Air Force blocks sites that posted leaks

Air Force blocks sites that posted leaks

WASHINGTON

The Air Force is blocking computer access to The New York Times and other media sites that published sensitive diplomatic documents released by the Internet site WikiLeaks, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Air Force Maj. Toni Tones said more than 25 websites have been blocked and cannot be viewed by any Air Force computer. The ban — aimed at preventing the viewing of classified information — does not apply to personal computers.

The Army and Navy say they have not taken similar actions.

Report: Transplant may have cured AIDS

A very unusual blood transplant appears to have cured an American man living in Berlin of infection with the AIDS virus, but doctors say the approach is not practical for wide use.

The man, who is in his 40s, had a blood stem-cell transplant in 2007 to treat leukemia. His donor not only was a good blood match but also had a gene mutation that confers natural resistance to HIV.

Now, three years later, the recipient shows no signs of leukemia or HIV infection, according to a report in the journal Blood.

Obama review cements withdrawal of troops

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama’s Afghanistan war review will conclude the United States has made enough security gains to begin withdrawing troops in July, but the findings also will emphasize lasting troubles, from Afghanistan’s ability to serve its people to Pakistani havens for extremists.

In a detailed preview of statements Obama will make Thursday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the yearlong review of Obama’s war plan will, essentially, offer no surprise. The president plans to stick with his pledge to start drawing home troops next summer after ordering one year ago that 30,000 more troops be sent to Afghanistan to blunt the Taliban’s momentum. The goal of coalition forces is to shift control to Afghan security forces by the end of 2014.

NTSB: No corrosion in gas-pipe explosion

SAN MATEO, Calif.

A gas pipeline that ruptured and caused a deadly explosion in a Northern California neighborhood showed no signs of corrosion and wasn’t dented or leaking, federal accident investigators said Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to determine what caused the transmission line to rupture Sept. 9, killing eight people and destroying dozens of homes.

Investigators found no physical evidence of a pre-existing leak in the pipe pieces, nor did they see dents or gouges suggesting that someone struck the pipe with excavation equipment.

But the report did confirm that the 30-inch pipe was riddled with welding seams, in contrast to previous claims by the pipeline’s operator, Pacific Gas & Electric, that the pipe was seamless.

Iraqi shoe thrower says he’ll sue over detention

BEIRUT

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush said Tuesday he is suing Iraq’s prime minister for his detention and alleged torture during the nine months he spent in custody.

Muntadhar al-Zeidi spoke during the signing in Beirut of his first book, titled “The Last Salute to President Bush.”

The book is a journal chronicling the moments leading up to the now infamous Baghdad press conference Dec. 14, 2008, at which al-Zeidi shot to fame by hurling his shoes at Bush and calling him a dog.

Associated Press