Thousands rally for democracy in Morocco (AFP)

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AFP) – Thousands of demonstrators, including Islamists, held peaceful rallies in Rabat, Casablanca and Tangiers Sunday to demand greater political reforms and social justice in Morocco.

The latest protests were organised by the youth-based February 20 Movement behind months of demonstrations calling for reforms in the Arab world's oldest reigning monarchy.

In Casablanca's Sidi Othmane suburb, several thousand protesters shouted slogans to demand "a democratic constitution" and "greater social justice", AFP reporters witnessed.

Militants of the Islamist Justice and Charity Group, banned but tolerated by the government, were among the group.

Hundreds of pro-government protesters also gathered in Sidi Othmane, waving flags and portraits of King Mohammed VI, chanting: "Long live the King" and singing the antional anthem.

The two groups were kept apart by the security forces, out in large numbers.

At the same time, more than 1,000 protesters gathered in the capital Rabat and several thousand in Tangiers.

The protests are inspired by similar movements that have toppled regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and by popular uprisings elsewhere in the Arab world.

They continue despite a referendum in which 98 percent of voters approved reforms proposed by the king, but boycotted by the February 20 Movement, which curbs the monarch's near-absolute powers.

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Six killed at Pakistan political rally

The blast occurs in Butgram, about 80 miles north of IslamabadThe suicide attacker detonates explosives when he is stopped at the entrance to the rallyThe lawmaker who was scheduled to speak was not present, an official says

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- At least six people were killed and 15 wounded in a suicide attack targeting a political rally in northwest Pakistan on Monday, officials said.

The blast took place in Butgram, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Islamabad in Khyber Pakhtunkwa province. The province was formerly known as the North West Frontier Province.

Amir Muqam, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), was scheduled to address the rally, said senior government official Khalid Umarzai.

The lawmaker had not yet arrived when security personnel stopped the alleged bomber at the entrance to the event, Umarzai said.

The bomber then detonated explosives, he said.

Among those killed were two police officers, two women and a child, Umarzai said.

Journalist Nasir Habib contributed to this report.

CNN

Egyptians rally to demand faster reforms (Reuters)

CAIRO (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Egyptians packed city centers across the country on Friday to demand faster reforms and voice frustration at what they regard as foot-dragging by military rulers and government officials.

Anger has been building among ordinary Egyptians and activists over the time taken to prosecute Hosni Mubarak and former officials charged with corruption and killing demonstrators during the uprising that toppled the president.

Most political organisations including the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's most organised grouping, backed calls for the protest, called "The Revolution First," which took aim at Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, who heads the ruling army council.

Cairo's Tahrir Square, center of the uprising in February, was decked with red, white and black Egyptian colors in one of the biggest rallies since Mubarak's downfall.

"We want to change the government and those in charge," said Ehab Mohamed Mahmoud, 36, who checked those entering the square.

"The Field Marshal as well. He is an integral part of the old regime," he added, referring to Tantawi who was Mubarak's defense minister for two decades.

Muslim Brotherhood members voiced more cautious demands.

"The enemies of the revolution are many. But the army and the people are one hand. We ask the army to speed up the legal procedures to try the corrupt," said Mohamed Ali, a Brotherhood member in Tahrir.

Analysts say the political group, harassed and repressed under Mubarak, is best positioned to benefit from the timetable for transition outlined by the army, with a parliamentary election in September.

Presidential hopeful Mohamed ElBaradei, a former U.N. diplomat, told CNN there were some "unrealistic expectations" as Egyptians shook off decades of repression and he said it would take time to deliver wholesale change.

"But definitely there is no going back. At least people now are still poor, but they are free," he said. "They can go by the millions in the streets to demonstrate, and demonstrate peacefully ... It's a feeling that they are being empowered."

Former Arab League Secretary General, Amr Moussa, another presidential hopeful, joined the protesters in Tahrir.

Activists handed out surveys and one question read: "How do you assess the performance of the military council?" Some protesters showed off their forms where they had ticked a box saying: "Performance getting worse."

As with previous protests since Mubarak was ousted, activism combined with a festive mood. Children with faces painted in the Egyptian flag's colors joined their parents. As evening fell, numbers dwindled but some in Tahrir vowed to stay overnight.

There was no visible police or army presence.

PUNISHMENT

Many Egyptians believe the health problems reportedly afflicting Mubarak are a ploy by army generals to avoid bringing the former air force commander to trial.

Public frustration has also been fueled by court rulings this week clearing three former ministers of graft charges and another court decision to free on bail 10 policemen charged with killing demonstrators.

"Punishment for the killers of the martyrs," read one banner in Tahrir Square, referring to the killing during the 18-day uprising of more than 840 people, now known as "martyrs."

"Down with the Field Marshal," the crowd repeated as they were spurred on by one speaker.

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in other cities, including the Suez Canal cities of Suez and Ismailia, Alexandria on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh where Mubarak has been detained in a hospital since suffering heart problems during questioning in April.

"We oppose the military council and we demand Field Marshal Tantawi steps down immediately. The army is doing Mubarak's bidding and the revolution is faltering," said Mohamed Fahmy, leader from the Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution.

Gun shots rang out near Tahrir square and in Suez, witnesses said. A witness in Tahrir said it was not clear where the shots came from. In Suez, one of the most violent spots during the uprising, one protester was shot by a person who was caught shortly afterwards by protesters, a Reuters eyewitness said.

(Additional reporting by Sami Aboudi, Marwa Awad, Patrick Werr and Ashraf Fahim in Cairo, Abdel Rahman Youssef in Alexandria and Yusri Mohamed in Suez; editing by Edmund Blair, Sami Aboudi and Jon Hemming)

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Calls for mass rally to bring Egypt revolt 'back to basics' (AFP)

CAIRO (AFP) – Egyptian activists are calling for a massive rally on July 8 to "save the revolution" that toppled Hosni Mubarak, urging politicians to drop debates on the timing of elections and focus on restoring basic freedoms.

On a Facebook page entitled "The 2nd revolution of anger", activists say the fundamental demands of the uprising -- to protect rights and freedoms -- have not been met, and have instead become clouded by arguments on whether elections or a constitution should come first.

"To all rival political forces debating which should come first, constitution or elections, save your revolution first, save Egypt first. Our revolution is collapsing," the activists said on their Facebook page, which by Friday had garnered over 55,000 members.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which took over when nationwide protests forced Mubarak from power in February, has scheduled parliamentary elections for September.

But an autumn poll is expected to play into the hands of the well entrenched Muslim Brotherhood, prompting calls from secular politicians for a delay to allow new parties to organise themselves.

Some have also called for a new constitution to be drawn up before the election, for fear that the Islamist group will otherwise have too much influence over the drafting of the charter.

But those behind the call for the July 8 protest say the debate is premature, arguing that the priority should be on ensuring freedom of expression, the public trial of those found guilty of abuse, and an end to military trials of civilians.

"When (a) protest is dispersed with the use of thugs and when the army performs virginity tests on women, and when protesters are tortured, then something is definitely wrong," the activists said in a video posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhlnuQX3qVI&feature=player_embedded).

The army, which has been accused of rights abuse since taking over in February, has come under intense fire from local and international rights watchdogs for allegedly performing virginity tests on female protesters they detained during a March 9 demonstration in Cairo.

"When army officers who killed protesters are not put on trial, and when those who joined the protesters are tried and sentenced to 10 years, then something is definitely wrong," they said.

"When journalists and judges are referred to military prosecution for mentioning the military council and there is no freedom, then everything is wrong," they continued.

Protesters who first took to the streets to demand the overthrow of Mubarak, began shifting their anger towards the ruling military council, accusing it of using Mubarak-era tactics to stifle dissent.

Politics during Mubarak's three decade-rule was dominated by his National Democratic Party, working among a stagnant opposition. Any credible dissent came from the banned Muslim Brotherhood and a handful of opposition groups working outside the formal framework.

Then came the January 25 uprising, opening the door to new parties, new ideas and new debates in a scene that would have been inconceivable just months earlier.

But some argue that this new political effervescence risks turning flat if the basic goals of the revolution are not fulfilled, with irrelevant battle lines being drawn.

Debating whether elections or the constitution should come first pits the Islamists against the secularists whereas the focus should be on working for a civilian democratic state, argues Rabab al-Mahdi, professor of political science at the American University in Cairo.

"We in Egypt have paid the price for a democratic state which separates the army from politics... based social justice. This democratic state is now being threatened by a minority concerned only with the relationship between religion and the state," Mahdi wrote in the independent daily al-Shorouk.

The activists calling for the July 8 protest are urging Egyptians to look at the broader picture. The page's slogan: "I haven't felt the change, I'm going back to Tahrir Square" -- the epicentre of protests that toppled Mubarak.

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Thousands rally for reform in Bahrain (Reuters)

MANAMA (Reuters) – Thousands of Bahrainis shouting "we are victorious" gathered for a rally for political reform on Saturday, in the first large demonstration since the Gulf Arab state crushed a democracy protest movement in March.

Bahrain brought in troops from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in March and introduced martial law, which ended last week, to stop the protests against the Sunni Al-Khalifa family that rules over a Shi'ite majority population.

The government said the protests had a sectarian agenda and help from Shi'ite power Iran, just across the Gulf waters. The opposition denies this.

"Some try to manipulate our demands, to make them Shi'ite demands. This is not true. We are not calling for an Iran, but to build up our political reforms together, Shi'ite and Sunni, which will benefit all Bahrainis," said Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Wefaq opposition group which organized the event.

"We will continue peacefully and we will continue our peaceful demonstrations," he said, as the crowd roared back: "Peaceful, peaceful!"

The rally will likely be seen as a show of strength by Wefaq, Bahrain's leading Shi'ite opposition group, as it heads to a national dialogue called by the king for next month.

"Wefaq wants to encourage people to get back out after months of fear. It's a good sign ," said protester Fatima.

The government said it granted permission for the rally, held in a large square in the Shi'ite district of Saar, west of the capital and away from central Pearl Roundabout, epicenter of the earlier protests inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

Protesters waving Bahraini flags spilled out into the streets and dozens watched from nearby rooftops.

People drove in from around the city, causing traffic jams of more than 2 km long. State helicopters buzzed over crowds raising signs that read "The nation is for everyone."

Opposition figures more than 10,000 people attended the rally. The Interior Ministry said 4,000 people were gathered.

NATIONAL DIALOGUE

Barbed wire and armored vehicles guard Pearl Roundabout in Manama, where protesters camped out for about six weeks, to prevent it from becoming a focal point for protests again.

But protesters in Saar described a new sense of optimism.

"I think the crowd speaks for itself," said Fadel, carrying his small son, wrapped in a Bahraini flag. "Hopefully, this will be the next Pearl Roundabout."

King Hamad bin Isa has offered a new dialogue with opposition groups starting in July. Wefaq said it would organize more rallies until then, and may plan a march for next week.

"The dialogue should offer real political solutions, it should not be cosmetic talk. We are serious about this dialogue," Salman said in his 30-minute speech.

"They say the Shi'ites want a special government for themselves. No, we want a civilian state and an elected government for all... This is what we demanded in Pearl Roundabout and it is what we will again call for here."

Wefaq organizers quietened those in the crowd who tried to chant "Down with the government," frustrating some protesters.

"I think the people want the fall of this regime. After the repression and the killings, how can we go back?" said protester Amal, swathed in a black veil.

The government appointed its parliament speaker on Saturday to lead the national dialogue, the state news agency said, but the opposition said Crown Prince Salman -- seen as leader of a moderate wing of the ruling family -- should head the talks.

Khalifa al-Dhahrani, speaker of the Council of Representatives, said he hoped to bring "all parties concerned with matters of the state" into the dialogue.

Wefaq's Khalil al-Marzooq said Dhahrani was opposed to many of the opposition's core demands.

"He has previously objected to discussing reforms over elections, constitutional amendments and the issue of discrimination," he said. "Genuine dialogue must be with the prince or the king because we need to discuss the central issues which are between the people and the ruling family."

Bahrain's cabinet is dominated by the ruling family and the king also appoints all members of an upper assembly, minimizing the powers of the elected parliament.

At the rally, Shi'ites said they broke a barrier of fear after over two months of military rule, when hundreds were detained or dismissed from their jobs and dozens were put on trial on charges from incitement to trying to overthrow the system.

"This needed to happen. The government thought they could suppress everything with the state of emergency. It seems they did not," one protester said.

(Reporting by Erika Solomon, writing by Andrew Hammond and Erika Solomon, editing by Alison Williams)

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Thousands rally for reform in Bahrain (Reuters)

MANAMA (Reuters) – Thousands of Bahrainis shouting "we are victorious" gathered for a rally for political reform on Saturday, in the first large demonstration since the Gulf Arab state crushed a democracy protest movement in March.

Bahrain brought in troops from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates in March and introduced martial law, which ended last week, to stop the protests against the Sunni Al-Khalifa family that rules over a Shi'ite majority population.

The government said the protests had a sectarian agenda and help from Shi'ite power Iran, just across the Gulf waters. The opposition denies this.

"Some try to manipulate our demands, to make them Shi'ite demands. This is not true. We are not calling for an Iran, but to build up our political reforms together, Shi'ite and Sunni, which will benefit all Bahrainis," said Sheikh Ali Salman, head of the Wefaq opposition group which organized the event.

"We will continue peacefully and we will continue our peaceful demonstrations," he said, as the crowd roared back: "Peaceful, peaceful!"

The rally will likely be seen as a show of strength by Wefaq, Bahrain's leading Shi'ite opposition group, as it heads to a national dialogue called by the king for next month.

"Wefaq wants to encourage people to get back out after months of fear. It's a good sign ," said protester Fatima.

The government said it granted permission for the rally, held in a large square in the Shi'ite district of Saar, west of the capital and away from central Pearl Roundabout, epicenter of the earlier protests inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

Protesters waving Bahraini flags spilled out into the streets and dozens watched from nearby rooftops.

People drove in from around the city, causing traffic jams of more than 2 km long. State helicopters buzzed over crowds raising signs that read "The nation is for everyone."

Opposition figures more than 10,000 people attended the rally. The Interior Ministry said 4,000 people were gathered.

NATIONAL DIALOGUE

Barbed wire and armored vehicles guard Pearl Roundabout in Manama, where protesters camped out for about six weeks, to prevent it from becoming a focal point for protests again.

But protesters in Saar described a new sense of optimism.

"I think the crowd speaks for itself," said Fadel, carrying his small son, wrapped in a Bahraini flag. "Hopefully, this will be the next Pearl Roundabout."

King Hamad bin Isa has offered a new dialogue with opposition groups starting in July. Wefaq said it would organize more rallies until then, and may plan a march for next week.

"The dialogue should offer real political solutions, it should not be cosmetic talk. We are serious about this dialogue," Salman said in his 30-minute speech.

"They say the Shi'ites want a special government for themselves. No, we want a civilian state and an elected government for all... This is what we demanded in Pearl Roundabout and it is what we will again call for here."

Wefaq organizers quietened those in the crowd who tried to chant "Down with the government," frustrating some protesters.

"I think the people want the fall of this regime. After the repression and the killings, how can we go back?" said protester Amal, swathed in a black veil.

The government appointed its parliament speaker on Saturday to lead the national dialogue, the state news agency said, but the opposition said Crown Prince Salman -- seen as leader of a moderate wing of the ruling family -- should head the talks.

Khalifa al-Dhahrani, speaker of the Council of Representatives, said he hoped to bring "all parties concerned with matters of the state" into the dialogue.

Wefaq's Khalil al-Marzooq said Dhahrani was opposed to many of the opposition's core demands.

"He has previously objected to discussing reforms over elections, constitutional amendments and the issue of discrimination," he said. "Genuine dialogue must be with the prince or the king because we need to discuss the central issues which are between the people and the ruling family."

Bahrain's cabinet is dominated by the ruling family and the king also appoints all members of an upper assembly, minimizing the powers of the elected parliament.

At the rally, Shi'ites said they broke a barrier of fear after over two months of military rule, when hundreds were detained or dismissed from their jobs and dozens were put on trial on charges from incitement to trying to overthrow the system.

"This needed to happen. The government thought they could suppress everything with the state of emergency. It seems they did not," one protester said.

(Reporting by Erika Solomon, writing by Andrew Hammond and Erika Solomon, editing by Alison Williams)

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Afghan rally over NATO raid turns violent; 11 die (AP)

By RAHIM FAIEZ and HEIDI VOGT, Associated Press Rahim Faiez And Heidi Vogt, Associated Press – 16 mins ago

KABUL, Afghanistan – Hundreds of protesters, angered by an overnight NATO raid that they believed had killed four civilians, clashed on Wednesday with security forces on the streets of a northern Afghan city. The clash killed at least 11 people, government officials said.

The demonstrators fought with police and tried to assault a NATO outpost in the city of Taloqan, the capital of Takhar province, the officials said, adding that some 50 were injured.

The protest was triggered by a NATO raid hours earlier on the outskirts of the city. The coalition said four insurgents died in the operation and that two others were detained.

Night raids targeting insurgents regularly stir up controversy in Afghanistan, where angry residents often charge the next day that international forces go after the wrong people or mistreat civilians as they search compounds. Success by NATO in reducing civilian casualties and agreements to conduct night raids alongside Afghan forces have not managed to stem the tide of accusations.

Provincial Gov. Abdul Jabar Taqwa said the four casualties from the raid were two women and two men who were killed when troops burst into a home in an area known as Gawmal late Tuesday night. He said that no one in his government was informed about the raid and that NATO acted unilaterally.

NATO confirmed it killed four people, two of them women, but said all were armed and tried to fire on its troops. NATO said the raid was conducted by a "combined Afghan and coalition security force," according to coalition policy.

A spokesman for NATO forces said that the governor was contacted ahead of the raid.

"It is standard practice in Takhar province to contact the Afghan provincial leadership prior to an operation. In this case, calls were placed to the provincial governor six times prior to the operation," Maj. Michael Johnson said. He also reiterated that Afghan forces took part in the operation.

"We are aware of the claims of civilian casualties, and are looking into them," Johnson added.

Provincial police chief Gen. Shah Jahan Noori said he had not been informed of the operation and said none of his officers were involved. Army officials could not be reached immediately for comment.

NATO said that the raid targeted a man working with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan — an insurgent group that is powerful in the north. The man was involved in arms trafficking and building explosives, NATO said. The alliance did not say if he was killed or captured.

It is rare for women to be part of an insurgent fighting force in Afghanistan, but not unheard of. There have been cases in the past of women fighting with the insurgency, including as suicide bombers.

NATO said in its statement that one of the women was armed with an assault rifle and tried to fire on the troops. The other woman was armed with a pistol and pointed her gun at the security force as she was trying to escape the compound.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people gathered on the road from Gawmal to Taloqan and carried the four bodies on platforms as they marched into the city, according to an Associated Press Television News cameraman at the scene. They shouted insults at Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the United States as they pumped their fists in the air.

"Death to Karzai! Death to America!" they yelled.

The governor, Taqwa, estimated that there were about 1,500 demonstrators.

The protest turned violent as some in the crowd started looting shops and throwing stones at a small German base in the city. Police were out throughout the city trying to calm the crowd, Taqwa said. Gunfire could be heard in a number of neighborhoods and troops at the German outpost shot off rounds in an attempt to disperse the crowd outside their walls.

The German military said in a statement that the demonstrators threw hand grenades and Molotov cocktails into the base, injuring two German soldiers and four Afghan guards. The German soldiers, one of whom was lightly injured and one somewhat more seriously, were both in stable condition, the military said.

At least 11 protesters were killed in the fighting, and 50 people were wounded — some of them police officers, said Faiz Mohammad Tawhedi, a spokesman for the Takhar government.

Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi noted that civilian casualties from NATO forces have decreased drastically over the past three years, but said that any possible civilian deaths are still a concern for the government.

"Civilian casualties are always our main concern and preventing them is the priority of the Afghan leadership," Azimi said.

In the south, meanwhile, a NATO service member died Wednesday in an insurgent attack, the military coalition said. NATO did not provide further details or the service member's nationality.

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Politicians rally around bin Laden's demise

Political leaders celebrated the announcement of Osama bin Laden's death, congratulating American troops, the intelligence community and the White House for putting an end to the hunt for the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Then-GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., pauses after placing a wreath at the temporary United Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2008.

Stephan Savoia, AP

Then-GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., pauses after placing a wreath at the temporary United Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2008.

The inability to find bin Laden has frustrated U.S. lawmakers and politicians for nearly a decade. While they almost uniformly responded with elation to the news, most also warned the terrorist threat is still very much alive.

Former president George W. Bush, who led the nation on the day of the 2001 attacks, issued a statement congratulating President Obama and "the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission."

Bush said the fight against terror must continue, but that "America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Rudy Giuliani, the mayor of New York on 9-11, praised President Obama's "courage" and called bin Laden's death a "significant step" in the war on terror.

But he told Politico the tones of jubilation feel strange to him.

"I feel a great deal of satisfaction that justice has been done, and I admire the courage of the president to make a decision like this because if something had gone wrong everyone would be blaming him," Giuliani said. "And I admire the courage and professionalism of our military intelligence officials... but I don't feel like celebrating (as if it's) the end of World War II, because the war is still going on."

Former president Bill Clinton, who was in office during the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, congratulated Obama and then wrote. "This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children."

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. message to al-Qaeda remains the same today, but "may have even greater resonance" in the wake of bin Laden's death.

"You cannot wait us out, you cannot defeat us," Clinton said at the State Department. "But you can make the choice to abandon al-Qaeda and participate in a peaceful political process."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was informed of bin Laden's death by the White House around 9:30 pm Sunday and was contacted by President Obama shortly after. Reid, D-Nevada, described Obama's tone as "very somber."

Asked whether bin Laden's death would speed up the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, Reid said Obama indicated the current timetable of a July withdrawal would remain in place.

Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Secretary of Defense Robert Gates called to inform the Michigan Democrat of bin Laden's death as he waited to board a plane in Detroit.

Levin said Pakistani military and intelligence organizations "have a lot of explaining to do" due to the proximity of bin Laden's hide out to a major Pakistani military and intelligence complex.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was notified by Vice President Biden.

"Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to our intelligence community and military for pursuing this manhunt for almost 10 years and successfully eliminating the most high profile terrorist on earth," Durbin said in a statement.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, noted bin Laden's death was the work of two administrations. "I want to congratulate ? and thank ? the hard-working men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success," Boehner said. "I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday announced that his panel will hold another series of hearings on Afghanistan, assess the strategic relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan, and examine regional implications. Under Senator Kerry's chairmanship, the Committee has already conducted 14 oversight hearings on the war.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, said in a statement: "I am overjoyed that we finally got the world's top terrorist. The world is a better and more just place now that Osama bin Laden is no longer in it."

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., one of Obama's most vocal critics on national security issues, commended the president. "In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,'" King said in a statement. "President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words. President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda."

Even the field of GOP 2012 contenders, who have been among the most critical of the Obama administration's foreign and domestic policies, praised the mission and the White House.

"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere. Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president," former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney said in a statement.

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty called the announcement "terrific news for freedom and justice."

"In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice and we did," he said. "I want to congratulate America's armed forces and President Obama for a job well done."

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who is also a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said on her Twitter account, "A time to express our gratitude to the U.S. military for taking out Osama bin Laden."

Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, also tweeted: "Thank you, American men and women in uniform. You are America's finest and we are all so proud. Thank you for fighting against terrorism."

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Politicians rally around bin Laden's demise

Political leaders celebrated the announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed on Sunday, congratulating American troops, the intelligence community and the White House for putting an end to the hunt for the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.

var data = blocks.columnist;if (data != undefined){document.getElementById('columnistmug').innerHTML=data;} Stephan Savoia, AP

Then-GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., pauses after placing a wreath at the temporary United Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2008.

Stephan Savoia, AP

Then-GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., pauses after placing a wreath at the temporary United Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., on Sept. 11, 2008.

The inability to find bin Laden has frustrated lawmakers throughout Washington for nearly a decade. While they almost uniformly responded with elation to the news, most also warned the terrorist threat is still very much alive.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., were both notified by Vice President Biden that bin Laden had been killed by American forces.

"Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to our intelligence community and military for pursuing this manhunt for almost ten years and successfully eliminating the most high profile terrorist on earth," Durbin said in a statement. " hose who believed bin Laden and his network were invincible will now awaken to a new reality."

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, noted bin Laden's death was the work of two administrations. "I want to congratulate ? and thank ? the hard-working men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success," Boehner said. "I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."

Former president Bill Clinton, who was in office during the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, congratulated Obama and then wrote. "This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, stressed that while bin Laden's death was welcome news, it should not be seen as an act of vengeance.

"The killing of Osama bin Laden closes an important chapter in our war against extremists who kill innocent people around the world," he said in a statement. "We are a nation of peace and laws, and people everywhere should understand that our ten-year manhunt was in search of justice not revenge."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, said in a statement: "I am overjoyed that we finally got the world's top terrorist. The world is a better and more just place now that Osama bin Laden is no longer in it. … But while we take heart in the news that Osama bin Laden is dead, we must be mindful that al-Qaeda and its terrorist allies are still lethal and determined enemies, and we must remain vigilant to defeat them"

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., one of Obama's most vocal critics on national security issues, commended the president. "In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,'" King said in a statement. "President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words. President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda."

Even the field of GOP 2012 contenders, who have been among the most critical of the Obama administration's foreign and domestic policies, praised the mission and the White House.

"This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere. Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president," former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney said in a statement.

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty called the announcement "terrific news for freedom and justice."

"In the hours after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush promised that America would bring Osama bin Laden to justice and we did," he said. "I want to congratulate America's armed forces and President Obama for a job well done."

Rep. Michele Bachmann, who is also a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said on her Twitter account,"A time to express our gratitude to the U.S. military for taking out Osama bin Laden."

Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, also tweeted: "Thank you, American men and women in uniform. You are America's finest and we are all so proud. Thank you for fighting against terrorism."

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Quran-burning pastor accidentally fires gun on eve of Mich. anti-Muslim rally

Terry Jones, the Quran-burning pastor from Florida who is in Michigan to try to mount an anti-Muslim rally this evening, accidentally fired his .40-caliber handgun while leaving a TV studio parking lot Thursday night, the Detroit Free Press reports, quoting police.

The 59-year-old pastor of the Dove World Ootreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., is in court today to press his plans to rally today in front of the Islamic Center of America, in Dearborn, a heavily Muslim city.

Dearborn police insist that he pay security costs estimated at $46,000, the newspaper reports.

The shooting incident occurred in Southfield as Jones was getting in the passenger side of his car. The Taurus handgun went off, sending a bullet into the floorboard, Southfield Police Lt. Nick Loussia said today, according to the Free Press.

"Officers heard a gunshot, approached the vehicle, asked Mr. Jones if he was OK," Loussia said. "He was, and they also observed he had a gun in his hand."

Officers took the weapon, and also found another hand gun near the driver, a man from Florida traveling with Jones. Both men were carrying valid Florida concealed weapon licenses, which are recognized in Michigan, Loussia said. The men were allowed to leave without further action

Jones told reporters outside today outside the Dearborn courthouse that the firing was "an accident."

Tags:Terry JonesIslamic Center of AmericaDearborn, Mich. .div-wrapper

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Tea Party Rally Calls for Budget Cuts

April 15: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks to a crowd at a Tea Party rally at the Statehouse, in Concord, N.H. (AP)

It’s never too early for presidential politics in New Hampshire. And in this first-primary-in-the-nation state, it almost seemed as if the campaign kicked off Friday.

Four prospective Republican candidates appeared together at a Tax Day-Tea Party rally, calling for lower taxes and major cuts in federal spending. Several hundred attended the event, held on the front lawn of the historic statehouse in the crisp New England sun, and sponsored by the group, Americans For Prosperity.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former U.S. Sen. for Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum, ex-Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer, and businessman Herman Cain, one-time head of Godfather’s Pizza, all attended and spoke.

The potential political rivals sounded a common theme: the federal government budget needs to be deeply trimmed, and taxes cut, to restore the nation's economic vitality.

"Valley Forge wasn't easy. Settling the West wasn't easy. Winning World War II wasn't easy," declared Pawlenty. "Thank you for being part of the Tea Party and let's take back this nation."

He asked the crowd "have you had enough of big government and big unions and big bail out businesses scratching each others back asking you to get your wallet out to pay for their recklessness and stupidity?," to which the attendees shouted "yes!"

"It takes a real re-awakening, it takes a Tea Party in generations, to re-establish those burning founding principles that made America that shining city on the hill," proclaimed Santorum, "What's at stake right now is a group of people who want you to believe that you need them, that you need to be taken care of, that you need to be provided for....the battle for freedom, fundamentally in America, is right here."

"We have a tax code that is 4,000 pages long and you can't read it," Roemer told the crowd. "We have a debt for the rest of our lives...We spend $300 billion a month and borrow $120 billion from our competitors. The game is rigged...the American Revolution was about a Tea Party, taxation without representation. I think it's time for a second revolution."

In a rousing address reminiscent of a preacher, Herman Cain said "stupid people are ruining this country

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New Hampshire state workers rally against anti-union bill

Budget battles in the 'Bust Belt'STORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: Protesters rallied at the New Hampshire state capitol building ThursdayNEW: The bill restricting collective bargaining rights has little chance of clearing the state SenateNew Hampshire is the latest to try to limit state workers' collective bargaining rightsWisconsin and Ohio have already passed similar billsRELATED TOPICSNew HampshireCollective BargainingRead more about this story from CNN affiliate WMUR.

(CNN) -- State workers and others rallied at the New Hampshire capitol in Concord Thursday -- one day after the state House approved a package that would reduce collective bargaining rights.

Wednesday's vote on House Bill 2 came a day earlier than expected, catching state workers and other advocacy groups off guard.

The measure, however, is believed to have little backing in the state Senate and is opposed by Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat.

"There is no way" the measure will clear the Senate, said Carole Alfano, the Senate communications director. "It has absolutely zero support."

Speaker William O'Brien, a Republican, "purposely moved up votes on the budget, and the union-busting amendment in particular, because he was afraid to face the wrath of thousands of New Hampshire voters (who are protesting) in vast disapproval of the extreme agenda of the House leadership," said Diana Lacey, president of the State Employees Association.

"People above Politics," "NH Can Do Better," and "Lean, Not Mean" were offered as themes for the rally.

"Anytime people's human rights are being taken away, people tend to stand up and say no," Bill McQuillen, Portsmouth firefighter, told CNN affiliate WMUR.

Passage of the bill would limit the ability of labor unions representing state workers to collectively bargain on issues like wages, hours, working conditions and benefits.

While the vote has roiled state workers from teachers to firefighters, House Republicans who back the bill say they have their supporters too.

"If you look at my emails, I've got 8-to-1 ... in support of what we're doing here to protect the taxpayers," said Rep. Al Baldasaro from Londonderry, according to WMUR.

Similar efforts by legislatures to change collective bargaining laws in Wisconsin and Ohio have ignited passionate responses. Wisconsin's governor and Republican lawmakers have said the changes were needed as they grapple to limit spending.

Demonstrators occupied the Wisconsin capitol building for weeks before the legislature passed a law that curbs the collective bargaining rights of most state employees. A Wisconsin judge has put the law on hold.

On Wednesday, the Ohio state legislature passed its own legislation that would limit collective bargaining rights by barring Ohio's public employees from striking. The bill is now bound for Ohio Gov. John Kasich's desk to be signed into law, possibly this week.

Kasich has argued that Ohio Senate Bill 5 is crucial to closing an $8 billion budget shortfall and bringing public-sector benefits in line with those in the private sector.

CNN's Chuck Johnston and Mark Norman contributed to this report.

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