AP, August 5 – SAN FRANCISCO_Google Inc. is paying The Associated Press for stories and photographs, settling a dispute with a major provider of the copyright news that the online search engine finds and displays on its popular Web site.
Both Mountain View, California-based Google and New York-based AP disclosed the business relationship Wednesday. But neither would divulge financial terms or other details because of a nondisclosure agreement.
Phil Hazlewood
LOS ANGELES, Aug 1, 2006 (AFP) – British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday called for a "complete renaissance" of the global approach to tackling extremism, with as much emphasis on "soft" power as military might.
In a keynote policy speech to the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles, Blair pledged to continue to work to halt hostilities in Lebanon — where he was still hopeful of a settlement — and in the wider Middle East.
"But once that has happened, we must commit ourselves to a complete renaissance of our strategy to defeat those that threaten us," he said.
"There is an arc of extremism now stretching across the Middle East and touching with increasing definition countries far outside that region.
Stephanie Kirchgaessner
Financial Times, August 5 – The US government failed to prepare adequate procurement and contracting systems before its 2003 invasion of Iraq, a predicament that has severely hampered the Dollars 20bn (Pounds 11bn) reconstruction effort, according to a report released to Congress yesterday.
Gulf News, August 5 – The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has, so far, had only a minimal impact on the UAE’s economy, but analysts are predicting the impact on the Emirates could worsen if a ceasefire fails to materialize.
Zawaya, August 4 – Last-minute buying in a few key stocks helped the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) close higher, but still below the psychological 400point mark yesterday. In Abu Dhabi, selling pressure in shares of building materials company Bildco amid uncertainty about the firm’s buyback plans pushed the market below breakeven.
Stop Fundamentalism, August 4 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blasted United States policy in the Middle East and warned of an impending Muslim “jihadâ€, or holy war, against the West.
“With its support of the Zionists crimes and criminals and its blatant aggression against the rights of Muslim nations, the U.S. regime must be prepared for a hard slap and a destructive punch by Muslimsâ€, Khamenei said.
NEW YORK (AFX), August 4 – Oil prices slipped below $75 a barrel Friday as supply concerns eased, after a storm in the Caribbean weakened and appeared to no longer threaten Gulf coast oil facilities.
NEW YORK (AFX), August 4 – The dollar fell against most major currencies Friday after disappointing jobs data deepened doubts over prospects of further interest rate rises.
The Japan Times Online, August 4 – The Japan Bank for International Cooperation is planning to set up a representative office in the Jordanian capital of Amman by the end of the year as part of preparations for offering aid to Iraq.
Easy Bourse, August 4 – The International Monetary Fund said Thursday it approved two reviews of Iraq’s economic reform program, keeping open a precautionary credit line to the government.
