Newscast for Monday, April 5, 2010

Series of bombings and attacks hit northern Pakistan
In Pakistan today, a series of bombings and attacks hit the northwest part of the country.  A bomb blast in Lower Dir killed at least 30 people. Dawn News reports that the bombing took place during an open-air gathering organized by a secular political party, the Awami National Party. The gathering was to celebrate a recent proposal to change the name of the North-West Frontier Province. A police chief in the area told AFP that the origin of the blast was being investigated, but that evidence so far indicates that it was a suicide attack.

A video posted on the BBC showed blasts and uniformed gunman firing into plumes of smoke as others carried the injured to safety. The consulate called it a "coordinated attack" that  "involved a vehicle suicide bomb" and militants attempting to enter the building using grenades and weapons fire. The consulate also said two Pakistani security guards employed by the embassy were killed and others were seriously injured.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. A Taliban spokesperson told AFP by phone that the attacks were "revenge for drone attacks" in the area and that the group planned to carry out more attacks to target "any place where there are Americans."

Thousands flee Pakistan for Dubai despite tough economy waiting
As the violence in Pakistan continues, thousands of Pashtuns from the North West Frontier Province and tribal areas of Pakistan, continue to flee the region. Many head for Dubai where, despite the global economic recession and a sluggish labor market, there are more job opportunities and a level of safety still elusive in Pakistan. FSRN's Scott Pham reads for our reporter in Dubai, Gabe Mathews.

Rift between US, China over valuation of currency continues
Over the weekend, US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said the Obama Administration would delay a decision on whether to declare China a currency manipulator - a term that carries with it consequences under trade laws. The semiannual exchange rate report from the Treasury Department was due on April 15th, but Geithner said upcoming high level meetings, including a G-20 meeting and a US visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao, would be a better way to address the issue. China's devaluation of its currency has been contentious for years. Critics say it gives the country an unfair advantage on world markets and threatens US jobs. China calls it an internal matter.

To learn more about this issue, we're joined by John Ciorciari, he served as a US Treasury official from 2004-2007 and is now an assistant professor at the University of Michigan with a focus on Asia.

Report finds problems with police role in immigration enforcement
A new Homeland Security review of the controversial 287g program finds that local law enforcement agencies involved in immigration enforcement lack adequate oversight and training and need to do more to protect the civil rights of immigrants. Some critics also say the agreements that allow state and local police to enforce immigration rules are making communities less safe. FSRN's Karen Miller has more.

Study on controversial natural gas method hits national level
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, is the process used to free up natural gas often deep underground. For years, environmental groups in the West have claimed the process is dangerous to public health and contaminates drinking water. Companies say the process is not only safe, but essential. Now concerns about the process are reaching a national level, as fracing becomes more common throughout the East. FSRN's Conrad Wilson reports.