USA - Pentagon: Hazing Not Tolerated in US Military. Eight U.S. soldiers have been charged in the death of a fellow GI, a Chinese-American

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by AssociatedPress

Eight U.S. soldiers have been charged in the death of a fellow GI, a Chinese-American who apparently shot himself in Afghanistan after being subjected to what a community activist said were assaults and ethnic taunts from his comrades. (Dec. 21)

USA - Bank of America has agreed to pay $335 million to resolve allegations that its Countrywide unit engaged in a widespread pattern of discrimination

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by AssociatedPress

Bank of America has agreed to pay $335 million to resolve allegations that its Countrywide unit engaged in a widespread pattern of discrimination against qualified African-American and Hispanic borrowers. (Dec. 21)

Israel - Christians living in Jerusalem are being offered free Christmas trees to celebrate the upcoming holiday.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Christians living in Jerusalem are being offered free Christmas trees to celebrate the upcoming holiday.

However, it is not Father Christmas handing out the gifts. The trees are being paid for by the city's local council, an action that has drawn criticism in the past by people who think it is as an unacceptable promotion of religion by a Jewish government.

In his annual Christmas address, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal highlighted Christians as a part of this year's Arab Spring uprisings:

Somalia - pirates free Italian tanker after 10 months amid reports a ransom of over 8.5 million euros has been paid.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ An Italian-owned oil tanker and its crew have been released by Somali pirates amid reports a ransom of over 8.5 million euros has been paid.

The five Italians and 17 Indians were seized with their ship in February.

There is no comment in Rome over the ransom claims.