Obama team tries to hash out new plan for Afghanistan

As tensions mount over the best way forward in Afghanistan, top aides say President Obama is adamant about coming up with a new plan before deciding on troop levels. Rising violence and the resurgence of Taliban and al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan have put the Obama administration on defense as the war enters its ninth year

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Pressure increases on Obama over Afghanistan

President Obama is under increasing pressure to decide whether the United States will commit more troops and resources to the conflict in Afghanistan. On Tuesday, the head of NATO met with the president and endorsed Obama’s plan to fine-tune the strategy for Afghanistan before deciding on whether to deploy more troops

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92-year-old outsells Beatles to top UK charts

Vera Lynn, who made her name entertaining troops in World War II after recording her first song 70 years ago, has become the oldest living artist to have a number one album. The 92-year-old’s album “We’ll Meet Again — The Very Best of Vera Lynn” took the top spot in the British charts on Sunday, even outselling much-hyped re-mastered versions of the Beatles’ back catalogue, according to the UK’s Official Charts Company

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Lorenzo capitalizes on Rossi’s U.S. crash

Jorge Lorenzo kept the MotoGP title race alive with victory at the Indianapolis Grand Prix on Sunday as world champion Valentino Rossi crashed out. Rossi saw his lead halved to 25 points with five races remaining as the Italian failed to finish for the first time since 2007. He went down on lap nine of 28 when battling for the lead with Yamaha teammate Lorenzo, and was able to remount — but then had to retire two laps later due to his damaged motorcycle

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Wenger slams UEFA’s Eduardo ‘witch-hunt’

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called the decision by European football’s governing body UEFA to charge striker Eduardo with diving against Celtic a "complete disgrace" and accused them of staging a "witch-hunt" against the player. Wenger, speaking in his press conference on the eve of his side’s English Premier League clash with Manchester United, also warned that UEFA have “opened a very dangerous door” after they began disciplinary proceedings against the 26-year-old Croatia international. “I find it a complete disgrace and unacceptable.

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UEFA to investigate Eduardo diving incident

Arsenal striker Eduardo could face a two-match Champions League ban if European football’s governing body UEFA decide to charge him with diving. UEFA disciplinary officials are reviewing the incident when the Croatia striker won a penalty against Celtic on Wednesday before deciding whether he will be charged. A UEFA spokesman told Press Association Sport: “We are reviewing the match to see whether a disciplinary investigation should be launched.” Under UEFA rules, if charged and found guilty Eduardo could face sanctions up to a two-match ban in European competition.

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Ted Kennedy recalled as N. Ireland peace broker

Worldwide tributes for U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, who has died after a long battle with brain cancer, poured in Wednesday, led by politicians hailing his role in securing a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose administration presided over the 1998 Good Friday Agreement which led to an end to decades of sectarian violence in the province and established a united ruling Assembly, praised Kennedy’s commitment to the process

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Michigan courts given leeway to force veil removal

Michigan’s Supreme Court issued an order Tuesday allowing lower state courts to "exercise reasonable control" over the appearance of witnesses and parties, a rule change proposed after a Muslim woman refused to remove an Islamic garment in a small claims court. The order allows courts “reasonable control over the appearance of parties and witnesses” so as to “ensure that the demeanor of such persons may be observed and assessed by the fact-finder and ensure the accurate identification of such person.” The order, which amends a rule of the Michigan Rules of Evidence, is effective September 1. The amendment was prompted by a 2006 small claims case in Michigan filed by Ginnah Muhammad, who wore a niqab — a garment that covers the entire face and head, except for the eyes — to court, the order said

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