Taliban suspected of sickening female Afghan students

(CNN) -- Afghan authorities will investigate the sudden illness of students and staff at three schools in the past week in northern Afghanistan, the Afghan Human Independent Rights Commission said on Sunday. Local doctors suggested the Taliban may be the perpetrators of possible poison attacks.

"During the last seven days three cases of poisoning [have] occurred in Kunduz Province," said Syed Karim Talash, the director of the commission office in the province.

At least 88 girls and teachers became ill in separate cases at three girls' schools.

The cause of the illnesses was not known, but Talash said poison gas was suspected.

"It is really big concern for us, and big concern for the family of the girls," Talash said.

Dr. Mohammad Qasam Khamoosh, who treated girls from two schools, said "unknown gases" were responsible for the mass illnesses.

These are "terrorist activities against education in the country," he said.

Girls were not allowed to attend school during the Taliban's rule. Girls' schools have been open in the region since 2001.

Khamoosh said authorities were able to gather a sample of the gas, which has been sent off for testing.

Kunduz province has seen a drastic influx in terrorist activity, particularly by the group known as Hizb-e-Islami, led by the notorious leader Gulbudeen Hekmatyar. It's an independent group that has increasingly worked under the Taliban umbrella in recent years.

Read more...

Taliban suspected of sickening female Afghan students

(CNN) -- Afghan authorities will investigate the sudden illness of students and staff at three schools in the past week in northern Afghanistan, the Afghan Human Independent Rights Commission said on Sunday. Local doctors suggested the Taliban may be the perpetrators of possible poison attacks.

"During the last seven days three cases of poisoning [have] occurred in Kunduz Province," said Syed Karim Talash, the director of the commission office in the province.

At least 88 girls and teachers became ill in separate cases at three girls' schools.

The cause of the illnesses was not known, but Talash said poison gas was suspected.

"It is really big concern for us, and big concern for the family of the girls," Talash said.

Dr. Mohammad Qasam Khamoosh, who treated girls from two schools, said "unknown gases" were responsible for the mass illnesses.

These are "terrorist activities against education in the country," he said.

Girls were not allowed to attend school during the Taliban's rule. Girls' schools have been open in the region since 2001.

Khamoosh said authorities were able to gather a sample of the gas, which has been sent off for testing.

Kunduz province has seen a drastic influx in terrorist activity, particularly by the group known as Hizb-e-Islami, led by the notorious leader Gulbudeen Hekmatyar. It's an independent group that has increasingly worked under the Taliban umbrella in recent years.

Read more...

Al Qaeda confirms death of 2 top leaders

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki holds images of man identified as Abu Ayyub al-Masri on April 19.

• 
  

Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- Al Qaeda in Iraq has confirmed in a statement posted online that two of its two most senior leaders have been killed.

The confirmation, posted late Saturday night on Islamist websites, comes a week after U.S. officials announced the deaths of Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi.

The two men were killed in a joint Iraqi-U.S. operation in a strike on April 18 near Tikrit, U.S. officials said.

"We find it quite difficult that we are announcing the news of the loss of the Islamic nation once again. The loss of two great Jihadi leaders who are known for their heroism on the path of struggle," said the statement signed by Abu Al-Walid Abdel Wahab Al-Mashadani, the minister of the Religious Committees in the Islamic State of Iraq.

The U.S. military has said the deaths dealt a "potentially devastating blow" to the terrorist group.

"The death of these terrorists is potentially the most significant blow to al Qaeda in Iraq since the beginning of the insurgency," the commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno, said in a news release last week.

In an interview with CNN, Odierno said it would be "very difficult" for the al Qaeda network to replace the two men.

"The death of these terrorists is potentially the most significant blow to al Qaeda in Iraq since the beginning of the insurgency.
--Gen. Raymond Odierno

Al-Baghdadi was leader of the Islamic State of Iraq, an umbrella group that includes al Qaeda in Iraq.Al-Masri, a native of Egypt, was military leader of al Qaeda in Iraq.

The U.S. military said al-Baghdadi held the title "Prince of the Faithful."

Odierno said al-Masri was the link in Iraq to Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda -- "that was the foreign element of al Qaeda that was established here."

Al-Masri became the head of al Qaeda in Iraq in 2006 after Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed in a U.S. attack.

Al-Masri's assistant and al-Baghdadi's son, who also were involved in terrorist activities, were killed as well, the U.S. military said.

A U.S. soldier was killed during the assault when a U.S. helicopter crashed, the military said in the news release.

An Iraqi intelligence cell pursuing high-level leaders of al Qaeda in Iraq gathered information for the operation, said Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

The two men were hiding in a hole within a house, where their bodies were eventually found by security forces, he said.

The arrests of other senior leaders of al Qaeda in Iraq in the past couple of days led authorities to discover the safe house, al-Maliki said.

Read more...

UK sorry for pope-brand condom proposal memo

The Vatican is steadfastly opposed to use of condoms, gay marriage.

• 
  
  

(CNN) -- The British government has apologized to Pope Benedict XVI for a Foreign Office memo suggesting that he could launch Benedict-brand condoms or bless a gay marriage when he visits the United Kingdom later this year.

Many of the ideas in the document are "clearly ill-judged, naive and disrespectful," the Foreign Office said in a statement Sunday.

The writer of the memo "has been transferred to other duties. He has been told orally and in writing that this was a serious error of judgment," the Foreign Office said.

The Vatican is steadfastly opposed to the use of condoms for any reason and to gay marriage.

The memo also includes suggestions that the pope ordain a female priest or launch an abortion clinic -- both of which are forbidden by Roman Catholic doctrine.

The document was leaked to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. The Foreign Office confirmed to CNN that it is genuine.

It contains a number of references to the child abuse scandal sweeping the Catholic Church, such as proposals for the pope to launch a child-abuse hotline and to announce he's "sacking dodgy bishops."

Vatican says sex abuse lawsuit lacks merit

The Vatican had little reaction.

"The UK government has already clarified the matter and I have nothing to add," spokesman Federico Lombardi said.

But Jack Valero, a spokesman for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, called the memo a "joke that's gone out of control."

"It was somebody trying to be funny in an offensive sort of way," he said, adding it was "not important" and that "Catholics are used to forgiveness."

Benedict is making a four-day state visit to England and Scotland in September.

There was a small protest against the planned visit at Westminster Cathedral in London last month. About 50 demonstrators called for the pope to resign over allegations he "protected" child abusers.

Richard Dawkins, the British scientist and noted atheist, has threatened to try to have the pope arrested when he visits the UK.

Benedict said Sunday he wanted to "thank above all thank and encourage all of those who are dedicated to the prevention" of violence against and exploitation of children.

Read more...

On TV, Thai PM speaks about tensions

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Thailand's prime minister acknowledged on Sunday he did not expect protesters would use weapons and apply violence toward authority.

Speaking on national television, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made the admission a day after he rejected a call from anti-government protesters to dissolve the country's parliament in 30 days. Abhisit said other groups' political opinions must be taken into consideration before any such action is taken.

More than two dozen civilians and military personnel have died since protesters began occupying key tourism and shopping areas in Thailand's capital.

The demand from the anti-government protesters, known as the "Red Shirts," was the latest in a long list issued since the group stormed parliament in early April and Abhisit declared a state of emergency.

Red Shirt leaders offered Friday to return to the negotiating table -- but only if the government meets certain demands, including lifting a state of emergency and accepting responsibility for the deaths of protesters earlier this month, said Weng Tojirakarn, a co-leader of the group.

Video: Thailand inching closer to civil war?

Video: Police standoff in Bangkok

Video: Grenades explode near Bangkok protesters

Video: Biz district next possible battleground

On the government's side, spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told CNN Saturday that there was no counter-proposal to get the negotiations back on track.iReport: Are you there? Share your story, images

"We need to make sure negotiations take place under a conducive environment," Panitan said, explaining that previous attempts to talk to opposition leaders had been derailed due to threats against government officials.

Other conditions that must be met before any negotiations could take place include having protest leaders make sure there will be no further expansion of demonstrations into other districts and no threats to government officers, the government spokesman said.

"These conditions are very critical for peaceful negotiations," Panitan explained. "Negotiation is the only way out in the end, but... we need to stabilize the situation first."

He cited the fact that several demonstrations were taking place "by different 'shirts' and colors," and said that all demonstrators must observe the rule of law and "peace and civility will be restored first."

His remarks came as tension remained high on the streets of Bangkok, where a political standoff has gripped the country for several weeks. The Red Shirts have been clashing with the Thai military in a Bangkok area that serves as a financial hub. Another co-leader of the Red Shirts, Veera Muskapong, met with foreign diplomats Friday and told them he might meet with the government if it meets certain conditions.

Abhisit, meanwhile, huddled with the chiefs of the country's armed forces early Friday after a string of grenade attacks killed at least one person and wounded dozens of others.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said in a televised address that the grenades were launched from the area where the Red Shirts have been encamped for weeks, but the protesters denied any responsibility for the attacks.

Watch red shirt protests

Suthep told Thai television earlier that three people died in the attacks, but Bangkok's Erawan Emergency and Rescue Center later revised the number to one. At least 87 people were wounded, the center said.

Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), said at his daily news conference Saturday that the protests remain manageable at this time and therefore, authorities would not try to disperse the demonstrations.

He did charge, however, that "terrorists" were interspersed among "innocent demonstrators." The official said authorities would suppress the terrorists at the appropriate time, but did not want to complicate the situation by trying to take action against them now.

Sansern also dismissed rumors of discord between the government, police and military forces, saying that representatives of all those entities were meeting daily to discuss the situation.

Explainer: What are the protests in Thailand about?

The Thai Department of Special Investigation warned Friday that those responsible for the grenade attacks could face the death penalty, the MCOT news agency reported. The attacks prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a travel alert advising American citizens of the escalating violence in Bangkok.

Suthep said riot police and helicopters were deployed to join Thai troops in the affected area, which was still littered with glass amid the standoff. Across the barricades, the Red Shirts were playing music and trying to encourage a festive atmosphere. Demonstrators told CNN late Thursday they wanted to drive home the point that their rallies are supposed to be peaceful.

Thrown into the volatile mix are a group of protesters who called themselves the Multicolored Shirts, made up of mainly middle-class city dwellers, who took to the streets in large numbers Friday. They are not pro- or anti-government, but simply want the government to shut down the Reds to end the violence and interruptions to daily life.

Some fear that the emergence of such groups could spark a civil war.

"I am so afraid that people will do the wrong thing and think they are brave and fight and they all have arms and that is what I am afraid (of)," said resident Josh Orajan. He said the Thai are all one people and this shouldn't be happening.

The Red Shirts support former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a bloodless military coup in 2006. They want Abhisit to dissolve the government, hold new elections and leave the country.

Read more...

Teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus kicks off Habbo Runway

Habbo Hotel, the world's largest virtual community, has turned into a fashion house, as the Habbo Runway campaign launched with a search for the best Habbo Fashion Designer. The competition will be judged by multi-platinum Hollywood Records' recording artist and teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus, who kicked off the campaign.

Habbo Runway is a global fashion campaign, taking place in all 31 Habbo Hotel communities around the world. A celebration of teen creativity during the four weeks of fashion campaign, millions of Habbo users will be able to participate in various beauty and fashion-related activities. The campaign's highlight is the fashion designer competition, as all Habbo users around the world will have the chance to compete for the title of the Best Habbo Fashion Designer.

After local competition rounds and user voting, Habbo's fabulous celebrity judge, Miley Cyrus, will select and announce the global winner. In addition to fame and fortune in the virtual community, the winner will get his/her winning clothing designs produced and released as Habbo Hotel virtual clothing, available to millions of users around the world.

Read more...

Teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus kicks off Habbo Runway

Habbo Hotel, the world's largest virtual community, has turned into a fashion house, as the Habbo Runway campaign launched with a search for the best Habbo Fashion Designer. The competition will be judged by multi-platinum Hollywood Records' recording artist and teen fashion icon Miley Cyrus, who kicked off the campaign.

Habbo Runway is a global fashion campaign, taking place in all 31 Habbo Hotel communities around the world. A celebration of teen creativity during the four weeks of fashion campaign, millions of Habbo users will be able to participate in various beauty and fashion-related activities. The campaign's highlight is the fashion designer competition, as all Habbo users around the world will have the chance to compete for the title of the Best Habbo Fashion Designer.

After local competition rounds and user voting, Habbo's fabulous celebrity judge, Miley Cyrus, will select and announce the global winner. In addition to fame and fortune in the virtual community, the winner will get his/her winning clothing designs produced and released as Habbo Hotel virtual clothing, available to millions of users around the world.

Read more...

Layer, Lather, Repeat: Banana Republic's Fall Blend

New York – Stuck in a snowdrift, but still need to show up to work looking chic? Here's an idea from Banana Republic, courtesy of their Fall and Holiday 2010 collections, shown in New York on Thursday, April 22: Go ahead and mix up your suit with your hiking socks and boots, or throw on a pair skinny corduroy leggings underneath that silk dress. It's the blended beverage theory of dressing: a healthy mix of fresh ingredients, with a few dry staples as well.

"We have a re-invention of the modern wardrobe with that whole mix of what you need to work, to play, what you need to go out on a date," said Simon Kneen, Banana Republic's creative director and EVP of design. "Formal mixed with sportswear, mixed with casual, mixed with dressy."

For women, that meant a dressy boucle jacket paired with a utilitarian, everyday cargo skirt, or a military-inspired cardigan layered over a slinky silk blouse. And pants were skinny, whether in stretchy wools, denims or corduroy, the better to tuck into clog boots or contrast with a chunky heeled oxford.

"The skinny leg is definitely important with that big volume on top, whether through layering, like a jacket with the cardigan," explained Kneen.

For men, the mix included classic blazers worn over cargo pants or sport coats worn over denim, and boots with worn with everything, with pants legs tucked into thick socks.

"Quintessential modern pieces, but mixed in a modern way," said Kneen.

To drive home the mixed up aesthetic, Banana Republic opted to present both the Fall and Holiday collections in the same runway show, instead of showing the Holiday later in a separate presentation as in season's past.

"Holiday is a very big moment for any retail business, so for us, it's an important one to recognize," said Kneen. "And we're just so in love with the collection this year, that we thought it was worth getting out on the runway."

The Holiday collection this season, meant a trip to the Himalayas for inspiration, which showed up in a range of thick sweaters in soft heather grays and vegetable colors.

"The region is made up of so many different cultures that come together," said Kneen. "Ancient and modern together, which we're loving."

While the layered look may sound familiar to savvy shoppers - it's a trend that was pushed on runways throughout the major capitals last fall, and again this spring - Banana Republic is banking on the fact that this will be a trend that's here to stay for a while. They'll be ready and waiting with a new camel coat that's been slightly tweaked with a military edge, or cool sheepskin statement piece to update the everyday layers of knitwear and wool.

"Modern people, they don't like uniforms," said Kneen. "They like clothes that fit their life. It's all about those great pieces and how you mix them up to make them feel fresh and new."

Read more...

Layer, Lather, Repeat: Banana Republic's Fall Blend

New York – Stuck in a snowdrift, but still need to show up to work looking chic? Here's an idea from Banana Republic, courtesy of their Fall and Holiday 2010 collections, shown in New York on Thursday, April 22: Go ahead and mix up your suit with your hiking socks and boots, or throw on a pair skinny corduroy leggings underneath that silk dress. It's the blended beverage theory of dressing: a healthy mix of fresh ingredients, with a few dry staples as well.

"We have a re-invention of the modern wardrobe with that whole mix of what you need to work, to play, what you need to go out on a date," said Simon Kneen, Banana Republic's creative director and EVP of design. "Formal mixed with sportswear, mixed with casual, mixed with dressy."

For women, that meant a dressy boucle jacket paired with a utilitarian, everyday cargo skirt, or a military-inspired cardigan layered over a slinky silk blouse. And pants were skinny, whether in stretchy wools, denims or corduroy, the better to tuck into clog boots or contrast with a chunky heeled oxford.

"The skinny leg is definitely important with that big volume on top, whether through layering, like a jacket with the cardigan," explained Kneen.

For men, the mix included classic blazers worn over cargo pants or sport coats worn over denim, and boots with worn with everything, with pants legs tucked into thick socks.

"Quintessential modern pieces, but mixed in a modern way," said Kneen.

To drive home the mixed up aesthetic, Banana Republic opted to present both the Fall and Holiday collections in the same runway show, instead of showing the Holiday later in a separate presentation as in season's past.

"Holiday is a very big moment for any retail business, so for us, it's an important one to recognize," said Kneen. "And we're just so in love with the collection this year, that we thought it was worth getting out on the runway."

The Holiday collection this season, meant a trip to the Himalayas for inspiration, which showed up in a range of thick sweaters in soft heather grays and vegetable colors.

"The region is made up of so many different cultures that come together," said Kneen. "Ancient and modern together, which we're loving."

While the layered look may sound familiar to savvy shoppers - it's a trend that was pushed on runways throughout the major capitals last fall, and again this spring - Banana Republic is banking on the fact that this will be a trend that's here to stay for a while. They'll be ready and waiting with a new camel coat that's been slightly tweaked with a military edge, or cool sheepskin statement piece to update the everyday layers of knitwear and wool.

"Modern people, they don't like uniforms," said Kneen. "They like clothes that fit their life. It's all about those great pieces and how you mix them up to make them feel fresh and new."

Read more...