US President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that his administration will place a $500,000 cap on executive compensation for companies receiving "exceptional assistance" from the federal government. The statement came in conjnction with an announcement from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner , highlighting increased restrictions on financial institutions receiving government assistance. The US Treasury Department outlined restrictions, [...]

The court martial for seven Polish soldiers accused of killing six civilians in Afghanistan began Tuesday in Poland. The solders are being prosecuted for violating provisions of Geneva Conventions , which provide protection for civilian villages that pose no threat to soldiers. Prosecutor Jakub Mytych claimed in his opening statement that the seven soldiers launched [...]

The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed Wednesday that a UK Army officer was arrested in Afghanistan and returned to the London for questioning on suspicion of revealing secret information to a human rights organization. Lt. Col. Owen McNally is accused of violating the Official Secrets Act 1989 by supplying civilian casualty figures to a [...]

The Manhattan Surrogate Court has ruled  that the surviving partner of a same-sex marriage performed in Canada is entitled to inherit the estate of a deceased spouse. The decision issued late last week leaves all of H. Kenneth Ranftle's estate to his surviving spouse, J. Craig Leiby. Judge Kristen Booth Glen wrote that she found [...]

International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said Tuesday that Palestinian National Authority (PNA)  president Mahmoud Abbas had petitioned the court to exercise jurisdiction over possible war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip, but indicated the tribunal would first have to consider whether the PNA qualifies for statehood under international law before addressing the allegations. Under the ICC's Rome Statute [...]

Some terror suspects living under control orders have managed to maintain contact with terror cells, the UK's counter-terrorism law ombudsman said in his fourth annual report Tuesday. Lord Carlile of Berriew found that even though in most instances a control order cannot be justified for longer than two years because suspects cease to be desirable [...]

The European Parliament on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution encouraging European Union (EU) member states to assist the closure of the the Guantanamo Bay military prison by accepting former prisoners for resettlement. The measure, which passed 542-55 with 51 abstentions, noted that though ultimate responsibility for the inmates lies with the US, EU member states [...]

Vice-chief of US Naval Operations Admiral Patrick Walsh will lead the assessment of operations at the Guantanamo Bay military prison, according to a Tuesday announcement by Pentagon Press Secretary, Geoff Morrell. Walsh was selected by Defense Secretary Robert Gates , to comply with President Barack Obama's January 22 executive order to close the facility within [...]

The European Union (EU) has concerns over the legality of a "Buy American" provision in a US economic stimulus package , according to a letter sent Monday to US officials by European Commission ambassador to Washington John Bruton Bruton also indicated that the EU would be prepared to take legal action if the provision were [...]

South Africa's Pietermaritzburg High Court announced Wednesday that the corruption trial of African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma and arms dealer Thint would be delayed until after the country's presidential election. The agreement calls for Zuma to apply for permanent stay of prosecution on May 18, and oral argument is scheduled for Aug. 25. [...]