The United States killed five to 10 people in this week's attack on a target in southern Somalia believed to be associated with the al-Qaida terrorist network, a U.S. intelligence official said. Pentagon officials, speaking privately because the Defense Department was not publicly releasing the information, strongly suggested that the U.S. military was either planning or considering additional strikes in Somalia.
Four of President Bush's appeals court appointees asked to have their nominations withdrawn in a concession to the Senate's new Democratic majority, Republican officials said Tuesday. These officials said William Haynes, William Myers and Terrence Boyle all decided to abandon their quest for confirmation. Another nominee, Michael Wallace, asked Bush to withdraw his nomination last month.
Apple's iPhone wants to "reinvent" the telecommunications sector and "leapfrog" past the current generation of hard-to-use smart phones, Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs said Tuesday. Jobs unveiled a new mobile phone that downloads and plays music as well as a set-top box that allows people to stream video from their computers to their televisions.
A wind-driven wildfire that swept through an exclusive seaside neighborhood destroyed four homes, including that of actress Suzanne Somers, in Malibu, Calif., a spokesman confirmed Tuesday. In addition to those destroyed, four other houses were significantly damaged Monday, and one resident who was not identified was hospitalized for treatment of smoke inhalation.
President Bush lifted the drilling ban Tuesday for Alaska's Bristol Bay, \nclearing the way for the Interior Department to open the fish-rich waters to oil and natural gas development. Bristol Bay was set aside for protection by Congress in 1990 , but that protection was revoked in 2003 at the request of Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who argued that the area's oil and natural gas could be developed while still protecting the fisheries.
