Global Affairs and Finance for November 5, 2009

The deaths of five British soldiers at the hands of an Afghan policeman have highlighted troops' vulnerability as they pursue counterinsurgency. Urgent review ordered into the extent of Taliban infiltration of the 100,000-strong Afghan police force. In addition Some 600 Un staffers will be moved to more secure locations because of concerns for their safety.

Protesters in Tehran tried to turn a government rally into a protest against the election.

Italy convicts 23 Americans- The Americans were tried in absentia for the seizure of a Muslim cleric from the streets of Milan over six years ago.

The General Assembly today began its debate on the report of the United Nations probe, which found that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants were guilty of serious human rights violations during the Gaza conflict earlier this year. The report is the result of a three-month investigation, led by Justice Richard Goldstone.

The United Nations today launched a new policy aimed at creating employment and income generation in post-conflict situations, where they are vital for future stability, socio-economic growth and sustainable peace.

German officials reacted angrily to General Motor's decision to keep its European business, Opel, when Berlin was supposed to have it.

Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland are forced to sell businesses.

A new poll shows that Public enthusiasm for democracy and capitalism is waning in many former communist countries.

United Nations aid agencies are at work in the Philippines and Viet Nam after yet another typhoon destroyed the region, bringing heavy rains, causing power outages and communication problems and raising the threat of renewed floods.

The Federal Reserve signaled on Wednesday that it isn't close
to raising interest rates.

The global economic crisis is having a particular impact on the well being of those who cross borders seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families, a senior United Nations official said today.

New York's attorney general Andrew Cuomo charged Intel with abusing its overwhelming position in the computer chip market.

The top United Nations envoy to Sudan has praised the disarming, demobilization and reintegration so far this year of over 15,000 former combatants from the African nation’s north-south civil war.

The Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that would extend unemployment benefits for up to 20 weeks in states with rates of joblessness above 8.5 percent.

Syria denies the allegations that weapons on a seized cargo ship were headed for the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

At least two suspected militants were killed by a U.S. drone attack in Pakistan's North Waziristan province.

International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced that the ICC would begin the investigation of the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya that left 1,300 dead.

South African leaders meet Thursday in Maputo, Mozambique to in an attempt to resolve the political crisis between Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

The European Union has asked the World Trade Organization to assist in a trade dispute with China, claiming Chinese export subsidies and quotas distort competition and increase global prices.

Sports

The Yankees defeated the defending champion Philadelphia
Phillies, 7-3, in Game 6 of the World Series at Yankee
Stadium, winning their 27th title and their first since
2000.