What Happens to Clunkers Consumers Trade In?

The government estimates 240,000 vehicles have already sputtered off the roads and into dealers’ lots as part of the federal government’s cash-for-clunkers program, in which consumers receive a subsidy of up to $4,500 when they trade in their older, less efficient cars for new models.

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Cuban president vows to defend socialism

Havana is ready and willing to start a dialogue with Washington, Cuban President Raul Castro said in a speech to parliament Saturday, but warned that political and regime change are not up for negotiation. “They didn’t elect me president to restore capitalism in Cuba, nor to surrender the revolution,” Castro said to loud applause. “I was elected to defend, maintain and continue perfecting socialism, not to destroy it.” He added that those expecting political change after the death of former President Fidel Castro and his generation were “condemned to fail.” Castro ceded the presidency to his younger brother, Raul, last year but has retained leadership of the Communist Party, the only legal political party in Cuba.

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Aung San Suu Kyi verdict delayed

A verdict expected Friday in the subversion trial of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been delayed until August 11, said a diplomatic source attending the proceedings. The reason for the delay was not immediately clear. Suu Kyi, 64, and two of her housekeepers are being tried on charges stemming from a May 3 incident in which American John William Yettaw allegedly swam across a lake to her home and stayed for two days.

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China has more than 13 million abortions a year

The number of abortions performed in China each year tops 13 million, with inadequate knowledge of contraception playing a major role in the annual tally, state-run media reported. “Sex education needs to be strengthened, with universities and our society giving more guidance,” Li Ying, a professor at Peking University, told China Daily.

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Violence hits Iranian refugee camp in Iraq

Members of an Iranian group designated a terrorist organization by the United States and Iran say Iraqi forces attacked their camp Tuesday evening, killing at least four unarmed people and injuring about 385. However, an official with Iraq’s Interior Ministry said only 15 people were wounded by national police during a raid led by security forces at Camp Ashraf on orders from the government to take control of the city.

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