LA Times News

LA Times News

Virulent new strain of E. coli found in deadly European outbreak

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 06:04 PM PDT

An outbreak of the food-borne illness is being caused by a new strain of the bacteria that is resulting in a higher incidence of kidney failure. U.S. officials say measures have been taken to prevent its spread here.

A deadly outbreak of food-borne illness in Europe is being caused by an unusually virulent strain of E. coli that scientists haven't seen before and that may be dramatically more dangerous, global health officials said Thursday.

Yemen's chaos is good news for Al Qaeda

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 06:04 PM PDT

With Yemeni forces diverted to protect President Ali Abdullah Saleh's beleaguered regime, U.S. spying and special military operations have suffered. As result, Al Qaeda has had more opportunities to recruit and plot attacks.

The escalating violence in Yemen is hampering critical U.S. counter-terrorism operations and has given Al Qaeda's most active affiliate increased opportunities for recruitment and plotting, current and former U.S. officials warn.

Chinese cook obsessed with Jewish coins

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 03:34 PM PDT

After 10 years of research, Xu Long has published his thick book, 'Money of Ancient Judea and Israel.' And in studying Jewish history, he found many similarities to his own culture.

At his day job, Xu Long works endless hours in the sweltering kitchen of the Great Hall of the People, China's equivalent of the Capitol building. But for the last decade, when Xu, head chef of Western cuisine, chopped onions or grilled steaks for the Chinese leadership, his mind often drifted to his personal passion: money. Or, more specifically, ancient Jewish coins.

Feud within key Yemen tribe could tear nation apart

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 04:24 PM PDT

If Yemen collapses, the fuse will have been lighted by a war pitting President Ali Abdullah Saleh against his senior clansman, analysts say, not pro-democracy protests or other challenges to his rule.

The unrest shaking Yemen began months ago as part of the idealistic movement for democracy and political reform sweeping the Middle East and North Africa. It is now a battle of money, power and egos within a single powerful clan that threatens to tear the country apart.

Bacteria afflicting Europeans is a new strain, WHO says

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 08:35 AM PDT

Tests suggest it's a mutant form of two E. coli bacteria with characteristics that make it especially virulent. The death toll hits 18, with hundreds sick.

The E. coli bacteria responsible for a mysterious outbreak that has left 18 people dead and sickened hundreds is a new strain that has never been seen before, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan survives no-confidence vote

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 01:04 AM PDT

Naoto Kan, widely unpopular for his handling of the nation's response to the March earthquake and nuclear disaster, cuts a deal that blunts opposition and gives him more time.

Vowing to stay in office only a few more months to guide the response to the nation's ongoing nuclear crisis, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Thursday survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote aimed at driving him from power.

General's role did not cost him Joint Chiefs post, Gates says

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 12:38 AM PDT

Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright was accused of circumventing the chain of command during 2009 administration talks on troop levels in Afghanistan. But that was not a factor in his not getting the top job, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates says.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Wednesday dismissed as "garbage" reports that a senior Marine general was passed over to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because of his back-channel role in the 2009 administration debate on sending additional troops to Afghanistan.

Raucous crowd confronts Egypt military leaders

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 10:29 PM PDT

At a meeting with often-angry activists, four generals from the transitional military government decline to address a number of issues raised, including allegations that security forces subjected female protesters to 'virginity tests.'

Leaders of Egypt's transitional military government, at times faced with angry shouting and interruptions during a meeting with activists Wednesday night, declined to address controversial issues such as the "virginity tests" female protesters say they were subjected to by security forces, participants said.

Iranian dissident's family suffers double tragedy

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:26 PM PDT

Friends and family gathered in Tehran to bury Ezzatollah Sahabi, 81, face harassment from security forces, and his daughter, Haleh, a rights activist, suffers a fatal heart attack in a scuffle at the cemetery.

The mourners gathered early Wednesday morning. They knew the authorities would not let the former Iranian opposition leader be buried at midday, when his funeral would attract even more followers.

Bahraini government lifts emergency rule

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 08:26 PM PDT

A day after the king urges an end to discord and talks of national dialogue, emergency rule is lifted. Security forces scatter demonstrators gathered in Manama.

Bahrain on Wednesday lifted the emergency rule it imposed in March during a crackdown on widespread protests for democratic reform dominated by the island nation's Shiite Muslim majority.