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Attack on U.S. embassy in Syria halted in progress Guards who are in charge of security at the United States Embassy located in Damascus, Syria have stopped a "terrorist operation" in progress just outside the embassy's walls, according to the Syrian government. Several other areas near other embassies located in Rawda, Syria have also been shut down in order to secure the surrounding areas. Al-Qaeda releases 9/11 message Al-Queda released a 9/11 message to the American public, and with it comes a threat for the American people. It calls on fellow Muslims to step up their resistance to the American people.

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Extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis strain emerges in South Africa New research findings from South Africa on an extremely drug-resistant (XDR) strain of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB) alarm experts. Dr. Tony Moll discovered the Extremely Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in the South African region KwaZulu-Natal. In an interview, he said the new variant was "very highly troubling and alarming because of the very high fatality rate."

Wikipedia Current Events
A court in Flanders prolonged the custody of 12 suspects in the case against an alleged neo-Nazi group inside the Belgian army. They are accused of terrorism, weapons traffic and racism. At least 41 people, mostly children, are killed in a stampede in a stadium in Yemen during a campaign rally for President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The children were killed when some of the citizens, who were bused in to hear the president speak, tried to leave. Tom Noe, a rare-coin dealer and GOP fundraiser is sentenced to two years jail for illegally channelling $45,000 into President George W. Bush's re-election campaign. Norwegian negotiator Erik Solheim announces that the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers have agreed to hold "unconditional peace talks" in October in Oslo, Norway. The Sri Lankan government denies ever agreeing to talks without conditions, and criticizes the Government of Norway for violating Sri Lankan sovereignty. An explosion in Diyarbakir in the mainly Kurdish southeast of Turkey kills at least seven people, five of whom were children, and injures 14. Japan's new baby prince is officially named Hisahito. Gunfire and explosions reported near the American embassy in central Damascus this morning amid reports that the heavily fortified compound has been attacked by armed men. One Syrian guard was killed, but all United States diplomats are reported safe.

Pakistan army unsure about their country's future
Tension has been high in Balochistan after the killing of Akbar Bugti, 79, on 26th of Aug, 2006 in a targeted army attack by Pakistan.

After the death of Akbar Bugti that several people were killed in violent street protests. A blast on Monday damaged a post office in Kharan, west of Baluchistan's capital, Quetta, claimed by police officer Sarfaraz Khan. Earlier Sunday, also a bomb attack in a Quetta restaurant injured atleast 14 people. It was the second bomb blast in last some days in Baluchistan. On Friday, bomb killed at least five people and wounded 21 in the town of Barkhan.

Baloch wants more sharing of natural resources of the Balochistan. The Bugti assassination have highlighted the long struggle of the Baloch nationalists against Pakistan. They have predicted the Baloch nationalism realigning under the leadership of Bughti, Marri and Mengal.

Now Akbar Khan as the martyr they have a symbol to boost their struggle against Pakistan. Marri tribal leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal, a former Chief Minister of Baluchistan has said to The Friday Times predicting that “this incident has cut our last link, if there was any, with Pakistan”. This saying accurately displays the Baloch feeling.

Jamil Akbar Bugti, the Nawab Akbar Bugti's eldest son, had also demanded that international human rights groups exhume his father's body for tests to determine the causes of death.

Bomb blast in Turkey kills 7 injures 17
At least 7 people, 5 of which are believed to have been children, are dead and at least 17 injured as a bomb went off in Diyarbakir, Turkey. Police say that the bomb was set off by a timer on a mobile phone. The blast happened inside a park in the Baglar region of Diyarbakir.

A group called the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons or TAC has claimed to be responsible for the blasts. The group threatened Turkey last week when it posted a message on their website saying that they would turn the country "into hell."

Attack on U.S. embassy in Syria halted in progress
Guards who are in charge of security at the United States Embassy located in Damascus, Syria have stopped a "terrorist operation" in progress just outside the embassy's walls, according to the Syrian government. Several other areas near other embassies located in Rawda, Syria have also been shut down in order to secure the surrounding areas.

Reports say that four gunmen exited two vehicles, parking them just outside the embassy and began shooting at guards inside the emabssy while throwing grenades at them. The guards then began firing upon the gunmen killing three and wounding one taking him into custody. At least two of the terrorists were attempting to hide in buildings near the embassy, but security officers killed them after catching up to them.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the vehicles used by the terrorists exploded and according to the Syrian Government, was detonated by the terrorists. The second vehicles also exploded, but reports say the vehicle was in the control of the Syrian security force before it too blew up.

"Three terrorists were killed and one was wounded. [The attack was a] terrorist operation targeting the US embassy," said Gen. Bassam Abdel Majid of Syria's Interior Ministry.

No terrorists were able to enter the embassy and there is no claim of responsibility as of yet.

Reports also state that at least one Syrian Security officer and two Iraqis were killed and at least seven technicians located at a nearby workshop were injured including a local police officer. One diplomat from China was also injured when he was hit by debris from the blast while standing on the roof of a garage located at the Chinese Embassy. No Americans were killed or injured during the battle.

Disneyland pranked overnight by graffiti artist Banksy; ride shut down
Internationally acclaimed graffiti kingpin and art-saboteur, Banksy, successfully infiltrated the Disneyland themepark in Anaheim, California.

It is alleged that the graffiti bandit extraordinare clandestinely entered the park over-night, then proceeded to install a piece depicting a prisoner in Guantanamo Bay at the themepark. Banksy installed a sculpture, a life-size doll dressed in an prison inmate's orange jumpsuit and bound and shackled, behind the bars of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride.

Disneyland closed down the ride and removed the sculpture amid fears over public safety.

Interview with candidate Vicky Colbourne, Brampton Regional Council Wards 2 & 6
The upcoming 2006 Brampton municipal election, to be held November 13, features an array of candidates looking to represent their wards in city council or the council of the Peel Region.

Wikinews contributor Nick Moreau contacted many of the candidates, asking them to answer common questions sent in an email. This ward's incumbent is Paul Palleschi; also challenging Colbourne is David A. Esho and Curtis Grant.

Q: Why do you want to represent your ward on council?

A: I feel we need a change in our ward. We have had the same councillor for the last twenty years. Some of the outcomes of the councillors decisions are evident today for lack of long-term thinking.

Q: Of the decisions made by council since the last election, which one would you have changed, and why?

A: Consideration for taxpayers financially and environmentally.

Q: How are you currently involved in the community?

A: I live, work and volunteer in the community. I am a mentor for Leadership Peel.

Q: What qualities or experiences do you possess, that make you more desirable than the incumbent?

A: I have worked for the Region of Peel. I would offer an insiders look to what goes on in the Region of Peel. I am open minded, energetic and a team player. I like challenges and tend to think outside the box for solutions to problems.

Q: Much of Brampton's existing council is quite seasoned in the civic political process. What could you bring to the table as a "rookie", above and beyond the current roster of councillors?

A: A new approach would be welcomed on this Ward. The councillor in this ward has been very comfortable in his views and is not listening to his constituents. The last time I spoke to him on the issue of taxes and the waste of money at the Region, he was rude and verbally abusive on the phone. This is not acceptable in our elected representative. A cooperative approach is more acceptable.

Q: List the three most important issues in your campaign.

A: Urban growth, taxes, and gridlock.

Q: What one election issue do you feel is most relevant to your ward in this election?

A: To do what is best for the community.

Q: The Rose Theatre recently launched. What are your thoughts on this facility? Have you had a chance to tour it yet?

A: Time is tell if this was a good idea or not. I have not had an opportunity to see the facility, but I am sure I will.

Q: The province has strongly encouraged the development of high-density residences near the downtown. Do these buildings fit in with your vision of the downtown? How much say should other levels of government have in urban planning?

A: The governments should work together for what is best for the community.

Q: How do you feel about Brampton's rate of expansion? Council recently capped the annual amount of new development; do you agree completely with this decision, would you have slowed development even further, or not have imposed a cap at all?

A: We have to consider environmental issues and services have to be in place before any more development happens. Slowly down the development is a good idea. It is best to catch up before anymore developments happens. The land will be there, what is the hurry? There is no accountable from the councillors whom lacked in long term planning.

Q: Why should businesses be attracted to locating in Brampton?

A: Brampton is still small community with much growth potential. It has something for everyone.

Q: How could Brampton further itself in attracting corporate investment?

A: Dealing with issues in a professional matter and offering solutions.

Q: Why have you chosen to involve yourself in the political process?

A: I would like to some changes for the future of Brampton.

Q: What does Brampton mean to you?

A: I would like to see a community that is a healthy environment to live in.

Small technical changes have been made to select responses, the entire original text can be read on the article's talk page. Best efforts have been made to not affect the actual text of the interview.

Bermuda hit hard by hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence was positioned at 35.8 N 63.9 W, at 11 p.m. EDT (UTC - 4 hr), with maximum winds blowing at 85 mph and gusts of upto 105 mph. The hurricane is moving in a north-easterly direction at 18 mph and is showing signs of weakening.

The government of Bermuda has discontinued the Tropical Storm warning it issued only after it blew away window panes, glasses and roofs. No deaths have been reported though there are reports of minor injuries. The hurricane has knocked out power supply to thousands of people.

The Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) expects the restoration of supply to be complete in few days.

Damascus: US embassy attacked
At least three assailants tried to storm the U.S. embassy in the Rawda area of Damascus, Syria.

According to reports, there was an exchange of gunfire and explosions were heard due to a car being blown up.

Syrian security officials foiled the effort and killed assailants.

At least one security guard was killed. All US officials are safe.

A Chinese diplomat was injured by a stray bullet while he was standing on top of the Chinese embassy building, located close to US embassy. The diplomat was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

TADA court begins pronouncing '93 Mumbai blasts verdict
The special TADA court hearing the 1993 Mumbai blasts case began delivering its verdict today. Four members of the Memon family, Yakub, Essa, Rubina and Yusuf, were found guilty of conspiring and abetting acts of terrorism and also having contacts with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, and now face between 5 years and life in prison. The judge decided to acquit three other Memons, Suleiman, Hanifa and Raheen, giving them the benefit of the doubt. Yakub, younger brother of prime accused Ibrahim Mushtaq 'Tiger' Memon, was also convicted of possessing unauthorised arms. The rest of the accused, including Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, will hear the judgements in their cases over a period of four weeks.

After hearing the court's ruling against him, Yakub lost his temper, hurling abuses at the judge and accusing him of "making terrorists out of innocents". After the blasts, which killed over 250 people in 13 explosions across the city, the Memon family fled to Dubai, and then Pakistan. Except Tiger and his brother Ayub, however, the rest of them returned to India in 1994, and were arrested by the CBI. Since then, Yakub has been in custody and has, according to his lawyer Subhash Kanse, been undergoing treatment for depression.

Today in History
533 - Belisarius and his legions defeated Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimum near Carthage, and began the "Reconquest of the West" under Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I.

1814 - The bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which later became the national anthem of the United States.

1847 - Mexican-American War: Six teenagers known as Los Niños Héroes fought to their death defending the military academy at Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico City during the Battle of Chapultepec.

1987 - Goiânia accident: A radioactive item was stolen from an abandoned hospital in Goiânia, Brazil, contaminating hundreds of people.

1993 - After rounds of secret negotiations in Norway, PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin formally signed the Oslo Peace Accords.

September 13 is Independence Day in Venda (1979)

Quote of the Day

"When I came back to my native country, after all the stories about Hitler, I couldn't ride in the front of the bus. I had to go to the back door. I couldn't live where I wanted. I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either. ~ Jesse Owens

Word of the Day

fermata; n

(music): A notation to hold a note for longer than its usual duration, until the conductor cuts it off.

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2006-09-12T21:27:37