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Showing posts from December, 2013

Obama and faith

“He has not gone to church, hardly at all, as president,” said Gary Scott Smith, the author of “Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush,” adding that it is “very unusual for a president not to attend” Christmas services. ..... Mr. Obama has gone to church 18 times during his six years in the White House, according to Mark Knoller of CBS News, an unofficial White House historian, http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/29/us/as-the-obamas-celebrate-christmas-rituals-of-faith-stay-on-the-sidelines.html?from=homepage
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Japan arms boost to counter China

Japan arms boost to counter China Japan's new military strategy explained in 60 seconds Japan's cabinet has approved a new national security strategy and increased defence spending in a move widely seen as aimed at China. Over the next five years, Japan will buy hardware including drones, stealth aircraft and amphibious vehicles. The military will also build a new marine unit, an amphibious force capable of retaking islands. The move comes with Tokyo embroiled in a bitter row with Beijing over East China Sea islands that both claim. It reflects concern over China's growing assertiveness over its territorial claims and Beijing's mounting defence spending. "China's stance toward other countries and military moves, coupled with a lack of transparency regarding its military and national security policies, represent a concern to Japan and the wider international community and require close watch," the national security document said. 'Transparent...
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UN launches record Syria aid appeal

UN launches record Syria aid appeal Updated 51 minutes ago UN humanitarian envoy Baroness Amos: "They say to me 'why has the world abandoned us?'" The United Nations has announced its biggest ever appeal, seeking $6.5bn (£4bn; 4.7bn euros) for humanitarian aid to Syria. The UN estimates nearly three-quarters of Syria's 22.4 million population will need humanitarian aid in 2014. The appeal coincides with a new study by the International Rescue Committee, which warns that starvation is now threatening the Syrian population. Bread prices have risen by 500% in some areas, according to the report. Four out of five Syrians said their greatest worry was that food would run out, the survey found. 'Terrifying situation' In total, the UN is asking for almost $13bn to fund its humanitarian operations next year. Some $2.3bn are destined for civilians inside Syria, while $4.2bn would go to Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. The latest call exceeds th...
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