Relatives in Indonesia waiting for news about a missing jetliner broke down in tears Tuesday after learning that senior Indonesian officials erroneously reported the Boeing 737’s charred wreckage had been found and that a dozen people may have survived. The Adam Air plane carrying 102 people sent out two distress signals Monday. Three of those aboard were American citizens, the U.S. Embassy said.
Report: Iraqi toll tops 12K
Iraq reported Tuesday that more than 12,000 civilians were killed last year–the third full year since the U.S.-led invasion–with a dramatic rise in the last three months, when 5,000 died. Only about half as many Iraqi soldiers died in 2006 as American troops. But the number of Iraqi security forces killed jumps to 1,539, nearly double the American death count of 823 for the year.
No stampedes as Hajj closes
Muslims circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, for a final time Tuesday, bringing to a close what may have been the largest hajj pilgrimage ever. There were none of the deadly stampedes that have marred past pilgrimages. This year’s hajj took place at a time of crises around the Islamic world and Saudi authorities had warned against any political demonstrations during the five-day pilgrimage.
Blair: Britain backs Iraq plan
Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday that his country must carry through its commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007 while he continues a personal quest to revive the peace process in the Middle East. Thousands of British soldiers are expected to be withdrawn from Iraq this year as they transfer control of two provinces to Iraqi forces, Defense Secretary Des Browne said in November.
AND FINALLY
Wardrobe malfunction in Japan
Dancers in skin-colored body suits had Japanese national broadcaster NHK
apologizing to viewers for what was reminiscent of a Janet Jackson-style wardrobe malfunction during its New Year’s Eve music special. The dancers, who all appeared to be topless and wore skimpy bikini-style bottoms and feathered head-dresses, covered the stage during a performance by singer DJ OZMA, prompting about 250 viewers to phone in and complain.
