Global Affairs and Finance October 8th 2009

Global Affairs and Finance 10/08/2009

Kabul

A suicide bomb in- bedded in a Toyota Corolla parked near the Indian embassy in Kabul exploded This morning killing at least 12 civilians, many of them workers cleaning the streets, and wounding at least 67 people.

U.S.

Democrats pushed for a 42 billion dollar homeland security budget that keeps alive the goal of closing Guantanamo someday while keeping President Barack Obama’s discretion — in the interim — to bring detainees into the United States for short periods to stand trial.

Democratic leaders are considering making a credit for first-time buyers available to current homeowners, too.

President Obama's national security team is arguing that the Taliban in Afghanistan does not pose a direct threat to the U.S –Al Qaeda in Pakistan poses the most serious threat according to national security officials.

After the seemingly dead in the water bill as late as yesterday- the health-care overhaul has cleared a series of hurdles that have given Democrats increased confidence they will pass a bill.

Honduras

The United Nations agency tasked with upholding the freedom of expression today led a majority of UN officials expressing concern over the suppression of civil liberties in Honduras following a coup d’état in the Central American country in June.

Since the return of ousted President José Manuel Zelaya to Honduras on 21 September, authorities have declared a state of emergency, suspending freedom of opinion and expression, movement and association.

India

Indian retailers have emerged from a recent downturn and are now betting on new business strategies among emerging markets.

U.K.

Fears for Christmas post as the royal mail staff votes to stage a walkout over pay cuts and job losses.

Libya

The UN Security council will not accept Libya’s request for a special session on the Goldstone report, which identifies war crimes committed during Israel’s war on Gaza.

Nigeria

Militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND) said it would resume their aggressive attacks on oil installations in the country once its ceasefire expires on October 15. Its email statement came before tomorrow's meeting between President Umaru Yar'Adua and ex-militant leaders.

Nobel Prize

Herta Mueller Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

The Romanian-born German writer has the won the prize for

2009.

Finance

President Barack Obama met on Wednesday with the two top Democrats in Congress to discuss ways to spur the economy and reverse a climb in the U.S. unemployment rate, which is now at a 26-year-high.

Steve Pruitt, a Utah commercial real estate developer has decided to take on manufacturers like Audi, Porsche and Ferrari with a racecar that runs, in part, on electricity.

Gold clears $1,050 mark for first time as US dollar continues to lose ground in the currency markets.