The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com U.S. translator missing, may have been abducted SOAR From page 1 2005, didn't allow sity to let organic members to signstat This omission coul legal showdown wi BAGHDAD (AP) - A U.S. soldier in Baghdad was reported missing late Monday, and residents said American forces sealed the central Karadah district and were conduct- ing door-to-door searches. Other reports claimed he was an Army translator of Iraqi descent and was abducted. A military official in Washington said the missing service member was a translator and that the ini- tial report was he may have been abducted. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not cleared for release. An employee at Baghdad's al- Furat TV, which was raided by American forces earlier Monday, said the U.S. forces conducting the search told him they were looking for an abducted American officer of Iraqi descent. The employee said U.S. soldiers and Mouwafak al-Rubaie, the gov- ernment's national security adviser who went to the station during the raid, told him the missing officer had left to join family members in Baghdad's Karadah district. It wasn't immediately possible to clarify the reports. The officer's wife, also an Iraqi- American, was reportedly in the capital visiting family, according to the reports passed on by the al-Furat employee. He refused to allow use of his name fearing ret- ribution. Haitham al-Husseini, a close aide of Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, or SCIRI, said he arrived at al-Furat station to negotiate the departure of the American troops and was told by a U.S. Army colonel that they were looking for an American soldier who was kidnapped. SCIRI, the dominant Shiite group in the Iraqi government, owns the televi- sion station. Residents in Karadah told The Associated Press that U.S. forces sealed the central Baghdad district shortly after 7:30 p.m. The military was going door-to-door and had brought in at least two tanks and two armored vehicles. "Coalition and Iraqi Security forces immediately responded to attempt to locate the soldier. The search is ongoing," the military said in a statement that gave no other details. The last time any U.S. soldiers Susan Wilson,c were reported missing was in June, Office of Student when one was killed in an insurgent Leadership, which attack at a checkpoint by a Euphra- SOAR process, init tes River canal, 12 miles south of implement that poll Baghdad. The two soldiers listed The University, t as missing had been abducted dur- to play it safe ina le ing the attack and later found dead, "We really don't their bodies brutalized, the mili- legal interpretation tary said. One of the soldiers had Wilson said. "We been beheaded. ily have to be the o Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed respon- heads bloodied ever sibility for killing the soldiers, Enforcement of and said the successor to terror nondiscrimination leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had straightforward. "slaughtered" them, according to "We've also been a Web statement that could not be religious organizat authenticated. public institution w In another case, Sgt. Keith M. accepting of all peol Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio, is still social identities," W missing in action. He disappeared Still, there isr in April 2004 in an insurgent attack on a fuel convoy west of Baghdad. One private contractor also remains missing. STEM CELLS Separately, Marine Cpl. Wassef From page 1 Ali Hassoun, an Arabic translator, faces two desertion charges after Navy investigators concluded he allow researchers to fled Camp Fallujah in Iraq in June embryonic stem ce 2004 and then failed to arrive athis after 2001, Saltiel sa base in Camp Lejeune, N.C., in Jan- State laws that b uary 2005. Hassoun is still missing. of new human emb for the Univer- zations require tements of faith. Id have led to a th some groups. director of the Activities and oversees the ially wanted to icy. though, decided gal gray area. know what the n is going to be," don't necessar- ones getting our ry time." the rest of the policy is more a very clear with lions that as a e need to be very ple regardless of ilson said. no clear court precedent on the enforcement of nondiscrimination policies by uni- versities. The Christian Legal Society chapter at Ohio State University sparked a legal skirmish in 2003 after it changed its constitution to bar people who engage in gay sexu- al activity from its leadership. OSU began to strip the organization of its recognition but relented after the group filed a lawsuit. Now stu- dent groups at OSU can limit mem- bership based on "sincerely held religious belief." Varner said that's not an excep- tion the University of Michigan is likely to make. "What is religion? It's avery neb- ulous thing," she said. "It gets tobe a slippery and messy slope." Instead, groups can make their members uphold standards of behavior as long as they don't restrict based on social identity. These standards include require- ments to live according to the Bible and bans on underage drinking. The groups that require state- ments of faith say they are essential to carrying out their missions. Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 7 "Our group holds that certain things are true and certain things are false. We try to pursue the things that we think are true," said James Paternoster, a staffer at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and an advisor to avariety of Chris- tian pre-professional groups. These groups, which include the Universi- ty's chapter of the Christian Legal Society, require their leaders to sign statements of faith. "Anything worth doing needs to be led by people who believe it's worth doing," Paternoster said. University officials seem con- fident that their approach to reli- gious groups will prevent conflict until the Supreme Court draws a clear line on the limits of nondis- crimination policies. "It is not a crisis here," Wilson said. "What we have here right now is people who are earnest, understand where we're coming from, respectful of the policies we've put forth, understand what we mean when we talk about social identity. I feel as though people have been pretty respectful of one another." o work with new ll lines created aid. ban the creation ryonic stem cell Chavez suffers int'l setbacks in his quest for U.N. seat CARACAS, Venezuela - Presi- they didn't." bly last month, when he said the1 dent Hugo Chavez has suffered a With Venezuela trailing the podium reeked of sulfur after Bush string of international setbacks, U.S.-supported Guatemala after 35 spoke.1 seeing his campaign for a U.N. rounds of secret votes that left both "Even if you want to bash anoth- Security Council seat fall short and shyofthetwo-thirdsmajorityneed- er head of state, this isn't proper1 his favored leftist candidates losing ed to win a Security Council seat, decorum," Effah-Apenteng said. elections in Peru and Mexico. the contest could eventually end up "That's the problem."+ Calling President Bush "the going to a compromise candidate Some analysts, however, said devil" still rallies faithful Chavistas after voting resumes Wednesday. Chavez's influence with a solid blocj in Venezuela, where Chavez leads Chavez portrays the U.N. voting in the United Nations despite coun- in the polls six weeks ahead of elec- as a diplomatic victory, saying Sun- ter-lobbying by Washington shows tions. But critics say his superheat- day that he achieved his objective of his political savvy. ed rhetoric is turning away some blocking Washington's candidate. "This is like a boxing match. You potential supporters elsewhere. "We've taught the empire a les- have a heavyweight in the form of "Taking these kinds of broad- son," Chavez told supporters. Even the U.S., you have a junior weight sides against the U.S. hasn't really if "Venezuela isn't able to enter the in the form of Venezuela, and the worked for him politically abroad," Security Council, we've done dam- fact that Venezuela has lasted this said Daniel Erikson of the Inter- age to the empire. That was our long speaks tremendously to the1 American Dialogue, a Washing- objective." kind of influence that they were ton-based think tank. "A lot of But Ghana's U.N. ambassador, able to generate," said Miguel Tin- governments indicated they would Nana Effah-Apenteng, said many ker Salas, a Latin American studies+ vote for him in the U.N., and then diplomats feel Chavez went too far professor at Pomona College in Cla-1 when it came to the secret ballot, in his speech to the General Assem- remont, Calif. lines in Michigan will still apply, he said. But under the law, researchers can study new lines imported from other states. The room, which is expected to be operational within the next month, will not be a fully equipped lab. Instead, researchers will bring their experiments to the roomwhen working on non-federally approved lines. Morrison said the federal lines are inferior to the new non- approved lines because they are often contaminated with animal products. This makes the research inapplicable to human patients. The lines also do not contain genetic defects that are useful when study- ing neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease, which Mor- rison plans to study. The room, which will house an incubator, freezer and other basic lab equipment, will be open to all University researchers interested in working with stem cells, Morri- son said. The room was established with $283,000 in private donations. The list of the 13named donors released by LSI yesterday includes Univer- sity Regents Olivia Maynard (D- Goodrich) and Rebecca McGowan (D-Ann Arbor) as well as Phil Power, an active University donor and former regent. This money is enough to operate the lab for roughly one year, Mor- rison said. LSI plans to raise $1 million to maintain the room for up to four years. By that time, Morrison said, he hopes the federal and state restric- tions will be loosened, eliminating the need for the room. McGowan said that politics do not fit into the research. "LSI is doing basic research on life's mysteries," she said. "That's what a great university does." McGowan declined to say how much money she and her husband donated to the project. Other schools, includingthe Uni- versity of Wisconsin and Harvard University, have already designated privately funded rooms or insti- tutes for stem cell research. Morrison said the University was slower to take this approach because of the state's restrictions. "Michigan's laws are much more restrictive than federal laws, and more restrictive than every other state, other than South Dakota," he said. Both Morrison and Saltiel said the room, and this strategy for iso- lating private funds, is no secret. "This is openly discussed in the media," Morrison said. "This is a strange phenomenon, but it is hap- pening all across the country." the michigan daily 7 i i I A 4 Michigan. Now MAP will try to take its place as the assembly hege- mon. The party brass is certainly optimistic for MAP's future. At the Oct. 11 meeting, they boasted about their level of experience, and more importantly, their experience with winning. Last election cycle, 54M scored a comfortable victory over challengers from the Michi- gan Progressive Party, the Student Conservative Party and the Defend Affirmative Action Party. At the mass meeting, MAP offi- cial Nick Fink told prospective can- didates that they could be sure to win "as long as you do what we tell you to do." With regard to the first aspect of their three-pronged platform, "protecting your wallet," the party officials are focused on fighting extraneous education costs, most importantly the price of textbooks. MAP wants to push the University to require instruc- tors to publish book lists well before classes begin. They plan to meet with University officials to devise a way to create and enforce this mandate. "All students have a right to have more time to find textbooks," said Pink. Katherine Musbach, a MAP party leader, said that other goals aimed at saving students money include putting course packs online and reducing the cost of double- sided printing - currently the same price as printing two pages. MAP also makes a goal of "pro- tecting your rights." Most of this promise consists of an intricate plan regarding campus safety. The plan includes increasing lights and police phones around and near campus. MAP also stresses building MSA's relationship with City Coun- cil to ensure that students have a voice in local government. "Taking action for you," the final part of the new slogan deals with accountability in student govern- ment. Fink pointed to his work on creating the new degree progress tracker on Wolverine Access. MAP leadership also worked with the University's Information Technol- ogy Central Services to, create a survey students can fill out to pro- vide input regarding student gov- ernment. MAP will likely battle the Stu- dent Liberty Party - which has strong ties to last spring's Stu- dent Conservative Party - in the November election. P/T NONSMKG. SITTER Needed for 3 kids under age 4yrs. old to help busy stay-home Mom. You need to be re- sponsible & enthusiastic w/own trans. Apply w/resume to skghss@yahoo.com SPRING BREAK 2007 Celebration 20th Anniversary w/ Sun Splash Tours. Free trip on every 12 before Nov. 1. Free Meals & Parties, Hottest Deals Ever. Group Discounts on 6+. Hottest Spring Break Destinations. Call 1800-426-7710. www.sunsplashtours.com SPRING BREAK W/STS to Jamaica, Mexico, Bahamas & Florida. Sell Trips, Earn Cash, Travel Free! Call for group discounts. Info/Reservations 800-648-4849. www.ststravel.com For Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006 ARtES (March 21 to April 19) You can expect to feel increasingly intense about practically everything in the next few weeks. Suddenly, every- thing matters. You see events in black and white. You might have to deal with inheritance matters, errands and shared properry. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It's unusual, but right now five planets oppose your sign. This totally focuses your attention on partnerships and close friendships. (You have no choice!) GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You're a dynamo of energy in the next few weeks. Primarily, it's because you have a strong motivation to get better organized. You might as well act while you have this urge! CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Everything having to do with romance, love affairs, playful activities, the entertainment world and working with children will be your major focus in the month ahead. It's time to have fun! LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Home, family and real estate matters are on the menu for the next six weeks. Family discussions are significant. Entertain at home when you can. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 221 The daily tempo of your days is accel- erating! Short trips, errands, increased time with siblings and relatives, plus reading and writing keep you hopping for the next month. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You're unusually focused on money and possessions right now. You have moneymaking ideas, but you're also run- ning around spending it! SCORPIO (Oct. 231o Nov. 21) It's quite unusual to have five planets in your sign. This empowers you enor- mously in all your dealings with others. (Nobody else has a chance.) SAGI'TTARIUS (Nov. 22to Dec. 21) t's important 1o bide your time right now. Stay in the background. Work in the wings. Try to get extra rest and relax- ation for the next six weeks. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) The next six weeks are an extremely popular time for you. Accept all invita- tions. Join classes, groups or clubs. Enjoy the company of friends. AQUARtUS (Jan. 201o Feb. 18) With five planets now at high noon in your chart, people definitely notice you! (This acts like a spotlight on you.) The month ahead is an excellent time to talk to bosses, VIPs and parents. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Publishing opportunities or chances to travel or pursue further education can come your way in the next month. Be ready for unexpected adventure! Try to do something different from your usual routine. YOU BORN TODAY You are a styl- ish perfectionist. You always do your homework ahead of time; no detail is too small for you. You like to share your dis- coveries about the world and yourself with anyone who is interested. (It's your dramatic enthusiasm for life.) You're definitely assertive. The year ahead is wonderfully social, and it promotes friendships and romance! Birthdate of: F. Murray Abraham, actor; Kevin Kline, actor; Bill Wyman, FLU From page 1 not only on how to respon problem buthow to get the back on its feet after it end Using the Spanish influet demic of 1918 as a model,N has asked departments to pl emergency procedures bas situation where 30 to 45 pe the campus population wou pacitated for up to 3 months According to Science mo the 1918 pandemic is "the recorded outbreak of an' tious disease." Winfield has turned to t "The Great Influenza" b Barry for historical refere insight into pandemic pi According to the book, t flu killed more people in 2 than AIDS has in 24 years. Last year, scientists at t ters for Disease Control structed the virus responc the 1918 pandemic and fou the virus was extremely si current strains of avian in also known as H5N1. I tion to genetic similariti viruses are particularly l otherwise healthy people I the ages of 15 and 34 bei the immune response it pi Both cause the overprodu viral defense proteins, whi the body and turn lethal accumulate. According to Terry Alt executive director of the U ty's Occupational Safety at ronmental Health departm current H5N1 virus has th tial to be even more leth the 1918 Spanish strain. W 1918 influenza virus killer to 8 percent of those infe said, the current avian fli has a mortality rate of a percent. Still, Alexander doesn' N casualties on the level of the 1918 demic isi flu. For th "Since then, there's been a huge have bei amount of progress in medical century. technology," he said. "Perhaps we experts d to the will have the tools to fight this dis- come so campus ease." years. s. The ability to reconstruct the "It's b nza pan- 1918 influenza strain has given the last Winfield researchers at the CDC insight said. "V an their into what genetic components somethit ed on a made the virus so harmful. This Or itc rcent of information will help in the devel- "We'r tld inca- opment of new drugs and vaccines all this p . to fight H5N1. Diane Br agazine, Vaccine production tradition- and oper largest ally involves the inoculation of Pande y infec- chicken eggs and takes about six are cent( months. According to the World necessiti he book Health Organization, a new tech- tion ant y John nique called reverse genetics large pa nce and would shorten production time to dictabilit lanning. three to four months. Planni he 1918 'Winfield said experimental avian of coord 4 weeks fluvaccines appear promising atthis papers s point, showing a desirable immune his offici he Cen- response in infected mice. each pag recon- Unfortunately, pandemic plan- tinuity p sible for ners cannot place all of their inoc- versity t nd that ulated eggs in one basket. Vaccine faculty a milar to production would only be useful if of in a p fluenza, it were known which strain would of them' n addi- cause a pandemic. Eklun es, both This is a major problem that dent nee ethal to Alexander and Winfield have massive between anticipated. support: cause of "Nobody knows what kind of to emer rovokes. virus will cause a pandemic,"Win- the Uni' .ction of field said. tims ofP ch flood Another problem, preventable tsunami as they by nothing short of time travel, She s is that nobody knows where the events h exander, virus will strike, if it does. the scop Jniversi- Hypothetically, the virus could If a p nd Envi- start in Ann Arbor as a result of the mos tent, the all the international travelers that dealing e poten- come here, Alexander said. making: tal than "There are so many unknown sary rest here the aspects to this at this point in provided d only 4 time," he said. "We're kind of in a municat( cted, he waiting game to see what nature "The u strain will throw at us." have to bout 50 Experts at the Institute of Medi- tomorro cine of the National Academy of to think t expect Sciences and elsewhere saythe pan- Eklund s LIKE THE CHANGES? COME inevitable, even overdue. he past 300 years, there en three pandemics per Drawing on this pattern, predict that another will metime in the next 10 een over 40 years since pandemic," Alexander We're probably due for ng." ould never happen. e hopeful that we're doing lanning for nothing," said own, University facilities ations spokeswoman. mic planning efforts ered not only on medical es but also communica- d action procedures, in rt because of the unpre- ty of the virus. ing at this scale takes a lot ination. A thick stack of its on Alexander's desk in e near Michigan Stadium, e containing business con- lans from around the Uni- o ensure that the students, nd staff will be taken care andemic situation outside edical realm. d is working to assess stu- ds and devise plans for a increase in emergency services. She's no stranger gency response: She led versity's response to vic- Hurricane Katrina and the of last year. aid dealing with these as provided her insight on e of human need. pandemic strikes, some of t important tasks will be with housing concerns, sure food and other neces- ources will continue to be land knowing how to com- e information to students. good news is, we don't put a plan into action w, so we've got some time about how to do this," said. !!ME 800000 HUNGRY!! Want free pizza for a year? Enter to win and get a sweet deal at www.banzai.com WORK FOR NEWS. E-MAIL EWS@MICHIGANDAILY.COM. 4