Afghans torch Obama's effigy to protest burning of Koran

Afghans torch Obama's effigy to protest burning of Koran

Afghans continue to protest burning of the Koran by American Pastor Terry Jones. The Taliban has called on people to rise up, blaming government forces for any violence. Many of the demonstrations have turned into deadly riots, with 20 already reported dead in the clashes. In southern Kandahar city on Sunday, hundreds took to the streets for the second day in a row, and hospital officials reported 20 people were hurt. On the same day, 20 were killed and dozens wounded in the city of Jalalabad.

Will compromise cancel a shutdown?

Will compromise cancel a shutdown?


On Friday the US Congress is set to compromise on a new budget. Failure to pass a new budget would result in a government shutdown. Kristen Soltis, the director of policy research at The Winston Group argues that even if the budget is passed the greater concern is about the next fiscal year because some serious spending concessions should be agreed to in order to increase the debt ceiling. Nonetheless, if a compromise regarding the budget cannot be agreed on by this Friday, the federal government is in danger of not being funded at all and shutting down for the first time since 1995.

Rick Sanchez: Free speech has restrictions

Rick Sanchez: Free speech has restrictions

Where is the line between free speech and violent hatred? Protests continue to rage in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan following reports a US pastor burned a Koran. The protests have led to the death of at least 22 people in what was once the calmest region in Afghanistan. Rick Sanchez, a journalist and former CNN host argues speech comes with restrictions, Americans are free to speak so long as no one gets hurt.

Cocaine trafficking - abducted Russian pilot on trial

Cocaine trafficking - abducted Russian pilot on trial

Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko was arrested in Liberia by U.S. officials last summer, snatched into an American jail, and charged with trafficking tonnes of cocaine. He claims a provocation on behalf of America. His trial date postponed an entire 5 times, Yaroshenko finally faces the jury in Manhattan. RT's Anastasia Churkina reports on the latest

Government gridlock angers Americans

Government gridlock angers Americans

All eyes are on Capitol Hill this week as the nation waits for Congress to compromise on a new budget. The stakes are high as failure to pass a new budget would result in a government shutdown. What would a government shutdown mean for the American taxpayers? And are the taxpayers even worried about the consequences of a potential shutdown? RT's producer Lindsay Garfield hits the streets of Washington to find out.

Government shutdown looming

Government shutdown looming
As the deadline for the new budget plan for 2011 is approaching, there

is no agreement between Democrats and Republicans, which means, the
government shutdown may happen. What is the situation like and how the Obama administration will tackle not to cross the line?
Dan Faraci of Grassroots PC and Prof. Caroline Heldman from Occidental
College discuss the possibility of a shutdown

Koran burning free speech in America?

Koran burning free speech in America?

Protests continue to rage in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan following initial protests which left at least seven UN workers, five protesters died and many others wounded.The protests followed reports that a pastor in the United States burned a copy of the Koran. The act seen as sinful across the Middle East, is protected free speech in America. Is the right to free speech worth the loss of lives? Blogger and political commentator Michael Haltman argues free speech must be protected as a fundamental American principle

Dr. Cornel West:"Obama becoming puppet of Wall St Oligarchs"

Dr. Cornel West:"Obama becoming puppet of Wall St Oligarchs"

The economic rift between rich and poor in America is deepening, but a new awareness is also taking root among the people. That's the opinion of renowned civil rights activist Dr. Cornel West, who shared his views during an exclusive interview with RT's Marina Portnaya

Afghans continue rioting over Koran burning

Afghans continue rioting over Koran burning

In the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan protesters rallying against Koran burnings have killed at least seven UN workers and wounded many others. Five protesters also died in the chaos. RT blogger from Veterans for Rethinking Afghanistan Jake Diliberto says the burning of the Koran event is symbolic and shows how the US policy in the Middle East is fractured. He also notes that America should fundamentally change its strategy in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria and Yemen