UN Secretary General Says Taliban Possibly Willing To Hold Talks

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council on Tuesday that the Taliban might be willing to talk with the UN about minimizing causalities in Afghanistan.

“I encourage a meaningful dialogue to reduce this intolerable, continuing death toll and to protect civilians,” Ban said. He attributed his position to recent Taliban statements he felt showed a “willingness to engage.” Continue reading

Cyprus Officials Vote Against Banking Bailout And Account Seizure

Admit outcry from citizens, the government of Cyprus has unanimously rejected a bailout measure from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund that would require seizing funds from every bank account in the nation.

After the vote the European Central Bank said they would move to assist Cyprus in any way they can under the currently approved banking systems. Continue reading

North Dakota Passes Sweeping Abortion Ban

The North Dakota Senate has passed legislation that would make the state the hardest in the nation to get an abortion.

The bill, House Bill 1456, would ban abortion after the first sign of a fetal heartbeat which can be as early as five weeks into pregnancy. The bill also prohibits doctors from performing abortions due to gender or genetic abnormalities. The Governor is expected to sign the measure. Continue reading

Nigeria Blast Kills 20

A homicide bombing in Kano, Nigeria has killed at least 20 people and injured dozens.

No terrorist group has yet made a claim of responsibility but the attack is very similar to previous attacks by the al-Qaeda affiliated Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. Kano is the largest city in the northern part of Nigeria. Continue reading