■UNITED KINGDOM
Brits eye intelligent design
More than half of British adults think intelligent design and creationism should be taught alongside evolution in school — a proportion higher than in the US. An Ipsos Mori survey questioned 11,768 adults from 10 countries on how the theory of evolution should be taught in school science lessons. About 54 percent of 973 Britons agreed with the view that “evolutionary theories should be taught in science lessons in schools together with other possible perspectives, such as intelligent design and creationism.” In the US, of 991 adults responding to the survey, which was organized by the British Council, 51 percent agreed that evolution should be on the curriculum alongside other theories, like intelligent design. Across the 10 countries, 43 percent agreed with the statement. Advocates of intelligent design say some features of the universe and nature are so complex they must have been designed by a higher being. Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said “it would be wholly wrong to include creationism in the science curriculum.”
■CUBA
Sean Penn seeks interview
Oscar-winning actor and political activist Sean Penn arrived in Cuba hoping to interview former president Fidel Castro, state media reported on Sunday. A TV report showed Penn walking in the town of Nueva Gerona on the Isle of Youth, accompanied by painter Alexis Leyva. A US entertainment news Web site, TMZ, reported earlier that Penn was writing a story for Vanity Fair magazine about how the administration of US President Barack Obama has affected Cuba. Since taking office in January, Obama has moved to ease a half-century of tension with Cuba, with small steps such as relaxing rules on visits and money transfers to the island. But so far, the administration has not taken major strides in its approach to the country and has said it will not, for now, seek to end its economic embargo. Instead, the US has urged Havana to show progress on human rights.
■THE HAGUE
Karadzic boycotts trial
Judges halted proceedings at the start of the war crimes trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic after 15 minutes after he boycotted the hearing yesterday. Judge Kwon O-gon said the trial would recommence today at 2:15pm with the opening address of the prosecution. Kwon said if Karadzic continued to be absent, judges would consider appointing a lawyer to represent him. Karadzic, who has denied all charges, is representing himself. He faces war crimes charges including genocide.
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