Portal:Current events/2006 March 14

March 14, 2006 (Tuesday)

Armed conflicts and attacks

An attempted coup d'état against Chadian President Idriss Déby is foiled. (AP via The Guardian)
Jordan is to indict Abu Musab al-Zarqawi for bombings that killed over 60 people. (ABC)
Iraq War
- At least 80 people die in Iraq following an attack on a Shiite holy site. (LA Times)^{[permanent dead link‍]}
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Israeli troops shell and demolish a Palestinian prison in Jericho, seizing Ahmad Sa'adat, imprisoned for allegedly assassinating an Israeli minister. (BBC)
- In retaliation for the Israeli attack in Jericho, Palestinian gunmen kidnap and then release American professor Douglas Johnson. (Forbes)^{[dead link‍]}

Business and economy

Euronext, a derivatives exchange based in Amsterdam and Paris, announces that it might join the ongoing auction for the London Stock Exchange—which would put it in competition with bidders Nasdaq and Deutsche Börse. (Forbes)

Disasters and accidents

At least seven people have died in wildfires in the U.S. state of Texas which have burned 1,000 mi² (2500 km²), forcing 1,900 people to evacuate. (AP)

Health

In London, six men taking part in a clinical trial for a new monoclonal antibody anti-inflammatory drug, TGN1412, are placed in intensive care, some in a life-threatening condition, after suffering adverse side-effects. (BBC)

International relations

The 2006 National People's Congress concludes in Beijing, China. Premier Wen Jiabao holds annual press conference from Chinese and foreign reporters. Wen reiterates Taiwan issue in serious tone. (People's Daily)