The Cheat Sheet

Frontpage: Tuesday, May 29th 

1. Syrian Diplomats Expelled: Kofi Annan began negotiations in Syria on Monday in an effort to save his peace plan, while Russia, one of Syria’s allies, said the government should take most of the blame for the violence in Houla. Meanwhile Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Britain, and Italy all announced Tuesday that they would expel all Syrian diplomats immediately, a move coordinated with the U.S.’s hardline action.
2. 5.8 Quake Shakes Italy: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit northern Italy early Tuesday morning, killing at least 15 people and injuring another 200. The quake is the second to hit the region in nine days, after 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck on May 20 and left seven people dead and destroyed hundreds of buildings. 
3. Facebook Stock Falls to New Low: What’s worse than your stock tumbling after going public? Your stock tumbling some more. Facebook shares slid another 5 percent Tuesday, dropping the social network’s value about 21 percent since going public on May 18. Shares are now hovering around $30. 
4. Suu Kyi Makes Thailand Trip: Despite tensions with Burmese President Thein Sein, Democratic leader and activist Aung Sung Suu Kyi is making major strides in her new parliamentary role. The long-time political prisoner arrived in Thailand on Tuesday night—her first trip away from Burma in 24 years—where she is scheduled to meet with migrant workers, Burmese war refugees, and leaders at the World Economic Forum on East Asia. 
5. Al Qaeda’s No. 2 Afghan Killed: Al Qaeda’s second-highest leader in Afghanistan was killed by airstrikes carried out by NATO, the coalition confirmed on Tuesday. According to NATO, Sakhr al-Taifi was responsible for commanding foreign insurgents in Afghanistan and has also been credited with directing attacks against NATO and Afghan forces.

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Photo via picturedept:

Photo of the Day: May 28, 2012

Flood of Memories

A woman is reflected in the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Brendan Smialowski, AFP / Getty Images)

PHOTO OF THE DAY ARCHIVE

Frontpage: Monday, May 7th

1. Polls Open in Syrian Elections: Syria held elections Monday as violence continued in the country, where more than 9,000 people have died since a popular uprising began more than a year ago. The vote for seats in the country’s 250-seat Parliament was a sham, members of the opposition against President Bashar al-Assad said. 
2. Al Qaeda Video Shows U.S. Hostage: A video showing Warren Weinstein, a 70-year-old American citizen who was kidnapped in Pakistan last year, surfaced on Islamist websites Sunday. “My life is in your hands, Mr. President,” the al Qaeda captive said in the video, addressing President Obama. “If you accept the demands, I live. If you don’t accept the demands, I die.” 
3. EU Stocks Shake Election Hangover: German Chancellor Angela Markel instilled a small measure of confidence in European investors Monday, saying she would welcome newly elected French President Francois Hollande with “open arms.” 
4. Duncan Supports Gay Marriage: One day after Vice President Joe Biden expressed his support for gay marriage, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said he too believes couples of the same sex should be allowed to wed. 
5. 400 Arrested as Putin Returns: Hundreds of opposition protesters were detained in Russia Monday as Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president after serving four years as prime minister. Outside, however, 20,000 people rallied in a demonstration against the former KGB spy that turned violent when protesters and police fought with batons and flagpoles. 

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Photo: A runner makes his way along a trail in view of the “supermoon” at Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ. (Darryl Webb, Reuters / Landov)