Archive for the ‘Top Stories’ Category

Yahoo CEO steps down

Posted on May 14, 2012 05:03:34 PM

By REUTERS

Published: May 14, 2012 00:32
Updated: May 14, 2012 00:32

NEW YORK:  Yahoo Inc. Chief Executive Scott Thompson is stepping down after a controversy over a fake computer science college degree on his biography, the third CEO to leave the company in three years, according to a source familiar with the situation. 

The move is a victory for hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb
of Third Point LLC, which is Yahoo’s largest outside shareholder and brought
the discrepancy in Thompson’s educational background to light. 

Thompson’s interim replacement, effective immediately,
will be Yahoo’s global media head Ross Levinsohn, the source said. 

Yahoo was not immediately available for comment. Emails
sent to Thompson’s official Yahoo email address were already bouncing back
yesterday morning. 

The departure of Thompson, the former president of eBay
Inc. division PayPal who was just hired in January, is another blow to a
company that has been struggling to kickstart growth amid fierce competition
from Google Inc., Facebook Inc. and other Internet companies. 

Yahoo acknowledged last week that Thompson does not have
a computer science degree despite what was stated in his official company
biography and in regulatory filings with the US Securities and Exchange
Commission. 

In its first-quarter 10-Q filing with the SEC last
Wednesday, Yahoo acknowledged that “uncertainties” about Thompson and
questions about the company’s “future direction” could hurt business
opportunities and make it difficult to attract employees and business partners.  

Loeb has been waging a bitter proxy battle to install a
slate of four directors on the Internet company’s board, which he has accused
of being dismissive of investors’ input and in need of restructuring
capabilities and media strategies.     

According to the AllThingsD blog, which reported
Thompson’s departure earlier yesterday, Yahoo’s board is closing in on a
settlement with Loeb that will give Third Point three board seats. The blog
said Yahoo’s recently added director Fred Amoroso will be named chairman of the
board. 

Levinsohn, currently executive vice president and head of
global media for Yahoo, was previously head of the company’s Americas business.
Before joining Yahoo, he was president of News Corp.’s Fox digital
division. 

According to Yahoo’s official website, Levinsohn holds a
Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The American University.

“He is well-respected in the Valley, Hollywood and
on Madison Avenue,” said Jason Hirshhorn, a former MTV digital executive.
“Yahoo has to lean into media and he has the plan.”

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Spain country profile

Posted on May 14, 2012 02:03:34 PM

Located at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Europe and Africa, Spain's history and culture are made up of a rich mix of diverse elements.

Through exploration and conquest, Spain became a world power in the 16th century, and it maintained a vast overseas empire until the early 19th century.

Spain's modern history is marked by the bitterly fought Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, and the ensuing 36-year dictatorship of General Francisco Franco.

After Franco's death in 1975, Spain made the transition to a democratic state and built a successful economy, with King Juan Carlos as head of state.

The constitution of 1978 enshrines respect for linguistic and cultural diversity within a united Spain. The country is divided into 17 regions which all have their own directly elected authorities. The level of autonomy afforded to each region is far from uniform. For example, Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia have special status with their own language and other rights.

Andalucia, Navarre, Valencia and the Canaries in turn have more extensive powers than some other regions. Asturias and Aragon have taken steps to consolidate language rights.

In 2006 a Catalan referendum backed by the central government gave the region greater autonomy.

The Catalans won nation status within Spain and the region's parliament gained extra powers in taxation and judicial matters. The country's regional picture is a complex and evolving one.

One of Spain's most serious domestic issues has been tension in the northern Basque region. A violent campaign by the Basque separatist group ETA has led to nearly 850 deaths over the past four decades.

Eta declared a ceasefire in March 2006 saying it wished to see the start of a democratic process for the Basque region. The move divided opinion in Spain.

Tentative moves to negotiate a lasting peace were dealt a blow when Eta carried out a deadly bomb attack at Madrid's international airport at the end of the year. In June 2007, Eta called off its ceasefire.

The group announced another ceasefire in September 2010, but this time, the government said it was not prepared to enter into negotiations unless Eta renounced violence for good.

International negotiators urged Eta to lay down its weapons at a conference in October 2011, seen as a possible prelude to Eta's dissolution. Neither the Spanish government nor Eta was officially represented.

Until 2008, the Spanish economy was regarded as one of the most dynamic within the EU. However, the mainstays of the economy were tourism and a booming housing market and construction industry, and so the global economic crisis of 2008-9 hit the country hard.

The bursting of the housing bubble tipped Spain into a severe recession and by the end of 2011 the country had an unemployment rate of nearly 23% – the highest jobless rate in Europe. Austerity measures imposed by the government in an effort to reduce the level of public debt sparked a wave of protests.

Spain shares the Iberian peninsula with Portugal and its territory includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and two North African enclaves.

From Velazquez in the seventeenth century, through Goya straddling the eighteenth and nineteenth, to Picasso in the twentieth, Spain has the proudest of traditions in art.

Flamenco music and dance are widely admired around the world while Cervantes' novel Don Quixote is one of the most popular ever written.

Cinema is much loved and the films of directors such as Pedro Almodovar attract huge audiences.

Macau profile

Posted on May 14, 2012 08:04:02 AM

Tiny Macau, a special administrative region of China, has seen its low-key colonial character give way to massive commercial and tourist development.

The former Portuguese colony, a near neighbour of Hong Kong, occupies a small peninsula and two islands off China's southern coast.

Its economy revolves around tourism. Macau has capitalised on its long history as a gambling centre, drawing many thousands of visitors from China and Hong Kong.

Foreign casino companies have invested heavily since Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho's decades-long monopoly on the gaming industry ended in 2002. New "mega-casinos", which include major hotel developments, have replaced traditional gambling dens.

In 2006 the returns from the casino boom surpassed the revenues of the US gambling mecca, Las Vegas. But analysts warn that Macau risks relying too much on the industry.

Some politicians and academics say most locals have yet to benefit from the economic boom.

The former colony reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1999 after 400 years of Portuguese rule. Beijing promised to uphold Western-style freedoms for at least 50 years.

Although it is part of China, Macau is governed under the "one country, two systems" principle, under which it has a large degree of autonomy.

Pro-reform forces are less vocal in Macau than in Hong Kong. A new state security law came into effect in 2009 with very little opposition, whereas attempts by the Chinese government to introduce a similar law in Hong Kong in 2003 triggered mass protests.

The campaign for universal suffrage in Hong Kong is being watched with keen interest in Macau. China is unlikely to grant greater democratic rights unless consistent pressure is applied by pro-democract campaigners – something that seems far less likely to happen in Macau than in Hong Kong.

Portuguese seafarers settled in the area in the 1500s. Initially, the colony prospered on the lucrative returns from regional trade, and European-style mansions and churches mushroomed.

Trade dwindled from the 1600s, but the introduction of licensed gambling in the mid 1800s revived Macau's fortunes.

Sweden country profile

Posted on May 14, 2012 02:04:02 AM

Sweden's position as one of the world's most highly developed post-industrial societies looks fundamentally secure.

Unemployment is low and the economy strong. Public-private partnership is at the core of "the Swedish model", which was developed by the Social Democrats, who governed for most of the last 70 years until 2006.

This mixed economy traditionally featured centralised wage negotiations and a heavily tax-subsidised social security network. The Swedes still enjoy an advanced welfare system, and their standard of living and life expectancy are almost second to none.

The country is also a common destination for refugees and asylum seekers – immigrants make up more than 10% of its population.

Swedes voted in a referendum in 1980 to phase out nuclear power, and the country began to decommission reactors in 1999. However, fears over climate change and energy security persuaded the government to reverse the decision in 2009, and plans are on the table to replace the country's 10 remaining reactors.

Sweden is known throughout the world for its neutrality. This policy has led to a number of Swedish politicians taking on international roles, often mediating between conflicting groups or ideologies. With the ending of the Cold War, Sweden felt able to join the European Union in 1995 although it still declines to become a Nato member.

Sweden was one of three EU countries not to join the single European currency. In the first referendum on membership after the euro's introduction in 12 of 15 EU countries, Swedish voters rejected it by a clear majority in September 2003.

Ceuta, Melilla profile

Posted on May 13, 2012 11:04:02 PM

Ceuta and Melilla, fragments of Europe on north Africa's Mediterranean coast, came under Spanish control around 500 years ago.

Madrid says the urban enclaves are integral parts of Spain. They are surrounded by Morocco, which views the Spanish presence as anachronistic and claims sovereignty.

But improving relations were jeopardised in November 2007 by Spanish King Juan Carlos' II first visit to the territories in more than 30 years, which King Mohammed VI strongly condemned.

Spain also controls a scattering of islets along the north African coast, including uninhabited Perejil, which was at the centre of a spat in 2002 when Moroccan soldiers occupied it before being removed by the Spanish army.

More recently, differences over Ceuta and Melilla have not prevented a warming of relations between Morocco and Spain, particularly economic ones. Morocco's premier has advocated "neighbourly" talks on the issue.

With its rebuilt 15th century cathedral, shipyards and a fish-processing plant, Ceuta is viewed by Spain as the more strategically-valuable enclave. The town is a 90-minute ferry ride from mainland Spain.

Melilla, conquered in 1497, is a modern town with a distinctive old quarter.

The enclaves are surrounded by fences, intended to deter illegal immigrants. But Ceuta and Melilla are nonetheless used by many Africans as stepping-stones to Iberia. Many migrants are caught and some drown while attempting to make the sea crossing. People trafficking is common.

After a series of increasingly-desperate attempts by would-be immigrants to surmount the barriers in 2005, Spain and Morocco agreed to deploy extra troops to try to secure the borders.

Ceuta and Melilla are linked to Spain by ferry services to Malaga, Algeciras and Almeria. Borders and defence are controlled by Madrid. Tourism is an important money-earner with duty-free goods being a big draw for visitors.

Iraq country profile

Posted on May 13, 2012 08:04:02 PM

Iraq, in an area once home to some of the earliest civilisations, became a battleground for competing forces after the US-led ousting of President Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Only three weeks after the start of the fighting, they had entered Baghdad, and the Iraqi leader's grip on power had withered. The majority Shia population, which had to a large extent been excluded from power, was initially jubilant.

However, optimism gradually gave way to despair as insurgent groups – mainly drawn from embittered Sunnis, dismissed army officers and supporters of the former regime – began an increasingly bloody campaign of bomb attacks.

The insurgents – with Al-Qaeda in Iraq among the most violent – targeted civilians as well as security forces, at times killing hundreds of people in one day. The conflict descended into near sectarian warfare in 2006-7 when Shia militant groups struck back with a campaign of kidnappings and killings.

The transfer of power to an interim Iraq government in June 2004, and seven months later, Iraq's first multi-party elections in 50 years, which brought an overwhelmingly Shia-dominated coalition to power, failed to stem the violence.

By 2008, however, a "surge" in US troop levels to confront the insurgents, the co-opting of moderate Sunni tribesmen in the struggle against militants and an improving Iraqi army had succeeded in turning the situation around. The number of attacks lessened, although sporadic attacks continue.

In June 2009 US troops withdrew from Iraq's towns and cities, handing over security to Iraqi forces. In line with a pledge by US President Barack Obama the last US combat troops left Iraq in August 2010. The last US troops left Iraq by the end of 2011.

Straddling the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and stretching from the Gulf to the Anti-Taurus Mountains, modern Iraq occupies roughly what was once ancient Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of human civilisation.

In the early Middle Ages, Iraq was the heartland of the Islamic Empire, but a brutal Mongol invasion in the 13th century destroyed its importance. Part of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th century, it came under British control after World War I, gaining independence in 1932.

The British-installed monarchy was toppled in 1958 and a coup in 1968 brought the Arab nationalist Ba'ath (Renaissance) party to power. Oil made the country rich, and when Saddam Hussein became president in 1979, petroleum made up 95% of its foreign exchange earnings.

But the 1989-88 war with Iran and the 1991 Gulf War, sparked by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, together with the subsequent imposition of international sanctions, had a devastating effect on its economy and society.

What remained of the economy was largely shattered by the 2003 invasion and the subsequent violence. Attacks by insurgents on Iraq's oil infrastructure cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenues.

In the north, the Kurdish community has broken away to create a semi-autonomous region of its own.

Philippine protest over China row

Posted on May 13, 2012 05:03:58 AM

Several hundred protesters waved flags and placards at the Chinese embassy in Manila, calling for China to withdraw its ships from a South China Sea shoal.

A number of Chinese and Philippine fishery and coastguard ships remain stationed at the shoal, with both sides refusing to withdraw.

An official at one agency confirmed the suspension to the BBC, while another said clients were being warned not to travel.

China has also warned the Philippines that it was prepared to respond to ''any escalation'' in the maritime situation.

State media has given the issue widespread coverage in recent days, warning of damage to bilateral ties and vowing not to back down.

A Xinhua news agency commentary published late on Thursday said Chinese people "were enraged by the offensive behaviour of the Philippines" over the issue.

The shoal itself, called Huangyan Island by China, is a series of rocks and reefs more than 100 miles (160km) from the Philippines and 500 miles from China.

China claims sovereignty over a large U-shaped area of the South China Sea, bringing it into dispute with several neighbouring countries. In recent months it has grown more assertive over the issue.

Manila has asked China to settle the issue at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Egypt poll hopefuls in TV debate

Posted on May 12, 2012 08:02:02 AM

Egypt has held its first-ever live debate between presidential candidates.

Mr Aboul Fotouh said he wanted Egypt to be "the embodiment of the will and demands of the Egyptian people".

"The state I envision is a democratic and sovereign state which upholds the values and principles of Islam. It is a state where our youths have jobs, people have [a] decent living and are proud of being Egyptians. It is a state where Egyptians are not humiliated at police stations at home or abroad," he said.

As yet, many voters say they are undecided about whom to support. This debate could have helped them make up their minds, says the BBC's Yolande Knell in Cairo.

However, it also poses a high risk for the candidates, with every remark likely to be closely scrutinised.

The debate was carried on both Egypt's ONTV and Dream channels and moderated by two well-known TV presenters.

Each candidate was given two minutes to answer each question, and was allowed to comment on the answers of his rival.

The debate was originally scheduled to take place on 3 May, but it was postponed because of clashes outside the defence ministry in Cairo, in which at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured.

Obituary: Vidal Sassoon

Posted on May 12, 2012 05:02:02 AM

Vidal Sassoon's "wash and wear" styles contributed to a social revolution. Just as the feminist movement was looking for something new, he came up with sleek, easy styles that liberated women from the fussy, high-maintenance beehives of the '50s.

When he was 20, he travelled through Europe to fight in the Arab-Israeli war. "You don't see the danger, just the cause", he said.

On his return to Britain, he continued the hairdressing. But he was aware of a "British revolution", and said he had to "find something different" in his work. He came up with the Mary Quant haircut.

Financial success began in earnest when he opened his own Bond Street salon in 1954. His cuts continued to gain notoriety and his clients became more numerous. He soon moved to a larger salon, opened a hairdressing school, and came up with a line of hair products.

Looking back in his 80s, Vidal Sassoon described what made it worthwhile.

"The joy of looking at a bone structure, working on somebody's head and seeing the difference, and seeing the joy in her eyes is quite fascinating. It's not respected in any quarters but it's a marvellous craft."

In the last 25 years of his life, Vidal Sassoon did not cut any hair, except for a few instances. He was joined by a friend on holiday in Italy, but decided that he couldn't spend a week with him unless he gave him a haircut. And he gave his chihuahua a trim.

He spent much of his fortune on art works for his house in Los Angeles. "Imagine opening the paper every morning and seeing what your stock is worth, well, I'd rather walk around the house and look at the art," he said.

Tortured Afghan girl shares story

Posted on May 11, 2012 05:02:02 PM

Editor’s note: CNN does not usually reveal the identities of women and girls who allege they have been raped, but this young woman wanted to be seen and tell her story.

The Afghan teen was married off at 13. She said her husband, a member of the Afghan Army, raped her. Enraged because she didn’t immediately get pregnant, her in-laws locked her in a basement for months, torturing her with hot pokers and ripping out her nails. Ultimately, she said, they wanted to force her into prostitution as punishment for failing her obligation as a woman.

“They told me to go to the basement because there were some guests coming to the house,” she told CNN. “When I went there they came in and tied my hands and feet and pulled me upwards from above. They brought very little food for me.

“While going to the bathroom they used to beat me a lot. I was crying all this time,” she said. “When they put electric shocks on my feet, I felt like I was going to die at that moment. I screamed and that’s how our neighbors realized there was something happening. For one day and night I was unconscious, feeling dead.”

Neighbors heard her cries and called authorities, who rescued the teenager in December.

Last weekend, Gul, now 14, trembled as she stood in court and listened to a Kabul judge hand down sentences to three of her attackers.

They each got 10 years. Her husband is still being sought.

“Ten years is not enough. They should have been given 50 years,” the teenager told CNN journalists, who visited her recently in an Afghanistan safe house where more than a dozen other women are being counseled after experiencing horrific treatment.

“They should be punished in the prison. They hurt my eyes and pulled out my nail and hair, and the same should be done to them. whatever they did to me, the same should be done to them,” she said.

Gul has become an international symbol of the struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan. The outcome of the case against her relatives has inevitably posed a larger question.

More than a decade since Western forces invaded Afghanistan, have there been enough real and meaningful advances in women’s rights there?

If so, will that progress erode after the United States pulls out of the country in 2014 or be diminished while the United States continues to pursue a negotiated peace with the Taliban?

Under Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, women were banned from classrooms, politics or employment. Women who wanted to leave home had to be escorted by a male relative and were forced to wear burqas. Those who disobeyed were publicly beaten. In some parts of Afghanistan in the late 1990s, locals were encouraged to blacken the windows on their homes so women inside could not be seen.

Rights groups have cited advances since then. In 2004, girls were formally guaranteed a right to an education under the Afghan constitution.

Human Rights Watch reports that nearly 2 million Afghan girls are enrolled in school (though only a small number advance past elementary school, rights groups have reported).

Literacy rates are up for girls between 12 and 16, according to a 2011 Oxfam report.

Across Afghanistan, infant mortality rates have dropped and life expectancy has risen, according to Unicef.

Women who once had to quit their jobs have gone back to work as doctors, lawyers and police officers, Oxfam said.

But stories of honor killings, poisoned wells at girls schools and disfigurements persist.

President Hamid Karzai enacted the 2009 Elimination of Violence Against Women law, intended to help reduce violence against women committed through practices deemed traditional, such as so-called honor killings.

But the United Nations reported in June 2011 that the violence against women law was being enforced in only 10 of 34 provinces.

Also, from March 2010 to a year later, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission registered 2,299 cases of violence against women that, according to the law, would be considered crimes.

Gul said she not only has to think about the trauma she’s endured, but also she is still technically married to her attacker, and she fears it may not be safe to carry on living in Afghanistan.

“I think the punishment given by the court to these people worries me. The government is trying its best to find [my husband, convicted but on the run],” she said. “But if tomorrow he finds me, it’s possible he could kill me.

“I want to go abroad,” she continued. “If I sit here, they will find me. I want to go to school and study, to become a doctor or a prosecutor, so I can give punishment by myself to these sort of people. “