The World

10 ESSENTIAL STORIES

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    As Japan attempts to reduce its budget deficit and revive a listless economy, the results of a July 11 election for seats in the upper house of the country's parliament proved grim for those seeking progress. The party of recently appointed Prime Minister Naoto Kan lost its majority in the chamber, though it remains in control of the lower house. A "twisted parliament"--Japan's term for a divided legislature--will do little to resolve pressing policy concerns or lift the country, which has had five Prime Ministers in the past four years, out of its political doldrums.

    7 | Gulf Of Mexico

    Government Issues New Drilling Ban

    The Interior Department issued a new moratorium on deep-water drilling after two courts rejected a ban put in place following the April 20 oil spill. The prohibition blocks the use of specific equipment instead of setting limits on drilling depths, a major point of contention with the earlier ban. Drilling-service companies are expected to challenge the new order, in effect until Nov. 30.

    8 | Cuba

    Castro Makes Rare Television Appearance

    Former President Fidel Castro appeared on state television on July 11 to give one of his first interviews since undergoing intestinal surgery four years ago. Castro criticized U.S. involvement in the Middle East and warned of a looming nuclear war involving the U.S., Iran and North Korea. The interview came hours before Raúl Castro, who succeeded his brother in 2008, released seven dissidents who were jailed in a 2003 government crackdown. The prisoners were flown to Spain; 45 more are expected to be released in the coming months.

    9 | Afghanistan

    Manhunt Under Way for Rogue Soldier

    In the early hours of July 13, an Afghan army soldier accompanying NATO troops in insurgency-ravaged Helmand province opened fire on his camp, slaying three British soldiers. While coalition troops search for the gunman, who fled into the night, the Taliban claim that he has joined their ranks. A reliable Afghan army is essential to any U.K. or U.S. plan for withdrawal; a similar attack last November killed five British personnel.

    10 | Italy

    Taking Down the Don

    On July 13, authorities arrested more than 300 alleged members of an Italian crime syndicate, including corrupt civil servants and business officials and the supposed top boss, Domenico Oppedisano. The operation made a serious dent in the hierarchical structure of the 'Ndrangheta, one of Italy's most powerful criminal mobs. More than 3,000 agents participated in the raid, which also turned up $76 million worth of cash and property. Extensive wiretaps--a hot topic as the Italian Parliament debates placing limits on such intercepts--led to charges of murder, drugs and arms trafficking, as well as other crimes.

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