December 2009 Headlines

Special Ops: Putting the Taliban on the Run

CBN News' Chuck Holton traveled to western Afghanistan, where a special ops force is fighting the enemy in places where American soldiers have never been.

Wycliffe's Special Christmas Gift for Musoma

During this Christmas season, almost 2 million Africans will read the story of the birth of Jesus in their own language for the first time.

Historic UK Church to Remain House of Worship

More and more historic British churches are being sold and converted into office buildings and hotels. But some are fighting the trend.

Missionaries Offer Hope to Bolivia's Needy Kids

With Christmas approaching, Bolivia's street kids have set up a symbol of hope right where they work - in the middle of traffic.

Fmr Army Rangers Return to Battlefields of Panama

Twenty years ago, U.S. troops moved against a ruthless dictator and restored democracy in Panama. The conflict remains fresh in the memories of those who were there.

Activists Rally for Jailed Missionary in N. Korea

Activists in South Korea are protesting North Korea's detention of an American missionary.

Christians Accused of Desecrating Koran Freed

A Christian father and daughter accused of desecrating a copy of the Koran were recently released from a Pakistan.

Why Religious Persecution Still Exists

Religious oppression is happening to a majority of people around the world, according to a new study.

Somali Officials Reveal Previous Foiled Attack

Officials revealed Wednesday they arrested a Somali man in November who was planning a similar terrorist plot to a foiled U.S. attack over the holiday.

Dutch to Use Body Scanner for U.S. Flights

The Netherlands announced Wednesday it will immediately begin using full body scanners for flights heading to the United States.

Taliban Claim Bombings that Kill Eight Americans

The Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a base in eastern Afghanistan, which killed eight American civilians.

Somali Arrested at Airport with Chemicals, Syringe

U.S. officials are investigating a Somali man's attempt to board a flight bound for Djibouti and Dubai last month carrying chemicals, liquid and a syringe.

Home School Parents Face Losing Son to State

Christian legal defense groups are uniting forces to fight for a Christian home schooling family that faces permanently lose custody of their only child.

Mexico City Enacts Region's 1st Gay Marriage Law

Mexico City legalized gay marriage Tuesday making it the largest city in the world to approve same-sex weddings.

Iran Seeking to Smuggle Raw Uranium

Iran is close to clinching a deal to clandestinely import 1,350 tons of purified uranium ore from Kazakhstan.

Yemeni Link to Airline Plot Complicates Gitmo Plan

The alleged Yemeni roots of the attack on a Detroit-bound airliner threaten to complicate U.S. efforts to empty Guantanamo.

Latin America Has Its First Gay Wedding

Two Argentinean gay activists were joined together Monday in what is reported to be Latin America's first same-sex marriage.

UK Teens Using Abortion as Birth Control?

A United Kingdom paper reports that some girls are having four or more abortions by the age of 18.

N. Korea: U.S. Missionary Held after Illegal Entry

North Korea confirmed Tuesday that it is holding Robert Park, a Korean American missonary who illegally entered the communist nation on Christmas Eve.

Iran Holding Bodies of Slain Protesters

Iranian authorities holding bodies of slain protesters to supress further demonstrations at their funerals by the opposition.

Suicide Bomber Attacks Procession in Pakistan

The death toll from an overnight suicide attack on a Shiite Muslim procession in Pakistan's biggest city rose Tuesday to 33.

U.S. Missionary Likely Arrested in North Korea

An American missionary is believed to be in North Korean custody after he illegally entered the communist nation on Christmas Day.

Iran Steps up Crackdown on Mousavi Protesters

They government is stepping up a crackdown on the country's pro-reform movement, one day after eight people were killed in anti-government protests. 

Death Toll Rises in Pakistan Suicide Bombing

The death toll from a suicide bombing at a Shiite Muslim gathering in Kashmir increased to eight Monday.

China Mine Explosions Kill 12, 11 Trapped

State media says a coal mine explosion has killed 12 people in northern China, while 11 other miners are trapped.

Bomb Suspect from Elite Family, Best Schools

As a member of an uppercrust Nigerian family, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab received the best schooling.

Monks, Tourists, Villagers Mark Asian Tsunami

Buddhist monks in orange robes chanted on a Thai beach, an Indonesian mother mourned her children at a mass grave, and a man scattered flowers in now-placid waters Saturday to commemorate the 230,000 killed five years ago when a tsunami ripped across Asia.

Activist: US Missionary Crosses Border into N. Korea

A Christian missionary from the U.S. has entered N. Korea carrying a letter to leader Kim Jong Il to call attention to the tens of thousands of political prisoners believed held in the communist state.

More than 40 Feared Dead in India Bridge Collapse

More than 40 people are feared dead after a bridge collapsed while under construction in western India, police said as hope faded for finding survivors.

Pope in Good Shape Two Days after Scare

Pope Benedict XVI appeared in good shape on Saturday as he addressed the faithful two days after a woman knocked him down.

Vatican to Review Security after Papal Attack

The Vatican will review its security procedures after a woman jumped a barrier in St. Peter's Basilica during Christmas Eve Mass and knocked Pope Benedict XVI down.

American Dad Reunited with Son in Brazil

A Brazilian family delivered a 9-year-old boy to his American father in Brazil on Thursday, ending a five-year custody battle.

Vessels Collide in Philippines, 27 Missing

Rescue teams combed the waters of Manila Bay on Thursday for at least 27 people missing after a passenger ferry collided with a fishing boat.

Iranian Police Beat Mourners

Iranian police and militiamen assaulted opposition protesters, beating men and women and firing tear gas.

Anglican Priest: Shoplifting Sometimes OK for Poor

Reverend Tim Jones of the Church of St. Lawrence in York, United Kingdom, says poor people who are desperate for cash should go ahead and steal.

Philippines Mayon Volcano Threatens Major Eruption

Thousands of families on the Island of Luzon have been forced to evacuate their homes because a volcano may erupt in the next few days.

Pakistan Taliban Sending Fighters to Afghanistan

A top Pakistani Taliban commander says he has sent thousands of insurgents to Afghanistan to rebuff incoming U.S. troops.

Advent: Anticipating the Return of Christ

Before Christmas, many Christians commemorate the season of Advent.  But you may not know that in the earliest times, the season's focus was on more than just Christmas day.

Iran's President Dismisses 'Smoking Gun' Report

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says evidence purporting to show Iran tried to build a nuclear trigger in 2007 is false.

Cuban FM: Obama Lied in Copenhagen

Cuba's foreign minister called President Barack Obama an 'imperial and arrogant' for his conduct at the U.N. climate conference.

Another Suicide Bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan

A suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside a press club in northwestern Pakistan, killing two people.

Polish Police Recover Auschwitz Gate Sign, Damaged

Polish police have recovered the infamous Nazi sign stolen from the former Auschwitz death camp cut into three pieces, and said Monday it appeared to have been taken by common criminals seeking profit.

Demjanjuk Trial Witnesses Tell of Loved Ones Lost

Relatives spoke Monday of parents, sisters and sweethearts killed at the Nazis' Sobibor death camp in sometimes tearful testimony at the war crimes trial of John Demjanjuk.

Thousands Mourn Death of Iran's Dissident Cleric

Thousands of mourners are in Iran's holy city of Qom Monday for the funeral of the most senior dissident cleric, Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri.

Officials: Iranian Troops Leave Disputed Oil Well

Officials say Iraqi oil workers are back at a disputed oil well in southern Iraq that was seized by Iranian forces earlier this week.

Hackers Steal SKorean-US Military Secrets

South Korea's military said Friday it was investigating a hacking attack that netted secret defense plans with the United States and may have been carried out by North Korea.

Deal or No Deal: Climate Talks Wind Down in Denmark

A decision on a new climate accord is still up in the air on the last day of talks at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen.

Police: Auschwitz 'Arbeit Macht Frei' Sign Stolen

The infamous iron sign bearing the Nazis' cynical slogan "Arbeit Macht Frei" that spanned the main entrance to the former Auschwitz death camp was stolen before dawn Friday, Polish police said.

Study: Religious Restriction in Third of all Countries

Most of the world has some sort of religious restrictions, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.

Berlusconi Released from Hospital

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was released from the hospital on Thursday.

More Filipinos Leave Homes as Volcano Spills Lava

Security forces sent about 3,000 residents outside the danger zone surrounding the smoldering Mayon volcano on Friday.

In Copenhagen, Hopes for Climate Deal Slim

As President Obama heads to the Copenhagen climate summit,  hopes of hammering out a global warming deal are dwindling.

Arab States to Replace U.S. Dollar on Oil Contracts

The Arab states in the Gulf Region are starting their own form of currency.

Diplomat: Pakistan Delaying Some U.S. Visas

Pakistan has begun holding up visas for U.S. diplomats, military service members and others.

UK Midwife: Cutbacks Jeopardize Patient Care

While the U.S. debates health care reform, the United Kingdom is having more problems with its own National Health Service.

Climate Talks Deadlocked at U.N. Conference

World leaders at the United Nations conference in Copenhagen, Denmark cannot seem to agree which countries should be curbing green-house gas emissions.

Iran Provokes West with Advanced Missile Test

Iran once again thumbed its nose at the West on Wednesday, testing an upgraded long-range missile that can reach as far as southeastern Europe.

Pope, Vietnamese President Try to Mend Fences

The Vatican recently called a meeting with Vietnam's president and Pope Benedict XVI in an attempt to forge closer ties between the communist nation and the Holy See.

Protests, Scandal Derail Climate Talks

A new report shows the Copenhagen summit itself will leave a bigger carbon footprint than any previous climate summit - and the trouble doesn't end there.

Vietnam Allows Large Public Worship Service

An historic event happened over the weekend in communist Vietnam, when tens of thousands of Christians worshipped publicly.

British Gov't May Require Homeschool Registration

British lawmakers are considering a measure that would force homeschoolers to register with the government.

Four Dead in Baghdad Bombing

A series of car bombs ripped through downtown Baghdad early Tuesday, killing four people and wounding as many as 15.

Mayon Volcano in Philippines Oozes Lava

Authorities moved thousands of villagers from harm's way near the Philippines' most active volcano on Tuesday.

Top US officer: Taliban Harder to Defeat

The top U.S. military officer said the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan is harder to defeat now than it was a year ago.

Report: Iran Working on Nuke Bomb Components

New top secret intelligence documents have revealed Iran is working on a key final component of a nuclear bomb.

Gov't Move Benefits Vietnam Churches

It happened when the government allowed more than 13,000 Christians to hold a public concert last April.

Climate Change Summit Negotiations Heat Up

Heated negotiations caused delays today at the climate change conference taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Iran to Put Three U.S. Hikers on Trial

Several months after detaining three Americans hikers for illegally entering Iran, authorities announced they would be putting the California students on trial.

Attacker Hurls Statuette, Injures Berlusconi

An attacker hurled a statuette at Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, striking the leader in the face at the end of a rally Sunday.

Operation Blessing's Program for HIV-Positive Children

Operation Blessing International organized a special program to help more than 500 children in India who are HIV-positive.

Nearly 1,000 Detained at Climate Rally Urging Pact

Tens of thousands of protesters have marched through the chilly Danish capital and nearly 1,000 were detained in a mass rally.

N. Korean Weapons Seizure a Blow to Nuke Talks?

The seizure of some 35 tons of war weaponry from North Korea and the arrest of five foreigners may prove a blow to efforts to negotiate a halt to Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

Victim's Parents Attend Trial for Jewish Terrorist

The Israeli Messianic Jewish family whose son was nearly killed by a bomb have come face to face with their alleged attacker.

Christian Group Breaks UK Radio Barrier

For years, Christian radio stations in the United Kingdom were prevented from airing nationally, but a Christian broadcasting group has changed that.

Zelaya to Leave Brazil Embassy by Jan. 27

Ousted President Manuel Zelaya says he will leave the Brazillian Embassy in Honduras by Jan. 27, when his presidential term ends, according to an interview broadcast Friday.

Chinese Police Attack Mega-Church, Jail Pastors

In September, 400 police and hired hooligans attacked the church. They smashed doors and windows, and took computers, Bibles and church funds.

 

Christian Hoteliers Acquitted in Muslim Abuse Case

There was relief across the Christian community in the U.K. as hotel owners Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang were found not guilty of committing a hate crime.

Five American Muslims Arrested in Terror Probe

Pakistan authorities have arrested five Americans for possible links to terrorism.

Obama Criticized for Accepting Nobel Prize

President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize Thursday, just days after he announced the deployment of 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.

Iran: U.N. Observatory Built for Spying

Iran claimed that a newly built U.N. station to detect nuclear explosions was set up near its border so world powers could spy on the country.

Israeli Land-for-Peace Bill Passes First Step

Israel's Knesset is considering a bill that would make it tougher for the government to give up land in a peace deal.

Leaked Document Stirs Criticism at Climate Summit

A leaked Danish document at the U.N. Climate Change Summit being held this week in Copenhagen, Denmark, revealed that poor nations will demand that wealthy countries pay more of the costs of fighting global warming.

High Death Toll in Baghdad Bombings

A suicide car bomb flattened a court building and an explosives-rigged ambulance blew down walls like dominos near the Finance Ministry in Baghdad.

McCrystal, Others Support New Afghan Strategy

U.S. officials are sending a message of support about America's strategy in Afghanistan.

Evangelicals Released from Mexico Prison

A group of evangelical Christian prisoners has been released after nearly 12 years behind bars in Mexico.

Death Toll Rising in Twin Bombing in Pakistan

Two bombs, detonated within seconds of one another at a market in Lahore, Pakistan, has killed at least 49 people.

Eight killed, 26 injured in China School 'Stampede'

Eight youths were killed and 26 injured when students descending a crowded staircase lost their footing amid a crush of bodies.

Police Clash With Protesters at Iran University

Security forces and pro-government militiamen clashed with protesters shouting "death to the dictator" outside Tehran University on Monday.

Concerns Surround U.N. Climate Summit

The Copenhagen, Denmark, meeting is the largest climate change conference ever assembled, but some are skeptical of the two-week gathering.

Honduras Election Sign of Democracy at Work

For months, two competing presidents have created conflict in Honduras. But the country's voters may finally have brought an end to the crisis.

Anglican Leader Warns of Lesbian Bishop's Election

The head of the global Anglican Communion has warned Episcopal bishops to think twice before they confirm Saturday's election of an openly lesbian bishop.

Turning Point: Tragedy under Sharia Law

In her book 'A God Who Hates,' Wafa Sultan speaks out about violent practices allowed under Shraia law, especially in the treatment of women.

Deathtoll in Russian Nightclub Fire Reaches 112

A blaze sparked by onstage fireworks tore through a nightclub ceiling covered in decorative twigs and plastic sheeting, killing at least 112 people and critically injuring about 90.

Lost Son Returns to Iraq

Six families nervously awaited the DNA tests on the young man who returned from Iran.

Islamic Dress Fans Egypt's Fear of Extremists

The Egyptian government is struggling with a populace increasingly embracing fundamentalist Islam, personified by the niqab.

Little Resistance on Day Two of Afghan Offensive

U.S. Marines and Afghan troops have killed at least seven Taliban fighters during the first U.S.-led offensive since President Barack Obama announced a new American war plan this week.

Italy Police Seize Secret Stash of Masterpieces

Italian tax police say they have seized a secret stash of masterpieces from the disgraced founder of a collapsed dairy company.

Italy: Mafia's No. Two Nabbed in Sicily

The Italian interior minister says police in Palermo have captured the Cosa Nostra's No. 2 in a raid in Palermo, Sicily.

Victim's Family: 'Satisfied' with Knox Conviction

The family of a slain British woman said Saturday they were pleased with the murder conviction of American student Amanda Knox but said there was no sense of celebration.

End of the Road for the Volkswagon Beetle

Volkswagen will no longer make the Beetle.

Islamic Extremists Execute Christian Convert

Muslims have executed a young Christian in Somalia they accused of trying to convert a 15-year-old Muslim to Christianity.

China House Church Leaders Sentenced to Prison

Five house church leaders have been sent to labor camps after a Chinese court sentenced them to up to seven years in prison.

Medical Students among Dead in Somalia Bombing

A suicide bomber disguised as a woman attacked a graduation ceremony in Somalia on Thursday, killing at least 22 people.

China, India Oppose Emission Cuts

Big developing nations like China and India are rejecting key points in worldwide climate guidelines.

Iran Vows to Step Up Uranium Enrichment

Iran's president declared Wednesday that his country will enrich uranium to a much higher level.

Dubai Bids Farewell to Age of Excess

When work began in 2004 to build the world's tallest tower, Dubai's confidence also was sky high.

Iran Whistleblower Died from Drug-laced Salad

A 26-year-old doctor who exposed the torture of jailed protesters in Iran died of poisoning from a salad laced with drugs.

God Who Hates: Islam's Path to Destruction

Sharia - or Islamic Law - is gradually working its way into public life in Islamic and non-Islamic nations worldwide.

Iran Releases 5 British Sailors Detained at Sea

Iran freed five British sailors detained last week when their racing yacht drifted accidentally into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf.

Swiss Minaret Ban May Be Reversed

The Swiss ban on the iconic towers on Muslim mosques known as minarets may soon be struck down by the country's supreme court or by the European Court of Human Rights.

Australia's Parliament Defeats Global Warming Bill

Australia's Parliament defeated legislation to set up a greenhouse gas emissions trading system on Wednesday.

First Latin American Gay Marriage Thwarted

An Argentine homosexual couple's attempt to unite in Latin America's first gay marriage was thwarted Tuesday.

German Court Curbs Sunday Shopping

Retail shops in Germany will no longer be open for business on Sundays after that nation's highest court overturned legislation allowing stores to stay open all week.

Iran Intercepts Yacht, Holds Five Brits

Iran is holding five British sailors after stopping their racing yacht in the Persian Gulf.

Somali Pirates Hijack $20M of U.S.-Bound Oil

Somali pirates met little resistance when they hijacked a U.S.-bound supertanker carrying $20 million in crude.

When Your Country Says You Don't Exist

They are known as 'The Erased.'  After almost two decades, thousands of Slovenians still do not officially exist.  Some referr to themselves as 'the living dead.'