West African thugs strike

Somalia-based ship hijacking has dwindled to almost nothing, as the counter-measures have proven effective. But west Africa has taken over as the biggest trouble spot. Pirates Seize French-Owned Tanker and Hold 17 Aboard

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Malala Yousafzai speaks publicly for first time since Taliban shooting
• As Extremists Invaded, Timbuktu Hid Artifacts of a Golden Age

Bad News

• McCain refers to Iran’s president as a ‘monkey’ Thank goodness McCain didn't become president.

Plat du jour

I was a Tabaholic for many years, until they invented Diet Coke with Lime.