U.K. sends additional troops to Kabul
LONDON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- More British troops have flown to Afghanistan to beef up forces patrolling Kabul, the Ministry of Defense said Monday. A spokesman told United Press International a group of paratroopers deployed in Kabul over the weekend would join about 300 British troops already in place and expected to lead an international security force for Afghanistan. He said the latest deployment was part of a group of an estimated 1,500 troops Britain expects to contribute to a U.N.-sponsored international security force led by a British general.
U.S. hits al Qaida base for third time
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. military bombed the Zawar Kili al Qaida training compound in eastern Afghanistan for the third time in less than a week, the fourth time in this campaign and the fifth time since 1998, Pentagon spokeswoman Victoria Clarke said Monday. U.S. military personnel are combing the base, just a few miles west of the Pakistan border near Khost, for intelligence and weapons, she said. The most recent bombings occurred Sunday. Last week, Pentagon officials said al Qaida members seemed to be regrouping at the base, prompting the strike on a series of buildings and a cave complex.
Ashgabat denies airspace to Germany
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Turkmenistan said it won't put its airspace at disposal of Germany's air force to support the military contingent maintaining security in Afghanistan, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday. Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov revealed his decision after meeting German envoy in Turkmenistan Hans Mattern.
India, Israel to strengthen bilateral ties
NEW DELHI, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Israel's Foreign Minister Shimon Peres on Monday said he supported India's campaign for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council and said India should be made a member of NATO since it sided with the United States and Europe in war against terrorism. Peres, who arrived in India for a three-day visit to strengthen Indian-Israeli ties, met with India's Home Minister Lal Krishan Advani. The countries established diplomatic relations 10 years ago and have bilateral trade of more than $1 billion a year. They also maintain close security cooperation. India lately has been defense shopping in Israel, especially for unmanned aerial vehicles.
Thai police seize magazines offending PM
BANGKOK, Thailand, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Thai police Monday seized the current issue of the Far Eastern Economic Review from newsstands after allegations the U.S.-owned magazine printed a story deemed to be insulting to the Thai prime minister and royal family. National Police Chief Gen. Sant Suranond, ordered the confiscation of the magazine's Jan. 10 issue on grounds it contained "inappropriate" information about an alleged rift between Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and country's king. The article, in the magazine's Intelligence section and entitled "A Right Royal Headache," said Thaksin "is becoming an increasing source of irritation to King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of Thaksin's perceived arrogance and his alleged attempts to meddle in royal family affairs."
Prince furious over TV 'love life' idea
LONDON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Prince Charles has been infuriated with an attempt by his younger brother, Prince Edward, to get him to take part in a television documentary about his turbulent love life, a journalist close to the late Princess Diana reported Monday. Richard Kay wrote in the Daily Mail newspaper Edward envisioned a "frank" TV program that would deal with the private life of Charles, heir-designate to the British throne, including his marriage to and divorce from Diana and his love for the princess's rival, Camilla Parker Bowles. Kay, a close confidant of Diana in the days leading to and during her split from the Prince of Wales, said Edward telephoned Charles with his "extraordinary request" just before Christmas, and that Charles "was said to be so appalled he could barely speak."
Three gorillas killed in Texas zoo mishap
BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A chlorine leak killed three western lowland gorillas and critically injured a fourth at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, a zoo official said Monday. The leak was discovered near the gorilla exhibit early Sunday and night zookeepers were able to rescue eight other gorillas, spokeswoman Lisa Marie Gomez said. They received treatment Monday and were expected to recover. Caesar, a 3-year-old ape, was on a ventilator and under sedation, Gomez said. The two night zookeepers exposed themselves to the leaking chlorine when they entered the exhibit about 4:15 a.m. Sunday. "They inhaled it themselves but they will be OK," she said.
Report: Ford to cut 20,000 jobs
DETROIT, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The board of Ford Motor Co. this week will approve a wide-ranging U.S. restructuring that is expected to include 20,000 job cuts and plant closures. The Financial Times reported in its Monday editions that a special board meeting has been convened, and the restructuring plan will be announced on Friday. Under the plan, at least 8,000 white-collar jobs will be cut, while up to 12,000 hourly workers could be encouraged to take early retirement or voluntary severance packages. The move is the final step in a six-month review of company operations led by Nick Scheele, who was promoted to chief operating officer following the removal of Jacques Nasser as Ford's chief executive in October. Auto industry analysts believe the cutbacks are an effort by Ford to save between $3 billion and $5 billion.
Asian stocks ignore Argentina woes push up
SINGAPORE, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Ignoring the Argentina peso devaluation over the weekend, Asian stock markets powered ahead as investors bullishness about an economic recovery continued unabated. On the back of economic improvement in the United States and a weaker yen against the U.S. dollar, Tokyo shares moved higher on the first full session of the year, with the Nikkei share average rising 0.65 percent to 10,942.36, a six-week closing high. High-tech issues and banking shares attracted good buying interest.
Shares lower in choppy afternoon trade
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Share prices were lower in choppy trade early Monday afternoon, reversing gains of four consecutive sessions. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average was down up 38.34 points to 10, 221.40, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq stock market was of 13.60 points at 2,045.78.
Roddick, Kournikova advance in Adidas
SYDNEY, Australia, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Third-seeded Andy Roddick made a successful season debut Monday while Anna Kournikova advanced into a tough situation at the Adidas International tennis event. Roddick scored a 6-4, 6-4, victory over Australian wild card Andrew Ilie. The 19-year-old American won three titles last year -- his first full season on the ATP -- and reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the U.S. Open in September. Despite his relative inexperience, Roddick was not thrown by the usual antics and showmanship of Ilie. Kournikova cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Angeles Montolio of Spain, but she next takes on sixth-seeded Serena Williams of the United States. The unseeded Russian missed much of last season with a foot injury.
