Important but overlooked news from around the world. QUOTED: "This agreement in no way limits our ability to prosecute anyone or any violation of the voter fraud statute." -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, on the settlement of a lawsuit over his alleged targeting of minorities in voter fraud investigations (see "Elections," below). CONTENTS: *Top Stories* Food crisis renews biotech farming debate A Russian bear is bullish on big oil U.K. faces diabetes "explosion" *Elections* When is "voter fraud" a fraud? *Par Avion* German zeppelins target London, San Francisco TOP STORIES * Food Crisis Renews Biotech Farming Debate As global food prices climb, the debate over genetically modified agriculture is once again heating up. The Christian Science Monitor reports that modified crops wouldn't provide an immediate solution to the food crisis, but notes that opposition to such crops is nevertheless declining, as farmers contemplate increased profits, and governments feel the economic pressure. After the cost of non-genetically modified corn more than doubled, for example, Japan and Korea "quietly" began allowing modified corn in snacks and drinks. In France, following a contentious debate, a bill to allow gene-altered crops passed in parliament by one vote -- but can't be enacted until the European Union lifts its ban. The Monitor reports that Europe's farmers and agribusiness -- such as Germany's BASF corporation, which is pushing a ...
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