UN Announces Combat Force For Democratic Republic of Congo

For the first time the UN is authorizing an offensive stance for it's troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Currently, twenty thousand UN troops are in the country, though they are seen as having been of little use during their presence, which has lasted over a decade.

Twenty-five hundred of them will now be put in a special brigade which will have the specific goal of seeking out and neutralizing the rebel threat.

UN soldiers from Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania are expected to form the new brigade.

Expectations are for the brigade to begin it's work in July, leaving three months for the rebels to prepare for them.

Cyprus Opens Banks

Banks on Cyprus opened on Thursday, for the first time in nearly two weeks.

The government announced that bank activity would be kept limited for at least a month.

They hope that limiting it will keep people from trying to withdraw all of their money.

On Thursday, no rush on the institutions was see, however, international accounts were hit at a greater rate.

Mortar Hits Damascus University Killing 15

Fifteen people were killed when a mortar struck the campus of Damascus University, on Thursday.

The mortar hit a cafeteria area at the College of Architecture.

It is unclear whether the mortar was fired by the army or rebel forces, either way it was an accident.

Fighting, in the capital, has become more intense over the last couple of days.

North Korea on Full Standby After US Flies B2s Over South

B2

North Korea has announced that all units are on standby, as of Friday morning.

This includes their rockets, which are aimed at various Japanese, South Korean, and US military and civilian areas.

According to the North, this also includes rockets capable of hitting North America.

The standby status came after the US flew two B2 stealth bombers, over South Korea, as a show of force.

US Army Sergeant Michael C. Cable

US Army Sergeant Michael C. Cable, twenty-six of Philpot, Kentucky, died on March 27.

His unit came under attack from enemy forces in Shinwar District, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

Cable was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

His awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, a posthumous Bronze Star, and a posthumous Purple Heart.

Taiwan Hit By Deadly Quake

One person was killed and another twenty injured when a quake struck central Taiwan.

Wednesday's 6.1 quake hit a mostly rural area.

Pictures from the island show cracked walls, buildings, and roads.

A few fires were caused by gas leaks and the high speed rail service was suspended while the tracks were checked.

Darlymple Signs North Dakota's 6 Week Abortion Ban

Governor Jack Dalrymple signed into law a bill that bans abortion once a heart beat is detected.

Tuesday's signing officially made North Dakota the state with the strictest abortion laws.

The bill had been passed on March 15.

Last month, Arkansas passed a twelve week ban, when heart beats are easily detectible.


Federal law bans abortions at twenty-four weeks.




Both states will see legal challenges to their bills, and the federal government could decide to sue as well.

Myanmar Violence Spreading

Police and military forces have begun trying to restore calm in Myanmar.

However, their job has become more difficult as the violence between Muslims and Buddhists has spread to other towns.

Meiktila, where it all started nearly a week ago, is still under a state of emergency.

At least forty people were killed there, in this round of violence.

Last year, violence between the two groups killed hundreds, in another region of the country.

Cypriots Continue Protests as Government Delays Bank Openings

Thousands of Cypriots took to the streets on Tuesday.

Many echoed the cry of "Your mistakes, our future".

It was but the latest protest the country has seen, due to anger over the government's decisions on how to handle the failing economy.

Increasing their anger was the announcement that the banks will remain closed til Thursday.

Even when they do open they will do so in a limited fashion, which is supposed to be only temporary.

ATMs will also be limited to a one hundred Euro a day withdrawal.

Bank and government officials are worried that if they open everything at once that there will be a run on the institutions.

North Korea Invades US in Latest Propaganda Film

North Korea has released yet another propaganda film, on youtube.

This one starts with footage of the Korean War, with the US flag rising above a devastated countryside.

It then moves on to modern North Korean troops gearing up and boarding ships and aircraft as they head to war.

After President Obama is seen making a speech, the North Korean soldiers are seen invading a foreign coast.

For a moment we are transported back to Pyongyang and a military parade. 

Then bombs are shown dropping on the other country's land and missiles are launched at South Korea.

The movie ends with mass celebration.