go to work, or simply had other things to do. For a country which can put men on the moon it is somewhat surprising that such situations occur at all. In fact days and weeks before the election, some were already predicting potential problems [CNN].

Unscientific predictions point to Obama win

CNN’s Richard Quest has run through a number of bizarre ways people have predicted the outcome of the Presidential Election. In one measure of the way in which the electorate may vote, the choice of coffee cups bought at 7 Eleven suggests the Democrats will win, with more than 60% wanting their coffee in Obama cups. In the height test Obama towers above McCain at 6’ 1” [1.85 m] over McCain’s 5’ 6” [1.67 m]. And on the Halloween mask predictive test Obama again comes out on top with more Obama masks sold and worn this Halloween; spooky!

Main candidates cast their votes

All the main candidates have cast their votes in the US election. Barack Obama spent some time casting his vote this morning before posing for pictures in Illinois. In Wasilla, Alaska, Sarah Palin wearing jeans and a buff-coloured jacket arrived to put her vote in the ballot box. Speaking afterwards she said she was “full of confidence and optimism”. The vice-presidential candidate said she “thanked God for this opportunity” to stand in the US election. In Phoenix, Arizona a media circus gathered around the building where John McCain was casting his vote. Minders attempted to keep camera crews, journalists and photographers back as they struggled to catch a glimpse of the presidential candidate.

Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s running mate also voted for himself, twice! The Delaware senator was on the ballot twice Tuesday, as he runs for his seventh term in the U.S. Senate against Republican challenger Christine O’Donnell. Arriving in Delaware he wasn’t surrounded by the same media attention as other contenders, partly due to the fact he arrived at the polls at around the same time as Obama cast his vote. Biden only said “feel good, feel good” as he was quizzed by reporters. Democrat Hillary Clinton also spoke to media crews today, saying that there was still a “lot of work to do”. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans have yet to cast their votes as massive queues form outside polling stations across the country. Results are not expected to come in until around midnight UK time.

The election leaves a big carbon footprint

Carbon footprints of the two main candidates have overshadowed the political contest in this modern electronic age. And some have suggested that it is time the campaign trail is rethought and conducted virtually! [Washington Times]

The two candidates, Obama and McCain, as well as their entourage, have used more than 200,000 [US] gallons [757,000 litres] of jet fuel amounting to more than 2,000 tonnes of CO2. Their fleets of cars and SUVs have belched out another 87 tonnes of greenhouse gas. The grand total exceeding 130,000 tonnes of CO2, CNN reported today. But little of this CO2 has been offset. Both presidential candidates support mandates to force Americans to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, so it is ironic that neither candidate has offset their wasteful use of resources. Obama has the bigger carbon footprint, at 77,894 tonnes of carbon emitted over the course of the campaign, compared to 58,786 for McCain. By comparison the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] says the average two-person household emits 5.5 tons a year [Washington Times-PDF / Standard Carbon - PDF]. To offset such a large CO2 output the two campaigns would have to plant a small forest consisting of some 3 million trees.

CNN plan to use holograms on election night. But while they are being employed more for their ‘wow’ factor, the green credentials of such technology must be applauded [ecorazzi]. In the past both Al Gore and Prince Charles have used this technology to address conferences virtually and reduce their carbon footprints. The Presidential races of the future must also make such bold steps if they are serious about reducing emissions.

First result declared in US election

The first result in the US election has been declared. In Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the vote was 15-6 in favour of the Illinois senator Barack Obama over Republican John McCain, the senator from Arizona. Obama is the first Democrat to win there since 1968. In Hart's Location, another early-voting New Hampshire area, Obama got 17 votes to 10 for McCain and two write-in votes for U.S. Ron Paul, R-Texas [CNN / BBC / Xinhua].