SACRIFICE: As a young mother, Lieutenant Commander Hsieh Ai-chieh will spend a substantial amount of time away from her family as she leads her vessel out at sea
By Rich Chang
The Navy announced yesterday that for the first time in its history a female lieutenant commander would be captain of a patrol vessel.

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The US is now tilting toward Pakistan's army elite and moderate forces at the expense of Pakistani General President Pervez Musharraf in a high-stakes move to save a key ally in the "war on terror," analysts said.

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'MAD ENOUGH': Calling on OPEC members to band together in these trying times, the Venezuelan firebrand said an attack on Iran could result in oil prices reaching US$200
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez opened an OPEC summit on Saturday with a chilling warning about US$200 oil if the US attacks Iran in a speech that also urged the cartel to be more political.

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A former guerrilla leader claimed victory yesterday in Kosovo elections and declared that voters had sent the world a message that the disputed Serbian province was now ready for independence.

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Talks between Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and US President George W. Bush reflected major challenges the bilateral alliance faces over issues including North Korea, local media said yesterday.

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