World News

Bahrain

• Despite last week's imposition of martial law (aided by Saudi troops), thousands of Bahrainis turned out for a Shi'ite sermon ahead of the "Day of Rage" protests scheduled for today.

Japan

• Radiation fears spiked again in Japan, after three workers involved in the attempt to cool the Fukushima reactors suffered burns after radioactive water seeped over their boots. "The contaminated water had 10,000 times the amount of radiation as would be found in water circulating from a normally operating reactor," said Japanese nuclear agency official Hidehiko Nishiyama. At this moment, it is unknown if the leak came from a crack in the container of the nuclear core.

Libya

• In a compromise agreement, NATO has agreed to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya, but has not agreed to take command of all military operations. "Today we are taking the next step," said Secretary of State Clinton. "We have agreed, along with our NATO allies, to transition command and control for the no-fly zone to NATO. All 28 allies have also now authorized military authorities to develop an operations plan for NATO to take on the broader civilian protection mission."
• Jay Carney, a spokesman for President Obama, has expressed confidence that control of the Libyan military operation will be handed over to NATO in a matter of days, a belief echoed by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Carney also said that, once control is handed over, US plains will not be patrolling the no-fly zone: "The United States will continue to have a role but it will not be a lead role in enforcement of the no-fly zone."
• Senator John McCain has called for Muammar Gaddafi to be tried for war crimes for attempts to "repress the anti-Gaddafi rebels with the worst, most outrageous levels of brutality."

Myanmar

• A 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar yesterday destroyed 225 homes and 9 government buildings, killed at least 74 people and injured at least 100 more.
• Myanmar gemstone dealers set a new sales record of 2 billion euros during a 12-day emporium that ended today. For comparison purposes, the three emporiums from last year did a total of 2.2 billion euros in sales. the nation produces around 90% of the world's rubies and fine jade and, despite sanctions and embargos imposed by Western countries, business is brisk.

Thailand

• Thailand was shaken by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock from yesterday's earthquake in Myanmar. No casualties are being reported and there is only limited property damage, but residents living near the epicenter have been advised to leave their homes.