http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/-t1.htm News from around the World. Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:37:24 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/this-place-is-the-ultimate-rebuke-t18704.htm Outspoken 'This place is the ultimate rebuke' The president challenges Iran's president - who has denied the Holocaust - to visit the Nazi camp, too. By MARK S. SMITH The Associated Press WEIMAR, Germany — President Obama absorbed the stark horrors memorialized at the Buchenwald concentration camp Friday and said the lesson for the modern world is vigilance against evil, against subjugation of the weak and against the "cruelty in ourselves." Obama honored the 56,000 who died ... World News Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:37:24 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/this-place-is-the-ultimate-rebuke-t18704.htm#21992 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/this-place-is-the-ultimate-rebuke-t18704.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/obama-reaches-out-to-muslims-t18679.htm Outspoken Obama reaches out to Muslims The president meets with the Saudi king on the eve of a constructive speech to the Islamic world. By JENNIFER LOVEN The Associated Press RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Opening a mission to write a new chapter on Islam and the West, President Obama consulted Wednesday with the Saudi king "in the place where Islam began," a prelude to a high-stakes speech in Egypt meant to ease long-held Muslim grievances against the United States. The son of a Kenyan ... World News Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:41:52 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/obama-reaches-out-to-muslims-t18679.htm#21964 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/obama-reaches-out-to-muslims-t18679.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/north-korea-threatens-strikes-on-south-us-t18629.htm Outspoken North Korea threatens strikes on South, U.S. The nation says it will retaliate if its ships are stopped as part of a U.S.-led effort to end the transport of banned weapons. By JEAN H. LEE The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — Defiant as ever, North Korea threatened military strikes on U.S. and South Korean ships Wednesday and renounced a 1953 truce halting the Korean War fighting – a dangerous escalation of tensions in the wake of Pyongyang's nuclear test. The threats, which ... World News Fri, 29 May 2009 00:49:14 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/north-korea-threatens-strikes-on-south-us-t18629.htm#21908 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/north-korea-threatens-strikes-on-south-us-t18629.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/soldier-in-iraq-kills-five-us-comrades-t18521.htm Outspoken Soldier in Iraq kills five U.S. comrades The motive is unclear, but the military plans to boost efforts to help troops deal with the stresses of war. By ROBERT H. REID The Associated Press BAGHDAD — The issues of combat stress and military morale were thrust into the forefront Monday when an American soldier opened fire at a counseling center on a base in Iraq, killing five fellow soldiers before being taken into custody. The U.S. command and Pentagon officials said it was unclear ... World News Wed, 13 May 2009 11:05:53 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/soldier-in-iraq-kills-five-us-comrades-t18521.htm#21784 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/soldier-in-iraq-kills-five-us-comrades-t18521.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/symptoms-of-flu-epidemic-ease-t18420.htm Outspoken Symptoms of flu epidemic ease The worst may be over in Mexico, but officials around the world still urge caution and look out for mutations. By ALEXANDRA OLSON The Associated Press MEXICO CITY — Mexico said a swine flu epidemic appears to be easing, but urged citizens Saturday not to let their guard down against a virus that has killed 17 people and is spreading across Asia and Europe. Experts warned the virus could mutate and come back with a vengeance. With no suspected swine ... World News Mon, 04 May 2009 01:04:50 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/symptoms-of-flu-epidemic-ease-t18420.htm#21669 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/symptoms-of-flu-epidemic-ease-t18420.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iran-leader-sparks-walkout-at-un-over-israel-t18298.htm Outspoken Iran leader sparks walkout at UN over Israel By FRANK JORDANS Associated Press Writer GENEVA – Dozens of Western diplomats walked out of a U.N. conference and a pair of rainbow-wigged protesters threw clown noses at Iran's president Monday when the hard-line leader called Israel the "most cruel and repressive racist regime." The United States decried the remarks by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as hateful — reinjecting tension into a relationship that had been warming after President ... World News Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:45:05 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iran-leader-sparks-walkout-at-un-over-israel-t18298.htm#21524 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iran-leader-sparks-walkout-at-un-over-israel-t18298.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-us-committed-to-palestinian-statehood-t18272.htm Outspoken Mitchell: U.S. committed to Palestinian statehood Meanwhile, two Palestinians are killed - one allegedly struck by an Israeli tear gar canister. The Associated Press RAMALLAH, West Bank — A Palestinian state alongside Israel is the only way to end the Mideast conflict, President Obama's Mideast point man said Friday, sending a stern message to Israel's hardline leaders, who have expressed misgivings about a two-state solution. George Mitchell, in the region on his third trip ... World News Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:42:38 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-us-committed-to-palestinian-statehood-t18272.htm#21492 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-us-committed-to-palestinian-statehood-t18272.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-meeting-with-top-israelis-palestinians-t18240.htm Outspoken Mitchell meeting with top Israelis, Palestinians He says the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel is 'the only way' to peace.' The Associated Press JERUSALEM — President Obama's Mideast envoy began a new round of diplomacy Wednesday aimed at bridging the growing divide between a right-wing Israeli government and a weak Palestinian leadership. His first challenge will be a series of meetings with a new Israeli government that is seemingly at odds with ... World News Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:51:39 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-meeting-with-top-israelis-palestinians-t18240.htm#21457 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-meeting-with-top-israelis-palestinians-t18240.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/us-food-aid-ship-escapes-somali-pirate-attack-t18217.htm Outspoken US food aid ship escapes Somali pirate attack By ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY Associated Press Writer MOMBASA, Kenya – Somali pirates fired grenades and automatic weapons at an American freighter loaded with food aid but the ship managed to escape the attack and was heading Wednesday to Kenya under U.S. Navy escort, officials said. Despite President Barack Obama's vow to halt their banditry, and the deaths of five pirates in recent French and U.S. hostage rescue missions, brigands seized ... World News Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:09:27 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/us-food-aid-ship-escapes-somali-pirate-attack-t18217.htm#21432 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/us-food-aid-ship-escapes-somali-pirate-attack-t18217.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/captain-resting-after-end-of-ordeal-t18175.htm Outspoken Captain resting after end of ordeal Snipers kill three pirates on a lifeboat and rescue their U.S. hostage, ending a five-day standoff at sea. By TODD PITMAN and LARA JAKES The Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya — Navy snipers on the fantail of a destroyer cut down three Somali pirates in a lifeboat and rescued an American sea captain in a surprise nighttime assault Easter Sunday, ending a five-day standoff between a team of rogue gunmen and the world's most powerful military. It ... World News Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:40:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/captain-resting-after-end-of-ordeal-t18175.htm#21387 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/captain-resting-after-end-of-ordeal-t18175.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/ship-s-captain-safe-after-rescue-t18162.htm Outspoken Ship's captain safe after rescue Capt. Richard Phillips of Vermont was in 'imminent danger' of being killed before snipers killed three pirates, the Navy says. The Associated Press MOMBASA, Kenya — U.S. forces freed an American ship captain and killed three of his captors today in a daring rescue that ended a five-day standoff between the world's most powerful navy and Somali pirates in a lifeboat far off the Horn of Africa. Capt. Richard Phillips was in "imminent danger" ... World News Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:48:29 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/ship-s-captain-safe-after-rescue-t18162.htm#21371 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/ship-s-captain-safe-after-rescue-t18162.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirate-standoff-intensifies-as-both-sides-add-forces-t18149.htm Outspoken Pirate standoff intensifies as both sides add forces The U.S. hostage tries to swim away from his captors, but they fire shots to drive him back to their lifeboat. By KATHARINE HOURELD and ANNE GEARAN The Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya — A high-seas drama that could seriously test the Obama administration turned more complex and potentially deadly in its third day, as both pirates and American forces rushed reinforcements to the scene several hundred miles off the coast of Somalia. An ... World News Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:10:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirate-standoff-intensifies-as-both-sides-add-forces-t18149.htm#21351 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirate-standoff-intensifies-as-both-sides-add-forces-t18149.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirates-pressed-to-free-us-hostage-t18131.htm Outspoken Pirates pressed to free U.S. hostage A destroyer shadows a lifeboat holding the foiled hijackers and an American sea captain off of Africa. By ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY and MATT APUZZO The Associated Pres NAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates and their hostage American sea captain were still adrift in a lifeboat Thursday night off the Horn of Africa, monitored by a U.S. destroyer, with more warships on the way in a show of force. The U.S. brought in FBI hostage negotiators to work with ... World News Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:53:03 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirates-pressed-to-free-us-hostage-t18131.htm#21332 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/pirates-pressed-to-free-us-hostage-t18131.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/somali-pirates-hijack-us-ship-crew-fights-back-t18107.htm Outspoken Somali pirates hijack U.S. ship, crew fights back The captain of a cargo vessel is still held hostage in a lifeboat after the crew captures one of the attackers. By KATHERINE HOURELD The Associated Press NAIROBI, Kenya — In a riveting high-seas drama, an unarmed American crew wrested control of its U.S.-flagged cargo ship from Somali pirates Wednesday and sent them fleeing to a lifeboat, with the captain as a hostage. A U.S. warship and at least six others were speeding toward ... World News Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:15:22 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/somali-pirates-hijack-us-ship-crew-fights-back-t18107.htm#21306 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/somali-pirates-hijack-us-ship-crew-fights-back-t18107.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/new-president-finds-warmer-reception-than-predecessor-t18078.htm Outspoken New president finds warmer reception than predecessor Analysis: For many Iraqis, it appears to be enough merely to have a new face in the White House. By ROBERT H. REID The Associated Press BAGHDAD — The last time an American president showed up in Iraq he was greeted with boos and shoes. That, as they say, was then. On Tuesday, Iraqis expressed warmth for a visiting President Obama. And in another sign the country is eager to cast aside the legacy of the former administration, ... World News Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:51:06 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/new-president-finds-warmer-reception-than-predecessor-t18078.htm#21276 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/new-president-finds-warmer-reception-than-predecessor-t18078.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/president-visits-iraq-still-a-lot-of-work-to-do-t18077.htm Outspoken President visits Iraq: 'Still a lot of work to do' In a trip to Baghdad, Obama also says it's time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their country. By JENNIFER LOVEN and DAVID ESPO The Associated Press BAGHDAD — Flying unannounced into a still-dangerous war zone, President Obama told U.S. troops and Iraqi officials alike Tuesday that it is time to phase out America's combat role in a conflict he opposed as a candidate and has vowed to end as commander in chief. With violence ... World News Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:44:50 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/president-visits-iraq-still-a-lot-of-work-to-do-t18077.htm#21275 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/president-visits-iraq-still-a-lot-of-work-to-do-t18077.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/nations-split-on-solutions-before-talks-on-economy-t17963.htm Outspoken Nations split on solutions before talks on economy European countries call for a tougher system of financial regulation, but the U.S. wants more stimulus spending. By TOM RAUM The Associated Press LONDON — Desperate but divided, world leaders converged for an emergency summit Tuesday holding scant hopes of finding a magic-bullet solution for the economic crisis that brought them hurrying to London. Even as President Obama and the others were arriving, the U.S. acknowledged ... World News Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:53:25 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/nations-split-on-solutions-before-talks-on-economy-t17963.htm#21140 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/nations-split-on-solutions-before-talks-on-economy-t17963.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/army-naming-post-office-in-iraq-after-fallen-soldier-t17746.htm Outspoken Army naming post office in Iraq after fallen soldier from Westbrook The Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey Post Office will be located at one of Saddam's former palaces. By ELBERT AULL Staff Writer Portland Press Herald The Army is naming a post office in Iraq after a Westbrook soldier killed there nearly five years ago. Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey, a reservist and postal worker, will be the namesake of a new military-run post office in Baghdad, the U.S. Postal Service announced Wednesday. ... World News Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:13:20 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/army-naming-post-office-in-iraq-after-fallen-soldier-t17746.htm#20887 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/army-naming-post-office-in-iraq-after-fallen-soldier-t17746.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-s-future-still-uncertain-as-us-mission-nears-its-end-t17745.htm Outspoken Iraq's future still uncertain as U.S. mission nears its end Six years into the war, most Iraqis feel safer but 'there is no harmony' among their leaders. By ROBERT H. REID The Associated Press BAGHDAD — Six years after the U.S. invaded Iraq, the end of America's costly mission is in sight but the future of this tortured country is much less clear. With violence down sharply, most Iraqis feel more secure than at nearly any time since the war began on March 20, 2003 – March 19 ... World News Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:10:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-s-future-still-uncertain-as-us-mission-nears-its-end-t17745.htm#20886 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-s-future-still-uncertain-as-us-mission-nears-its-end-t17745.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-israel-s-leader-begin-mideast-peace-talks-t17479.htm Outspoken Mitchell, Israel's leader begin Mideast peace talks The Associated Press JERUSALEM — Israel's next leader sat face-to-face Thursday with a man whose vision of Israeli-Palestinian relations is radically different from his own: the Obama administration's new Mideast envoy. Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu thinks negotiations on Palestinian statehood are pointless. But envoy George Mitchell wants Israel to resume negotiations to establish a Palestinian state. This ... World News Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:05:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-israel-s-leader-begin-mideast-peace-talks-t17479.htm#20581 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-israel-s-leader-begin-mideast-peace-talks-t17479.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/stir-crazy-over-a-bit-of-lettuce-t17069.htm Outspoken Stir-crazy over a bit of lettuce By Meg Adams Special to the NEWS Bangor Daily News It’s nearing the end of January, and everyone is beginning to get worn down. It has been 22 days since the last shipment of fresh food made it to the South Pole, and just as long since mail arrived; a few people are still waiting for Christmas presents to get here. There are no more holidays or days off in sight, and the knowledge of this does not help with the general fatigue. Bids for personal ... World News Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:07:10 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/stir-crazy-over-a-bit-of-lettuce-t17069.htm#20107 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/stir-crazy-over-a-bit-of-lettuce-t17069.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-gaza-truce-is-base-for-broader-efforts-t17062.htm Outspoken Mitchell: Gaza truce is base for broader efforts The Palestinian government must play a role in cementing the cease-fire, he says. The Associated Press RAMALLAH, West Bank — Mideast special envoy George Mitchell said Thursday that the Palestinian government in the West Bank must play a crucial role in cementing the shaky Gaza truce so broader peace efforts can be revived. On Thursday, Mitchell held talks with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, which now controls ... World News Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:50:21 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-gaza-truce-is-base-for-broader-efforts-t17062.htm#20100 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/mitchell-gaza-truce-is-base-for-broader-efforts-t17062.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/american-breaks-world-ski-record-across-antarctica-t16370.htm Outspoken American breaks world ski record across Antarctica – without skis By Meg Adams Special to the NEWS Bangor Daily News Two days before Christmas, a lone man stumbled to the South Pole. He was on foot, frostbitten and close to starving. His name is Todd Carmichael, and he had just broken the world ski record for speed from the 80th to the 90th parallels — and he did it without skis. Carmichael had set out 39 days earlier with the world record in his sights. What he hadn’t anticipated ... World News Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:54:36 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/american-breaks-world-ski-record-across-antarctica-t16370.htm#19317 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/american-breaks-world-ski-record-across-antarctica-t16370.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-takes-reins-in-green-zone-t16360.htm Outspoken Iraq takes reins in Green Zone Baghdad now also has control of American troops' actions, the nation's airspace and Saddam's former palace. By JIM HEINTZ The Associated Press BAGHDAD — The U.S. formally transferred control of the Green Zone to Iraqi authorities Thursday in a pair of ceremonies that also handed back Saddam Hussein's former palace. Iraq's prime minister said he will propose making Jan. 1 a holiday marking the restoration of sovereignty. Under the new security ... World News Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:19:08 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-takes-reins-in-green-zone-t16360.htm#19307 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/iraq-takes-reins-in-green-zone-t16360.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/chaos-in-gaza-as-israel-s-strikes-continue-t16251.htm Outspoken Chaos in Gaza as Israel's strikes continue By IBRAHIM BARZAK Associated Press Writer GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Terrified prisoners fled a Gaza City jail bombed by Israeli warplanes on Sunday, their faces white with dust and red with blood as they stumbled over huge piles of rubble. Across the territory, grieving families pitched traditional mourning tents of green tarp outside the homes. Yet the rows of chairs inside these tents remained largely empty, as residents cowered indoors ... World News Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:17:02 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/chaos-in-gaza-as-israel-s-strikes-continue-t16251.htm#19182 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/world-news-f6/chaos-in-gaza-as-israel-s-strikes-continue-t16251.htm