World in brief: Report criticizes strategy on N. Korea
WASHINGTON – A muddled U.S. strategy on confronting North Korea’s nuclear ambitions could lead to acceptance of the North as an atomic power, according to a report being released today by a leading American think tank.
The Center on Foreign Relations report calls the Obama administration’s efforts to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons programs vague and halfhearted.
Several U.S. envoys divide responsibilities for pressuring the North on nuclear negotiations, human rights and sanctions enforcement, the report says, “with no clear evidence that these discreet missions are backed by a sense of urgency or priority at senior levels in the administration.”
Congressman issues
apology over video
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Democratic congressman apologized Monday after video posted online showed him swatting at the camera, demanding that two men taping him identify themselves and grabbing one of them by the wrist and neck.
“I deeply and profoundly regret my reaction and I apologize to all involved,” Rep. Bob Etheridge of North Carolina said in a statement. “No matter how intrusive and partisan our politics can become, this does not justify a poor response.”
The video was posted on websites owned by Andrew Breitbart, the conservative Web entrepreneur who also released video of workers for the community organizing group ACORN counseling actors posing as a pimp and prostitute.
Paul not certified
by profession’s group
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rand Paul, who touts his career as a Kentucky eye doctor as part of his outsider credentials in his campaign for U.S. Senate, isn’t certified by his profession’s leading group.
The libertarian-leaning Republican helped create a rival certification group more than a decade ago. He said the group has since recertified several hundred ophthalmologists, despite not being recognized the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Paul said he helped form the rival group because the established organization exempted older ophthalmologists from recertification, which he likened to members of Congress passing laws that don’t apply to themselves.
Jackon’s doctor
keeps medical license
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s family sat solemnly across the courtroom from the doctor charged in the death of the pop legend, listening as a judge said Monday he could not suspend Dr. Conrad Murray’s medical license in California and that it could take months for the case to go to trial.
“I want to give this case priority,” Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said. “It is a very serious matter for Dr. Murray, for the Jackson family and the community at large.”
Pastor said the schedules of everyone involved in the case required that a preliminary hearing be moved back to at least Aug. 23.