Pakistan's top court yesterday struck down an amnesty that had protected the president from corruption charges, paving the way for challenges to his shaky rule just as the US wants Islamabad to step up its fight against Islamist militants.
The main opposition party immediately called on President Asif Ali Zardari to resign, adding to the political turmoil in this nuclear-armed nation at a time of surging violence by the Taliban and al-Qaida.
The US-backed president already is deeply unpopular and under pressure to give up much of his power. The decision, which was widely expected, also leaves thousands of other officials, including Cabinet ministers and bureaucrats loyal to Zardari who had also been shielded by the amnesty, vulnerable to reopened corruption and other criminal cases.
Iran test-fire advanced missile
Iran (AP):
Iran yesterday test-fired an upgraded version of its most advanced missile, capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe, in a show of strength aimed at demonstrating that the country won't be pushed into concessions in its nuclear stand-off with the West.
The test of the medium-range Sajjil-2 fuelled demands in the West for tougher sanctions against Tehran, which has resisted UN demands that it rein in its nuclear ambitions. Iran touted the launch as a success, proving it can deter any US or Israeli military strike against its nuclear facilities.
Silvio in pain
ROME (AP):
Premier Silvio Berlusconi is in pain and having trouble eating and will stay in the hospital, at least until today, recovering from an attack by a mentally ill man that broke his nose and two teeth, doctors said. Doctors said they had ordered Berlusconi, 73, to cancel or reduce public appearances at least for the next two weeks, meaning he will skip climate talks in Copenhagen.
They had previously said he would be released yesterday. Berlusconi's personal doctor said, however, that he was not worried that the prime minister's overall health was in danger from the injuries he suffered when a souvenir metal statuette of Milan's cathedral was hurled into his face at close range at a rally in the city by a man with a history of psychological problems.
Police tightened security around Berlusconi after the attack but said another mentally disturbed man was still able to reach the floor of the Milan hospital where the premier was being treated early yesterday morning.