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Roberto Soldado celebrates after scoring Spain’s second goal in the 2-1 win against Uruguay at the Confederations Cup.

Pedro had put Spain ahead in the 20th minute when his shot took a wicked deflection off Uruguay captain Diego Lugano.

Luis Suarez, out of shot, gave Uruguay a late consolation in Recife when he curled a free-kick past Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring Italy’s winner in the Group A match against Mexico, but was booked for taking his shirt off.

The AC Milan striker fired past Jose Corona in the second half at Rio’s Maracana Stadium.

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez had leveled the score in the 37th minute from the penalty spot.

Andrea Pirlo celebrated his 100th appearance for Italy when he scored the opening goal from a free-kick.

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(CNN) — The score looked close, but Spain’s domination was all too apparent as the world champions began the Confederations Cup with a 2-1 victory over Uruguay on Sunday.

The eight-nation tournament is a warm-up for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, but on this evidence Vicente del Bosque’s team will once again be favored to lift the trophy.

“It’s very difficult to generate any kind of danger when you don’t touch the ball,” said Uruguay strikerLuis Suarez, who scored a superb late consolation with a curling free-kick that matched the one by Italy’s Andrea Pirlo against Mexico earlier in the day.

“Spain is the best side in the world. They are a candidate to win the World Cup,” Suarez added.

His team trailed after 20 minutes of the Group B opener in Recife when Pedro’s volley was diverted into the net by captain Diego Lugano, completely wrongfooting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Will Brazil be ready for the World Cup?

Tackling racism in the stands

Balotelli: Racism makes me feel alone

If that effort had a slice of luck, Spain’s second in the 32nd minute was straight from the counter-attacking guidebook.

Suarez lost the ball deep inside the opposing half, and seconds later it was in the Uruguay net as striker Roberto Soldado finished off a clever pass from Cesc Fabregas which beat the offside trap.

Read: Neymar stunner sets up Brazil win

With Spain in control, Uruguay’s frustrations grew — and the team which finished fourth at the 2010 World Cup and won the South American title the following year could have gone 3-0 down as Fabregas hit the inside of the post.

Suarez, who has been publicly courting a transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid, showed flashes of the brilliance which made him one of the top scorers in the English Premier League last season.

His 88th-minute set-piece was too good for keeper Iker Casillas, who started the match despite being frozen out at Real in 2012-13 under the Spanish club’s former coach Jose Mourinho.

Italy joined hosts Brazil on three points in Group A after beating Mexico 2-1 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Veteran Juventus midfielder Pirlo celebrated his 100th international appearance with the opening goal in the 27th minute, curling a superb right-foot shot past goalkeeper Jose Corona.

Read: ‘The man who made Brazil cry’

Javier Hernandez leveled before halftime from the penalty spot after Andrea Barzagli brought down Giovani dos Santos, but striker Mario Balotelli showed great strength to hold off two defenders and fire a 78th-minute winner.

However, he was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration — earning a rebuke from coach Cesar Prandelli.

“Mario needs to stop showing off his muscles. With celebrations like that, he’s only going to pick up pointless yellow cards,” Prandelli said.

“As for Pirlo, I don’t have words to describe what he did today. He’s the epitome of football and an example to everyone. He deserves a big round of applause. He gave us the lead and controlled the game.”

Mexico coach Manuel de la Torre said his players had hoped to play a cautious game and wear down the four-time World Cup winners.

“But we were up against a great side who were very well organized and made the most of their individual assets. That’s what made the difference,” said De la Torre, whose team suffered a first defeat since August.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/16/sport/football/spain-italy-confederations-cup-football/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/3CdGvE25q8Q/victorious-spain-worlds-best-team

(CNN) — In a recent Fortune magazine essay, Warren Buffett — one of the world’s wealthiest people — explains why women are key to America’s prosperity. CNN’s Poppy Harlow sat down with the Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO to talk about girls education, his sisters, his family and how, as he says, “If I had been born a female, I would have been very unhappy about the Constitution.”

Watch the full interview in Part 1 and 2 of the videos.

Buffett: Companies should invest in women

More: Jennifer Buffett — Make schools safe for girls everywhere

More: CNN’s “Girl Rising”

Photos: The girls’ stories from “Girl Rising”

How to help

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/16/us/warren-buffett/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/zhYo-VkTepY/buffett-women-in-the-workplace

Editor’s note: CNN’s John Defterios is reporting from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum from June 20. Watch his show, Global Exchange, Sunday to Thursday 1900 UAE and follow him on Twitter. CNN’s Irene Chapple will also be in St. Petersburg reporting from the forum. Follow her on Twitter.

London (CNN) — The BRIC nations were the ones tagged to drag the globe out of economic despair. But, as the world struggles to recover from the credit boom and bust, they too are stumbling.

Ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum June 20 to June 22, CNN is hosting a tweet chat with authors and representatives from Google, the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development to debate which economies might emerge strongest out of the financial crisis.

The tweet chat will take place on June 18, 1400 BST/1300 GMT using the hastag #emergeCNN.

Join CNN Global Exchange anchor John Defterios, on @jDefteriosCNN, CNN’s Irene Chapple on @IreneCNN and Lauren Said-Moorhouse on @LaurenMoorhouse to discuss the issues with participating experts:

Emerging market upgrades

BRICs living up to their potential?

South African aviation business takes off

Turkey’s economic outlook

Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and former prime minister of New Zealand, on @HelenClarkUNDP

Mohammad Gawdat, vice president of emerging markets for SEEMEA at Google, on @googlearabia

OECD economists, on @OECDeconomy

Shaun Rein, founder and MD of China Market Research Group and author of The End of Cheap China on @shaunrein

Ronaldo Lemos, founder of the Center for Technology and Society at the Law School of the Getuli Vargas Foundation, on @lemos_ronaldo

The discussion will center around the BRICs and their claim to be the world’s future powerhouses. We will discuss if they still deserve to hold that title as they slump while other markets show resilience.

China, the globe’s second largest economy, was tipped to overtake the U.S. as the world’s economic leader by 2016, but its growth outlook has been downgraded by forecasters including the International Monetary Fund.

The IMF pointed to the country’s rapid expansion in credit, which some analysts worry is reaching a growth-sapping scale.

The ease of credit is also raising concerns in Brazil, and there is a debate over whether it even deserves to be a BRIC nation. Brazil grew by less than 1% in 2012, the lowest of the BRIC countries.

Growth in Russia and India, the other two members of the BRIC club, are also slowing as investments fall and commodity prices drop.

In the West, the U.S. and Europe are emerging from the crisis at two speeds: Slow in the U.S., but even slower in Europe.

Meanwhile focus is turning to economic brights lights elsewhere in the world. Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy, for one, is expected to grow by 5.6% this year, well ahead of the global average.

At the forum, John Defterios will discuss the potential for other emerging players such as Indonesia and Vietnam.

So which economies will emerge from the crisis as winners, and which will be left behind? Join our chat to have your say.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/15/business/tweet-chat-emergecnn-st-petersburg-forum/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/5fqLfxBM3bg/world-crisis-who-will-emerge-stronger

(Credit:
Lego)

We’ve seen an official Lego Sydney Opera House set before as part of the toy company’s Architecture range, but let’s be honest: an awful lot of detail got lost in the model’s tiny size.

Lego’s about to do something about that, though. On September 1, Lego fanatics will be able to get their hands on an insanely detailed 2,989-piece model of the iconic building designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in the 1950s. And, at 11 inches by 25 inches by 15 inches, it’s going to be huge.

The model is offering a few neat perks for Lego brick collectors: rare dark-tan Lego bricks, tiles, and sloped bricks, as well as the company’s first-ever 48×48 stud baseplate in blue — and the curved white pieces that form the Opera House’s sails.

Palaces, churches, and towers of the world in Lego (pictures)

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The Sydney Opera House will be joining other iconic buildings, like India’s Taj Mahal, France’s Eiffel Tower, and England’s Tower Bridge as part of the Creator Expert range of oversize models. It will retail for $380.

We dare Lego to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge next.

(Source: Crave Australia)

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cnet/pRza/~3/O_-KTWcgdwE/

Read a version of this story in Arabic.

(CNN) — Though Syria is set to dominate discussion at this week’s Group of Eight summit, leaders began the conference Monday with talk of a possible trade deal they said could create millions of jobs.

The first round of negotiations for a trans-Atlantic trade agreement between the United States and the European Union will take place next month in Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama said.

“I believe that we can form an economic alliance as strong as our diplomatic and security alliances,” he told reporters after the leaders of eight of the world’s most powerful nations kicked off their meeting in Northern Ireland.

“The whole point of this meeting … is to fire up our economies and drive growth and prosperity around the world. … There’s no better way than by launching these negotiations on a landmark deal between the European Union and the United states of America,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said.

Economic boost for G8 summit host

Spying on G-20 delegates?

Former U.S. Marine held captive in Syria

Sen.: Time to ‘tip the scales’ in Syria

Even as leaders heralded the economic boosts that a new trade agreement could bring, the specter of a more divisive topic loomed over the summit: how to end Syria’s brutal civil war.

Global leaders at the summit are poised to pressure Russia’s defiant president over his support for Syria’s government.

Putin warns against arming organ-eating Syrian rebels

The conference comes days after the United States pledged to play a greater role in assisting Syrian rebels, citing evidence that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime used chemical weapons against the rebels and his own people. The move was backed by seven of the eight nations represented at this week’s conference in Loch Erne, while Russia remains the sole G8 nation supporting al-Assad.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin sharply criticized the decision to provide arms to Syrian rebels, referencing a widely circulated video of an opposition fighter appearing to eat the heart of a dead solider.

Speaking to reporters in London after meeting with Cameron, Putin warned against arming Syrian rebels “who kill their enemies and eat their organs.”

“Do you want to support these people? Do you want to supply arms to these people?” Putin asked.

The White House announcement last week that it was increasing the “size and scope” of its material support to Syrian rebels came after months of political debate over the U.S. role in the conflict. Great Britain and France, two other G8 members, were strong backers of the May decision to end the European Union arms embargo on Syria, and both countries asserted that al-Assad’s regime had used chemical weapons before the United States did.

Russia, however, has downplayed the claims of chemical weapons use, and Putin has opposed outside intervention into the county’s 2-year-old internal conflict. G8 leaders hope a unified front against al-Assad will help pressure Russia to end its support for the regime, which extends back to al-Assad’s father and the Cold War.

Opinion: A new breed of terror in Northern Ireland

Obama and Putin will discuss Syria one-on-one Monday, the first time the two leaders will have spoken face to face since last year’s G-20 summit in Mexico.

“They clearly have a very broad agenda to discuss,” Obama’s deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes noted, adding the pair would also talk about counterterrorism and arms control.

“It’s in Russia’s interest to join us in applying pressure on Bashar al-Assad to come to the table in a way that relinquishes his power and his standing in Syria, because we don’t see any scenario where he restores his legitimacy to lead the country,” Rhodes continued.

On front line with al-Assad fighters

What types of weapons do rebels need?

Obama’s options for aiding rebels

McCain pushes more intervention in Syria

Other G8 nations have expressed similar viewpoints, calling on Russia to back United Nations intervention in Syria. Russia’s permanent position on the United Nations Security Council has made action through that body difficult for countries intent on removing al-Assad from power.

Before this week’s meetings, Obama spoke by videoconference with the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Germany to discuss “ways to support a political transition to end the conflict” in Syria, the White House said.

Cameron — who met with Putin one on one Sunday — said that during the videoconference, Obama said further intervention into Syria “should be done on our own timeline.”

“We have already taken some decisions in that Britain is helping to give technical assistance, training, advice, help, shaping, to the Syrian opposition, and we do that along with the Americans, French and others and will continue to do that, and we will take time to make these decisions with our allies,” Cameron said.

The White House has not yet publicly specified what exact steps it would take to support members of Syria’s opposition, though sources have told CNN small arms, ammunition and possibly anti-tank weapons would be part of the assistance package.

Hollywood A-listers ‘demand zero’ nukes in new video

On Friday, Rhodes said further discussions with other nations were necessary to determine next steps.

“This is a fluid situation, so it’s necessary for (Obama) to consult with all the leaders at the G8 about both our chemical weapons assessment and the types of support we’re providing to the opposition,” Rhodes said.

The G8′s Syria discussions will come in a setting imbued with reminders of American diplomatic involvement overseas. The U.S.-brokered Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, created the current system of government in Northern Ireland and helped end the decades-long violence between republican and loyalist forces in the region.

Before the G8 summit officially began, Obama delivered remarks on the U.S.-supported peace process in Belfast, though massive security operations served as evidence of Northern Ireland’s still-shaky peace.

“It has been 15 years since the Good Friday Agreement; since clenched fists gave way to outstretched hands; since the people of this island voted in overwhelming numbers to see past the scars of violence and mistrust, and choose to wage peace,” the president said, promising U.S. support as long as North Ireland continues to pursue peace.

“We will always be a wind at your back. And like I said when I visited two years ago, I am convinced that this little island, that inspires the biggest things — its best days are yet ahead.”

Cameron, the host of this week’s conference, named the problem of tax avoidance by large corporations as a central issue for G8 leaders to resolve at this year’s summit. The British prime minister hopes to secure agreements among nations on sharing tax information, with the goal of ensuring global companies aren’t able to dodge tax bills.

The measure met resistance from firms’ chief executives, though Cameron said he’s willing to withstand corporate ire for a fairer global tax system.

“You don’t get anywhere unless you are prepared to give the lead and perhaps make a few enemies along the way,” Cameron said. “In setting the G8 agenda around trade, tax and transparency, yes, you are taking on some vested interests, you are taking on some difficult decisions. But actually will it help both the developing world and us in the West? I believe it can.”

While in Europe, Obama will also likely be forced to defend U.S. Internet surveillance techniques that were disclosed in a series of newspaper articles in early June. The intelligence programs, which were previously considered top secret, involved large tech companies who operate globally, including Facebook, Google and Yahoo.

Snowden says online he had to ‘get out’ of the U.S. before leaks

Individual privacy online is highly regarded in Europe, but leaders there have faced a quandary in publicly condemning the American program called PRISM, which monitors e-mails, photos, search histories and other data from American-based Internet companies.

A robust intelligence-sharing network exists between some members of the G8 and the United States, and intelligence gathered through the NSA’s program has the potential to benefit other countries targeted by terrorists.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has nonetheless vowed to discuss the program with Obama during his visit to Germany and told CNN in an interview that other European officials are also concerned about PRISM. She said she wanted the greatest possible transparency on issues of surveillance and privacy.

The European Union — represented at the G8 by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso — also has “serious concerns” about the reported large-scale surveillance of online data by U.S. authorities, European Commission Vice President Viviane Reding said.

Rhodes said on Friday that the president would defend the programs, which also came under fire from civil libertarians in the United States.

“We certainly understand that — like the United States — countries in Europe have significant interests in privacy and civil liberties, so we will want to hear their questions and have an exchange about these programs and other counterterrorism programs that we pursue in the United States and in partnership,” Rhodes said.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/europe/g8-summit/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/rNCc26hJfi4/g8-fire-up-our-economies

(CNN) — Celebrity chef Nigella Lawson and her children have moved out of their home as her husband denies a report that he attacked her.

In response to a tabloid’s photos showing Charles Saatchi reaching his hand across a table and apparently holding her neck, Saatchi told another newspaper Monday that there was no attack.

“About a week ago, we were sitting outside a restaurant having an intense debate about the children, and I held Nigella’s neck repeatedly while attempting to emphasize my point,” Saatchi, an art dealer and former advertising mogul, told The Evening Standard.

“There was no grip, it was a playful tiff. The pictures are horrific but give a far more drastic and violent impression of what took place. Nigella’s tears were because we both hate arguing, not because she had been hurt,” he added. “We had made up by the time we were home. The paparazzi were congregated outside our house after the story broke yesterday morning, so I told Nigella to take the kids off till the dust settled.”

Lawson’s spokesman said only, “Nigella and her children have moved out of the family home.”

Sunday People, part of the stable of tabloids published by the Mirror Group, published the photos Sunday of Lawson and Saatchi at a restaurant.

The tabloid’s website includes the caption: “Nigella Lawson attacked in public by Charles Saatchi.”

Police have not received a complaint of an assault.

In a statement, London’s Metropolitan Police said they are making inquiries to determine “whether an investigation is necessary.”

The restaurant involved told CNN that its employees did not witness any such incident.

Lawson’s Facebook page is filled with messages from fans expressing their support for her.

Lawson is known as the “queen of food porn.” She has written numerous successful cookbooks and hosted TV shows.

Watch a CNN interview with Nigella Lawson

CNN’s Richard Greene and Bharati Naik contributed to this report.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/uk-lawson-inquiry/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/-ZKF2Nmp-kc/nigella-lawsons-husband-denies-attack

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Nelson Mandela, now 94, endured 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa’s first president from 1994 to 1999. Pictured, Mandela in Mmabatho for an election rally on March 15, 1994.

Mandela married his second wife, social worker Winnie Madikizela, in 1958. At the time, he was an active member of the African National Congress and had begun his lifelong commitment to ending segregation in South Africa.

In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to overthrow South Africa’s apartheid regime. Here, his wife, Winnie, leaves the courtroom after the verdict.

Winnie Mandela addresses a crowd of supporters in Johannesburg in 1988, standing in front of a pile of cards addressed to her husband at an event marking his 70th birthday. She led an international campaign calling for his release.

Nelson and Winnie Mandela raise their fists to salute a cheering crowd upon his 1990 release from Victor Verster Prison. He was still as upright and proud, he would say, as the day he walked into prison 27 years before.

A jubilant South African holds up a newspaper announcing Mandela’s release from prison at an ANC rally in Soweto on February 11, 1990.

Mandela attends a rally celebrating his release from jail at Soweto Soccer City stadium on February 13, 1990. More than 100,000 people attended the event.

Mandela and Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda arrive at an ANC rally on March 3, 1990, in Lusaka, Zambia. Mandela was elected president of the ANC the next year.

After his release in 1990, Mandela embarked on a world tour, meeting U.S. President George Bush at the White House in June.

At his Soweto home on July 18, 1990, Mandela blows out the candles on his 72nd birthday cake. It was the first birthday he celebrated as a free man since the 1960s.

South African President Frederik de Klerk, right, and Mandela shared a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their work to secure a peaceful transition from apartheid rule.

An estimated 40,000 ANC supporters listen to Mandela’s address during a 1994 rally ahead of South Africa’s general election.

Mandela was elected president in the first open election in South African history on April 29, 1994. He’s pictured here taking the oath at his inauguration in May, becoming the nation’s first black president.

After one term as president, Mandela stepped down. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, at right, was sworn in as his replacement in June 1999.

Mandela was sent to the infamous Robben Island, a prison five miles off the coast of South Africa, where he would spend 18 of his 27 years behind bars. His cell is shown here in 2003.

Mandela sits outside his former prison cell on Robben Island on November 28, 2003 ahead of his AIDS benefit concert at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

The “46664 – Give One Minute of Your Life to AIDS” concert was held on November 29, 2003. 46664 was Mandela’s identification number in prison.

Mandela shows something to a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, May 2004.

Mandela welcomes a group of international journalists visiting the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg in May 2004.

Mandela throws a rose on the grave of his son Makgatho in Qunu on January 15, 2005. He disclosed that his son had died of AIDS and said the disease should be given publicity so people would stop viewing it as extraordinary.

The “46664 Arctic” benefit concert was held in Tromso, Norway, on June 11, 2005. Mandela is pictured here surrounded by artists who performed at the event.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton leans down to whisper to former South African President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation on July 19, 2007 in Johannesburg.

A bronze statue of Mandela was unveiled in Parliament Square in London on August 29, 2007. The 9-foot statue faces the Houses of Parliament.

Mandela poses with the Webb Ellis Cup during the Springboks rugby team’s visit to his Johannesburg home on October 27, 2007. South Africa became the holders of the cup after defeating England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.

Mandela leaves the InterContinental Hotel after a photoshoot with celebrity photographer Terry O’Neil on June 26, 2008 in London, England.

Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday at a celebration in July 2008 in his rural village.

Mandela meets in 2009 with international children as part of his 46664 Foundation, named after the number he wore while imprisoned for 27 years.

Mandela votes April 2009 in South Africa’s fourth democratic election.

South African defender Aaron Mokoena presents a jersey for the national team to Mandela when meeting before a semifinal match against Brazil, June 2009.

An inmate at the Groot Drakenstein Prison in February 2010 cleans the base of a bronze statue depicting Mandela walking to freedom in 1990. Mandela spent his final months of imprisonment in a private house at Groot Drakenstein.

Nelson Mandela and his third wife, Graca Machel, arrive at the 2010 World Cup before the final match between Netherlands and Spain on July 11, 2010, at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto.

Surrounded by family members, Mandela celebrates his 92nd birthday at his home in Johannesburg on July 18, 2010.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Mandela, 94, at his home in Qunu, South Africa, on August 6, 2012.

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(CNN) — The family of former South African leader Nelson Mandela is overwhelmed with support as the 94-year-old remains hospitalized in serious condition.

“So much love and generosity from South Africans, Africans across the continent, and thousands more from across the world, have come our way to lighten the burden of anxiety; bringing us love, comfort and hope,” former first lady Graca Machel said in a statement Monday.

She said well-wishers have sent messages via e-mail, social media, cards and flowers. Some sang for the family outside the Mandela home.

The whole world prays for one man

Zuma: Mandela responding to treatment

Mandela still ‘serious, but stable’

“We have felt the closeness of the world and the deepest meaning of strength and peace,” Machel said.

Mandela has been in serious condition since he was rushed to a Pretoria hospital June 8 with a recurring lung infection.

On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health has shown improvement despite his still being in a serious condition, the South African Press Association reported.

Mandela has been in and out of hospitals in recent years. His history of lung problems dates back to when he was a political prisoner on Robben Island during the apartheid era, and he has battled respiratory infections over the years.

He has not appeared in public since South Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010.

Last year, he spent the Christmas holidays undergoing treatment for a lung infection and gallstones, one of his longest hospital stays since his release from prison in 1990.

Read: Mandela’s friend says ‘it’s time to let him go’

Read: Mandela’s unusual tributes: bird, nuclear particle named after him

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/africa/south-africa-mandela/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/T5oVdUhGBis/mandelas-wife-stirred-by-global-support

Baghdad (CNN) — A string of attacks across central Iraq on Monday killed at least a dozen people and wounded more than 50 others.

At least seven people were killed and 20 others wounded when a bomb exploded inside a popular coffee shop in al-Taji, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Baghdad on Monday morning, authorities said.

Taji is a predominantly Sunni district.

Separately, a roadside bomb exploded at a police patrol and killed two people and wounded three others in Thiraa Dijla, about 10 kilometers north of Baghdad, police told CNN.

And in Falluja, west of Baghdad, a suicide bomber wearing a police uniform walked into an election center and detonated an explosives-filled vest, killing three and wounding 30 others. Most of the dead were members of the Iraqi police.

The violence comes on a special voting day for security forces, police and others to cast votes ahead of provincial elections.

Security forces are on high alert.

Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/17/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/DoiEjs6-TFg/7-dead-in-bombing-at-popular-iraq-cafe

(CNN) — Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese activist whose dramatic escape from house arrest last year provoked a diplomatic firestorm between Washington and Beijing, said he is being forced to leave New York University over fears his presence there is affecting the university’s relationship with China.

In a statement released Monday, Chen said that New York University had asked him and his family to leave before the end of June.

“In fact, as early as last August and September, the Chinese Communists had already begun to apply great, unrelenting pressure on New York University,” Chen said. “So much so that after we had been in the United States just three to four months, NYU was already starting to discuss our departure with us.”

Chinese dissident: Family being harassed

Chen Guangcheng: Nephew is ‘scapegoat’

Chinese activist’s family carry scars

Retracing Chen Guangcheng’s escape

Chen claimed in the statement that NYU was bowing to pressure from China. According to the New York Post, which first raised the allegations, NYU is currently working closely with China to establish a Shanghai campus.

“The work of the Chinese Communists within academic circles in the United States is far greater than what people imagine, and some scholars have no option but to hold themselves back,” Chen said in the statement. “Academic independence and academic freedom in the United States are being greatly threatened by a totalitarian regime.”

In 2012: Chen’s in-depth interview with CNN after escape

NYU, meanwhile, issued its own statement denying Chen’s allegations.

“From the beginning, NYU was happy to welcome Mr Chen and his family to the US and to help them embrace the beginning of their new life,” said the school’s spokesman John Beckman. “We are very discouraged to learn of Mr. Chen’s statement, which contains a number of speculations about the role of the Chinese government in NYU’s decision-making that are both false and contradicted by the well-established facts.”

According to the university, Chen’s fellowship had only ever been designed as a one-year assignment.

“Mr. Chen’s fellowship at NYU and its conclusion have had nothing to do with the Chinese government. All fellowships come to an end. Even before his arrival, Mr. Chen’s fellowship was discussed as a one-year experience,” Beckman said.

“Mr. Chen now has two extremely attractive offers for his next institutional affiliation. We began talking with the Chens about the coming transition in their living arrangements months ago, not because of some fictional ‘pressure’ from China, but so that they could use the months to make their transition a smooth one. It is disappointing to us that that period was not used more wisely.”

He said the university was “puzzled and saddened” by the allegations but would continue to work with the Chens to help them with their transition.

Activist blasts nephew’s conviction

Chen Guangcheng — an activist and a self-taught ‘barefoot lawyer’ – gained international recognition in 2005 when he organized a landmark class-action lawsuit against authorities in Linyi, Shandong province, for excessive enforcement of China’s one-child policy, including allegations of forced abortions and sterilizations.

He was placed under house arrest in September 2005 and in 2006 was sentenced to four years and three months jail for “damaging property and organizing a mob to disturb traffic.”

Even though he was released in 2010, he remained under house arrest until his dramatic escape in April 2012 when he scaled the wall of his house, penetrated the security cordon around his house and managed to flee to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

While Chen and his immediate family secured visas to the U.S., his remaining relatives in China say until recently they have been subject to continued harassment by Chinese authorities.

Chen’s brother, Chen Guangfu, told CNN this month that authorities had only just issued he and his mother passports after previous applications had been rejected. He said continued pressure from his brother to publicize their treatment had helped to stop the harassment.

“The authorities were trying to intimidate us but their tactics backfired when the incidents received worldwide attention,” Chen Guangfu told CNN.

He added that while he and his mother had no immediate plans to visit Guangcheng in the United States, they wanted to make the trip “sooner rather than later” because of their mother’s advanced age.

Asked whether NYU was responding to pressure from China, Hua Chunying, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said the ministry was not aware of anything unusual in Chen’s situation.

“As far as I know, Chen Guangcheng went to study abroad as an ordinary Chinese citizen after completing formalities in accordance with law. I’m not aware of (the situation you mentioned) — I’m not sure if you got wrong information or Chen Guangcheng is fabricating stories.”

Background: Chen begins fellowship at NYU

CNN’s Steven Jiang in Beijing and CNN’s Dominique Dodley contributed to this report.

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Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs vies for the ball with Mike Miller of the Miami Heat on Sunday, June 16. The Spurs won Game 5 and lead the series 3-2.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Boris Diaw of the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs won 114-104.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat goes for a layup as Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs stands helpless.

The Heat’s LeBron James gets a breather in the fourth quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs

Ray Allen of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs.

Dwyane Wade goes up for a dunk over Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots under pressure from Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs runs into tight defense from Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Shane Battier of of the Miami Heat.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs sits on the scorer’s table.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs wrestle for the ball.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Ray Allen of the Miami Heat.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Shane Battier of the Miami Heat in the first half.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat grapple over a loose ball.

Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs dunks.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot as Ray Allen of the Miami Heat looks on.

Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat boxes out Danny Green in the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat dunks in front of Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Ray Allen of the Miami Heat in the second quarter.

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call with referee Tony Brothers.

The Heat’s Ray Allen lays against the basket in the second quarter.

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(CNN) — The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from winning the 2013 NBA championship after a 114-104 victory over the Miami Heat in Game Five of the Finals.

Spurs star guard Tony Parker showed no signs of the hamstring injury which hampered him during Game Four, scoring 26 points to delight the AT T Center crowd.

“It was a physical game. Great game. I was just trying to pace myself better, if I can say that, during the game,” the Frenchman told reporters.

“Or else I’d be out of gas like I did in Game Four, where in the second half I didn’t have enough juice and my hamstring was kind of fatigued. In this game I was trying to take my time and it helped.”

Miami Heat players LeBron James and Dwayne Wade hug after the Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 109-93 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, June 13. The series is tied at 2-2. See photos from Game 3.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat tries to pass around Manu Ginobili during the fourth quarter.

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat drives past Manu Ginobili in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Miami’s Norris Cole in the second half of the game.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Chris Bosh in the third quarter.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat battles for the ball against Tim Duncan of the Spurs in the first half.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs reacts in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat takes a shot over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs’ Tony Parker lays the ball up against Udonis Haslem of the Heat.

LeBron James boxes out Kawhi Leonard.

LeBron James of the Heat defends the ball against Kawhi Leonard.

The Heat’s Chris Bosh goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan, left, and Manu Ginobili.

Tim Duncan of the Spurs puts pressure on LeBron James as he vies for position.

Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first quarter.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs loses his footing as Dwayne Wade goes for the ball.

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Photos: Game 4 of the NBA Finals

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates with teammate Gary Neal as they take on the Miami Heat during Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 11, in San Antonio. The Spurs defeated the Heat 113-77 and lead the series 2-1. See photos from Game 2.

From left, Miami Heat’s Mike Miller, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James talk during a break in the game.

Miami’s Chris Andersen goes for a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, right, and Danny Green, left.

San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Miami’s LeBron James battle for position.

Gary Neal of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Mike Miller of the Miami Heat during the second quarter.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer. Green has hit 12 straight threes going back to Game 2 and finished with 27 on the night.

Cory Joseph of the San Antonio Spurs and Norris Cole of the Miami Heat go after a loose ball in the second half.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat face off in Game 3 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Tuesday, June 11, in San Antonio.

Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles under pressure from Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat.

Manu Ginobili, right, congratulates Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs after scoring during the first half.

Chris Bosh, left, and LeBron James, center, of the Miami Heat box out Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs drives on Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat reacts after a call in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat looks to pass as he is guarded by Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Udonis Haslem, center, and Chris Bosh, left, of the Miami Heat.

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Photos: Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Mike Miller of the Miami Heat reacts after making a three-pointer in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2 of the 2013 NBA Finals on Sunday, June 9, in Miami. The Heat defeated the Spurs 103-84 to tie the series 1-1. See photos from Game 1.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs bows his head while taking on the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat tries to drive around Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs uses a screen from Tim Duncan to get around LeBron James of the Miami Heat in the third quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot against Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat shoots over Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs during Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs go after a loose ball.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat during Game 2.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs makes a three-pointer over Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat in the first quarter.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat drives against Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot between Chris Bosh, left, and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket against Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

It’s a packed-in crowd at Game 2 of the 2013 NBA finals at American Airlines Arena in Miami.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat go for the jump ball at the start of Game 2.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat reacts in the first quarter while taking on the San Antonio Spurs.

Chris Andersen of the Miami Heat dunks the ball in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.

Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a three-pointer in the first quarter against the Miami Heat.

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot over Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat blocks the shot of Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter.

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Photos: Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Read: LeBron and Kobe among top-paid athletes

Argentine Manu Ginobili turned in his finest performance of the series so far, adding 24 points and 10 assists.

The Spurs opened up a 20-point lead in the third quarter, with the crowd showing their appreciation with chants of “Ma-nu” as Gregg Popovich’s team closed on a first NBA title since 2007.

“I was having a tough time scoring, and I needed to feel like the game was coming to me, and I was being able to attack the rim, get to the free-throw line, and make a couple of shots,” said Ginobli.

“So it felt great when I heard that. To feel that I really helped the team to get that 20-point lead, it was a much-needed moment in the series. So I’m glad to see it happen.”

For the Heat, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade both scored 25 points as Miami continued a run which has seen the 2012 champions alternate between wins and losses over its last 12 playoff games.

Tuesday’s Game Six will see the series return to Miami’s American Airlines Arena, which will also stage Game Seven if it is required.

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