U.S. helicopter air strike kills 8 civilians north of Baghdad
BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) – A U.S. helicopter airstrike on Wednesday night killed eight civilians, including two children, north of Baghdad, police officials said on Thursday.

Iraqi troops welcomed in Sadr City for first time
BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces entered Baghdad ’s Sadr City in large numbers on Tuesday for the first time since followers of anti-American cleric Muqtada al Sadr agreed two weeks ago to let them in.

Syria, Israel announce search for ‘comprehensive peace’
ANKARA, Turkey — After eight years of stalemate and periodic tension, Israel and Syria announced Wednesday that they have launched “serious and continuous” indirect peace talks aimed at ending one of the region’s longest-running disputes.

US offers risk insurance for Palestinians
BETHLEHEM, West Bank – A U.S. government agency signed a political risk insurance deal with a Palestinian firm Thursday to help guarantee investments in the West Bank as part of an international effort to develop the beleaguered local economy.

Lithuanian soldier, two Afghans killed in Iraq Koran protest
HERAT, Afghanistan (AFP) – A Lithuanian soldier and two Afghan civilians were killed Thursday when gunfire broke out as hundreds of people protested over a US soldier’s shooting of a Koran in Iraq, officials said.

Chavez says United States is spying on Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accused the United States on Wednesday of using anti-drug flights for spying — and said that fighter jets are ready to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Student Charged Criminally for Using the Word “Cult” to Describe Scientology During London Protests (by Jonathan Turley)
One of the great divides between the United States and England is the scope and protection given to free speech, particularly when it comes to the media. Now, it appears that even a speech during a protest is regulated by the government. An unnamed teenager was charged criminally after he held up a sign reading “Scientology is not a religion, it is a dangerous cult.” Whether true or not, it is a view shared by many around the world. It also appears to be a crime to utter in England. The case is an outrage against free speech.

Swedish police release nuclear sabotage suspects
STOCKHOLM, May 22, 2008 (AFP) – Two contractors suspected of planning to sabotage a nuclear power plant in southern Sweden, possibly using explosives, have been released from custody, police said Thursday.

Zimbabwe opposition leader Tsvangirai to go home
HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Thursday he would return home on Saturday ahead of an election run-off against President Robert Mugabe.

South Africa army mobilises to quell mob violence
JOHANNESBURG, May 22, 2008 (AFP) – The South African army mobilised Thursday in support of embattled police trying to quell a wave of violence against immigrants that has claimed 42 lives and displaced 16,000.

After Kenya’s violence abates, victims wait for justice
NAIROBI, Kenya — There are still bullet holes in John Oloo’s fifth-floor balcony. Blood still stains the concrete where police gunned down his 20-year-old son last December, on the night that Kenya erupted into violence following a disputed election.