DENMARK
Climate Deal Uncertain, Protestors Detained
President of the climate summit in Copenhagen, Connie Hedegaard stepped down on Wednesday to be replaced by Denmark Prime Minister Lars Lokke. World leaders from around the world have arrived in Denmark for the last three days of the summit, but expectations are low that there will be a final climate deal. Discussions at the summit have been deadlocked on key issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and accusations of the developing countries that their concerns are sidelined. Outside the climate summit protesters attempted to break through the barricades, leading to clashes with the police. Dozens have been arrested.
IRAQ
Iraqi Security Forces Involved in Baghdad Bombings
Dozens of Iraqi security force members were involved in the deadly bombings in Baghdad last week which killed 112 people, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Wednesday. There is suspicion that police and armed forces in Iraq have been infiltrated by militants, according to a report by Reuters news agency. The prime minister also announced that the Iraqi government will give cash rewards of $85,500 for information on the car bombs used in the attack. Al-Maliki, who is running for re-election in March, blamed the bombings on former Baath Party loyalists — loyalists of former President Saddam Hussein’s and al-Qaeda.
SWITZERLAND
Swiss Minaret Ban Brought to European Court of Human Rights
A ban in Switzerland on minarets—the distinctive towers placed on mosques—has been brought to the European Court of Human rights by Hafid Ouardiri, a Muslim living in Switzerland. Ouardiri, a former spokesman at the Geneva Mosque, contested the outcome of a Swiss referendum in which 57 percent of voters voted against the construction of new minarets in the country. The referendum was initiated by the Swiss People’s Party considering the minarets a sign of Islamization. The ban stirred protests across Europe and the Arab world last month. The court is expected to take up to 18 months to determine whether the complaint is “formally receivable,” said Ouardiri’s lawyer according to a BBS report.
AFGHANISTAN
Three Kidnapped Journalists Released
Three kidnapped journalists of the Guardian newspaper were released on Wednesday after being held hostage for six days in Afghanistan by an armed gang, according to the Guardian newspaper. The journalists planned to interview militants in the region bordering Pakistan. During their captivity the journalists spent most of the time on the move under cold and snowy conditions, surviving on soup, tea, and bread according to the Guardian. “We’re delighted the situation has been resolved relatively quickly and that the men are safe,” said the Guardian’s editor in chief, Alan Rusbridger.
ITALY
Berlusconi Suffers a Second Breach in Security After Sunday’s Attack
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusoni experience a second breach in security when a 26-year-old man attempted to approach the prime minister’s hospital room. The man, who is reported to have a history of mental illness, told Milan police he wanted simply wanted to speak with Berlusconi. The prime minister’s floor was heavily guarded and off limits to any visitors. The prime minister suffered a fractured nose and two broken teeth after being struck by a miniature cathedral on Sunday, which was thrown by Massimo Tartaglia, who also has a history of mental illness.
