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Bin Laden September 2009 Tape

Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, released an audio tape in September of 2009 that criticized President Barack Obama and threatened the American people.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8253827.stm

The tape, posted on an Islamist website, was 11 minutes in length and called Obama "powerless" in the war in Afghanistan. He also stated that Obama is at fault for acting like George W. Bush, including keeping Robert Gates in office as Secretary of Defense.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8253827.stm

updated 2010-07-16 23:16:05

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US Afghan Airstrike Deaths

• "Investigations by UNAMA found convincing evidence based on the testimony of eyewitnesses and others that some 90 civilians were killed. The destruction from aerial bombardment was clearly evident, with some seven to eight houses having been totally destroyed, and serious damage to many others. Local residents were able to confirm the number of casualties, including names, age and gender of the victims."—Kai Eide, special representative of the secretary-general for AfghanistanCNN: U.S. Disputes 90 Civilians Killed... (August 26, 2008)

updated 2010-07-18 01:32:54

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US Attack Iran?

There is much ongoing speculation as to whether or not the U.S. will attack Iran. Any definitive announcement from the Bush Administration has yet to be made.

updated 2010-07-18 01:32:59

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Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani

Prior to the U.S. Embassy bombings, Ghailani served as an explosives expert for al Qaeda. He purchased supplies and bomb-making materials for al Qaeda for the bombings and left Africa one day before the Dar Es Salaam bombing on August 7, 1988. The bombings, which also occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, killed hundreds of people. Ghailani was indicted for his role in the attacks on December 16, 1998.

Ghailani then worked as a line soldier, cook and in the document forgery office for al Qaeda in Afghanistan. He was taken into custody by police on Pakistan on July 25, 2004. Ghailani was transferred to U.S. custody in 2005 and placed in the Guantanamo Bay the following year. Official charges came in 2008, with Ghailani facing several counts of murder, conspiracy and providing material support to terrorism.

updated 2010-07-16 20:58:27

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Iraq War Five Year Anniversary

1. March 19, 2003: War begins
2. December 13, 2003: Saddam Hussein captured
3. January 10, 2007: President George W. Bush announces plans to send 4600 additional troops to Iraq
4. January 8, 2008: Operation Phantom Phoenix launched to hunt down 200 remaining al Qaeda extremists in Diyala province
5. March 11, 2008: Admirial William Fallon resigns from post as Chief of U.S. forces in Middle East and Central Asia

updated 2010-07-17 10:49:16

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Cami McCormick

Cami McCormick serves as a correspondent for CBS News and CBS Radio News. She has covered several notable events including 9-11, Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq War.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/28/world/main5271822.shtml?tag=stack

McCormick was injured on August 28, 2009, in the Logar Province of Afghanistan after the U.S. Army vehicle she was in was hit by a roadside bomb. She was said to be in stable condition after surgery at a field hospital.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/28/world/main5271822.shtml?tag=stack

updated 2010-07-17 00:30:10

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Angelina Jolie Obama

Angelina Jolie has written an op-ed in Newsweek challenging President Barack Obama to take more action to protect the human rights of the people of Darfur. In the piece published December 10, 2009, Jolie questions what the administration plans to do to implement its intention to "improve the lives of the people of Darfur."http://www.newsweek.com/id/226316/page/1

The actress, who is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, writes, "I would like to know what that means, besides the obvious point that their lives could hardly get worse." "In Sudan," she continues, "the administration should explore ways to bring [Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir] to justice, even as it encourages stability in Darfur. This means bringing all permanent members of the U.N. Security Council on board to send the message that the international community will not tolerate mass atrocities."http://www.newsweek.com/id/226316/page/1

Jolie concludes the article, entitled "Justice Delayed Is Not Justice Denied," saying, "On this Human Rights Day--the same day President Obama receives his Nobel Peace Prize--we must also remember those who have been deprived of their rights. Holding perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable is the best way to ensure justice today and peace in the future. Sudan is the place to start."

updated 2010-07-16 21:40:03

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Armenian Genocide Resolution

1. France passed a similar resolution in 2006
2. Estimates of the Armenian death toll range up to 1.5 million
3. President Bush has criticized the resolution, claiming it will damage relations with Turkey

updated 2010-07-16 22:00:42

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Six Day War

1. Main combatants: Egypt, Syria, Jordan
2. Supported by: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria
3. Egypt's force: 240,000
4. Total force: 547,000
5. Casualties: 21,000 killed, 45,000 wounded

updated 2010-07-17 22:00:20

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