Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Good morning, all!

International Developments

? “United States scales back plans for Guantanamo prosecutions.  Far fewer prisoners will be tried [than] originally planned after a recent court ruling cast doubt on the validity of some charges”.

? “At least 70 people have died in a wave of bombings and attacks in central and northern Iraq”.

? “Afghan supreme court staff killed in suicide blast: Seventeen dead in Kabul bombing claimed by Taliban as revenge attack aimed at judges.”

? “Turkey violence intensifies as police try to clear Taksim Square [in Istanbul]–live updates.”  Water cannon, petrol bombs: video

? “Egyptian Satirist Bassem Yousself [similar to Jon Stewart] Will Not Let His Voice Be Silenced.”  He’s a real pain to the Muslim Brotherhood.

? “One of Libya’s highest military officers has resigned after clashes between protesters and a government-aligned militia he oversaw left 31 people dead in  . . . Benghazi.”

International Finance

? President Obama is showering Peruvian President Ollanta Humala with praise and attention with the goal of getting Peru signed-on to the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

? Stunning photos:  “Down and Out in Athens”.

Money Matters USA

? “NSA Leaker’s Six-Figure Pay Should Spark Debate:  Why Are Federal Workers Being Replaced With Pricier Contractors?”

? A judge in TN has blocked “Gov. Bill Halsam (R)’s plan to lay off more than 200 state workers this month.” [cont’d.]

Photo by Storm Crypt under Creative Commons license