November 2009 Headlines

Britain: A Glimpse of America's Future?

The size of America's government is exploding and if you want to see where big government will lead the U.S., take a look at Britain.

Europe Cracks Down on Home School Parents

Increasing custody cases in Europe have some saying officials there have declared war against home schooling and parental rights

Switzerland Hosts Santa World Championship

Several weeks before Christmas, 20 Santa teams from all over the world competed at the annual Santa Claus World Championships in Samnaun, Switzerland.

China House Church Leader Released

A Christian house church leader held at a Chinese labor camp for two years has been released thanks to an email campaign by a religious freedom group.

Gov't Official: Dubai World's Debt its Own

Market watchers are keeping a wary eye on the Dubai exchange Monday.

Honduras Election: What's at Stake for the U.S.?

Hondurans are hopeful the election ends the month-long political crisis that began in June when President Manuel Zelaya was removed from office.

Demjanjuk Goes on Trial in Germany

John Demjanjuk goes on trial Monday on charges of being an accessory to the murder of 27,900 Jews at a Nazi death camp.

Five Swine Flu Deaths at Hajj

Five people died from swine flu during the hajj, officials in Saudi Arabia said Sunday.

Iran Defies U.N., Plans to Build Enrichment Sites

The Iranian government approved a plan Sunday to build 10 new uranium enrichment facilities, a dramatic expansion in defiance of U.N. demands it halt the program.

Swiss Groups Fear Backlash over Minaret Ban

Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban Sunday on the iconic towers on mosques called minarets.

Russia: Bomb Caused Deadly Train Crash

Russian officials opened a terror investigation Saturday, saying that a home-made bomb caused a derailment that killed at least 26 people.

Christmas Lights Twinkle in Paris

It's a grand illumination in France where Paris' famous Champs-Elysees street is now twinkling in splendor.

Three Americans Die in China Plane Crash

A cargo plane crashed as it took off from Shanghai's main airport Saturday, killing three American crew members and injuring four other employees.

Costa Rica: Honduras Vote Must be Backed if Fair

Costa Rica promised to restore ties with Honduras if its presidential elections are clean, rejecting ousted President Manuel Zelaya's insistence that recognizing the vote would legitimize a June coup.

Diplomats: Iran Censured at UN Nuclear Meeting

Iran's chief representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency declared that his country would resist "pressure, resolutions, sanction(s) and threat of military attack."

Filipino Who Lost Wife in Massacre Files Candidacy

A politician whose wife and relatives were among 57 people massacred in the southern Philippines filed his candidacy for the election.

Iran Seizes Rights Lawyer's Nobel Peace Medal

Iranian authorities have confiscated Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi's medal, the human rights lawyer said Thursday, in a sign of the increasingly drastic steps Tehran is taking against any dissent.

Haiti Bans Prominent Party from 2010 Election

Haiti's electoral council has banned the influential party of exiled former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide from next year's legislative elections.

IAEA Chief: Iran Investigation at 'Dead End'

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Thursday that his probe of allegations that Iran tried to make nuclear arms is at "a dead end" because Tehran is not cooperating.

Suspect in Philippine Massacre Surrenders

A suspect in the massacre of 57 people in an election caravan in the southern Philippines turned himself in Thursday.

Philippines' Deadliest Massacre Tests Gov't.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao and a neighboring southern province.

China Executes Two in Milk Scandal

The two Chinese dairy suppliers produced and sold tainted infant milk powder that contained melamine, an industrial chemical.   

Chinese Activist Gets Three-Year Sentence

A veteran dissident was sentenced to three years in prison after casting a spotlight on poorly built schools.

China Flexes Soft-Power Through Confucius

As China emerges into a modern-society, its people are revisiting an ancient philosopher in an effort to hold on to their roots.

England Flooding Causes Bridges to Collapse

One week after being hit by a series of violent storms, severe weather and record rainfall have continued to flood many towns in northern England.

Iran Begins War Games to Protect Nuclear Sites

Iran on Sunday began large-scale air defense war games aimed at protecting its nuclear facilities from attack.

Families Seek Answers in China Mine Blast

Grieving miners' families demanded answers about the underground gas explosion that left at least 104 men dead in northeastern China.

Christians Celebrate Release of Two Former Muslims

Iranian Christians are celebrating the release of two former Muslims held in Tehran's Evin Prison for nearly nine months.

Operation Blessing & Hillsong United Help Peru's Needy

CBN's Operation Blessing International recently teamed up with the Christian worship group Hillsong United for a national food drive in Peru.

Persecution Still a Concern After Obama's China Visit

After wrapping up a three-day visit to China, President Barack Obama moved on to South Korea Wednesday for the last leg of his Asian trip.

Internet Spreads al-Qaeda's Message in English

Increasing numbers of English-language Web sites are spreading al-Qaeda's message to Muslims in the West.

China Holds, Mistreats U.S. Geologist

China has held American geologist Xue Feng, charged with stealing state secrets, in an undisclosed location in Beijing for two years.

Golden Cross in Vatican's Collection Gets New Look

One of the gems of the Vatican's priceless religious art collection - a 6th century reliquary containing what is revered as fragments of the cross on which Jesus was crucified - has been restored to its Byzantine-era glory.

Karzai Sworn in for Second Term as Afghan President

During his inauguration ceremony, Karzai said peace and reconciliation are his top priority.

Japanese Leader: Christianity Worse Than Islam

The secretary general of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan  is bashing Christianity.

Pakistani Suicide Bomber Kills 16, Wounds 26

A suicide bomber killed 16 people and wounded 26 on Thursday outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan.

Clinton in Afghanistan for Karzai Inauguration

Hillary Clinton landed in Kabul for a surprise visit to Afghanistan, Wednesday, marking her first trip to the country as secretary of state.

Maersk Alabama Fights off Second Pirate Attack

Somali pirates unsuccessfully attacked the Maersk Alabama off the Kenyan coast, Wednesday, for the second time in seven months.

The 'Great Firewall of China' and Free Speech

While President Barack Obama was greeted with protests in South Korea, in China he was met with censorship.

Afghans Await Karzai, Obama Decisions

Its protracted presidential election has finally been decided, but Afghanistan is on hold.

Somali Pirates Get $3.3M Ransom

Somali pirates collect $3.3M ransom to free Spanish trawler and its 36 crew members.

UK Gov't Officials to Have Access to Citizens' Homes

Government health and safety inspectors in Britain will soon have unprecedented access to family homes.

Scottish Town to Celebrate Christmas without Christ

A town in Scotland wants to remove all references to Christianity during their Christmas holiday festivities.

North Africa: The Active Hotspot for Al Qaeda

Much like a corporation, Al Qaeda maintains regional franchises around the world. One of the terror group's most active branches is based in North Africa.

Vatican Looks to Heavens for Signs of Alien Life

The Vatican has called in experts to study the possibility of extraterrestrial alien life and its implication for the Catholic Church.

Obama: China Helped U.S. Out of Recession

President Obama is crediting the communist nation with helping the U.S. economy to recover from the worst recession since World War II.

China Grapples with Its Role on Global Stage

During his visit to China, President Obama encouraged the communist regime to help solve global problems. But many in China don't see that as their responsibility.

Obama's China Visit Sparks Fascination, Curiosity

With a new man in charge, some in China are less concerned about presidential popularity, and more about America's economic future.

Bombing at Pakistani Police Station Kills Three

A pickup truck laden with explosives blew up at a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Monday, killing at least three people.

Opposition: Iranian Leaders More Brutal than Shah

Iran's embattled opposition leaders accused the government of being more brutal than the Shah's regime.

Clinton: Specific Demands Will Accompany U.S. Help

The United States is limiting its goals in Afghanistan and demanding better accountability from that country's underperforming leader.

Britain, Australia Saying Sorry to Child Migrants

Britain and Australia are saying sorry to thousands of British children who were promised a better life overseas.

Serbian Orthodox Church Head Pavle Dies at 95

Pavle, who took over the church in 1990, had been hospitalized for more than a year. He had heart and lung problems. The church said he died of cardiac arrest.

French Troops Launch Eastern Afghan Offensive

Hundreds of French and Afghan troops pushed into a volatile valley east of the Afghan capital Sunday.

Iran Condemns U.S. Mosque Seizure

Iran on Sunday denounced as 'disgraceful' U.S. moves to seize four mosques and a New York City skyscraper.

Obama, Medvedev See Nuclear Pact Progress

President Barack Obama said Sunday the United States and Russia would have a replacement treaty on reducing nuclear arms.

Will Obama Confront China on Human Rights Issues?

President Obama will meet with leaders in China next week with the goal of solidifying U.S relations with the country.

U.S., Japan Pledge to Renew Alliance

Opening a weeklong trip to Asia, Obama said the United States and Japan must "find ways to renew and refresh the alliance for the 21st century."

Honduras Presidential Unrest Enters Fifth Month

As the political crisis in Honduras moves into its fifth month, two men still claim to be the country's legitimate president.

Officials Want to Call Off Palestinian Election

Palestinian election officials have recommended that January's presidential election be called off.

OB, Mayo Clinic Bring Aid to El Salvador

Deadly mudslides killed more than a 130 people in El Salvador this past weekend. More than 12,000 people were left homeless.

Churches Work to Rebuild El Salvador Flood Zone

The Central American nation of El Salvador is struggling to recover after massive flooding caused by Hurricane Ida.

Pakistani Militants Attack Agency Fighting Insurgents

Pakistani militants attacked the agency tasked with fighting Islamic insurgents on the Afghan border.

Sarkozy: France Has No Place for Muslim Veils

French president Nicolas Sarkozy says there is no place in his country for the Muslim veils known as burqas.

U.S., Philippines Talk Aid, Visiting Forces Agreement

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Manila, Philippines, on a two-day visit before joining President Barack Obama in Singapore.

Kidnapped Irish Priest Freed in Philippines

A 79-year-old Irish priest has been set free in the Philippines after being held captive by Muslim rebels for a month.

Gunmen Kill Pakistani at Iranian Consulate

Gunmen killed a Pakistani working at the Iranian Consulate in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Thursday.

Bad Weather Blamed in Blackout for 60M in Brazil

The weather made transformers on a vital high-voltage transmission line short-circuit, Brazil's energy minister said.

A New Serbia: Christian Nation Moves Past Conflicts

Serbia today has a peaceful, democratic government that is looking to strengthen its relationship with the United States.

Netanyahu Meets With Obama, Calls for Peace Talks

President Barack Obama met quietly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Monday night, but the meeting didn't lead to any sign of progress in Middle East peace talks.

Iran Charges Detained U.S. Hikers with Spying

Iran charged three young American hikers with spying, Monday, hinting that a trial against them in Tehran could be near.

Navies of Two Koreas Exchange Fire

The two Koreas briefly exchanged naval fire Tuesday along their western sea border, with a North Korean ship suffering heavy damage.

Obama, Netanyahu to Discuss West Bank

President Barack Obama will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Monday night.

Gulf Coast Braces for Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, but warnings remain along 200 miles of the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Florida.

El Salvador Floods, Mudslides Kill 124, 60 Missing

Flooding and mudslides across El Salvador killed at least 124 people.

Chavez to Troops: Prepare for War with Colombia

President Hugo Chavez on Sunday ordered Venezuela's military to prepare for a possible armed conflict with Colombia.

Remembering the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Twenty years ago, the wall that separated east and west Berlin came down, foreseeing the demise of Communist regimes throughout Europe.

Earthquake Reported Near Indonesia

A strong earthquake was reported in the ocean off Indonesia on Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Iraqi Parliament Passes Key Election Law

Iraq's parliament on Sunday passed a long-delayed law in a crucial step to setting up nationwide elections.

Pope Benedict Honors Paul VI in Italian Birthplace

Pope Benedict XVI made a one-day pilgrimage Sunday to northern Italy to pay tribute to Paul VI, his predecessor who made him a cardinal.

Afghan President: No Corrupt Officials in New Gov't

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, under fire from his international partners to clean up his administration, insisted Sunday there's no place for corrupt officials within his government.

Queen Leads Britain's Ceremony for War Dead

Queen Elizabeth II led Britain's annual ceremony for the country's war dead Sunday, honoring them with a moment of silence.

Pakistan Suicide Bombing Kills Anti-Taliban Mayor

A suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday in a crowded market in northwestern Pakistan.

Chinese Premier Pledges Funds, Aid to Africa

China's premier on Sunday pledged $10 billion in low interest loans to African nations over the next three years.

Filipino Artist, OB Help Storm-Ravaged Philippines

The Philippines is still reeling from four major typhoons in the past 30 days.

Bibles That Use 'Allah' for God Seized in Malaysia

Malaysian authorities are confiscating Bibles that refer to God as "Allah."

Crucifixes Banned from Public Schools in Italy

Europe's Court of Human Rights ruled the display of the Catholic symbols in Italian public schools violates religious and education freedoms.

Raining Vodka: Forklifter Error Destroys Warehouse

A warehouse employee in Russia gave new meaning to the term 'having a bad day at work' when an on-the job-mishap caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Palestinian Pres. Threatens No Re-Election

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, Thursday, that he will not seek re-election.

CIA Operatives Convicted of Kidnapping Terror Suspect

Those who were convicted were a part of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's extraordinary renditions programme.

 

Clinton Clarifies Stance on Israeli Settlements

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton put to rest Wednesday any fears from Arab counties that U.S. policy on Israeli settlements is shifting.

U.N. Relocating 600 Staff after Afghan Attack

The U.N. is relocating more than half its staff in Afghanistan following last week's deadly Taliban attack against its workers.

Vietnam Storm Death Toll Rises

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mirinae rose to 99 in central Vietnam on Thursday.

Iran Hostage Anniv. Reveals Little Change

Thirty years ago, Wednesday, Islamic militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, setting off what became known as the Iran hostage crisis.

Iranian Police Clash with Opposition Protesters

Iranian security forces beat anti-government protesters with batons and fired tear gas Wednesday on the sidelines of state-sanctioned rallies to mark the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy takeover.

Protests Brew in UK Over Radical Islam

Protestors converged on the town of Leeds in northern England in a face off over Islamic extremism over the weekend.

North Korea Uses Threat to get U.S. into Direct Talks

North Korea said Tuesday it has reprocessed 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods and extracted enough plutonium to bolster its atomic stockpile, raising the stakes in an apparent effort to push the U.S. into direct negotiations.

Afghan President Says All Welcome in Gov't.

Afghanistan's president reached out to his opponents Tuesday, saying that he will welcome them into his government.

Fourth Typhoon in 30 Days Strikes Philippines

The Philippines is struggling to recover after a fourth typhoon has hit the country in the past 30 days.

Obama Congratulates Karzai for Afghan Win

President Obama has called Afghan President Hamid Karzai to congratulate him for his victory in a controversial election.

DEA Official: Afghanistan Major Source of Heroin

The DEA is grieving over some of their own after three of their agents were killed during the deadliest month of the Afghanistan war.

Suicide Bomber Kills 35 Near Pakistan's Capital

The U.N. said the spreading violence has forced it to start pulling out some expatriate staff and suspend long-term development work in areas along the Afghan border.

UN Secretary-General Arrives in Afghanistan

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Monday.