Sharks threatened by Asian consumers, says group (AP)
AP - A marine conservation group says that the demand for shark fin soup in Asia is driving many species of these big fish to the brink of extinction.
S.Lanka opposition leader appears before court martial (AFP)
AFP - Sri Lanka’s ex-army chief turned opposition leader appeared at a court martial Tuesday that could see him jailed for up to five years if convicted on charges he says are politically motivated.
China again tells Google to obey the law (AFP)
AFP - China on Tuesday again warned Google not to stop filtering its web search engine results, as speculation mounted about the company’s plans following its threat to leave over censorship and cyberattacks.
Wavering Dems in Obama’s sights on health vote (AP)
AP - Days away from a make-or-break vote on his health care overhaul, President Barack Obama is turning up the pressure as only presidents can, as Democratic leaders make a desperate scramble for votes.
Jackson estate in record deal worth up to $250 mln (AP)
AP - Even in death, Michael Jackson is breaking new records.
Aide: Karzai ‘very angry’ at Taliban boss’ arrest (AP)
AP - The Afghan government was holding secret talks with the Taliban’s No. 2 when he was captured in Pakistan, and the arrest infuriated President Hamid Karzai, according to one of Karzai’s advisers.
Woman, son missing after van found on Wash. beach (AP)
AP - A woman heading to her stepfather’s house was “beyond lost” when she and her 8-year-old son took one wrong turn after another through the backroads of Washington state and onto a private Puget Sound beach, authorities said Monday.
Thai Red Shirts draw own blood in anti-government push (AFP)
AFP - Red-dressed Thai demonstrators Tuesday collected their own blood, planning to spill it at the government’s gates in a symbolic sacrifice as they stepped up protests demanding snap elections.
Fiji declares state of emergency for cyclone aid (AP)
AP - Fiji declared a state of emergency Tuesday and ordered troops to launch relief operations in northern regions battered by a powerful cyclone that knocked out power and forced thousands of people to flee into shelters.
Karzai, Obama discuss prospects of Taliban talks (Reuters)
Reuters - Afghan President Hamid Karzai discussed prospects of peace with the Taliban in a video phone conversation with President Barack Obama, Karzai’s office said on Tuesday.