Afghan attacks kill six Americans as Dempsey arrives
(CNN) -- An attack on a military convoy in southern Afghanistan killed three U.S. service members and two American civilians Saturday as a top U.S. military official arrived to assess the country's security, officials said.Meanwhile, another U.S. service member was killed in a separate attack, a U.S. official said.The deadlier attack, killing a total of five Americans, occurred in a bombing in the Zabul province, according to U.S. officials.U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.
(CNN) -- An attack on a military convoy in southern Afghanistan killed three U.S. service members and two American civilians Saturday as a top U.S. military official arrived to assess the country's security, officials said.Meanwhile, another U.S. service member was killed in a separate attack, a U.S. official said.The deadlier attack, killing a total of five Americans, occurred in a bombing in the Zabul province, according to U.S. officials.U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.
China closes poultry sale in third city after bird flu outbreak
(CNN) -- Nanjing became the third city in China to suspend live poultry trading in the wake of an unusual strain of bird flu that has so far killed six people in the country, state-run media outlet Xinhua reported Saturday.Jiangsu's provincial capital of Nanjing joined Shanghai and Zhejiang's provincial capital of Hangzhou in shuttering the markets, Xinhua said.Four deaths occurred in Shanghai and two in Zhejiang, the agency said.Chinese authorities have killed more than 20,000 birds from a live-poultry trading zone in Shanghai in an effort to deal with the issue.The cull at the Shanghai poultry trading zone came as researchers in the United States said they had started work on developing a vaccine for H7N9.The H7N9 avian flu virus had been found in pigeons.
(CNN) -- Nanjing became the third city in China to suspend live poultry trading in the wake of an unusual strain of bird flu that has so far killed six people in the country, state-run media outlet Xinhua reported Saturday.Jiangsu's provincial capital of Nanjing joined Shanghai and Zhejiang's provincial capital of Hangzhou in shuttering the markets, Xinhua said.Four deaths occurred in Shanghai and two in Zhejiang, the agency said.Chinese authorities have killed more than 20,000 birds from a live-poultry trading zone in Shanghai in an effort to deal with the issue.The cull at the Shanghai poultry trading zone came as researchers in the United States said they had started work on developing a vaccine for H7N9.The H7N9 avian flu virus had been found in pigeons.
Lawmakers ask why Beyonce and Jay-Z went to Cuba
(CNN) -- Two Republican lawmakers are asking a government agency to look into a recent trip to Cuba by Beyonce and Jay-Z, suggesting the superstar couple violated restrictions on travel to the communist island."Despite the clear prohibition against tourism in Cuba, numerous press reports described the couple's trip as tourism, and the Castro regime touted it as such in its propaganda," Reps.
(CNN) -- Two Republican lawmakers are asking a government agency to look into a recent trip to Cuba by Beyonce and Jay-Z, suggesting the superstar couple violated restrictions on travel to the communist island."Despite the clear prohibition against tourism in Cuba, numerous press reports described the couple's trip as tourism, and the Castro regime touted it as such in its propaganda," Reps.
North Korea sparks crisis over workers from South
PAJU, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea on Wednesday stirred up fresh unease in Northeast Asia, blocking hundreds of South Koreans from entering a joint industrial complex that serves as an important symbol of cooperation between the two countries.The move comes a day after Pyongyang announced plans to restart a nuclear reactor it shut down five years ago and follows weeks of bombastic threats against the United States and South Korea from the North's young leader, Kim Jong Un, and his government.The fiery North Korean rhetoric, fueled by recent U.N. sanctions over its latest nuclear test, has created a tense atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula just as the United States and South Korea are engaged in joint military exercises in South Korean territory.Pyongyang's threat last month of a possible pre-emptive nuclear strike on the United States and South Korea caused particular alarm, despite heavy skepticism from analysts and U.S. officials that the North Korean military is anywhere near capable of carrying out such an attack.The United States has in turn made a show of its military strength in the annual drills, flying B-2 stealth bombers capable of carrying conventional or nuclear weapons, Cold War-era B-52s and F-22 Raptor stealth fighters over South Korea.North Korea's decision Wednesday to prevent South Korean workers and managers from entering the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which sits on the North's side of the border but houses operations of scores of South Korean companies, is a tangible sign of the tensions between the two sides.It's also a move that could end up hurting Pyongyang financially, since Kaesong is considered to be an important source of hard currency for Kim's regime.More than 50,000 North Koreans work in the zone, producing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of goods each year.
PAJU, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea on Wednesday stirred up fresh unease in Northeast Asia, blocking hundreds of South Koreans from entering a joint industrial complex that serves as an important symbol of cooperation between the two countries.The move comes a day after Pyongyang announced plans to restart a nuclear reactor it shut down five years ago and follows weeks of bombastic threats against the United States and South Korea from the North's young leader, Kim Jong Un, and his government.The fiery North Korean rhetoric, fueled by recent U.N. sanctions over its latest nuclear test, has created a tense atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula just as the United States and South Korea are engaged in joint military exercises in South Korean territory.Pyongyang's threat last month of a possible pre-emptive nuclear strike on the United States and South Korea caused particular alarm, despite heavy skepticism from analysts and U.S. officials that the North Korean military is anywhere near capable of carrying out such an attack.The United States has in turn made a show of its military strength in the annual drills, flying B-2 stealth bombers capable of carrying conventional or nuclear weapons, Cold War-era B-52s and F-22 Raptor stealth fighters over South Korea.North Korea's decision Wednesday to prevent South Korean workers and managers from entering the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which sits on the North's side of the border but houses operations of scores of South Korean companies, is a tangible sign of the tensions between the two sides.It's also a move that could end up hurting Pyongyang financially, since Kaesong is considered to be an important source of hard currency for Kim's regime.More than 50,000 North Koreans work in the zone, producing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of goods each year.
Researcher accused of sending cancer research to China
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Federal court documents say the cure for cancer may have been stolen from a Milwaukee researcher and shipped to China!
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Federal court documents say the cure for cancer may have been stolen from a Milwaukee researcher and shipped to China!
Marquette hosting vigil for alumnus James Foley, captured in Syria
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A vigil is planned for Friday, April 5th for missing Marquette University alumnus James Foley.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A vigil is planned for Friday, April 5th for missing Marquette University alumnus James Foley.
South Korea warns North of 'strong response' to any attack
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- The South Korean president on Monday warned North Korea that any provocative moves will be met with "a strong response" as the United States deployed stealth fighter jets in the tense region as part of joint military exercises."If there is any provocation against South Korea and its people, there should be a strong response in initial combat without any political considerations," President Park Geun-hye said at a meeting with senior defense and security officials, according to her office.Her comments came after North Korea rattled off fresh volleys of bombastic rhetoric over the weekend, declaring that it had entered a "state of war" with the South and labeling the U.S. mainland a "boiled pumpkin," vulnerable to attack.The two Koreas are technically still at war after their conflict in the early 1950s ended in a truce not a peace treaty.The secretive regime of Kim Jong Un has delivered a steady stream of verbal attacks against South Korea and the United States in recent weeks, including the threat of a nuclear strike.It has lashed out at the U.S.-South Korean military drills currently under way and at the tougher U.N. sanctions that were slapped on it after its latest nuclear test in February.Analysts have expressed heavy skepticism that the North has the military capabilities to follow through on many of its melodramatic threats.But concerns remain that it could carry out a localized attack on South Korea, as it did in November 2010 when it shelled Yeongpyeong Island, killing four people.Displays of strengthThe United States has sought to show its willingness to defend its South Korean ally by drawing attention to displays of its military strength during the drills taking place in South Korea.Washington's recent announcements concerning practice flights over South Korea by B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth bombers, both of which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, have not been lost on Pyongyang, which has described them as acts of U.S. hostility.There was no immediate reaction on North Korean state media Monday to the U.S. statement saying the stealth fighters, F-22 Raptors, were sent to the main U.S. Air Force Base in South Korea to support air drills in the annual Foal Eagle training exercises there.U.S. and South Korean officials have been trying to strike a balance between acknowledging that the North's rhetoric is cause for concern and at the same time playing down the severity of the threat.Park said Monday that she was "viewing the threat from North Korea in a serious manner."But a senior U.S. Defense Department official said late last week that there were "no indications at this point that it's anything more than warmongering rhetoric."South Korea has noted that scores of its workers have continued in recent days to enter and leave the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a joint economic cooperation zone between the two Koreas situated on the North's side of the border.That is despite Pyongyang cutting a key military hotline on the border and threatening to shut down the complex.Moscow and Beijing call for calmThe heightened tensions have prompted North Korea's traditional allies, China and Russia, to urge the different sides to keep a lid on the situation."Moscow expects all parties to exercise as much responsibility and restraint as possible in light of North Korea's latest statements," the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday according to Russian state broadcaster Russia Today.China, which expressed frustration over Pyongyang's most recent nuclear test, also called for calm."We hope relevant parties can work together to turn around the tense situation in the region," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday, describing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as "a joint responsibility."But the coming weeks appear laced with potential for more bouts of saber-rattling.North Korean delegates are currently gathered in Pyongyang for the Supreme People's Assembly, the country's rubber stamp parliament.And April 15 is the anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the nation's founder and the grandfather of Kim Jong Un.
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- The South Korean president on Monday warned North Korea that any provocative moves will be met with "a strong response" as the United States deployed stealth fighter jets in the tense region as part of joint military exercises."If there is any provocation against South Korea and its people, there should be a strong response in initial combat without any political considerations," President Park Geun-hye said at a meeting with senior defense and security officials, according to her office.Her comments came after North Korea rattled off fresh volleys of bombastic rhetoric over the weekend, declaring that it had entered a "state of war" with the South and labeling the U.S. mainland a "boiled pumpkin," vulnerable to attack.The two Koreas are technically still at war after their conflict in the early 1950s ended in a truce not a peace treaty.The secretive regime of Kim Jong Un has delivered a steady stream of verbal attacks against South Korea and the United States in recent weeks, including the threat of a nuclear strike.It has lashed out at the U.S.-South Korean military drills currently under way and at the tougher U.N. sanctions that were slapped on it after its latest nuclear test in February.Analysts have expressed heavy skepticism that the North has the military capabilities to follow through on many of its melodramatic threats.But concerns remain that it could carry out a localized attack on South Korea, as it did in November 2010 when it shelled Yeongpyeong Island, killing four people.Displays of strengthThe United States has sought to show its willingness to defend its South Korean ally by drawing attention to displays of its military strength during the drills taking place in South Korea.Washington's recent announcements concerning practice flights over South Korea by B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth bombers, both of which can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, have not been lost on Pyongyang, which has described them as acts of U.S. hostility.There was no immediate reaction on North Korean state media Monday to the U.S. statement saying the stealth fighters, F-22 Raptors, were sent to the main U.S. Air Force Base in South Korea to support air drills in the annual Foal Eagle training exercises there.U.S. and South Korean officials have been trying to strike a balance between acknowledging that the North's rhetoric is cause for concern and at the same time playing down the severity of the threat.Park said Monday that she was "viewing the threat from North Korea in a serious manner."But a senior U.S. Defense Department official said late last week that there were "no indications at this point that it's anything more than warmongering rhetoric."South Korea has noted that scores of its workers have continued in recent days to enter and leave the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a joint economic cooperation zone between the two Koreas situated on the North's side of the border.That is despite Pyongyang cutting a key military hotline on the border and threatening to shut down the complex.Moscow and Beijing call for calmThe heightened tensions have prompted North Korea's traditional allies, China and Russia, to urge the different sides to keep a lid on the situation."Moscow expects all parties to exercise as much responsibility and restraint as possible in light of North Korea's latest statements," the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday according to Russian state broadcaster Russia Today.China, which expressed frustration over Pyongyang's most recent nuclear test, also called for calm."We hope relevant parties can work together to turn around the tense situation in the region," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday, describing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as "a joint responsibility."But the coming weeks appear laced with potential for more bouts of saber-rattling.North Korean delegates are currently gathered in Pyongyang for the Supreme People's Assembly, the country's rubber stamp parliament.And April 15 is the anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the nation's founder and the grandfather of Kim Jong Un.
U.S. defense officials: North Korean threats are "bellicose rhetoric"
(CNN) -- North Korea's threatening rhetoric has reached a fevered pitch, but the Pentagon and the South Korean government have said it's nothing new."We have no indications at this point that it's anything more than warmongering rhetoric," a senior Washington defense official said late Friday.The official was not authorized to speak to the media and asked not to be named.The National Security Council, which advises the U.S. president on matters of war, struck a similar cord.
(CNN) -- North Korea's threatening rhetoric has reached a fevered pitch, but the Pentagon and the South Korean government have said it's nothing new."We have no indications at this point that it's anything more than warmongering rhetoric," a senior Washington defense official said late Friday.The official was not authorized to speak to the media and asked not to be named.The National Security Council, which advises the U.S. president on matters of war, struck a similar cord.
North Korea readying rockets to aim at U.S. targets
(CNN) -- North Korea's leader has signed off on a plan to prepare rockets to be on standby for firing at U.S. targets, including the U.S. mainland and military bases in the Pacific and in South Korea, state media reported.In a meeting with military leaders early Friday, Kim Jung Un "said he has judged the time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists in view of the prevailing situation," the state-run KCNA news agency reported."If they make a reckless provocation with huge strategic forces, the KPA should mercilessly strike the U.S. mainland, their stronghold, their military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in South Korea, he said," KCNA said.The U.S. decision to fly B-2 spirit bombers over South Korea in military exercises was "an ultimatum that they will ignite a nuclear war at any cost on the Korean Peninsula," the North Korean state news agency said.
(CNN) -- North Korea's leader has signed off on a plan to prepare rockets to be on standby for firing at U.S. targets, including the U.S. mainland and military bases in the Pacific and in South Korea, state media reported.In a meeting with military leaders early Friday, Kim Jung Un "said he has judged the time has come to settle accounts with the U.S. imperialists in view of the prevailing situation," the state-run KCNA news agency reported."If they make a reckless provocation with huge strategic forces, the KPA should mercilessly strike the U.S. mainland, their stronghold, their military bases in the operational theaters in the Pacific, including Hawaii and Guam, and those in South Korea, he said," KCNA said.The U.S. decision to fly B-2 spirit bombers over South Korea in military exercises was "an ultimatum that they will ignite a nuclear war at any cost on the Korean Peninsula," the North Korean state news agency said.
North Korea says it is cutting off a military hotline with the South
YEONPYEONG ISLAND, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea said Wednesday it was cutting off a key military hotline with South Korea amid high tensions between the two sides."Under the situation where a war may break out any moment, there is no need to keep north-south military communications," the head of a North Korean delegation told the South by telephone Wednesday, according to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency.The North linked the move to annual joint military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which it has cited in a string of threats against the two countries in recent weeks.
YEONPYEONG ISLAND, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea said Wednesday it was cutting off a key military hotline with South Korea amid high tensions between the two sides."Under the situation where a war may break out any moment, there is no need to keep north-south military communications," the head of a North Korean delegation told the South by telephone Wednesday, according to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency.The North linked the move to annual joint military exercises by South Korea and the United States, which it has cited in a string of threats against the two countries in recent weeks.
5.5-magnitude earthquake hits Mexico's Pacific coast
(CNN) -- A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico's Pacific coast in the southern state of Oaxaca Tuesday morning, near the city of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.The quake hit at 7:04 a.m. (9:04 a.m ET), about 11 miles west-southwest of the city.It happened at a relatively shallow depth of 4.7 miles, USGS said.
(CNN) -- A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico's Pacific coast in the southern state of Oaxaca Tuesday morning, near the city of Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.The quake hit at 7:04 a.m. (9:04 a.m ET), about 11 miles west-southwest of the city.It happened at a relatively shallow depth of 4.7 miles, USGS said.
Hamid Karzai, Sec. John Kerry seek to ease tensions
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made a previously unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Monday to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai amid strained relations as the American-led international force continues to prepare to end its combat mission next year.Kerry's stop came on the same day that U.S. forces turned over control of a prison that has caused tension between the two nations, with Americans retaining a say on the handling of certain Taliban inmates.The talks followed controversial comments by Karzai in recent weeks that seemed to accuse U.S. forces of working with the Taliban to kill Afghan civilians, a charge denied by U.S. officials.At a joint news conference after their talks, Karzai said he had been misinterpreted when quoted as alleging collusion between the Americans and the Taliban, but he made clear that violence against villagers must stop for there to be any chance for successful peace talks.Meanwhile, the former commander of the international military force in Afghanistan, U.S. Gen.
(CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made a previously unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Monday to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai amid strained relations as the American-led international force continues to prepare to end its combat mission next year.Kerry's stop came on the same day that U.S. forces turned over control of a prison that has caused tension between the two nations, with Americans retaining a say on the handling of certain Taliban inmates.The talks followed controversial comments by Karzai in recent weeks that seemed to accuse U.S. forces of working with the Taliban to kill Afghan civilians, a charge denied by U.S. officials.At a joint news conference after their talks, Karzai said he had been misinterpreted when quoted as alleging collusion between the Americans and the Taliban, but he made clear that violence against villagers must stop for there to be any chance for successful peace talks.Meanwhile, the former commander of the international military force in Afghanistan, U.S. Gen.
President Obama wraps up Israel trip, now back in U.S.
PETRA, Jordan (CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama wrapped up his trip to the Middle East on Saturday with a walking tour of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.The city's breathtaking architecture features buildings partly carved into stone cliffs and combines eastern culture with ancient Greek constructions.
PETRA, Jordan (CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama wrapped up his trip to the Middle East on Saturday with a walking tour of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.The city's breathtaking architecture features buildings partly carved into stone cliffs and combines eastern culture with ancient Greek constructions.
Pentagon: Deal reached on U.S. handover of Afghan prison
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An agreement was reached Saturday for handing over control of a U.S.-run prison near Bagram Air Base to Afghan authorities, the Pentagon said.Under the agreement between Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the United States will transfer control of Parwan prison on Monday, according to a statement released by the Pentagon.The detention facility has been a sticking point between U.S. and Afghan authorities, and tensions over the facility re-emerged this month with sharp words from Karzai that the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force called "inflammatory."A Pentagon spokesman said Hagel and Karzai spoke by phone shortly after the deal was reached on the prison."The secretary welcomed President Karzai's commitment that the transfer will be carried out in a way that ensures the safety of the Afghan people and coalition forces by keeping dangerous individuals detained in a secure and humane manner in accordance with Afghan law," spokesman George Little said.Last March, U.S. and Afghan authorities agreed on a plan to hand over the prison and detainees within six months.But in September, the United States "paused" the transfer of detainees, which include suspected Taliban militants and insurgents.The U.S. military has not publicly discussed the specifics of the dispute.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An agreement was reached Saturday for handing over control of a U.S.-run prison near Bagram Air Base to Afghan authorities, the Pentagon said.Under the agreement between Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the United States will transfer control of Parwan prison on Monday, according to a statement released by the Pentagon.The detention facility has been a sticking point between U.S. and Afghan authorities, and tensions over the facility re-emerged this month with sharp words from Karzai that the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force called "inflammatory."A Pentagon spokesman said Hagel and Karzai spoke by phone shortly after the deal was reached on the prison."The secretary welcomed President Karzai's commitment that the transfer will be carried out in a way that ensures the safety of the Afghan people and coalition forces by keeping dangerous individuals detained in a secure and humane manner in accordance with Afghan law," spokesman George Little said.Last March, U.S. and Afghan authorities agreed on a plan to hand over the prison and detainees within six months.But in September, the United States "paused" the transfer of detainees, which include suspected Taliban militants and insurgents.The U.S. military has not publicly discussed the specifics of the dispute.
Pres. Obama gets diplomatic coup before heading to Jordan
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- President Barack Obama arrived in Jordan on Friday after scoring a diplomatic coup just before leaving Israel when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned his Turkish counterpart to apologize for the Israeli commando raid in 2010 that killed eight Turks and an American of Turkish origin in a Gaza-bound flotilla.The apology, long sought by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, could help restore normal relations between Turkey and Israel, two vital U.S. allies in the Middle East.Two senior U.S. administration officials told reporters traveling with Obama about the phone call, which occurred when the president and Netanyahu met at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv minutes before Air Force One departed for Jordan.One of the officials said Erdogan accepted the apology, and a senior Turkish official confirmed to CNN that the apology from Netanyahu occurred and said the Israeli leader made an offer of compensation.Obama, who the U.S. officials said also took part in the phone call at one point, issued a statement that welcomed the development."The United States deeply values our close partnerships with both Turkey and Israel, and we attach great importance to the restoration of positive relations between them in order to advance regional peace and security," Obama's statement said. "I am hopeful that today's exchange between the two leaders will enable them to engage in deeper cooperation on this and a range of other challenges and opportunities."The last-minute diplomacy added a flourish to Obama's first foreign trip of his second term, which also was his first visit to Israel as president.While the two nations have a key strategic partnership, with the United States supplying military aid and diplomatic support as Israel's most vital ally, Obama and Netanyahu had famously frosty relations during the president's first term.With both beginning new terms after Obama's re-election last year and Netanyahu's recent formation of a new government, the U.S. president's visit this week was an opportunity to reset the relationship and signal unified positions on major issues such as the Middle East peace process and Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.Obama and Netanyahu met several times during the president's three days in Israel, which also included a state dinner where President Shimon Peres awarded him Israel's highest civilian honor.Before leaving Israel, Obama paid tribute to the father of modern Zionism in a symbolic visit to Theodor Herzl's grave.Joined by Peres, Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Obama also visited the grave of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in 1995.Both stops were intended to bolster Obama's standing with Israelis by demonstrating his understanding of the history of the Jewish state.Obama placed a stone at each grave from the grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr.
JERUSALEM (CNN) -- President Barack Obama arrived in Jordan on Friday after scoring a diplomatic coup just before leaving Israel when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned his Turkish counterpart to apologize for the Israeli commando raid in 2010 that killed eight Turks and an American of Turkish origin in a Gaza-bound flotilla.The apology, long sought by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, could help restore normal relations between Turkey and Israel, two vital U.S. allies in the Middle East.Two senior U.S. administration officials told reporters traveling with Obama about the phone call, which occurred when the president and Netanyahu met at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv minutes before Air Force One departed for Jordan.One of the officials said Erdogan accepted the apology, and a senior Turkish official confirmed to CNN that the apology from Netanyahu occurred and said the Israeli leader made an offer of compensation.Obama, who the U.S. officials said also took part in the phone call at one point, issued a statement that welcomed the development."The United States deeply values our close partnerships with both Turkey and Israel, and we attach great importance to the restoration of positive relations between them in order to advance regional peace and security," Obama's statement said. "I am hopeful that today's exchange between the two leaders will enable them to engage in deeper cooperation on this and a range of other challenges and opportunities."The last-minute diplomacy added a flourish to Obama's first foreign trip of his second term, which also was his first visit to Israel as president.While the two nations have a key strategic partnership, with the United States supplying military aid and diplomatic support as Israel's most vital ally, Obama and Netanyahu had famously frosty relations during the president's first term.With both beginning new terms after Obama's re-election last year and Netanyahu's recent formation of a new government, the U.S. president's visit this week was an opportunity to reset the relationship and signal unified positions on major issues such as the Middle East peace process and Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.Obama and Netanyahu met several times during the president's three days in Israel, which also included a state dinner where President Shimon Peres awarded him Israel's highest civilian honor.Before leaving Israel, Obama paid tribute to the father of modern Zionism in a symbolic visit to Theodor Herzl's grave.Joined by Peres, Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Obama also visited the grave of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in 1995.Both stops were intended to bolster Obama's standing with Israelis by demonstrating his understanding of the history of the Jewish state.Obama placed a stone at each grave from the grounds of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Questions arise over chemical weapons claims in Syria
(CNN) -- A day after the Syrian government and anti-government rebels accused each other of using chemical weapons, a number of U.S. officials questioned whether either group had used them."So far, we have no evidence to substantiate the reports that chemical weapons were used yesterday," U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday."But I want to underline that we're looking very carefully at these reports.
(CNN) -- A day after the Syrian government and anti-government rebels accused each other of using chemical weapons, a number of U.S. officials questioned whether either group had used them."So far, we have no evidence to substantiate the reports that chemical weapons were used yesterday," U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday."But I want to underline that we're looking very carefully at these reports.
Computers paralyzed at South Korean broadcasters and banks
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- South Korean police said Wednesday they are investigating a widespread computer outage that has struck systems at leading television broadcasters and banks, prompting the military to step up its cyberalert level amid concerns about North Korea.The South Korean communications regulator reportedly linked the computer failures to hacking that used malicious code, or malware.Networks at the different companies began to encounter difficulties starting around 2 p.m. local time (1 a.m. ET).One television station, YTN, reported that 500 of its computers had been disabled by the outage after staff members received a message on their computers asking them to reboot.Another, KBS, said that its internal networks had been "paralyzed," but the problem didn't prevent it from broadcasting live.
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- South Korean police said Wednesday they are investigating a widespread computer outage that has struck systems at leading television broadcasters and banks, prompting the military to step up its cyberalert level amid concerns about North Korea.The South Korean communications regulator reportedly linked the computer failures to hacking that used malicious code, or malware.Networks at the different companies began to encounter difficulties starting around 2 p.m. local time (1 a.m. ET).One television station, YTN, reported that 500 of its computers had been disabled by the outage after staff members received a message on their computers asking them to reboot.Another, KBS, said that its internal networks had been "paralyzed," but the problem didn't prevent it from broadcasting live.
Israeli leaders warn Pres. Obama about Syrian chemical weapons
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama arrived in Israel on Wednesday to launch a four-day swing through the Middle East amid growing concern that chemical weapons in neighboring Syria could wind up in the hands of Hezbollah, an avowed enemy of the Jewish state.Reports that chemical weapons were used in Syria's civil war ensured the matter joined Iran's nuclear ambitions and the long-stalled Middle East peace process as major topics in talks between Obama and Israeli leaders.Obama's first foreign trip of his second term also was his first visit to Israel as president, and aides said he wants to assess the status of the Middle East peace process and signal his administration's support for a crucial partner in the volatile region.Palestinian activists erected a tent city Wednesday outside Jerusalem in the West Bank to protest Obama's visit and continued Israeli construction of settlements in what they consider an occupied territory.Meanwhile, demonstrators in Gaza protesting Israeli and U.S. policies toward Palestinians burned flags of both nations as well as a picture of Obama.After a morning meeting, both Obama and Israeli President Shimon Peres sought to alleviate any concerns among Israelis that the United States lacked the commitment or desire to support Israel on key issues."The state of Israel will have no greater friend than the United States" in seeking the mutual vision of giving the children of the Jewish state and other countries in the region "the opportunity for security and peace and prosperity," Obama said.Peres raised topical issues, saying "we cannot allow" Hezbollah in Lebanon to get hold of Syria's chemical weapons because "it could lead to an epic tragedy."At the same time, Peres said he and Obama agreed that the "greatest danger" facing the Middle East was a nuclear Iran.Earlier, Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted Obama at an arrival ceremony in Tel Aviv to launch Obama's trip, which also will include stops in the West Bank and Jordan.
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama arrived in Israel on Wednesday to launch a four-day swing through the Middle East amid growing concern that chemical weapons in neighboring Syria could wind up in the hands of Hezbollah, an avowed enemy of the Jewish state.Reports that chemical weapons were used in Syria's civil war ensured the matter joined Iran's nuclear ambitions and the long-stalled Middle East peace process as major topics in talks between Obama and Israeli leaders.Obama's first foreign trip of his second term also was his first visit to Israel as president, and aides said he wants to assess the status of the Middle East peace process and signal his administration's support for a crucial partner in the volatile region.Palestinian activists erected a tent city Wednesday outside Jerusalem in the West Bank to protest Obama's visit and continued Israeli construction of settlements in what they consider an occupied territory.Meanwhile, demonstrators in Gaza protesting Israeli and U.S. policies toward Palestinians burned flags of both nations as well as a picture of Obama.After a morning meeting, both Obama and Israeli President Shimon Peres sought to alleviate any concerns among Israelis that the United States lacked the commitment or desire to support Israel on key issues."The state of Israel will have no greater friend than the United States" in seeking the mutual vision of giving the children of the Jewish state and other countries in the region "the opportunity for security and peace and prosperity," Obama said.Peres raised topical issues, saying "we cannot allow" Hezbollah in Lebanon to get hold of Syria's chemical weapons because "it could lead to an epic tragedy."At the same time, Peres said he and Obama agreed that the "greatest danger" facing the Middle East was a nuclear Iran.Earlier, Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted Obama at an arrival ceremony in Tel Aviv to launch Obama's trip, which also will include stops in the West Bank and Jordan.
On 10th anniversary of Iraq war, Iraqis a people in need
(CNN) -- Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. and coalition invasion of Iraq.Ten years of conflict caused death, despair and a complete change of life for many Iraqis.Retired Army Sgt.
(CNN) -- Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. and coalition invasion of Iraq.Ten years of conflict caused death, despair and a complete change of life for many Iraqis.Retired Army Sgt.
Attacks claim 53 lives on Iraq War 10th anniversary
BAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 53 people died and scores were wounded when bombs exploded across Iraq on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of the U.S. invasion.The attacks -- 17 car bombs, seven roadside bombs, and two shootings -- rippled mostly through Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad but also struck other towns.
BAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 53 people died and scores were wounded when bombs exploded across Iraq on Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of the U.S. invasion.The attacks -- 17 car bombs, seven roadside bombs, and two shootings -- rippled mostly through Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad but also struck other towns.