Gliese 581g in ‘Goldilocks zone’ of space where liquid water could exist is strong contender for a habitable world Ian Sample, science correspondent guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 29 September 2010 22.00 BST Article history An artist’s impression of Gliese 581g, which astronomers say is near Earth – relatively speaking – at 120 trillion miles. Photograph: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation/APAstronomers have discovered a potentially habitable planet of similar size to Earth in orbit around a nearby star. A team of planet hunters spotted the alien world circling a red dwarf star called Gliese 581, 20 light years away. The planet is in … Continue reading Earth-like planet discovered

China builds up role in Gulf By Chris Zambelis China’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the Middle East continue to expand commensurate with its energy interests and growing international clout. With the country the world’s second-largest consumer and the third-largest net importer of oil overall, Beijing’s energy security rests on the steady flow of oil from the Middle East. The multifaceted bilateral relationships that are being forged between China and the leading oil producers in the Middle East and, in particular, the Persian Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia – China’s largest oil supplier – and Iran – China’s third-largest … Continue reading China in Gulf

Leaks in India’s submarine strategy By Peter J Brown India’s emphasis on undersea warfare is growing, but too slowly for many experts. Today, the Indian navy’s submarine fleet – India’s “silent service” – is beset with numerous problems and delays. In China, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) shows no sign of backing off its plans to gradually increase its presence in the Indian Ocean. This influx of Chinese naval vessels does not pose an immediate threat to India’s national security, but the situation could change. Russia, however, may wield considerable influence over the flow of events. While Russia continues … Continue reading Leaks in Indian Navy

Justin Elliot: From accused murderer to member of Congress? Posted on 27 September 2010 by Garibaldi LOONWATCH From accused murderer to member of Congress? BY JUSTIN ELLIOTT In a race that has largely been flying under the national radar, a former Marine who killed two unarmed Iraqi prisoners in 2004 and who has made the threat of Islam and the “ground zero mosque” centerpieces of his campaign has a real shot at being elected to Congress. Republican Ilario Pantano, 39, is taking on incumbent Mike McIntyre, a seven-term conservative Democrat, in North Carolina’s 7th District, which takes in the state’s southeast … Continue reading Kill Arabs and Become a US Politician!

James Powers and the murky world of ‘Top Secret America’ A surveillance scandal in Pennsylvania has lifted the lid on corruption and waste in the US’s private intelligence industry Matthew Harwood guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 September 2010 15.00 BST Article history In October of 1952, Judge Learned Hand delivered his famous speech at the University of the State of New York passionately denouncing the culture of surveillance and suspicion that had stricken the United States at the onset of the cold war. “I believe that that community is already in process of dissolution where each man begins to eye his neighbour … Continue reading ‘Top Secret America’

by Sana Saleem on dawn For seven years now, Aafia Siddiqui’s case has remained shrouded in mystery, the ghost of Bargram has haunted Pakistan ever since. From her disappearance in Karachi to her arrest at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and throughout her trial, Siddiqui’s case has been most peculiar. On September 23, 2010 Siddiqui was sentenced to 86 years of imprisonment by a US Federal Court in New York, after being convicted of firing at US troops at Bagram during custody. Over the years, Siddiqui’s case has been used by religious and political parties for point scoring and … Continue reading Going Beyond Aafia