| BACK IN IRAQ: THE 'WHORES OF WAR'
EVEN FOR Blackwater, it was an atrocity too far. If an Iraqi government report is to be believed, Blackwater, a US mercenary company which is unofficially the world's largest "for hire" private army, indiscriminately and without provocation opened fire earlier this month on civilians in a Baghdad street, killing at least 20 people. Iraq immediately revoked the firm's licence to operate in the country and moved to expel its staff and prosecute those responsible for the shootings, but Blackwater's activities have since resumed. This coincides with the release of a US Embassy report on the September 16 shooting, obtained by the Washington Post and described by a State Department official as a "first blush" account. It details the events, as given by Blackwater guards, and has stirred controversy in Iraq and Washington and prompted an inquiry into the role of Blackwater and other private security firms in Iraq.
Primary Movers
With the Iowa caucuses behind them, the presidential candidates headed to New Hampshire late this week, where they're facing a vastly different electorate and set of issues. Here with a look at what's at stake in Tuesday's first-in-the-nation primary is New Hampshire senator John Sununu. Sen. Sununu, welcome, great to have you here. Sununu: It's great to be here, Paul. Gigot: I know you haven't endorsed any candidate, but you do know your state. And in Iowa, the Republican voters in the caucuses said immigration was the No. 1 issue for them. Is immigration as big an issue up in New Hampshire? Sununu: Yeah, well, it's a big issue. The economy is clearly pressing on people's minds. And given the recent events overseas in Pakistan and elsewhere, foreign policy and foreign-policy experience matters.
HSBC Survey: Consumers Slow to Seek Free Credit Reports, Despite ...
(CSRwire) PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. - A new survey by HSBC - North America finds that while 82 percent of consumers fear identity theft, only four in 10 have taken advantage of the recent law - the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) - that gives consumers free access annually to their credit reports to check for errors. Checking credit reports regularly can help consumers detect identity theft, which, according to the Federal Trade Commission, has struck 27.3 million Americans in the past five years. It's also an opportunity for consumers to understand their credit status, see how their financial decisions impact their credit standing and assess their progress toward achieving financial goals. "Knowing your credit history represents the first step toward understanding and managing your financial well-being," says Loretta Abrams, vice president of community development and consumer advocacy at HSBC - North America.
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