THE DAILY CHRONICLE – January 2, 2008

Bhutto Planned to Expose Election Rigging Before Death

By Calvin A. Thompson

PAKISTAN – Explosive revelations were made Tuesday after a top Benazir Bhutto aide revealed to CNN plans by the late-election candidate to hand over a report accusing Pakistan’s intelligence services of a plot to rig parliamentary elections. The document, which has not been made public, has yet to be verified.

He’s "Hot"! Facebook Punters Deliver Verdict on Bhutto’s Successor

LONDON – The son of Benazir Bhutto has been dubbed ‘hot’ by the online community. Female Facebook fans have described Bilawal Bhutto as ‘cute’ after a new group was created on the website after the 19-year-old was named his mother’s successor for leading the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to the next election.

Bilawal Bhutto, thrust into the political spotlight by the assassination of his mother in Pakistan, can count on support from at least one source -- female Facebook fans who describe him as "hot".


U.S. Diplomat Dies in Sudan Shooting

KHARTOUM, SUDAN – An American diplomat was shot to death early Tuesday by gunmen in a passing car. The diplomat was identified as John Granville, 33, an official for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Also killed was his Sudanese driver. No motive for the killings has been determined, according to the U.S. embassy in Khartoum.

There’s Safety in ‘em-There Hills!

LONDON – In scenes reminiscent of the gold rushes seen in the 1800s, investors have been scrambling back to the safety of this popular commodity. With the U.S. market continuing to slump in the wake of subprime and nervousness about the retardation of the economy, gold has again become the favorite investment of choice to hedge risk.

On Monday, the precious metal rose above $US843.00 to close at its all time high of $US850.00. It slipped back Tuesday to $US840.75 on profit taking, but the overall rise marks a 32 percent increase on the metal for the past year (Source: Kitco.com). With tensions expected to continue in Pakistan and a general nervousness caused by slowing economies plaguing most of the major world markets – all that glitters is gold!

DISCLAIMER: This is Calvin’s own commentary and should not be construed as financial advice. For more information on investing in gold, contact your local financial adviser. At the time this article was written, Calvin held personal investments in gold stocks.