Headlines for Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Egyptian government making concessions to protesters

In Egypt, protests over the slow pace of reform have entered a fifth day. Thousands of protesters camped out in Tahrir square have  blockaded a government building, and drawn thousands more to daytime marches. The Egyptian government has begun making concessions, agreeing to an increase in the minimum wage on monday, and today announcing the resignation of the country’s unpopular deputy prime minister.

Afghanistan: Karzai brother shot dead

In Afghanistan, the younger half-brother of president Hamid Karzai has been shot and killed by one of his own security guards. Ahmad Wali Karzai was a major power broker in kandahar province, the region the u.s. has targeted for a troop “surge” to crack down on insurgent activity.  He was also often accused of corruption, ties to the opium trade,  and being a CIA informant. The Taliban is claiming responsibility for his assassination.  

Pakistani troops may withdraw from afghan border region

In neighboring Pakistan,  the defense minister said in a television interview today that the country might respond to a US suspension of military aid by withdrawing troops from border regions where the Taliban  and other militant groups are active. The interview contradicts previous statements by the Pakistani military that it would maintain its counter-terrorism operations.

DOJ issues new border gun law—NRA promises lawsuit

The Department of Justice has issued new rules regarding the sale of multiple semi-automatic firearms in the four states that share a border with Mexico. Shannon Young reports.

The new rule takes effect immediately --- it requires licensed firearms dealers in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to report multiple sales of certain types of firearms within a period of 5 business days.

The National Rifle Association has already promised it will sue to block the rule.

Alleged vote suppression in special election

In California, there’s a special election underway to replace Democratic Congressmember Jane Harman. The Los Angeles-area district is normally considered a safe win for Democrats, but Tea-Party Republican candidate Craig huey has put at least $800,000 of his own money into the race, and pushed a controversial television ad that accuses Democratic candidate Janice Hahn of funding gang violence. Hahn’s campaign today warned of vote suppression tactics – in a letter to the US Department of Justice, it says Huey supporters have been making calls throughout the district giving out incorrect polling locations and falsely announcing that the election has been rescheduled.

Environmental activists occupy Montana governor’s office over tar sands pipeline

In Montana, activists from Earth First! and Northern Rockies Rising Tide have occupied governor Brian Schweitzer's office in an effort to get the governor to oppose  the planned Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring oil from the Alberta tar sands through Montana to the gulf coast. Leigh Robartes has more.

Max Granger of Northern Rockies Rising Tide says six Earth First! activists have locked down in Governor's Schweitzer's office using PVC pipe made to look like an oil pipeline. They are protesting the planned XL Pipeline through Montana and Exxon-Mobil's plan to use rural two-lane highways in Montana to ship parts and machinery for tar-sands mining that can weigh up to half a million pounds each.

Northern Rockies Rising Tide says if the planned XL pipeline were to ever rupture, the spill would be 20 times worse than the July 1 pipeline break that has polluted at least 240 miles of the Yellowstone river.   Leigh Robartes, FSRN, Moscow, Idaho.