hTaliban issue new code of conduct

hTaliban issue new code of conduct

KABUL, Afghanistan

The Taliban have issued a new code of conduct ordering fighters to protect civilians — as long as they don’t side with the Afghan government or NATO coalition. If they do, the punishment is death.

The 69-page directive follows an acceleration in Taliban attacks on Afghan officials.

“The Taliban must treat civilians according to Islamic norms and morality to win over the hearts and minds of the people,” says the code, which the insurgents began distributing about a week ago.

But the code makes clear that civilians who work with foreign troops or the Afghan government can be killed.

Dueling views on Kagan for court

WASHINGTON

Democrats and Republicans presented dueling portraits Tuesday of Elena Kagan and the Supreme Court she’s seeking to join at the start of a politically charged debate over her fitness to be a justice, before a near-certain confirmation vote by week’s end.

Democrats praised President Barack Obama’s nominee as a highly qualified legal scholar who would add a sorely needed note of fairness and common sense to a court they described as dominated by a conservative majority run amok.

Republicans countered that Kagan is an inexperienced, disingenuous nominee who would abuse her post by bending the law to suit a liberal agenda.

Panel clears way for disputed mosque

NEW YORK

A city panel Tuesday cleared the way for the construction near ground zero of a mosque that has caused a political uproar over religious freedom and Sept. 11 even as opponents vowed to press their case in court.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to deny landmark status to a building two blocks from the World Trade Center site that developers want to tear down and replace with an Islamic community center and mosque.

The vote was a setback for opponents of the mosque, who say it disrespects the memory of those killed at the hands of Islamic terrorists Sept. 11, 2001.

Lebanon, Israel clash; 4 dead

ADEISSEH, Lebanon

Lebanese and Israeli troops exchanged fire Tuesday in a fierce border battle that killed a senior Israeli officer, two Lebanese soldiers and a journalist.

It was the worst fighting since 2006 in the area, where Israeli and Lebanese soldiers patrol within shouting distance of each other, separated by the U.N.-drawn Blue Line boundary.

Bristol, Levi call off 2nd engagement

ANCHORAGE, Alaska

Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston have called off their second engagement after he told her he may have fathered a baby with another girl.

The girl was not identified, but a pregnant ex-girlfriend of Johnston’s publicly has denied he is the father.

Palin, the 19-year-old daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, told People magazine the “final straw” was when Johnston told her he was going to Hollywood to see a hunting show but actually went there to star in a music video mocking her family.

Associated Press