Free Republic

'People are definitely sceptical' When the government announced last Thursday that it had foiled a massive terror plot, broadcasters and newspapers were barraged with a wave of sceptical views from listeners and readers. Nearly a week on, are people still so distrustful? Patrick Barkham takes to the streets to find out Wednesday August 16, 2006 The Guardian (UK) Police officers outside the Masjid-E-Umer mosque in Walthamstow. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters It was not in horror or panic that thousands of ordinary people contacted the BBC or posted points on the Guardian's Comment is Free website in the hours after last week's...

Experts sceptical as thousands rush to buy anti-bird flu kits By Adam Lusher (Filed: 22/01/2006) Scientists describe them as "a total waste of time and money" but that does not appear to have dissuaded thousands of Britons from rushing to stockpile biohazard suits and surgical masks to protect against bird flu. Suppliers claim that they have been inundated since the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus spread through Turkey. An Anti-bird flu suit is modelled in Redditch They are offering everything from 14p surgical masks to £493 "ultimate family packs", complete with hooded chemical and biological boiler suits, matching protective...

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States said it was concerned over Syria's continuing interference in Lebanon despite the withdrawal of troops by Damascus from its smaller neighbour. Syrian troops were seen packing up and heading out of Lebanon on Monday, ushering in a new era for the country which has been in the military and political grip of Damascus for 29 years. "If the Syrian military forces get out, it will be a big step but the jury is still out on whether Syrian interference in Lebanese affairs has come to an end," said a US State Department official, speaking...