Hacked Emails Expose Bashar al-Assad and Wife (Files)

Hacked Emails Expose Bashar al-Assad and Wife (Files)

Syrian head of state Bashar al-Assad and London-born wife Asma al-Assad appear to live in a surreal psychological bubble, insulated from the grotesque violence that has claimed the lives of 8,000 Syrians, according to a cache of some 3,000 alleged emails and documents obtained by Syrian activists and published by the Guardian issue dated March 15, 2012. File photo : Syrian president Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma are received by Indian President Pratibha Singh Patil and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a ceremonial reception at the President Palace in New Delhi, India, on June 18, 2008. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

(230604) -- GOLMUD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on June 4, 2023 shows Kiangs (Equus kiang) passing by a power transmission tower at Tanggulashan Township of Golmud City in the Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi, northwest China's Qinghai Province. Since 2012, the State Grid's Qinghai Electricity Power Company would conduct its annual centralized maintenance of the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, whose grid lines are laid at the plateau with an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Low temperatures, lack of oxygen and strong winds on the plateau challenge the operation and maintenance of the grid. Over 420 workers would finish this year's maintenance work of 608-kilometer-long power transmission lines as well as the Qaidam Converter Station in 15 days recently. Over 10.5 billion kWh of electricity has been transferred to Tibet through the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, which was put into operation in 2011. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

(230604) -- GOLMUD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on June 2, 2023 shows a power transmission tower in Hoh Xil of northwest China's Qinghai Province. Since 2012, the State Grid's Qinghai Electricity Power Company would conduct its annual centralized maintenance of the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, whose grid lines are laid at the plateau with an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Low temperatures, lack of oxygen and strong winds on the plateau challenge the operation and maintenance of the grid. Over 420 workers would finish this year's maintenance work of 608-kilometer-long power transmission lines as well as the Qaidam Converter Station in 15 days recently. Over 10.5 billion kWh of electricity has been transferred to Tibet through the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, which was put into operation in 2011. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

(230604) -- GOLMUD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Workers conduct power grid maintenance work at Tanggulashan Township of Golmud City in the Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 3, 2023. Since 2012, the State Grid's Qinghai Electricity Power Company would conduct its annual centralized maintenance of the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, whose grid lines are laid at the plateau with an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Low temperatures, lack of oxygen and strong winds on the plateau challenge the operation and maintenance of the grid. Over 420 workers would finish this year's maintenance work of 608-kilometer-long power transmission lines as well as the Qaidam Converter Station in 15 days recently. Over 10.5 billion kWh of electricity has been transferred to Tibet through the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, which was put into operation in 2011. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

(230604) -- GOLMUD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Workers conduct routing inspection of power transmission lines at Tanggulashan Township of Golmud City in the Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 3, 2023. Since 2012, the State Grid's Qinghai Electricity Power Company would conduct its annual centralized maintenance of the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, whose grid lines are laid at the plateau with an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Low temperatures, lack of oxygen and strong winds on the plateau challenge the operation and maintenance of the grid. Over 420 workers would finish this year's maintenance work of 608-kilometer-long power transmission lines as well as the Qaidam Converter Station in 15 days recently. Over 10.5 billion kWh of electricity has been transferred to Tibet through the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, which was put into operation in 2011. (Photo by Pan Binbin/Xinhua)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

CHINA-QINGHAI-TIBET-POWER SUPPLY PROJECT-MAINTENANCE(CN)

(230604) -- GOLMUD, June 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Workers conduct routing inspection of power transmission lines at Tanggulashan Township of Golmud City in the Mongolian-Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Haixi, northwest China's Qinghai Province, June 3, 2023. Since 2012, the State Grid's Qinghai Electricity Power Company would conduct its annual centralized maintenance of the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, whose grid lines are laid at the plateau with an average altitude of 4,500 meters. Low temperatures, lack of oxygen and strong winds on the plateau challenge the operation and maintenance of the grid. Over 420 workers would finish this year's maintenance work of 608-kilometer-long power transmission lines as well as the Qaidam Converter Station in 15 days recently. Over 10.5 billion kWh of electricity has been transferred to Tibet through the Qinghai-Tibet grid interconnection project, which was put into operation in 2011. (Photo by Pan Binbin/Xinhua)

U.S. Open golf

U.S. Open golf

ARDMORE, United States - U.S. golfer Tiger Woods hits his second shot on the 18th hole in round three of the U.S. Open championships at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 2013. Woods carded a 74 in the final round and tied for 32nd along with 2012 champion Webb Simpson at 13 over.

Judo coach resigns over abuse scandal

Judo coach resigns over abuse scandal

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Japanese women's judo coach Ryuji Sonoda (C) taking part in a training session in Saga Prefecture in June 2012. Sonoda said Jan. 31, 2013, he will submit his resignation to the All Japan Judo Federation following revelations that 15 top female judo wrestlers sent a joint complaint to the Japan Olympic Committee at the end of 2012, alleging they had been subjected to harassment and physical violence by Sonoda and other coaching staff at a training camp in the buildup to the London Olympics.

Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk passes away

Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk passes away

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in June 1990 shows Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia (C left) shaking hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the Tokyo peace talks at the Akasaka Palace state guesthouse in Tokyo. The former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk passed away in Beijing on Oct. 15, 2012. He was 89.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at Rokkasho

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken June 15, 2012, shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant located in the village of Rokkasho in Aomori Prefecture.

Uotsuri Island

Uotsuri Island

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in June 2011 shows Uotsuri Island, part of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Japanese police arrested on Aug. 15, 2012, activists from a Hong Kong-based group seeking to assert China's claim to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands after they landed on Uotsuri Island.

Artist Ushiro speaks of atomic-bomb attacks

Artist Ushiro speaks of atomic-bomb attacks

TOKYO, Japan - Artist Ryuta Ushiro speaks in an interview in Tokyo on June 15, 2012. Ushiro who leads the artists' group Chim Pom said the huge sacrifice in lives from the atomic bombs was a basis of peace today in Japan.

Fundoshi comes back as cool underwear

Fundoshi comes back as cool underwear

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken June 15, 2012, shows colorful new-wave fundoshi, traditional Japanese underwear previously worn only by men, sold at the "hands be" sundry goods store in the Harajuku commercial area of Tokyo. According to the +charming! fundoshi marketer, 40 percent of those who buy its Sharefun line of fundoshi are women.

Fundoshi comes back as cool underwear

Fundoshi comes back as cool underwear

TOKYO, Japan - Keiji Nakagawa, 35-year-old representative of the +charming! fundoshi marketer and head of the Japan Fundoshi Association, is interviewed by Kyodo News in Tokyo on June 15, 2012. Nakagawa said he first tried traditional Japanese fundoshi underwear when he fell ill due to overwork, and has been sleeping better and regaining his strength since he began wearing them.

Japanese pop duo twin Emi Ito dies

Japanese pop duo twin Emi Ito dies

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Emi Ito (L), one of the identical twin sisters comprising Japanese pop duo The Peanuts, and her twin sister Yumi, singing at an event in December 1968 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their debut. Emi Ito died on June 15, 2012. She was 71.

Hattori wins Mondahmin Cup

Hattori wins Mondahmin Cup

SODEGAURA, Japan - Japan's Mayu Hattori smiles with the victor's trophy after winning the Earth Mondahmin Cup at Camellia Hills Country Club in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture, on June 24, 2012. Hattori carded a 15-under 201 for her first win of the season and fourth of her career.

London in festive mood before Olympics

London in festive mood before Olympics

LONDON, England - Photo taken by a helicopter shows the Olympic Stadium in London on June 15, 2012. The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will be held July 27 at the stadium with a seating capacity of 80,000.

Olympic Park

Olympic Park

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows an overall view of the Olympic Park in London.

Velodrome

Velodrome

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Velodrome in London, cycling track venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.

BMX Track

BMX Track

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the BMX Track in London, the venue for the BMX cycling competition at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Riverbank Arena

Riverbank Arena

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Riverbank Arena in London, the venue for the field hockey competition at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Basketball Arena

Basketball Arena

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Basketball Arena in London, the venue for the basketball and handball competitions at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Copper Box

Copper Box

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Copper Box in London, which will host 2012 Olympic events including handball.

Aquatics Centre

Aquatics Centre

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Aquatics Centre in London, a 2012 Olympic Games venue. The Water Polo Arena is just behind it.

London Olympic Stadium

London Olympic Stadium

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Olympic Stadium in London, the main venue for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Water Polo Arena

Water Polo Arena

LONDON, Britain - Photo taken on June 15, 2012, from a helicopter chartered by Kyodo News shows the Water Polo Arena in London, a 2012 Olympic Games venue.

Nissan to cut back domestic production by 15%

Nissan to cut back domestic production by 15%

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in July 2007 shows Nissan Motor Co.'s Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. The automaker will halt operation in July 2012 of one of two production lines at the plant south of Tokyo, as it cuts annual domestic production capacity by 15 percent to 1.15 million vehicles, company sources said June 21, 2012.

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

PYONGYANG, North Korea - Photo on June 20, 2012, shows the Mansudae area in central Pyongyang as North Korea held a ceremony on June 20, 2012, to mark the completion of redevelopment of the area, including the construction of high-rise apartment buildings. The redevelopment was one of North Korea's major projects to mark the centennial of the birth of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15.

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

PYONGYANG, North Korea - North Korea holds a ceremony on June 20, 2012, for completion of redevelopment of the Mansudae area in central Pyongyang including the construction of high-rise apartment buildings. The redevelopment was one of the country's major projects to mark the centennial of the birth of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15.

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

Redevelopment in central Pyongyang

PYONGYANG, North Korea - Women applaud during a ceremony on June 20, 2012, to mark the completion of redevelopment of the Mansudae area in central Pyongyang including the construction of high-rise apartment buildings. The redevelopment was one of North Korea's major projects to mark the centennial of the birth of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15.

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

SENDAI, Japan - Photo on June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture. Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. said on June 18, 2012, it has resumed a test to vitrify high-level radioactive liquid waste at the plant.

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

SENDAI, Japan - Photo on June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture. Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. said on June 18, 2012, it has resumed a test to vitrify high-level radioactive liquid waste at the plant.

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

Test to vitrify radioactive liquid waste resumes

SENDAI, Japan - Photo on June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in the village of Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture. Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. said on June 18, 2012, it has resumed a test to vitrify high-level radioactive liquid waste at the plant.

AUM doomsday cult

AUM doomsday cult

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in February 1995 shows the Satyan 7 facility (foreground) of the AUM Shinrikyo doomsday cult's complex near Mt. Fuji in the village of Kamikuishiki, Yamanashi Prefecture. AUM was secretly producing sarin nerve gas at the Satyan 7 facility. Police arrested Katsuya Takahashi, the last remaining AUM member wanted over the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, on June 15, 2012, after he had been on the run for 17 years.

AUM doomsday cult

AUM doomsday cult

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in March 1995 shows followers of the AUM Shinrikyo doomsday cult meditating at the cult's headquarters in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture. Police arrested Katsuya Takahashi, the last remaining AUM member wanted over the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, on June 15, 2012, after he had been on the run for 17 years.

Greek conservative politician Samaras

Greek conservative politician Samaras

ATHENS, Greece - Antonis Samaras, leader of New Democracy, Greece's major conservative party, gives a speech in Athens on June 15, 2012.

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

OSAKA, Japan - Photo taken June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in the town of Oi, Fukui Prefecture. From front to back, the Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 reactor buildings are seen. The Japanese government approved the resumption of operation of the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at the plant the following day amid concerns over the safety of atomic power generation following the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Greek conservative politician Samaras

Greek conservative politician Samaras

ATHENS, Greece - Antonis Samaras, leader of New Democracy, Greece's major conservative party, gives a speech in Athens on June 15, 2012.

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

OSAKA, Japan - Photo taken June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in the town of Oi, Fukui Prefecture. The Japanese government approved the resumption of operation of two nuclear reactors at the plant the following day amid concerns over the safety of atomic power generation following the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

Japan to restart 2 reactors, 1st reactivated since Fukushima

OSAKA, Japan - Photo taken June 15, 2012, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in the town of Oi, Fukui Prefecture. The Japanese government approved the resumption of operation of two nuclear reactors at the plant the following day amid concerns over the safety of atomic power generation following the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

Tiger Woods at U.S. Open

Tiger Woods at U.S. Open

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Photo shows Tiger Woods during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament on June 15, 2012, at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Suu Kyi in Oslo

Suu Kyi in Oslo

OSLO, Norway - Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (L) gives a press conference in Oslo on June 15, 2012. She finally received her 1991 Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital the following day after spending more than 14 years under house arrest. To the right is Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.