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Possible candidates for the White House in 2012 have stepped up their jockeying for position, not just in a string of high-profile public events over the past few days but also out on the political battleground, building a power base by endorsing candidates and fund-raising for the imminent midterm elections……………………..
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Monday, 20 September 2010
The pastor who threatened to burn copies of the Koran on the ninth anniversary of 9/11 has been hit with a bill for more than $180,000 (£115,000) by the city of Gainesville, Florida, for the disruption his stunt caused……………………………..
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It is early days yet; elections in Afghanistan – at least the counts – have a habit of going on and on. But the initial signs from the country’s second parliamentary election are not encouraging. Compared with the first parliamentary election, five years ago, or the presidential election last year, the cause of electoral democracy has hardly advanced. Indeed, it may have taken a step back………………
Shiva Nazar Ahari convicted of crime known as ‘moharebeh’, usually punishable by death
An Iranian court has jailed a prominent human rights activist and journalist for six years after convicting her of “waging war against God” and other charges.
In another indication of the regime’s determination to punish those who took part in protests after last year’s disputed presidential election, Shiva Nazar Ahari was convicted of the crime known as “moharebeh” – usually punishable by death.
The 26-year-old, who founded the Committee of Human Rights Reporters in Tehran, was also convicted of plotting to commit crimes and agitating against the ruling system, Iran‘s semi-official ILNA news agency reported…………………………….