A
Brazilian Space AgencyVLS-1 space rocket explodes on its launch-pad at
Alcântara space base, killing at least 21 people. It is thought that one of the rocket's four motors caught fire; the subsequent explosion destroyed the rocket, its cargo of two satellites, and the launch-pad, as well as the deaths of many of Brazil's space-specialists, causing an estimated US$12 million worth of damage. This ends Brazil's third attempt since 1997 at becoming a space power.[1][2]
Occupation of Iraq:
United NationsSecurity council members are split on the issue of
Iraq. France, Russia, People's Republic of China, and Germany are proposing differing ways to expand the United Nations mandate in Iraq beyond humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
Secretary of State of the United StatesColin Powell states that there is no plan to cede authority to the United Nations from the Coalition forces.[5] Powell also sought a new Security Council resolution that would involve other nations to contribute troops and aid in securing and rebuilding Iraq.[6]
Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
Palestinian militants and the
Israeli Government vow to continue attacks on each other after the
terrorist attacks and bloodshed.
Hamas and
Islamic Jihad release an official joint statement on their participation ending in the peace plan.[8] They urge militant cells in Palestine to strike. Israeli security officials state this is "only the beginning" of responses to Palestinian attacks.[9][10]
Separation of church and state:
Alabama's
Chief JusticeRoy Moore is suspended by a Judicial Ethics Panel over his refusal to remove a monument listing the
Ten Commandments which he had installed in the state Supreme Court building. Moore had been ordered to remove the controversial monument by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson, who in a judgment in 2002 said the monument "violates the constitution's ban on government promotion of a religious doctrine". Thompson's judgment was upheld by eight Associate Justices. Their ruling was criticised by Moore and the
Christian Defense Coalition, who have threatened to block the court building to prevent the monument's removal.[13][14]