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ORIGINAL: Level

Dole: Dems 'content with losing' in Iraq



By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer 27 minutes ago

The head of the GOP Senate campaigns on Sunday sought to deflect growing criticism about the war in Iraq, saying her party will prevail in Tuesday's elections partly because "Democrats appear to be content with losing."

Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., acknowledged that Republicans face a tight race to maintain control of the Senate, but that voters will focus more narrowly on local issues. Democrats need to take six seats to gain power in the 100-member Senate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061105/ap_on_el_ge/election_rdp


Iran's proud but discreet Jews


By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran


Although Iran and Israel are bitter enemies, few know that Iran is home to the largest number of Jews anywhere in the Middle East outside Israel.  About 25,000 Jews live in Iran and most are determined to remain no matter what the pressures - as proud of their Iranian culture as of their Jewish roots.

It is dawn in the Yusufabad synagogue in Tehran and Iranian Jews bring out the Torah and read the ancient text before making their way to work.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5367892.stm


Power shortage leaves Europe in the dark



By STEPHEN GRAHAM, Associated Press WriterSun Nov 5, 8:06 AM ET

A power shortage in Germany triggered a cascade of blackouts across Europe, a German electricity said Sunday, halting trains, trapping people in elevators and plunging millions of homes into darkness.

Germany and France were badly hit by the cuts late Saturday. Austria, Belgium, Italy and Spain were also affected, though supplies to most regions were quickly restored. No injuries were reported.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061105/ap_on_bi_ge/europe_blackouts


3 Calif. schools to fingerprint students



Sun Nov 5, 4:59 AM ET

A plan to fingerprint elementary school students when they buy lunch has some parents worrying that Big Brother has come to the cafeteria.

The Hope Elementary School District has notified parents that, beginning this month, students at Monte Vista, Vieja Valley and Hope elementary schools will press an index finger to a scanner before buying cafeteria food.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061105/ap_on_re_us/fingerprinting_students


Iranians mark US embassy siege



By Frances Harrison
BBC News, Tehran


Thousands of school children and students in Tehran have marked the anniversary of the hostage-taking at the American embassy in 1979.
 
The speaker of the Iranian parliament compared the event to the current nuclear row, saying America always wanted to put Iran under pressure.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6116358.stm


Thailand 'rebels' attack schools
Suspected Muslim insurgents in southern Thailand have burnt down three schools and shot and wounded a teacher.
 
The attacks took place overnight on Saturday in the Muslim-dominated province of Yala.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6116220.stm