A round-up of today's other stories in brief:
Dubai faces 'backlash' on ports pull-out
DUBAI - Gulf Arabs reacted bitterly yesterday to Dubai's decision to relinquish control of six US ports, saying the political storm that forced the emirate's hand could provoke a backlash among regional investors.
State-owned Dubai Ports announced on Thursday that it would transfer the ports to a US entity at the behest of Dubai's ruler to allay concerns in the US that the deal posed a threat to American national security.
- (Reuters)
US men query child support
NEW YORK - Men's rights activists in the US are mounting a court battle claiming fathers should not have to pay child support for a baby they did not want, in a case being dubbed Roe v Wade for men.
The lawsuit of the National Centre for Men argues that as women with an unplanned pregnancy can choose between abortion, adoption or raising the child themselves, the father should be able to opt out of the financial responsibilities of parenthood.
The suit was filed in Michigan on behalf of a 25- year-old computer programmer who claims his former girlfriend had his child after repeatedly assuring him she could not get pregnant and despite her knowing that he did not want a baby with her.
- (PA)
'Kidney donor' uses son in escape
NEW YORK - A man who was released from jail so that he could donate a kidney to his ailing son was being sought in Mexico yesterday after he went on the run before the organ could be removed.
Byron Perkins from Kentucky was awaiting sentencing for drugs and firearms offences and facing a minimum 25 years in prison. But he was allowed out after tearfully convincing prison officials that he wanted to help his son Destin (15) who has dialysis twice a week.
Perkins was not wearing an electronic ankle bracelet because doctors told the judge who approved his release it would interfere with medical tests. He went to hospital but vanished before his kidney was removed.
- (Guardian Service)