In this photo released by the U.S. Marines and taken in December 2010, Lance Cpl. Dakota Hicks, from Laharpe, Ill., connects a radio battery to a portable solar panel communication system in Sangin District, in Afghanistan.The U.S. military is trying to wean itself off reliance on fossil fuels by employing solar energy and biofuels, among other measures.
U.S. Military Tests Out Green Tech In Afghanistan
()Saving money and lives, as well as improving national security, are the goals behind a U.S. military initiative to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. At one outpost in remote Afghanistan, Marines are using solar power; the Navy is also experimenting with biofuels.
Middle East
In Syria, Arab League Observers Caught In Crossfire()
December 29, 2011 An Arab League monitoring mission is visiting Homs and Hama, major centers of Syria's anti-government uprising, and witnessed violence firsthand. Activists say at least 40 protesters were killed by security forces Thursday. The presence of the monitors has emboldened the protesters, who are chronicling their struggle in videos.
The Two-Way
Iran Much In Mind As U.S. Wraps Up $30B Sale Of Fighters To Saudi Arabia()
December 29, 2011 America and its allies are looking to further isolate and pressure Iran so long as that Persian nation continues to be a threat to others in the region.
Business
Gas Pains? U.S. Diesel, Gas Exports Surpass Imports()
December 29, 2011 For the first time since Harry Truman was president, the country is exporting more petroleum products than it imports. Domestic demand for diesel and gasoline is down while production is up. That's made it difficult for some refineries to stay in business.
Hard Times: A Journey Across America
In Katrina's Wake, New Orleans Enjoys Startup Boom()
December 29, 2011 New Orleans has long been known as one of America's hardest luck cities, struggling over the years with poverty, crime, corruption and tragic disaster. But the city's darkest days have sparked a surprising new entrepreneurial spirit.
The Two-Way
Petraeus Did Not Consider Quitting Over Afghan Drawdown, Author Says()
December 29, 2011 An Associated Press report about Paula Broadwell's new book led with the "news" that Petraeus "almost resigned." But that was wrong. Friends encouraged him to do that, she says, but Petraeus did not consider it.
Middle East
Egyptian Forces Raid Offices Of Rights Groups()
December 29, 2011 Egypt said the raids were part of an investigation into foreign funding of rights groups, including a well-known U.S.-based organization. The Obama administration demanded an immediate halt to the raids, and activists said they showed the military has not changed since Hosni Mubarak was deposed.
The Picture Show
Snow-Wash: North Korea Doctored Photo Of Kim's Funeral()
December 29, 2011 The North Korean Central News Agency apparently deployed its latest weapon — Photoshop — to digitally remove a small group of mourners from the left edge of the funeral photo. The people watching Wednesday's procession were replaced by pristine snow.
The Two-Way
Verizon Will Charge $2 To Pay Bill Online Or By Phone()
December 29, 2011 Verizon said it will waive the "convenience fee" for those mailing a check or those on auto-pay.
