Meet the new “caretaker” leader of al Qaeda

An Egyptian who was once a Special Forces officer has been chosen “caretaker” leader of al Qaeda in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death, according to a source with detailed knowledge of the group’s inner workings. (more…)

U.S. interviews ‘hostile’ bin Laden widows, with Pakistan officials

Three of Osama bin Laden’s widows have been interviewed by U.S. intelligence officers under the supervision of Pakistani’s intelligence service, according to sources in both governments.

The women — who were all interviewed together this week — were “hostile” (more…)

Bin laden compound: Reuters releases death scene photos

Photographs acquired by Reuters and taken about an hour after the U.S. assault on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan show three dead men lying in pools of blood, but no weapons. (more…)

Bin Laden’s daughter confirms her father shot dead by US forces

Senior Pakistani security officials said Osama bin Laden’s daughter had confirmed her father was captured alive and shot dead by the US Special Forces during the first few minutes of the operation carried out at the huge compound in Bilal Town, Abbottabad. 
 
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Suspicious package in NY found not dangerous

New York City authorities briefly shut down a street in Times Square after investigating a suspicious package on Monday which turned out not to be dangerous, the city’s fire department said. (more…)

The military town where bin Laden hid in plain sight

One week ago, the chief of Pakistan’s Army Staff, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, told graduating cadets in the city of Abbottabad that the “back of terrorism” in Pakistan had been broken, thanks to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s soldiers. (more…)

Pope calls on world to keep Christians safe

Pope Benedict has asked governments to do more to ensure Christians can practice their faith without discrimination or violence.

He also called on Pakistan to repeal its anti-blasphemy laws.

Pope Benedict used his annual address to ambassadors to the Holy See to lobby for religious freedoms for Christians living in majority-Muslim countries. (more…)

Governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province assassinated

The governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his own security guard Tuesday, according to Interior Minister Rehman Malik, in an incident apparently related to Pakistan’s blasphemy law. (more…)

Analysis: Strains in Egypt-Iran ties affect Gaza aid

Strains in Egypt’s ties with Iran have come in the way of the delivery of humanitarian aid that is being ferried by Asian peace activists, the majority of whom are Indians, to the besieged Palestinians residing in Gaza.

The humanitarian aid caravan which began its journey from Rajghat in New Delhi has now passed through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria. (more…)

Pakistan suicide bomber was a woman

A woman covered in a head-to-foot burqa carried out a suicide bombing that killed more than 40 people in Pakistan, government officials said on Sunday, adding to security challenges confronting the U.S. ally. (more…)