RIM takes aim at iPhone with Blackberry Torch

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion threw the gauntlet at iPhone maker Apple Inc., Tuesday, by unveiling its first slider-based multi-touch smartphone - Torch 9800

• RIM's Spat With UAE Won't Dent User Base

War against child predation escalates

The U.S. Department of Justice this week unveiled its national strategy for detecting, combating and preventing the exploitation of children in its many sordid forms.

Way cleared for Islamic center near Ground Zero

A New York City panel unanimously declined to protect a more than 150-year-old commercial building near the World Trade Center site, opening the way for its razing and the construction of a proposed Islamic center.

• Mosque near Ground Zero a bad idea, poll says

BP to sell Colombian assets for $1.9 bln

British oil giant BP said it has agreed to sell its oil and gas exploration, production and transportation business in Colombia to a consortium of Ecopetrol and Talisman Energy for $1.9 billion in cash

• BP share price up on FTSE 100 after Colombian asset sale announced
• BP readies killer punch for world's worst oil spill

U.S. keeps pressure on North Korea

The U.S. will publicly name entities and individuals linked to aiding North Korea's missile and nuclear programs in the coming weeks.

• Analysis: South China Sea spat fresh threat to Sino-US ties
• North Korea declares "sacred war" on U.S., South

Amazon, Apple probed over e-book prices

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is investigating agreements between the country's largest e-book publishers and two of the largest sellers -- Amazon.com, Inc. and Apple, Inc.

Fed quantitative easing may resume, economists puzzled and skeptical

The Wall Street Journal reported that Federal Reserve officials are considering a resumption of quantitative easing. Economists are puzzled by this move and doubtful that it can produce real benefits.