Briefly World

Iraqi security forces blocked streets around the capital on Monday and conducted intense searches at checkpoints as authorities investigated...

Baghdad steps up security,toll at 155

Baghdad: Iraqi security forces blocked streets around the capital on Monday and conducted intense searches at checkpoints as authorities investigated the massive security failure that allowed two truck bombs to strike what was supposed to be one of the citys safest areas and kill 155 people. Fear of more deadly attacks,especially in the run-up to crucial January elections,turned into anger over the governments failure to keep the country secure.

Karadzic boycotts opening of trial

The Hague: UN judges abruptly adjourned Radovan Karadzics war crimes trial on Monday after the former Bosnian Serb leader boycotted the opening day to protest his lack of time to prepare his defence. Judge O-Gon Kwon said that in the absence of Karadzic,who was defending himself,or any lawyer representing him,he was suspending the case until tomorrow afternoon,when the prosecution would begin its opening statement. It was not immediately clear what would happen if Karadzic again boycotted the trial on Tuesday.

Calm returns to Jerusalems Old City

Jerusalem: Israeli police reopened the Al-Aqsa mosque compound to Muslim worshippers and tourists on Monday,a day after the latest clashes erupted in and around Jerusalems flashpoint site. The streets of the Old City remained calm after the latest violence to shake the site,known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif to Muslims and as Temple Mount to Jews. There are still a number of police patrolling in and around the Old City, Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. But the Temple Mount will be open to both visitors and Muslim worshippers.

Schools,colleges reopen in Pak

ISLAMABAD: Educational institutions in many parts of Pakistan reopened on Monday after remaining closed for almost a week in the wake of a deadly suicide attack on a prestigious university though attendance in most schools was reported to be low. Authorities had closed schools and colleges across Pakistan after two suicide bombers struck the International Islamic University in Islamabad on October 20,killing eight persons,including four female students.

Disgraced cloning expert convicted

SEOUL: A cloning expert who falsely claimed major breakthroughs in stem cell research was convicted on Monday for embezzlement and other charges connected to the scandal,but he will not serve time in prison. Hwang Woo-suk,56 once a national hero in South Korea for his work on stem cells and for producing the worlds first cloned dog,Snuppy was cleared of the main charge of fraud,but was convicted of embezzling research funds and illegally buying human eggs for his research.