November 2007
World
Pakistani President Declares State of Emergency (Nov. 3): Pervez Musharraf suspends the country's constitution and fires Chief Justice Iftakar Mohammed Chaudhry and the other judges on the Supreme Court. In addition, police arrest at least 500 opposition figures. Analysts suggest that Musharraf was trying to preempt an upcoming ruling by the Supreme Court, which is expected to declare he could not constitutionally run for president while head of military. Musharraf, however, says he acted to stem a rising
Islamist insurgency and to "preserve the democratic transition.” (Nov. 5): Thousands of lawyers take to the streets to protest the emergency rule. Many clash with baton-wielding police. As many as 700 lawyers are arrested, including Chaudhry, who is placed under house arrest. (Nov. 8): Musharraf says elections will be held by Feb. 15, 2008. (Nov. 9): Thousands of police officers barricade the city of Rawalpindi, the site of a protest planned by opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. (Nov. 13): Bhutto is placed under house arrest so she cannot organize another rally. (Nov. 16): On the day that Parliament's term ends its five-year term, Musharraf swears in a caretaker government, with Mohammedmian Soomro, the chairman of Pakistan's senate, as prime minister. He also lifts Bhutto's house arrest. (Nov. 22): The Supreme Court, filled with judges loyal to Musharraf, dismisses the case challenging the constitutionality of Musharraf being elected president while head of the military. (Nov. 25): Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan after eight years in exile and demands that Musharraf lift the emergency rule and reinstate the Supreme Court justices that were dismissed on Nov. 3. Musharraf overthrew Sharif in a coup in 1999. (Nov. 28): Musharraf steps down as military chief. He is replaced by Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the former head of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence. (Nov. 29): Musharraf is sworn in as a civilian president. Since he no longer controls the military, his power over Pakistan is significantly diminished.
U.S. Suffers More Casualties in 2007 Than Any Other Year (Nov. 6: ) Six American soldiers are killed in Iraq, bringing the total deaths in 2007 to 852, the highest annual total since the war began in 2003.
Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Afghanistan (Nov. 7): More than 50 people, including 18 children, four teachers, and six members of Parliament, die in the attack in Baghlan. Members of Parliament were visiting the city in northern Afghanistan. It is the worst single suicide attack since 2001.
Georgian President Declares State of Emergency (Nov. 7): After days of protests by opposition parties, President Mikheil Saakashvili imposes a state of emergency. The opposition calls for early elections and the resignation of Saakashvili, who demonstrators accuse of abusing power and stifling the opposition. Earlier in the day, riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the demonstrations. (Nov. 8): Saakashvili announces that presidential elections will be held in January 2008. (Nov. 10): Parliament votes, 149 to 0, to approve the state of emergency. The opposition in the 235-seat Parliament boycotts the vote, however.
Hamas Police Kill Civilians at Gaza Rally (Nov. 12): Fighting breaks out between members of Hamas and Fatah at a Fatah-led rally commemorating the third anniversary of Yarsir Arafat's death. Hamas police shoot and kill at least seven civilians.
FBI Investigation Finds Killings by Blackwater Guards Were Unjustified (Nov. 13): Report says 14 of the 17 shootings of Iraqis on Sept. 16 were unjustified and the guards were reckless in their use of deadly force.
Number of Weekly Attacks Falls in Iraq (Nov. 18): U.S. military reports that for three consecutive weeks, the number of car bombs, roadside bombs, mines, rocket attacks, and other violence have fallen to the lowest level since January 2006.
Khmer Rouge Leader Appears in Court (Nov. 20): Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, who ran the notorious Tuol Sleng prison and is the first Khmer Rouge defendant to appear in court, seeks bail on charges against humanity.
Troop Withdrawal Begins in Iraq (Nov. 24): A brigade of 5,000 U.S. troops starts to leave Diyala Province, the first significant pullback of troops. Once the withdrawal is complete, there will be 157,000 soldiers in Iraq, from a high of 162,000.
Australian Prime Minister Is Defeated (Nov. 24): John Howard, the leader of the Liberal Party and a close ally of President Bush, loses to the Labor Party's Kevin Rudd. Howard had been in power for 11 years.
Presidential Vote Is Delayed in Lebanon (Nov. 24): A caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Fouad Siniroa, takes over after President Émile Lahoud's term expires and Parliament for the fourth time postpones a vote on his successor.
Bush Hosts Middle East Peace Conference (Nov. 27): At a meeting in Annapolis, Md., Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas agree to work together to broker a peace treaty by the end of 2008. Officials from 49 countries attend the conference.
Nation
Analysis: Pakistan’s Tricky Transition cfr.org 29 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has stepped down as army chief and is set to rule as a civilian president (WashPost) for the next five years
Backgrounder: The Troubled Afghan-Pakistani Border cfr.org 29 Nov 2007
White House Welcomes Musharraf Announcement to Lift Emergency Rule VOA 29 Nov 2007 -- The White House has welcomed word from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that he intends to lift emergency rule on December 16
Pakistan's Musharraf sworn in as civilian president RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Pervez Musharraf was sworn in for a second presidential term in Pakistan on Thursday as a civilian leader, a day after he stepped down as military commander.
Pakistan's Musharraf Sworn In as Civilian President; Plans to Lift Emergency Rule VOA 29 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in for a second five-year term, a day after he kept his promise to step down as army chief
Pakistan's president steps down as army chief RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- President General Pervez Musharraf stepped down as Pakistan's army chief on Wednesday, fulfilling his pledge a day before he is to be sworn in as civilian leader for a new term.
Pakistan's Musharraf Steps Down as Army Chief VOA 28 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has stepped down as chief of the army in a ceremony transferring power to his hand-picked successor, General Ashfaq Kayani
Musharraf to handover command of Army to General Kayani IRNA 27 Nov 2007 -- President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday began a two-day blitz of farewell calls to the Services Chiefs at the end of his around 43-year career with the Pakistan Army, including his nine years as the chief of Army Staff, an army statement said Tuesday.
Pakistan frees all political prisoners: spokesman IRNA 27 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan government has freed more than 5,000 political prisoners and lawyers who were arrested after President General Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency on November 3, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.
Musharraf pays farewell visits to military headquarters IRNA 27 Nov 2007 -- General Pervez Musharraf, who is to relinquish charge of army chief on November 28, paid farewell visits to various military headquarters on Tuesday.
Pakistan's Musharraf Attends Military Farewell Ceremonies VOA 27 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has attended military farewell ceremonies before his expected retirement as head of the country's armed forces
Nawaz says he will not work under Musharraf IRNA 26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that he will not work as Prime Minister under President General Pervez Musharraf.
Officials Say Musharraf to Take Oath as Civilian President on Thursday VOA 26 Nov 2007 -- Senior Pakistani officials say President Pervez Musharraf will resign as army chief and take the oath of office as a civilian president on Thursday.
Former PM Sharif applies to run in Pakistan polls RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned to the country on Sunday after eight years exile, has applied for registration to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Pakistani Opposition Figure Nawaz Sharif Files Papers to Participate in January Elections VOA 26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif filed nomination papers in Pakistan Monday for general elections set for early January.
Former Pakistani PM Receives Boisterous Homecoming Celebration VOA 25 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan, ending seven years in exile in Saudi Arabia
20 Killed in Suicide Attacks on Pakistani Military Targets in Rawalpindi VOA 24 Nov 2007 -- Two suicide bombers in Pakistan have killed at least 20 people and wounded many more in separate blasts on military targets in Rawalpindi, outside the capital, Islamabad
Exiled Pakistani Opposition Leader Plans Return VOA 23 Nov 2007 -- Former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Sharif is planning to return to Pakistan, ending his seven-year exile in Saudi Arabia
Pakistan expected to be suspended from Commonwealth IRNA 22 Nov 2007 -- Commonwealth foreign ministers were meeting in Uganda Thursday ahead of the 53-member nations' biennial summit, which is expected to confirm the suspension of Pakistan following the imposition of emergency rule earlier this month.
Pakistani Court Dismisses Final Challenge to Musharraf Re-Election VOA 22 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's newly appointed Supreme Court has dismissed the final legal challenge to President Pervez Musharraf's re-election victory, clearing the way for him to step down as army chief in the coming days
Pakistani Authorities Release More Political Detainees, Including Former Cricket Star VOA 21 Nov 2007 -- Hundreds of Pakistani political activists, including former cricket star and opposition leader Imran Khan, were released from prison Wednesday.
Pakistani Officials Predict Musharraf May Soon Abandon Army Post VOA 21 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's attorney general says conditions may be appropriate in the coming days for President Pervez Musharraf to honor his pledge to step down as army chief
Leader of Banned Baloch Rebel Group Killed by Pakistani Security Forces VOA 21 Nov 2007 -- The leader of a banned rebel group in Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan has been killed by security forces.
Pentagon Wants More Funding For Pakistan Frontier Corps RFE/RL 20 Nov 2007 -- The U.S. military wants to nearly double its funding to train and equip Pakistan's Frontier Corps, a paramilitary force with members who are the same ethnicity as pro-Taliban tribal fighters near the border with Afghanistan.
Pakistan to hold parliamentary elections on Jan. 8 RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- General parliamentary elections in Pakistan will be held on January 8, 2008, Mohammad Farooq, head of the Electoral Commission, said on Tuesday.
Pakistan Releases Over 3,000 Prisoners Detained During Emergency Rule VOA 20 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's Interior Ministry says about 3,400 hundred prisoners detained since emergency rule was decreed on November 3 have since been released
Pakistani Army Continues Offensive in Restive Swat Valley; Residents Evacuate VOA 20 Nov 2007 -- The Pakistani army is continuing its offensive against pro-Taliban militants in the restive northern Swat Valley region, as residents evacuate the area ahead of a major operation.
State's Negroponte Urges Lifting of Emergency Rule in Pakistan Washington File 19 Nov 2007 -- Emergency rule in Pakistan is undermining years of successful reforms, says Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, who met with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf November 16-17 to underline U.S. concerns about a key regional ally.
US Looks at Ways to Get Help From Pakistani Tribal Leaders VOA 19 Nov 2007 -- The U.S. Defense Department says a series of ideas for a new effort to try to get Pakistani tribal leaders to cooperate in the fight against terrorists is just a staff document and is far from any senior level consideration
US Continues Push for Immediate Lifting of Pakistan Emergency VOA 19 Nov 2007 -- The Bush administration says it is continuing to push for an immediate end to the state of emergency in Pakistan, despite President Pervez Musharraf's refusal to heed such a call Saturday from visiting Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte
Musharraf-Appointed Court Dismisses Main Challenges to Presidential Re-Election VOA 19 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed the main legal challenges to General Pervez Musharraf's presidential re-election on October 6
Pakistan's Bhutto Pessimistic on Chances for Free Elections VOA 18 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says the recently-concluded visit of a top U.S. envoy played a critical role in securing her release from house arrest, but adds that more steps need to be taken if Pakistan is to hold free and fair elections, as the country's military ruler has pledged
US Envoy Voices Support for Musharraf, Urges End to Emergency Rule VOA 18 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has urged Pakistan's President to end emergency rule, free political prisoners and step down as army chief
Pakistani Media Networks Close After Government Pressure Ends Overseas Broadcasts VOA 17 Nov 2007 -- Two leading Pakistani media outlets that had their television broadcasts shut down inside Pakistan have now been forced to end international broadcasts
Senior US Diplomat Begins Pakistan Mission, Calls Bhutto VOA 16 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, beginning a critical political mission to Pakistan late Friday, held a telephone discussion with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Pakistan's Opposition Rejects New Caretaker Government VOA 16 Nov 2007 -- A caretaker government has been installed in Pakistan to oversee parliamentary elections in January
Pakistani Nuclear Safeguards in Place, Mullen Says AFPS 15 Nov 2007 -- U.S. officials are satisfied that Pakistani nuclear weapons are under sufficient security, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
US Defense Chief Says Coming Weeks Could Determine US Future With Musharraf VOA 15 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says developments in Pakistan in the coming weeks will determine whether Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf can continue to be a U.S. partner in the global war on terrorism
Musharraf to step down as army chief before December RIA Novosti 15 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharaff intends to resign as commander-in-chief before the start of December, the country's prosecutor general said.
Caretaker Government to Take Office in Pakistan Ahead of Elections VOA 15 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's parliament is scheduled to dissolve itself at midnight Thursday to make way for a new caretaker government to oversee January elections
Pakistani Army Claims Success in Battles Against Swat Valley Militants VOA 15 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's army says troops killed 20 militants Thursday, in the northwestern Swat Valley as security forces stepped up a campaign to drive Islamic rebels out of the scenic ski resort area.
Analysis: Tremors Worry India cfr.org 14 Nov 2007 --Pakistan’s political crisis has elicited little official response from its eastern neighbor so farPakistan’s
Pakistani Police Arrest Former Cricket Star, Opposition Leader, Imran Khan VOA 14 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani police have arrested former cricket star and opposition politician Imran Khan, after he made his first public appearance since the imposition of emergency rule.
Analysts Say Hopes for Pakistan Political Truce Slim VOA 14 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is heading to Pakistan late this week to meet with President Pervez Musharraf
Pakistani Opposition Considers Alternatives After Protests Thwarted VOA 14 Nov 2007 -- Security forces in Pakistan have largely succeeded in preventing mass protest rallies since emergency rule was imposed on November 3.
Pakistani opposition leader Bhutto again put under house arrest RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was placed under house arrest on Tuesday for the second time in a week ahead of a new rally against the current state of emergency.
Pakistan's Bhutto Detained, Calls for Musharraf's Resignation VOA 13 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been placed under house arrest ahead of a planned protest march against the emergency law imposed by President Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan's Bhutto Placed Under Seven-Day House Arrest VOA 12 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani police have placed opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto under house arrest for the second time in less than a week to stop her from leading a mass rally against emergency rule.
Commonwealth Gives Musharraf November 22 Deadline VOA 12 Nov 2007 -- Foreign ministers from the Commonwealth of Britain and its former colonies said Monday it would suspend Pakistan from the organization unless President Pervez Musharraf lifted the state of emergency by November 22
Pakistan's Bhutto Prepares 'Long March' Against Emergency Rule VOA 12 Nov 2007 -- Opposition calls for an end to emergency rule in Pakistan grew louder Monday as former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto prepared a 300-kilometer protest tour against President Pervez Musharraf.
Rice Welcomes Musharraf's Pledges, Calls for Lifting Emergency Rule VOA 11 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has welcomed Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's promise to hold elections by early January and give up his military post
Bhutto Able to Leave Home, Meets Party Officials VOA 11 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani police have allowed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to move around the capital, Islamabad, for meetings with protesters and political party officials.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Allowed to Meet Party Officials VOA 10 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto joined protests in the capital against emergency rule Saturday and tried to meet with the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Bush: Musharraf Promises 'Positive Steps' VOA 10 Nov 2007 -- President Bush says Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf has taken "positive steps" by promising to lift the state of emergency, step down as army chief, and hold elections early next year
Pakistan Withdraws Arrest Order Against Former PM Bhutto VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- The government of Pakistan freed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from house arrest late Friday, after earlier blocking her from leading a rally against emergency rule.
White House Seeks Release of Pakistani Detainees VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- The Bush Administration is calling for an end to emergency rule in Pakistan and the release of political opponents.
Pakistani Police Prevent Bhutto-led Protest Rally VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani forces have stopped former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from leaving her home to lead a demonstration against the country's emergency laws
Bhutto pledges to continue fight for democracy in Pakistan RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who has been placed under house arrest, said on Friday she was determined to continue the struggle for democratic reform in the country.
Pakistan's Bhutto under house arrest - opposition RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been placed under house arrest prior to her planned rally against the current state of emergency, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said on Friday.
More Arrests Reported in Pakistan; Bhutto Prepares For Friday Protest VOA 08 Nov 2007 -- The Pakistan People Party of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says police have arrested hundreds more of its supporters
Pakistan's Musharraf Announces Elections Before February 15 VOA 08 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has announced national elections will be held before February 15
Pentagon: US-Pakistan Military Cooperation Unaffected by Emergency Rule VOA 08 Nov 2007 -- A senior U.S. military officer says there has so far not been any impact on U.S.-Pakistani military cooperation, since the declaration of a State of Emergency in Pakistan on Saturday
Analysis: Bhutto-Musharraf Faceoff cfr.org 07 Nov 2007 -- President Pervez Musharraf’s main political opponent, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has demanded that he end emergency rule, step down as army chief, and promise to hold elections by January 2008
Backgrounder: Pakistan’s Institutions and Civil Society cfr.org 07 Nov 2007
Bush Tells Musharraf to Hold Elections and Resign as Army Chief VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- President Bush says he has personally told Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that he must hold parliamentary elections and resign his post as head of the nation's army
Bush Calls Musharraf, Urges Elections in Pakistan VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- President Bush has personally contacted Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for the first time since the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan
Pakistan's Bhutto Vows Uprising Unless Musharraf Reverses Emergency Rule VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has vowed to launch a massive protest march unless President Pervez Musharraf steps down as head of the army and restores the constitution by next Tuesday
Deposed Top Judge in Pakistan Urges Resistance VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Protests continue in Pakistan against President Pervez Musharraf's state of emergency
Islamic Militants Seize More Territory in Pakistan's Swat Valley VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Fighters loyal to a radical Islamic cleric have seized more territory in Pakistan's Swat Valley, taking over police stations and checkpoints in several towns.
PAKISTAN: Militants threaten to burn Swat camp IRIN 08 Nov 2007 -- Efforts to establish a displaced persons camp in Pakistan’s Swat Valley are under threat from militants fighting the government, according to aid officials.
Pakistan’s Musharraf Urged To Hold Elections, Shed Uniform Soon Washington File 06 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, should lift the state of emergency in the country and hold elections as soon as possible, President Bush and other administration officials say.
Bhutto Arrives in Islamabad VOA 06 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrived in Islamabad Tuesday, saying she has no plans to meet or negotiate with President Pervez Musharraf.
About 670 Pakistanis killed by terrorists so far this year RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2007 -- About 670 people in Pakistan have been killed and over 1,800 injured in a total of 157 terrorist attacks since the start of the year, the country's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.
PAKISTAN: Government cracks down on civil society IRIN 05 Nov 2007 -- A senior UN expert has condemned the rounding-up of civil society leaders and activists in Pakistan after the declaration of emergency rule in the country.
Markey: Crucial To Hold Pakistan Elections on Time in January cfr.org 05 Nov 2007
Analysis: U.S. Officials Mull Pakistan Position cfr.org 05 Nov 2007 -- The United States responded cautiously to the November 3 news that Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf had declared a state of emergency (Dawn), suspending the country's constitution and giving himself the right to rule by decree
Pakistani Police Arrest Protesters; US Blasts Military Rule VOA 05 Nov 2007 -- Security forces in Pakistan have fired tear gas and clubbed demonstrators who are objecting to President Pervez Musharraf's decision to suspend the constitution
US Urges Pakistan's Musharraf to Remove Army Uniform, Restore Civilian Rule VOA 05 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf should resign as army chief and restore civilian rule.
Pakistani Supreme Court Justice Describes Last-Minute Attempt to Stop Emergency Order VOA 05 Nov 2007 -- When Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf abruptly ordered a state of emergency and suspended the Constitution on Saturday, military forces quickly surrounded the Supreme Court and detained judges, including the chief justice
U.S. to Review All Military Support to Pakistan AFPS 05 Nov 2007 -- U.S.-Pakistani military cooperation along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan is continuing unfettered despite the crisis that’s led to widespread arrests in Pakistan and has U.S. officials reviewing assistance programs to Pakistan, a senior defense official told reporters today.
U.S. Postpones Defense Meetings With Pakistan AFPS 05 Nov 2007 -- The United States is watching the developing situation in Pakistan closely and will review all assistance programs to the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Musharraf targets opposition after imposing emergency rule RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2007 -- Some Pakistani opposition leaders and activists were detained on Sunday following President Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose emergency rule and suspend Pakistan's Constitution.
Suicide Bomber Targets Pakistani Air Force Bus VOA 01 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani officials say a suicide attack on an Air Force bus has killed at least eight people and wounded about 40 others.
Business/Science/Society
Mexican City Paralyzed by Floods (Nov. 4): Villahermosa, the capital of the southeastern state of Tabasco, has no clean drinking water and electricity after severe flooding caused by five days of torrential rain. At least 300,000 people evacuate their homes, 70,000 people are in shelters, and one person dies. Most of the state's crops are destroyed and 4,000 schools are damaged.
Space Shuttle Lands Safely After Challenging Mission (Nov. 7): During its 14-day mission to the International Space Station, astronauts aboard Discovery add a "room" to the station and move a 17.5-ton solar array and truss. They unexpectedly had to repair a rotary joint and a solar array on the left side of the space station.
Cyclone Ravages Bangladesh (Nov. 15): Cyclone Sidr, with winds over 100 miles per hour, kills nearly 3,500 people in southern Bangladesh. The United Nations reports that a million people are left homeless.
UN Report on Climate Change Details Imminent Perils (Nov. 16): In its last of four reports on climate change, th UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, says global warming of one to three degrees will lead to a rise in sea levels that will swallow up island nations, the decimation of one-quarter or more of the world’s species, famine in Africa, and increasingly violent hurricanes.
Scientists Devise New Method to Create Embryonic Stem Cells (Nov. 20): Two teams of scientists, one in Wisconsin the other in Japan, announce they have discovered a way to make embryonic stem cells without using embryonic stem cells. By adding four genes to skin cells, they were able to reprogram skin cells into any of the body's 220 types of cells.