Today, US President Barack Obama signed a controversial healthcare bill into law in Washington, DC. The new law will benefit the 32 million Americans who currently without health insurance, providing them with health coverage. The costly bill is strongly opposed by Republicans; not one voting for the bill. Immediately after the bill was signed, 13 states began legal proceedings against the government to stop the new bill on grounds that the reforms are unconstitutional.
2. Headline: Benjamin Netanyahu says Mid-East talks face new delay
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, met with President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. Though the pair met for about 90 minutes, details of their discussion were closed to the media. This was the first time the two allies have met since their row over building in East Jerusalem. It is speculated that the two leaders' dispute may not be over: last week Mr Obama said the building of 1600 homes in Ramat Shlomo was not helpful in the peace process. However, Mr Netanyahu is still adamant in the planning - he once again reasserted Israel's "right to build" in Jerusalem this past Monday.
3. Headline: Britain expels Israeli diplomat over Dubai passport row
The UK is to expel an Israeli diplomat after substantial evidence suggests over 12 forged British passports were used in the killing of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouth on 19 January at a Dubai hotel. England's foreign secretary, David Miliband, states the misuse of British passports is "intolerable". Israel has previously stated no proof supported its country was behind the killing of the Hamas leader. Miliband stated that the incident "represents a profound disregard for the sovereignty of the United Kingdom", and the fact that Israel is an ally adds "insult to injury."
4. French government backs down on carbon tax plan
The French government has decided to drop its plan for taxing domestic carbon dioxide emissions. Prime Minisiter Francois Fillon has stated that the government should focus on policies that increase France's economic competitiveness. France's main focus, according to Fillon, is to increase competitiveness with the rest of Europe, particularly France's neighbour, Germany. The carbon tax has also been rejected as there were too many exemptions for commuters in the tax plans.
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