GENEVA–(ENEWSPF)–4 February 2012.  The number of civilian casualties resulting from the conflict in Afghanistan has risen for a fifth consecutive year, the United Nations reported today, blaming a change in tactics by the Taliban and other anti-Government forces for the higher death toll. The annual report on protection of civilians[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2012.  Thirty years after his father massacred tens of thousands of innocent Syrian men, women, and children in Hama, Bashar al-Assad has demonstrated a similar disdain for human life and dignity.  Yesterday the Syrian government murdered hundreds of Syrian citizens, including women and children, in Homs through[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 4, 2012.  Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been traveling around the country and talking with folks about my blueprint for an economy built to last.  It’s a blueprint that focuses on restoring the things we’ve always done best.  Our strengths.  American manufacturing.  American energy.  The skills[Read More…]

Washington, D.C.—(ENEWSPF)—February 3, 2012. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk today announced that the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body found China’s export restraints on several industrial raw materials used as key components in the steel, aluminum, and chemicals industries to be inconsistent with China’s WTO obligations. The Appellate Body affirmed[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–February 3, 2012.  Index for Today’s Briefing EGYPT Kidnapping, Release of U.S. Citizens Readout of Assistant Secretary Feltman’s Meetings with Egyptian Military Delegation / NGO Issue U.S. Assistance to Egypt Security Situation in Egypt INDIA Indian and USG Officials’ Meeting on Indian Labor Laws U.S. Relationship with India Visit[Read More…]

BELGIUM–(ENEWSPF)–3 February 2012.  NATO Defence Ministers today reviewed the security situation in the northern part of Kosovo which experienced an increase in violence in 2011. Allies were joined by Ministers from non-NATO troop contributors and a representative of the European Union. Against the backdrop of a volatile, but for the[Read More…]

BELGIUM–(ENEWSPF)–3 February 2012.  Defence Ministers of the 50 NATO and ISAF nations met today to review the security situation in Afghanistan and discuss NATO’s enduring commitment to Afghanistan. Ministers agreed that the process of transition to Afghan security lead is on track. They also reaffirmed the shared goal for Afghan[Read More…]

Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—February 3, 2012.  Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 243,000 in January, and the unemployment rate decreased to 8.3 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job growth was widespread in the private sector, with large employment gains in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and[Read More…]

Following Ruling to Evict Occupy Pittsburgh from the People’s Park PITTSBURGH—(ENEWSPF)—February 3, 2012.  Today Judge Christine A. Ward of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County ruled on BNY Mellon’s motion for preliminary injunction against Occupy Pittsburgh, clearing the way for the bank to evict Occupy Pittsburgh from the[Read More…]

Olympia, WA–(ENEWSPF)–February 2, 2012.  State election officials on Friday approved a statewide measure for the November ballot that seeks to regulate the production and distribution of marijuana for adults. Sponsored by New Approach Washington, the measure — Initiative 502 — will technically first go before state lawmakers. If legislators fail[Read More…]