A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Afghanistan violence 'at all time high'
WASHINGTON – Violence in Afghanistan hit an all-time high in recent months and the insurgency is growing more sophisticated, the US military said yesterday.
As security deteriorates after nine years of war, the Pentagon said violent incidents in Afghanistan had increased from April through the end of September – up 300 per cent from 2007 – except for the use of roadside bombs.
While western leaders look for signs of progress, the military noted in a periodic report to Congress that insurgents’ geographic reach and sophistication had grown even as it said security was slowly spreading across the country. The report also found that Iran continued to provide weapons and training to the Taliban. – (Reuters)
Diabetic threat to half of Americans
NEW YORK – More than half of Americans will have diabetes or be prediabetic by 2020 at a cost to the US healthcare system of $3.35 trillion if current trends go on unabated, according to analysis of a new report.
The report by health insurer United Health Group said diabetes and prediabetes would account for an estimated 10 per cent of total healthcare spending by the end of the decade at an annual cost of almost $500 billion – up from an estimated $194 billion this year.
The average annual healthcare costs in 2009 for a person with diabetes were about $11,700 compared with about $4,400 for the non- diabetic public, according to new data in the report.
– (Reuters)
Dalai Lama may retire next year
DHARAMSALA – The Dalai Lama is considering plans to retire from his role as the figurehead of the Tibetan parliament next year, but will remain the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, an aide said.
Speculation has surrounded the possible retirement of the 75-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner for years, and Tibetans are concerned about the shape their struggle for greater autonomy will take after he dies or retires from public life.
The Dalai Lama has considered himself as “semi-retired” with the full establishment of an exiled Tibetan political leadership in 2001, an aide said yesterday. The leader would like to withdraw from attending political functions, ceremonies and inaugurations. – (Reuters)
Sale of Lennon's handwritten lyrics
LONDON – John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to the Beatles song I'm Only Sleepingwill go on sale next month, Bonhams auctioneers said yesterday.
The lyrics, appearing on the back of a letter chasing payment for a radiophone bill, are expected to fetch £250,000-£350,000 (€295,00- €414,000) when they go under the hammer at an entertainment memorabilia auction on December 15th.
Also on offer are two Ivor Novello Awards for songwriting and composing, with the prize for She Loves You, awarded to the Beatles in 1964, expected to sell for £40,000 to £50,000.
– (Reuters)
Prize for Amy Sackville novel
LONDON – Debut novelist Amy Sackville won the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize yesterday for The Still Point, which is about a doomed attempt to reach the North Pole at the turn of the 20th century and the repercussions for those left behind.
The award, which honours writers aged 35 and under from the UK and Commonwealth, comes with a cheque for £5,000 (€5,900). The other five shortlisted authors receive £500 each. Previous winners include VS Naipaul, Andrew Motion and William Boyd.
“It’s astonishing that such a poised and deep work should be a first novel, but there it is, said commentator and writer Bidisha.
– (Reuters)