Raul Castro selected as next Cuban president

To no one's surprise, Fidel Castro's younger brother, Fidel, was selected as Cuba's next president today. He was unanimously chosen by Cuba's National Assembly and proposed that the Assembly consult with Fidel on important matters.

Justice Department to Investigate Torture

I am a little behind here, but the US Department of Justice announced Friday that there is an investigation pending into a 2002 Office of Legal Counsel memo on interrogation standards which authorized waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. The CIA recently admitted to waterboarding three terror suspects from 2002-2003. No time line for the conclusion of the investigation was announced, but the DOJ says the investigation began more than three years ago.

Rioters Attack US Embassy in Belgrade

Reacting to US support for Kosovo's independence, rioters in Serbia attacked the US Embassy today. Rioters were able to force their way into the building, starting fires and destroying furniture.

Attorneys in Pakistan Continue to Rally for Independent Judiciary

Pakistani lawyers continue weekly rallies for the restoration of 63 judges removed last November by President Pervez Musharraf. Former Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry supported the lawyers efforts, despite being under house arrest. Chaudhry was first suspended last March, but reinstated by the high court. Then in November, Musharraf removed him again and placed him under house arrest. In Karachi, a dozen lawyers were arrested and more than 2o injured after police used tear-gas and batons to break up one of the rallies.

Fidel Castro Resigns

Fidel Castro has resigned as President of Cuba after nearly 50 years of heading the island nation. His failing health is considered to be the main reason behind his decision. Castro came into power in 1959 and was a very important communist figure in history. His alliance with the Soviet Union terrified Americans in the 60s, particularly the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1962 the Soviet Union installed nuclear weapons in Cuba, nearly resulting in a nuclear war. As a result of Castro's rule Cuba has been subjected to many years of US economic embargo. It is unclear what Cuba's future holds next though. Fidel's brother, Raúl, has been installed as the next President, but many wonder if Raúl is charismatic enough to replace Fidel.

Kosovo Declares Independence

Kosovo has officially declared independence from Serbia and is now relying on US and EU support to gain international acceptance. Serbian officials were displeased with the declaration, but promised they will respond peacefully. Russia, who backs Serbia, has opposed Kosovo becoming an independent state and could delay the process in the United Nations. Still, it appears as if there is too much momentum and support to prevent it altogether. Kosovo split is the final breakup of the former Yugoslavia and has been in the works ever since 1999 when the war between Serbians and ethnic Albanians in the region ended thanks to NATO involvement.

World's Worst Dictators

Kim Jong-Il (pictured) tops Parade's list of the World's Worst Dictators this year. Parade says the dictators are chosen based on human-rights abuses, the level of suffering caused by their leadership, and the amount of absolute power they possess. On Parade.com you can read more about why each dictator was chosen and what their link to the United States is. You can also see where they ranked last year and chose who you think is "the worst." Personally, I chose Sudan's Omar Al-Bashir because his government is responsible for an ongoing genocide. Also, Pervez Musharraf's position could be up for grabs soon with Pakistan holding elections Monday. However, many feel the elections will be rigged, in which case Musharraf may deserve a promotion on the list.

Parade's 10 Worst Dictators of 2008
1. Kim Jong-Il, North Korea
2. Omar Al-Bashir, Sudan
3. Than Shwe, Burma (Myanmar)
4. King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia
5. Hu Jintao, China
6. Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe
7. Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Iran
8. Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan
9. Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan
10. Isayas Afewerki, Eritrea