U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement on health care reform to the media on the South Drive near the Oval Office of the White House in Washington May 13, 2009. With Obama are (L-R) Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Vice President Joe Biden, Rep. George Miller (D-CA), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY). REUTERS/Jason ReedObama Seeks To Block Release Of Abuse Photos -- Yahoo News/AP
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama declared Monday he would try to block the court-ordered release of photos showing U.S. troops abusing prisoners, abruptly reversing his position out of concern the pictures would "further inflame anti-American opinion" and endanger U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The White House had said last month it would not oppose an appeals court ruling that set a May 28 deadline for releasing dozens of photos from military investigations of alleged misconduct.
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MIDDLE EAST
Pope calls for Palestinian homeland, laments 'tragic' wall. Pope Benedict XVI supports Palestinian state and criticises Israeli barrier.
Mideast’s Christians declining in influence.
Israel delays plan to quit Lebanon border town.
US military releases names of victims of Iraq murder.
New threat for Iraqi military: Drop in oil prices.
Violence rises in Iraq’s tense north.
Slaughter in Sri Lanka as makeshift hospital is shelled for second day. Tamils in conflict zone in Sri Lanka have little food.
Slender lead for India's Congress as voting ends.
Megacities threaten to choke India.
Suicide bomb kills 7, wounds 21 in Afghanistan.
Pakistani commandos target Taliban bases.
U.S. open to limited direct dialogue with North Korea: envoy.
Insurgents in Somalia attack Presidential compound.
Somalia 'worst drought in decade'.
Gun battle in Nigeria oil swamps. Angry Nigerians take to streets.
Nigerian militants warn oil firms to evacuate staff.
U.S. ships must post guards if sailing off Somalia.
Putin's ninth year in power (opinion).
Russia's Putin says would be pleased to meet Obama.
Russia may face wars over energy: Kremlin.
EU slaps a record fine on Intel.
Former Nazi death camp guard taken to German jail.
El Salvador grapples with rising bloodshed.
Slain lawyer's videotaped accusations stun Guatemala.
Uruguay to lift ban on gays in the military.
Peru gives refuge to 2 officials sought by Bolivia.
Only a third of UK terrorism arrests lead to charges.
Battle lines in
Violence rises in Iraq’s tense north.
ASIA
Slaughter in Sri Lanka as makeshift hospital is shelled for second day. Tamils in conflict zone in Sri Lanka have little food.
Slender lead for India's Congress as voting ends.
Megacities threaten to choke India.
Suicide bomb kills 7, wounds 21 in Afghanistan.
Pakistani commandos target Taliban bases.
U.S. open to limited direct dialogue with North Korea: envoy.
AFRICA
Insurgents in Somalia attack Presidential compound.
Somalia 'worst drought in decade'.
Gun battle in Nigeria oil swamps. Angry Nigerians take to streets.
Nigerian militants warn oil firms to evacuate staff.
U.S. ships must post guards if sailing off Somalia.
EUROPE
Putin's ninth year in power (opinion).
Russia's Putin says would be pleased to meet Obama.
Russia may face wars over energy: Kremlin.
EU slaps a record fine on Intel.
Former Nazi death camp guard taken to German jail.
AMERICAS
El Salvador grapples with rising bloodshed.
Slain lawyer's videotaped accusations stun Guatemala.
Uruguay to lift ban on gays in the military.
Peru gives refuge to 2 officials sought by Bolivia.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Only a third of UK terrorism arrests lead to charges.
Battle lines in
Gun battle in Nigeria oil swamps. Angry Nigerians take to streets.
Nigerian militants warn oil firms to evacuate staff.
U.S. ships must post guards if sailing off Somalia.
Putin's ninth year in power (opinion).
Russia's Putin says would be pleased to meet Obama.
Russia may face wars over energy: Kremlin.
EU slaps a record fine on Intel.
Former Nazi death camp guard taken to German jail.
El Salvador grapples with rising bloodshed.
Slain lawyer's videotaped accusations stun Guatemala.
Uruguay to lift ban on gays in the military.
Peru gives refuge to 2 officials sought by Bolivia.
Only a third of UK terrorism arrests lead to charges.
Battle lines in torture debate harden.
Release of Yemeni held at Guantanamo ordered.
Breathing easier after bank stress tests? You shouldn't.
U.S. eyes bank pay overhaul.
GM, Chrysler to cut up to 3,000 dealers: sources.
EU's half-baked bank test won't end stress: Paul Taylor.
Germany launches 'Bad Bank' plan.
Eurozone industrial output plunges.
Nigerian militants warn oil firms to evacuate staff.
U.S. ships must post guards if sailing off Somalia.
EUROPE
Putin's ninth year in power (opinion).
Russia's Putin says would be pleased to meet Obama.
Russia may face wars over energy: Kremlin.
EU slaps a record fine on Intel.
Former Nazi death camp guard taken to German jail.
AMERICAS
El Salvador grapples with rising bloodshed.
Slain lawyer's videotaped accusations stun Guatemala.
Uruguay to lift ban on gays in the military.
Peru gives refuge to 2 officials sought by Bolivia.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Only a third of UK terrorism arrests lead to charges.
Battle lines in torture debate harden.
Release of Yemeni held at Guantanamo ordered.
FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS
Breathing easier after bank stress tests? You shouldn't.
U.S. eyes bank pay overhaul.
GM, Chrysler to cut up to 3,000 dealers: sources.
EU's half-baked bank test won't end stress: Paul Taylor.
Germany launches 'Bad Bank' plan.
Eurozone industrial output plunges.