Divisions in Libya widen after ex-leader flees
TRIPOLI, Libya – The ousted prime minister fled Libya to Europe after parliament voted him out, leaving behind a country that risks being torn apart as the fault line between its eastern and western regions broke open Wednesday to a degree unseen since the 2011 civil war that ousted longtime strongman Moammar Gadhafi.
A western-based militia fighting in the name of parliament has launched an offensive against an autonomy-minded militia in the east that has for months occupied most of Libya’s crucial oil facilities – seizing virtual control of the country’s most vital resource and almost sole source of cash.
In response to the offensive other militias in the east are rallying to fight back. Eastern leaders have warned that unless Tripoli backs down, they will seek outright independence for their region rather than greater autonomy.
Judge drops charges against Indian envoy
NEW YORK – A federal judge has dismissed charges against an Indian diplomat whose New York arrest and strip search spurred an international flap.
A ruling filed Wednesday says Devyani Khobragade had diplomatic immunity when she was indicted on charges of fraudulently obtaining a work visa for her housekeeper and lying about the maid’s pay.
But the ruling leaves open the possibility prosecutors could bring a new indictment against her. The U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan hasn’t commented on its plans.
Khobragade’s attorney, Daniel Arshack, says she feels the rule of law prevailed.
Military working on new fitness tests
FORT STEWART, Ga. – Military researchers put dozens of soldiers, both women and men, through a series of drills Wednesday aimed at helping the Army develop a unisex test to decide which troops are fit for combat, regardless of gender.
Fort Stewart spent weeks training volunteers 89 men and 58 women in performing tasks the Army considers essential for troops on front lines, from dragging a wounded comrade to safety to loading 65 pound anti-tank missiles.
The Pentagon plans to begin opening combat jobs to women as early as 2016. Commanders want to break from longtime gauges of physical fitness and devise a test that more accurately mimics the most strenuous tasks that combat troops perform.
Associated Press
