THE TENSION: April 16, 2006

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Tension Summary: Sat. 22 Apr. Evening

NATIONAL
Battered New Orleans votes as world watches
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) -- New Orleanians voted on Saturday in their battered city's first post-Katrina election, facing the tough choice of staying with Mayor Ray Nagin and his vision for rebuilding or opting for new blood.

At stake is the speed and shape of the massive recovery amid concerns over the strength of the levees before the next storm, drained city coffers, racial tension and questions about whether some badly damaged neighborhoods will get rebuilt.

MIDDLE EAST
Iran says no intention to use oil as weapon
DOHA (AFP) -- Iran's Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh told AFP that his country will not use oil as a weapon in the row over its nuclear program and that it was not to blame for current market tension.

Hamas, Fatah pledge to defuse tension after clashes
GAZA (Reuters) -- The Hamas-led Palestinian government and President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group agreed early on Sunday to try to end tensions between them after their supporters clashed in the worst internal fighting in months.

ASIA
Tension in Nepal as protestors march on palace
(EuroNews) -- More than 100 people have been injured in Nepal after police opened fire on crowds defying a day-time curfew.

CPI-M leader shot at in N Dinajpur
Kolkata (IBN) -- Unidentified miscreants shot at CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) local branch secretary of Kamlai in North Dinajpur district near his house on Friday night, sparking tension in the area.

AFRICA
Political tension rises in the Comoros
(SABC) -- Political tensions in the Comoros are rising as the results of that country's first round of presidential elections have still not been made public. On Easter Sunday residents of the island of Anjouan went to the polls to elect three people out of a group of 13 to be eligible to become president in the next round of voting.

OIL CRISIS
World oil prices breach $ 75 a barrel as tension mounts
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Oil prices vaulted to a new peak over $ 75 a barrel on Friday as investment funds snapped up crude futures and tension mounted over Iran’s nuclear intentions.

OPEC can do little to tame record oil prices
DOHA (AFP) -- OPEC can do very little now to tame record oil prices said two member countries of the powerful oil cartel laying the blame on Middle East political tension and rampant speculation.

OFF-BEAT NEWS
Man dead after vandalising high tension wire
Abuja (iol) -- A 35-year-old Nigerian was electrocuted on Saturday on the outskirts of Abuja while vandalising a high tension wire that supplied electricity to the Nigerian capital, officials said.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States, oil, OPEC, economics, gas prices, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Israel, Hamas, Palestine, Asia, India, Africa
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

CIA Sacks Officer for Leaks

NATIONAL NEWS

COMMENTLINE
You gotta' love those pesky Pulitzer-winning Post reporters who seemingly build their carriers based upon a handful of patriotically questionable acts of a few low and mid-level government workers.

Well, we all know the old how the adage no news is good news works for some reporters. Besides, what's the harm of a few unnamed sources thrown in for good measure?

Sheesh.

NEWSLINE
"The officer knowingly and willfully shared classified intelligence, including operational information."

In an effort to stem leaks, the Bush administration launched several initiatives earlier this year targeting journalists and national security employees.

The effort has been widely seen among members of the media, and some legal experts, as the most extensive and overt campaign against leaks in a generation, and has worsened the already-tense relationship between mainstream news organizations and the White House.

NEWSBYTES
NBC: CIA officer fired after admitting leak
WASHINGTON (www.msnbc.msn.com) -- In a rare occurrence, the CIA fired an officer who acknowledged giving classified information to a reporter, NBC News learned Friday.

CIA Officer Is Fired for Media Leaks
The Post Was Among Outlets That Gained Classified Data
(www.washingtonpost.com) -- The CIA fired a long-serving intelligence officer for sharing classified information with The Washington Post and other news organizations, officials said yesterday, as the agency continued an aggressive internal search for anyone who may have discussed intelligence with the news media.

No Proof of Secret C.I.A. Prisons, European Says
BRUSSELS, April 20 (www.nytimes.com) -- The European Union's antiterrorism chief told a hearing today that he has not been able to prove that secret C.I.A. prisons existed in Europe.

Capitol Hill Weighs in on CIA Officer Who Was Fired for Leaking Info to Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The CIA fired a top intelligence analyst who admitted leaking classified information that led to a Pulitzer Prize-winning story about a network of secret CIA prisons, government officials say.

CIA sacks spy for secret prisons leak
(www.Aljazeera.Net) -- The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) says it fired an intelligence officer for leaking classified information that sources said contributed to a Washington Post report about secret CIA prisons in Eastern Europe.

CIA fires agent over leak to media
Information used in Pulitzer-winning story on secret prisons
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The CIA has fired one of its officers for leaking classified information, an agency spokeswoman said Friday.

Tags: Bush, CIA, terrorism, secret prisons, Washington Post, journalism, pulitzer
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

For great bargains see: THE TENSION EXCHANGE

Friday, April 21, 2006

Tension Summary: Fri. 21 Apr. Evening

OIL CRISIS

Regular unleaded gas reached $3.029 at a pump in Philadelphia on Friday, April 21, 2006. Crude-oil prices broke through $75 a barrel to hit a new record Friday. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

NEWSBYTE
Oil hits new peak over $75 as funds buy
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Oil prices vaulted to a new peak over $75 a barrel on Friday as investment funds snapped up crude futures and tension mounted over Iran's nuclear intentions.

MIDEAST CONFLICT

Palestinians wait behind Israeli troops as they search for explosives at a checkpoint in the West Bank town of Hebron, Friday, April 21, 2006. One Palestinian man was detained, and it was unclear if any explosives were found. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)

NEWSBYTES
Abbas takes on Hamas over security appointment
GAZA (Reuters) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Hamas-led government were locked in a stand-off on Friday over a senior security appointment, heightening political tension as the new administration's financial crisis deepened.

Israel, Palestinians increase the tension
JERUSALEM (AP) -- An Israeli lawmaker says Israel could target the entire Palestinian Cabinet for assassination, though there are no plans at the moment to launch such an attack.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States, oil, OPEC, economics, gas prices, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Israel, Hamas, Palestine
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Images: Gas Pains, Prices Top $4 Gallon

A gas station lists fuel prices between $3.30 and $4.30 per gallon in San Diego, California April 19, 2006. Oil prices have leapt above $72 dollars a barrel, setting a high-price record for the third day in a row. REUTERS/Fred Greaves

A flag hangs in front of a gas sign Thursday, April 20, 2006, in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles. Gas prices in the Los Angeles area have reached record hghs, costing drivers over $3.00 a gallon. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)

A woman pumps gasoline into her vehicle at a service station in Chicago, Illinois. The Labor Department confirmed that consumer prices rose 0.4 percent in March, while

The price of full service high octane gas reaches $4.049 dollars per gallon Thursday, April 20, 2006, at a gas station in Beverly Hills, Calif. Oil prices held steady near record highs Thursday after weekly data showed a drop in U.S. gasoline stocks, raising worries that refiners don't have an adequate inventory cushion ahead of the peak summer driving season. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Chris Rebitzke makes changes to gasoline prices at a gas station in Beaverton, Ore., Wednesday, April 19, 2006. Consumer prices shot up in March, reflecting higher costs for gasoline, clothing and hotel rooms, with core inflation rising by the biggest amount in a year. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

A gasoline attendent pumps gas in Beaverton, Ore., Wednesday, April 19, 2006. Consumer prices shot up in March, reflecting higher costs for gasoline, clothing and hotel rooms, with core inflation rising by the biggest amount in a year. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Prices for the three grades of gasoline are shown on a roadside sign along Speer Boulevard in downtown Denver as a motorist puts fuel in his Hummer H2 sport utility vehicle in the backgorund, Tuesday, April 11, 2006. Gasoline prices per gallon are closing in on $3 in the intermountain West, a price that was not reached until mid-summer in 2005. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Gas prices are shown on Hess gas station in New York, Tuesday, April 18, 2006. A big jump in gasoline prices pushed inflation at the wholesale level up in March at the fastest pace in three months, as oil prices above $70 a barrel sent consumers a high-octane warning of expensive fuel costs ahead. (AP Photo/Shiho Fukada)

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions. Click for enlargements.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States, oil, OPEC, economics, gas prices, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Images: $4.29 a Gallon

Please see: Images: Gas Pains, Prices Top $4 Gallon

Thursday, April 20, 2006

AFX: Chosen Lords

NEW MUSIC RELEASE PICK OF THE WEEK

SOUNDBYTE
AFX: Chosen Lords
(AMG Review) -- In 2001, when Aphex Twin fans got what they'd been hoping for — a new album — they soon learned that not every Aphex Twin work was pure genius. (Granted, they'd heard very little evidence of mediocrity before that point.) Drukqs was a rambling wreck of an album, a hodgepodge of material that appeared to have been plundered from at least three distinct periods, stretching over a full decade of Richard D. James' career. The Analord series of 12" singles, inaugurated with January 2005's Analord 10 and eventually including ten additional volumes, was much different. It proved that James was still capable of brilliance — not just scattered brilliance, but consistently excellent and occasionally stupendous work. Read more.

Tags: music, entertainment
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

MAINTAIN THE TENSION: VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

Buy from Amazon.com

AFX

Aphex Twin

Download from iTunes

AFX

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Nebraska Votes to Segregate Schools

NATION/EDUCATION

Students at Omaha's Central High School rally Friday in front of the school in support of Omaha Public Schools. In a move some decried as state-sponsored segregation, the Legislature voted Thursday to divide the Omaha school system into three districts, one mostly black, one predominantly white and one largely Hispanic.

PHOTOBYTE
Students at Omaha's Central High School rally Friday in support of Omaha Public Schools.

COMMENTLINE
One rationale for dividing the Omaha school system into three districts is that minorities will receive a better education if they have more control over their district. Read on and you decide.

NEWSLINES
Omaha Sen. Pat Bourne decried the bill, saying, "We will go down in history as one of the first states in 20 years to set race relations back."

"History will not, and should not, judge us kindly," said Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha.

The 45,000-student Omaha school system is 46 percent white, 31 percent black, 20 percent Hispanic, and 3 percent Asian or American Indian.

NEWSBYTES
Omaha Schools Split Along Race Lines
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- In a move decried by some as state-sponsored segregation, the Legislature voted Thursday to divide the Omaha school system into three districts -- one mostly black, one predominantly white and one largely Hispanic. Read more.

Law to Segregate Omaha Schools Divides Nebraska
OMAHA, April 14 (NYT) -— Ernie Chambers is Nebraska's only African-American state senator, a man who has fought for causes including the abolition of capital punishment and the end of apartheid in South Africa. A magazine writer once described him as the "angriest black man in Nebraska."

Lawmakers Adopt Chambers Plan For Splitting Omaha School District
(nebraska.statepaper.com) -- It could not have been envisioned when the Omaha Public Schools first caused a conflagration with a proposed takeover of nearby suburban school districts.

ALSO SEE: LOCAL OPINIONS
Segregation survives
Omaha school district is carved up along racial lines
(www.dailytargum.com) -- Apparently, in Omaha, Neb., the racial segregation of the 1950s lives again. The Omaha city school district needed to be restructured since more affluent suburban districts were unfairly supporting urban schools; the first proposal was to unify all urban schools into one district. However, in a rapid reversal, the city of Omaha has been purposely divided into three racially distinguishable school districts: one black, one white and one Hispanic. However, this law is a disgusting way of enacting state-sponsored segregation.

Omaha segregating
(www.bgnews.com / Northern Star) -- Omaha, have you forgotten Brown v. Board of Education?

Tags: education, Nebraska, Omaha, schools, minorities, minority, Civil Rights, Race, segregation
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Regional Aspirations of Iran: Wed. 19 Apr.

INTERNATIONAL

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad watches as a missile passes by during the Army Day military parade in Tehran, April 18, 2006. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl

COMMENTLINE
Presented once again for your inspection, a summary of the latest international tensions courtesy of Iran.

In this edition:

Most diplomatic folks expect Iran to reject U.N. nuclear demands.

The Rooskies send mixed signals to the world about their position by saying it is urgent that Iran halts their nuke work abd by then saying Russia won't be rushed into backing up that statement.

A top Iranian leader sends a message to Persian Gulf countries that they better not side with the West.

U.N. Security Council members and Germany discusses sanctions.

The World happens to notice the division between Russia and West on Iran.

In a speech to mark Iran's Arms Day yesterday, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens to "cut off the hands of any aggressor" if the country is attacked.

Iran will give $50 million to the Palestinian Authority.

NEWSLINE
"Iran's enemies know your courage, faith and commitment to Islam and the land of Iran has created a powerful army that can powerfully defend the political borders and the integrity of the Iranian nation and cut the hand of any aggressor and place the sign of disgrace on their forehead." Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

NEWSBYTES
Iran unlikely to meet UN nuclear demands: Straw
LONDON (Reuters) -- Britain does not expect Iran to comply with United Nations Security Council demands to halt uranium enrichment by the end of April, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Wednesday.

Russia: Iran Must Halt Uranium Enrichment
MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia called on Iran Wednesday to halt all uranium enrichment activities, saying the international community is demanding "urgent and constructive steps" from Tehran to ease concerns about its nuclear program.

Decision on Iran must wait: Russia
MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Russia said on Wednesday it would not be rushed into agreeing action against Iran over its nuclear program after international talks in Moscow frustrated U.S. efforts to win wide backing for sanctions.

Gulf Nations Urged to Stay Neutral on Iran
KUWAIT CITY (AP) -- A top Iranian leader said that if the United States ever attacked his country, he was certain that Kuwait _ a key U.S. ally in the Gulf that hosts thousands of American soldiers _ would not take sides.

U.S. Envoy: Iran Sanctions Discussed
MOSCOW (AP) -- A U.S. diplomat said Tuesday that envoys from the five permanent Security Council members plus Germany discussed sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, but failed to reach agreement on how to proceed further.

West, Russia seek to paper over cracks as Iran crisis deepens
MOSCOW (AFP) -- The West and Russia has sought to present a united front over how to deal with Iran despite signs of division over how toughly to act in forcing Tehran to halt its nuclear activity.

Iran 'will cut off hands of aggressors'
(Guardian) -- The Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, today threatened to "cut off the hands of any aggressor" if the country was attacked.

Iran pledges aid to Palestinians
(Aljazeera.Net) -- Iran is giving $50 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority after last week's decision by the US and European Union to suspend aid to the Hamas-led administration.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Images: Pain at the Pumps

INTERNATIONAL

Fuel prices are displayed at a Gulf petrol station in London April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear programme, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

Gasoline prices are shown on a Mobil gas station sign along the Grand Central Parkway in New York April 17, 2006. Crude oil hit $70 a barrel for the first time since Hurricane Katrina as worries increased about oil producer Iran's nuclear standoff with the West, and front-month contract prices settled above that level for the first time since the New York Mercantile Exchange launched crude oil futures trading in 1983. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Gas prices are shown on Citgo and Exxon gas station signs in Bayside, New York April 17, 2006. Crude oil hit $70 a barrel for the first time since Hurricane Katrina as worries increased about oil producer Iran's nuclear standoff with the West, and front-month contract prices settled above that level for the first time since the New York Mercantile Exchange launched crude oil futures trading in 1983. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

A motorist holds a fuel pump at a Gulf petrol station in London April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear programme, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

A station attendent changes the gas prices on the sign at a gas station in New York April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear programme, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

The prices for a litre of gasoline are displayed in euros at a service station in Paris April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear program, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

A station attendant changes gas prices on a sign at a gas station in New York, April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear programme, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

A car is pumped with gasoline in Bayside, New York April 17, 2006. Crude oil hit $70 a barrel for the first time since Hurricane Katrina as worries increased about oil producer Iran's nuclear standoff with the West, and front-month contract prices settled above that level for the first time since the New York Mercantile Exchange launched crude oil futures trading in 1983. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Fuel pumps are seen at a British Petroleum petrol station in London April 18, 2006. Oil hit a record $72.20 a barrel on Tuesday as Iran defied world pressure to halt its nuclear programme, raising new fears of a cut in supplies from the world's fourth biggest crude exporter. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions. Click for enlargements.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States, oil, OPEC, economics, gas prices
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

For great bargains see: THE TENSION EXCHANGE

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Images: Combat Camera, Tue. 18 Apr.

Vice President Dick Cheney addresses a crowd of U.S. military members during a visit to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., April 17, 2006. Cheney is at the base to thank the troops for their contributions to fighting the war on terror. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Laura K. Smith, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Photo by: SSGT LAURA K. SMITH, 92ND COMMUNICATIONS SQUADRON Record ID No. (VIRIN): 060417-F-6426S-212

Curious villagers watch as Army Capt. Jason Toole (right) and Spc. Nick Cannole evaluate the results of a CAT scan of a man who suffered a stroke in Makawa, Afghanistan, on April 15, 2006. Toole, the commander of Alpha Company, and Cannole, a medic from Alpha Company, are assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. DoD photo by Spc. Christopher S. Barnhart, U.S. Army. (Released)Photo by: SPC CHRISTOPHER BARNHART, 55TH SIGNAL COMPANY Record ID No. (VIRIN): 060415-A-4576B-046

U.S. Army Sgt. Lucas Murray, right, leads a group of Iraqis in the construction of a playground set at a school in Abraham Jaffas, Iraq, April 16, 2006. The American company Big Toys, Inc., shipped the playground set to Iraq after Murray, a landscape architect, contacted them requesting a donation. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael Larson, U.S. Navy. Photo by: PH1(AW) MICHAEL LARSON, FLEET COMBAT CAMERA GROUP PACIFI Record ID No. (VIRIN): 060416-N-6901L-336

U.S. Navy Sailors prepare an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Five for launch on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) April 15, 2006. Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven are conducting a composite training unit exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher B. Long, U.S. Navy. (Released) Photo by: PH3 CHRISTOPHER B. LONG, U.S. NAVY PHOTOGRAPHER Record ID No. (VIRIN): 060415-N-7359L-002

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions. Click for enlargements.
NOTE: Images by U.S. Military; used with permission.

Tags: Bush, Iraq, War, Military, terrorism, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalition, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Oil Prices Reflect Global Tension

INTERNATIONAL

In this April 13, 2006, file photo, a surfer walks past a gas price sign along Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

COMMENTLINE
Oil tops $72 a barrel overseas, but why?

Saber rattling with Iran and worries about a supply disruption in Nigeria are driving record highs.

But OPEC thinks prices are over the top and have nothing to do with the realities of supply and demand.

Read on.

NEWSLINE
"The oil market is taking the threat seriously as Iran may have gone down the path that leads to the point of no return."

NEWSBYTES
Oil prices break new records as Iran tensions mount
NEW YORK (AFP) -- Oil prices broke new ground above 71 dollars a barrel owing to mounting tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions, fears of US gasoline shortages and rapid economic growth in China.

It's a record: Oil tops $72 overseas
Iran worries push up prices of Brent, NYMEX crude; Nigeria supply disruptions, fund buying provide support.
LONDON (Reuters) -- Oil surged to a record high above $72 Tuesday on concerns that Iran's nuclear standoff with the West could cut oil exports from the world's fourth-largest crude exporter. Read more.

Oil Nears Record on Concern Conflict in Iran Will Cut Exports
April 18 (Bloomberg) -- Crude oil traded near a record set earlier today amid concern tension over Iran's nuclear research will erupt into armed conflict and cut exports from the world's fourth- largest producer.

Nuclear row sends oil to new high
(BBC) -- Oil prices have hit a record high of $70.86 a barrel, fuelled by growing fears over Iran's nuclear standoff with the international community.

Oil prices hit record $71
(Aljazeera.Net) -- Mounting tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions have driven oil prices to a new record of more than $71 a barrel.

Economy shows signs of slowing amid high oil
NEW YORK (Reuters) -- The U.S. economy may be showing signs of fatigue after surging at the beginning of the year, reports showed on Monday, as energy prices climbed to record highs.

OPEC believes oil prices are too high: delegate
DUBAI (Reuters) -- OPEC believes oil prices are too steep, after setting a fresh record high above $70 a barrel, and the rise is not justified by market fundamentals, a senior OPEC delegate said on Tuesday.

Rising oil prices
(Economist.com) -- THE spectre of another oil crisis all of a sudden looms large, and this at a time when the world economy has barely begun to recover from last year's recession. There are fears that conflict in the Middle East could once again send oil prices sharply higherÂand send world economic output tumbling. To judge by the rise in oil prices thus far, such fears are overdone.

Big jump in gasoline prices pushes up inflation at wholesale level
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A big jump in gasoline prices pushed inflation at the wholesale level up in March at the fastest pace in three months, as oil prices above $70 a barrel sent consumers a high-octane warning of expensive fuel costs ahead.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States, oil, OPEC, economics
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

Monday, April 17, 2006

Regional Aspirations of Iran: Mon. 17 Apr.

INTERNATIONAL

Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (C) is seen through an aquarium as he talks to the Scientific Museum's Chairman Mijbil Al-Mutawa (R) in Kuwait April 17, 2006. Iran will continue to enrich uranium, Rafsanjani said on Monday, as concerns grow over possible U.S. military action against Tehran's nuclear programme. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

COMMENTLINE
Presented once again for your inspection, a summary of the latest international tensions courtesy of Iran.

In this edition:

Some question Iran's claims about its nuclear ability. In the past Iran has understated nuclear activities that were later discovered, and overstated its capabilities.

The U.S. says the Iranian government has stepped up efforts to illegally acquire weapons and parts.

Oil prices jump to $70, gold to $606 and silver to $13 on Iran tensions.

NEWSLINE
Federal agents say that as tensions increase over Tehran's alleged nuclear weapons program, so does the concern that Iran might strike at U.S. forces and personnel stationed in Iraq and other countries if the United States or its allies take military action against that program.

NEWSBYTES
New Worry Rises After Iran Claims Nuclear Steps
(NYT) -- Of all the claims that Iran made last week about its nuclear program, a one-sentence assertion by its president has provoked such surprise and concern among international nuclear inspectors they are planning to confront Tehran about it this week.

Iran Has Raised Efforts to Obtain U.S. Arms Illegally, Officials Say
LOS ANGELES (www.washingtonpost.com) -- The Iranian government has intensified efforts to illegally obtain weapons technology from the United States, contracting with dealers across the country for spare parts to maintain its aging American-made air force planes, its missile forces and its alleged nuclear weapons program, according to federal law enforcement authorities.

Iran to continue enriching uranium: Rafsanjani
KUWAIT (Reuters) -- Iran will continue to enrich uranium, influential former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said on Monday, as concerns grow over possible U.S. military action against Tehran's nuclear program.

Iran tension sends oil past $70
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil leapt to $70 a barrel for the first time in seven and a half months on Monday, extending strong gains made last week as tension mounted between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Read more.

Crude Oil Futures Hit $70 a Barrel
LONDON - Crude oil futures hit $70 a barrel for the first time in seven-and-a-half months Monday, pushed higher by concerns over declining gasoline stocks in the U.S., supply disruptions in Nigeria and tension over
Iran' nuclear program.

Gold storms to new 25-yr high, silver surges
TOKYO (Reuters) -- Gold surged to a new 25-year high on Monday, buoyed by concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and surges in oil prices, while silver powered to its highest since May 1983 on hopes for the first silver exchange-traded fund.

US senators back talks with Iran
(www.Aljazeera.Net) -- Richard Lugar, the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged the United States to take up direct negotiations with Iran to resolve the deadlock over Tehran's nuclear programme.

RELATED
Iran to Give Palestinians $50 Million Aid
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran said Sunday it would give the Palestinian Authority $50 million in aid, moving in for the first time with money after the United States and Europe cut off funding to the Hamas-led government.

Iranians volunteer for "martyrdom missions"
TEHRAN (Reuters) -- Some 200 Iranians have volunteered in the past few days to carry out "martyrdom missions" against U.S. and British interests if Iran is attacked over its nuclear program, a hardline group said on Sunday.

ALSO SEE
Glance at Nuclear Weapons Countries

RESOURCES
Chronology of the Iran Nuclear Standoff
Iran's key nuclear sites
Q&A: IRAN: Iran's Multifaceted Foreign Policy

NOTE: Mouseover pictures for captions. Click for enlargements.
NOTE: All rights are reserved by image owners; site content is linked only.

Tags: terrorism, Middle East, Iran, war, IAEA, nuclear, Israel, Russia, Arab, Islam, Muhammad, prophet, Mohammad, Muslim, terrorism, Bush, UN, U.N., United Nations, United States
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension

For great bargains see: THE TENSION EXCHANGE

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Happy Easter!

The content of this post has been archived.

Images once again lost by ImageShack.

Search popular posts on THE TENSION.

DEALS: Easter Buys at Amazon.com

50 Best Deals Under $50 in the Electronics Outlet
Check out this week's 50 best electronics deals under $50. Choose from MP3 players, cordless phones, headphones, and CD players.

Save 80% on Select Video Games
Amazon.com is clearing out several console video game titles with discounts of up to 80% off, plus free shipping on $25 orders. NBA Live 2005 Xbox for $7, Spy Fiction Xbox for $7, Need for Speed Underground Xbox for $10, and many more.

Tags: shopping, Amazon, Deals, Hot Deals, bargains
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Tension