Free Republic

<p>During its last campaign, the Latvian Scientific Mission, which has already worked more than two years in the Step Pyramid of Saqqara (Egypt) in the framework of its joint-venture with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and direct supervision from Dr. Zahi Hawass, has successfully carried out some additional documentation works, very important for the safeguarding and restoration of the oldest stone monument in the world. Resources allocated to this program (15 scientists) represent the largest scientific team never mobilized abroad in the History of this small but scientifically highly advanced Baltic country...</p>

Police patrols at churches stepped up in Pope row By John Steele and Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent (Filed: 19/09/2006) Police patrols have been increased around hundreds of churches and mosques because of fears that the Pope's comments about Islam could provoke violence. Clergy in the London area have been visited by officers or have been asked to contact their local stations urgently to discuss security. They have been given numbers to call if their churches are attacked. In what Scotland Yard described as a "reassurance" exercise, it decided at the weekend to act quickly to increase security around churches and...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2005 – With the Iraq constitutional referendum just days away, Iraqi security and coalition forces are taking steps to establish safe and secure conditions so all citizens can participate in the democratic process, a senior military official told reporters in Baghdad Oct. 12. The official, speaking on background, assured Iraqis they "can be confident in the abilities of the more than 200,000 Iraqi security forces to protect them" when they go to the polls Oct. 15. Despite the spike in violence predicted for the days leading up to the referendum, violence is actually down compared to last...