Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 12 July 2006, 6:03 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
World News: Death Toll Mounts In Terror Attack In Mumbai India
Robson-on-Politics: Progressive Pundit Probes Potential Pitfalls For Opposition -
Immigration: 'Keen Flyer' Languishes In Saudi Jail Following NZ Expulsion -
Amnesty International: Zaoui Could Be Warmly Welcomed With Electric Current If Repatriated -
MORE HEADLINES:
Scoop Feedback: You Can Read Our Mail
Industry Training: Cullen Sends Plumbing Board Down The S Bend -
Crime: Police Identify 'Red Rocks' Victim
China: Protect Falun Gong From "Organ Harvesting"
Algeria: Persistent Torture by Military Security
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Mexico: "We Have Enough Strength To Make Democracy Prevail"
Spooks & Drugs: Mexico & U.S. Ruling Parties Ties to Blow Bust
Motoring: Karl Ferguson Reviews Varieties Of Peugeot 307
Energy Communication:Has Bonus Joules Discovered The Postie's Nightmare?
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Living Standards: Bradford Considers Beneficiaries Being Economically Bashed
Energy: Auckland Outage Report Released
Assistance: Govt Examines Snow Impact On Farming
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

World News: Death Toll Mounts In Terror Attack In Mumbai India

[1] Seven bombs have exploded at various local railway stations in the city of Mumbai, India between 6:24 pm and 6:35 pm IST (GMT+5:30). The first blast ripped through the first-class compartment of a local train from Churchgate to Borivali, near the Khar station. Subsequent blasts occured at Bhayandar station near Mira Road, Mahim station, Matunga, Jogeshwari and Borivali. A seventh blast has occured in the Khar-Santacruz subway. Local phone lines in Mumbai have been jammed. All seven explosions had targeted first-class cars. See... NEWSFLASH: 7 Blasts Rock Mumbai Commuter Trains [2] NZ REACTION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00155.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00155.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00162.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00163.htm

Robson-on-Politics: Progressive Pundit Probes Potential Pitfalls For Opposition -

The news item on TV3 on Monday, in which MPs spill the beans on the reason why Mr Brash hasn't been rolled yet, is seriously bad news for National for two reasons. First, the MPs' comments indicate there is no consensus on the next leader and, secondly, they indicate that the incoherent policy positions of the party in recent years extend to an incoherent approach to strategic issues. See... Robson-On-Politics 12 July 2006 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00102.htm

Immigration: 'Keen Flyer' Languishes In Saudi Jail Following NZ Expulsion -

Green MP Keith Locke has written to the Saudi government expressing his concern over the ongoing imprisonment of Rayed Ali, six weeks after he was deported from New Zealand on May 30 for formerly being associated with a September 11 terrorist. Mr Locke yesterday received news from Rayed Ali's brother that Mr Ali is still incarcerated in Saudi Arabia. See... Rayed Ali still in Saudi jail [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00166.htm

Amnesty International: Zaoui Could Be Warmly Welcomed With Electric Current If Repatriated -

Beatings, electric shocks and the forced ingestion of dirty water, urine and or chemicals are just some of the methods that continue to be used by Algeria's security forces with systematic impunity, Amnesty International revealed in a report published today. See... Algeria Report: Zaoui at high risk of torture [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00100.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00177.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00082.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00079.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00080.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00138.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0607/S00168.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0607/S00044.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00127.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0607/S00138.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0607/S00019.htm

Scoop Feedback: You Can Read Our Mail

- A reader wonders about the Foundation for Advertising Research, questions are asked on immigration and unemployment, the International Republican Institute puts Greg Palast right and people are generally riled by Scoop's commentary. All this and more. See... Feedback: Think Tanks, Columnists and Journalism [1] . See also.. Scoop Feedback: Cliff Arnebeck On Exit Polling [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00158.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00138.htm

Industry Training: Cullen Sends Plumbing Board Down The S Bend -

The members of the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (the Board) have hit back at the findings of a ministerial review into relationships between the Board and its Industry Training Organisation (ITO). The Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, has announced that he is replacing the entire Board as of today (July 12). Board chairman, Terry Wynyard, said the review blames the Board for setting too high a standard for plumbing and gasfitting examinations resulting in an industry shortage. See... Minister Fires Statutory Board [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0607/S00175.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00139.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00161.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00160.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0607/S00176.htm

Crime: Police Identify 'Red Rocks' Victim

- The body of Wellington's south coast homicide victim has been identified as 62-year-old Anthony Stanlake of Karori. Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of Wellington CIB's Operation Red Rocks, says establishing Mr Stanlake's identity is a vital breakthrough for the inquiry team, but police are still no closer to finding out why the man died, when or who was involved. See... Wellington Homicide Victim Identified [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00096.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00124.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00097.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00090.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00080.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00087.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00079.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00078.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0607/S00077.htm

China: Protect Falun Gong From "Organ Harvesting"

- Australia has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the developed world. The people who had kidney transplants in New South Wales last year, for example, had waited an average of eight years for a suitable organ. That's the kind of pressure that's created the new phenomenon of "transplant tourism", with patients going to countries like India and China for their operations. Last year an Australian report highlighted the rate of HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis in patients who'd had such operations overseas. Now a report from Canada says most of the organs in China are not donated at all. They're taken from political prisoners who die after the organs are literally harvested from them. See... Aust: Protect Falun Gong from "organ harvesting" [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00211.htm

Algeria: Persistent Torture by Military Security

- Beatings, electric shocks and the forced ingestion of dirty water, urine and or chemicals are just some of the methods that continue to be used by Algeria's security forces with systematic impunity, Amnesty International revealed in a report published today. Based on a series of case studies collected between 2002 and 2006, the report shows how the "war on terror" is serving as an excuse to perpetuate torture and ill-treatment by Algeria's "Military Security" intelligence agency, officially known as the Department for Information and Security (Département du renseignement et de la sécurité, DRS). See... Algeria: Persistent torture by Military Security [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00195.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00209.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00203.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00201.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00199.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00188.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0607/S00185.htm

Mexico: "We Have Enough Strength To Make Democracy Prevail"

- Speech to a crowd of 200,000 in the Zocalo, Mexico City Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador, published in Rebelion, 10-07-2006 - Translated by Toni Solo - We know we are confronting a politically and economically powerful group that is used to winning at any price without moral scruples of any kind. The country does not really matter to them, much less the suffering of the majority of Mexico's people. Their only purpose is to maintain and increase their privileges. See... We Have Enough Strength To Make Democracy Prevail! [1] & Scoop Link... Lopez Obrador Files Challenges [2] EARLIER:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00154.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00142.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00116.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00115.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00114.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00104.htm

Spooks & Drugs: Mexico & U.S. Ruling Parties Ties to Blow Bust

- On April 10th an American-registered DC9 was caught carrying 5.5 tons of cocaine destined for the U.S., the Mexican military announced, at an airport in Ciudad del Carmen. In the more than two months since, the incident has slipped into a black hole. See... UQ Wire: The Homeland Security Rackets [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00151.htm

Motoring: Karl Ferguson Reviews Varieties Of Peugeot 307

- Peugeot, it would seem, are in the mood for makeovers. Not only has the 206 hatch range had a recent revitalisation with the arrival of the 407 sedan, estate and coupe, but now so has mid-range vehicle the 307. See... MOTORNET: Makeover Madness French Style [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00145.htm

Energy Communication:Has Bonus Joules Discovered The Postie's Nightmare?

- Have you ever wondered why we have a Climate Change Office? I can understand the need for Climate Balance Research Centre or even a Climate Balance Protection Agency. But an office of climate change? It's as weird as having an Energy Conservation Authority or a Minister of Energy or a Ministry of Existence. Existence is, energy is conserved and climate change happens. Its real! They are all real. As real as real can be. See... Bonus Joules: At One yet Everywhere [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00146.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00167.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00147.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00161.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00166.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00165.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00164.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00163.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00162.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00160.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00159.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00153.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00152.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00150.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00149.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00136.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00148.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00132.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00144.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00143.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00141.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00140.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00131.htm
[23] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00129.htm
[24] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00139.htm
[25] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00137.htm
[26] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00135.htm
[27] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00134.htm
[28] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00133.htm
[29] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00130.htm

Living Standards: Bradford Considers Beneficiaries Being Economically Bashed

- The Living Standards report is a powerful indictment of Government policies that continue to discriminate against beneficiary families, Green Party Social Development Spokesperson Sue Bradford says. "The Government still doesn't seem to grasp what has happened in this country over the past 25 years. Real poverty is intensifying, not decreasing. See... Govt is systematically leaving the poor behind [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00156.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00133.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00147.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00146.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00143.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00151.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00096.htm
[8] - http://www.msd.govt.nz/work-areas/social-research/living-standards/living-standards-2004.html

Energy: Auckland Outage Report Released

- Energy Minister David Parker today released the independent report on the Auckland outage by Connell Wagner. He said the report, considered by Cabinet yesterday, provided a useful outside perspective on the matter, and he had referred the report to Transpower for its consideration. See... Connell Wagner report released [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00132.htm
[2] - http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/ContentTopicSummary____20837.aspx
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00150.htm

Assistance: Govt Examines Snow Impact On Farming

- The critical message to emerge in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's (MAF) assessment and contact with industry from the snow-hit areas was that proactive feed budgeting, financial planning and contingency planning by farmers is essential. Cabinet has approved an urgent Government Assistance Package of $870,000 which is targeted at meeting rural welfare needs, farmer information and support requirements. See... Further Government Action in Snow-hit Canterbury [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00126.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00158.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00152.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00136.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00135.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00150.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00130.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00149.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00148.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00145.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00144.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00140.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00131.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00142.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00134.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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