Mars could be next frontier
If humans ever get to Mars, what might they do there" Would they use spare weapons-grade plutonium to heat up the red planet to a more Earth-like temperature, as one fanciful-sounding plan suggested"

US'Spirit rolls onto Martian soil
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists sent the robotic rover Spirit out for its first spin on martian soil yesterday, commanding the six-wheeled vehicle to roll off its landing platform a dozen days after it arrived on the red planet.

Afghan women silenced after TV singing debut
The video was old and the song well-known, but the sight of an Afghan woman "clad in a shiny red dress and simple headscarf "singing on Afghan television sparked a wave of excitement and a backlash of conservative outrage.

ROK foreign minister quits amid row
SEOUL: The Republic of Korea's (ROK) foreign minister resigned yesterday in a row pitting pro-US ministry officials against left-leaning presidential aides over Seoul's policy towards the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Israel closes Gaza passes in response to bombing
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip/RAMALLAH, West Bank: Israel closed down the crossings between the Gaza Strip and Israel yesterday, preventing thousands of Palestinians from reaching their jobs, in response to a suicide bombing that killed four Israelis the day before.

Shi'ites support cleric's call for elections in Iraq
BASRA, Iraq: Tens of thousands of Shi'ite Muslims shouting "No to America'' marched through this southern Iraqi city yesterday to back their spiritual leader's call for early elections, a stand that could stymie a US blueprint for transferring power to a new Iraqi administration.

Pakistani train takes new peace hopes to India
WAGAH, Pakistan: A Pakistani train crossed into India yesterday for the first time in two years, the most dramatic sign of rapprochement between India and Pakistan since ground-breaking talks between their leaders this month.