Bailouts Could Cost U.S. $23 Trillion -- PoliticoA series of bailouts, bank rescues and other economic lifelines could end up costing the federal government as much as $23 trillion, the U.S. government’s watchdog over the effort says – a staggering amount that is nearly double the nation’s entire economic output for a year.
If the feds end up spending that amount, it could be more than the federal government has spent on any single effort in American history.
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MIDDLE EAST
Baghdad bombs kill 11, vehicle ban in Anbar region. 18 dead in Iraq attacks.
U.S. Troops Complain of limits in Iraq.
West Bank lifts ban on al-Jazeera.
Israel to evacuate all outposts in a day: report.
Skirmish in south Lebanon reignites tension.
ASIA
Japan PM urges voters to say no to change. More news here.
U.S. strengthens Southeast Asia ties, playing catch-up to China.
Clinton worried about North Korean ties to Myanmar. More news here.
China says it has evidence deadly Uighur uprisings were coordinated.
China Web sites close amid tightening controls.
Australian travelers warned as Bali steps up security. Australia warns of more terrorist attacks in Indonesia.
No plans for Taiwan-China military meeting.
AFRICA
African Union extends Darfur mission.
Sudan refers Chad to U.N. over air raid accusation.
Nigeria police 'killed civilians'.
Mineral firms 'fuel Congo unrest'.
Kenya boosts Somali border force.
EUROPE
Silvio Berlusconi sex scandal deepens with latest audio tape.
Georgia seeking US monitors on conflict lines.
Second Turkish 'plot' trial opens.
Spanish minister to visit disputed Gibraltar.
Global health officials mull how to slow swine flu.
AMERICAS
Mexican government crackdown on cartels as 5,500 troops descend on state at centre of drug war.
U.S. offers up to $50 million for Mexican cartel members.
Nicaragua's Ortega eyes recall, end to term limits. Despite Honduran crisis, Nicaraguan President Ortega launches bid to extend his term.
Chavez objects to more US troops in Colombia.
Venezuela's anti-drug efforts fall short, U.S. says.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Head of Nato warns Afghan mission failure will boost terrorism.
Mumbai gunman describes indoctrination in Pakistan.
Reports on U.S. detention policy will be delayed. More news here and here.
ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS
U.S. bailouts could cost U.S. $23 trillion.
Experts warn of new credit crunch in Germany.
US state budgets hit by shrinking tax take.