News in Brief: Disorientation, Money and Beards

Disorientation
The US military have reportedly opened fire upon a group of unarmed civilians injuring six people, one of which a child who had to have his leg amputated. The incident was said to have occurred as Libyan rebels tried to help out a crashed US pilot, who whilst disoriented believed the civilians to be hostile forces and called for the help of a nearby US attack helicopter. Civilian tensions are rising in Libya with fears of the US presence causing further injuries or even deaths as was the case in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Downed US fighter jet in Libya

Money
The end of the financial year is fast approaching, and with it comes a new national budget in most developed countries which is sure to cause a few problems giving the current economical climate. On a personal note, as an Englishman I've got personal tax and national insurance prices increasing as well as an 2% increase on my beloved alcohol and cigarettes (if I smoked).

- How is it in your country?

Beards

A Jewish Rabbi is suing the US military for breach of his religious beliefs after being told he could not join unless he shaved his beard. Rabbi Stern feels he was willfully discriminated against and said "I was told my application to join the army would only be accepted if I shaved off my beard". The US military have stated that their rules and regulations are clear on beards, currently the regulations state that beards are forbidden unless the recruit is unable to shave due to medical issues. The US military did go on to say that he would be allowed to sport a moustache as long as it didn't grow past the edges of his lips.

- Who's side are you on?