‘American Taliban’ asks Bush to commute the sentence of imprisonment

The man nicknamed the “American Taliban” is asking the president to commute the remaining years of his sentence in federal prison, according to a statement released by his lawyers on Wednesday.

John Walker Lindh, a 27-year-old from California, has served seven years from 20 years in prison after being captured in Afghanistan in 2001.

He joined the Taliban to fight in the civil war one month before the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, according to the statement.

He originally was indicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy to kill American citizens, but U.S. Department of Justice dismissed the terrorism-related charges in 2002.

UK Retail Sales Surprisingly Raised

Total sales volumes rose 0.3% in November from the previous month, the Office for UK National Statistics said. Sales increased by 1.5% from a year ago.

Analysts have expected sales to fall in November, and recent studies have suggested trading is weak.

The increase in monthly sales was led by household goods, which were up by 3.9% in November – its largest monthly increase since July 2007.

Sales of food rose by 0.2% during the month, while those of clothing and footwear fell by 0.1%.

Wayne Rooney Wants World Title

Wayne Rooney insists the Reds are going all for victory in the Club World Cup after FIFA to play in Tokyo on Monday.

The Reds’ striker is part of the 23-man squad that traveled to Japan in a bid to be crowned world champions.

Sir Alex’s men face Gamba Osaka on Thursday in the semi-final with the winner of the game, whether or Mexican side Pachuca LDU Quito of Ecuador in the final on Sunday.

Top 5 : 2008 Richest People

No. 5: Mukesh Ambani

Country: India
Net Worth: $ 43.0 million

Asia’s richest resident heads petrochemicals giant Reliance Industries, India most valuable company by market capitalization. His fortune is $ 22.9 billion since last year, bringing the world-second largest Gainer in dollar terms. Mukesh is using some of his money to build a 27-story home.

Obama Called Illionis Governor, Rod Blagojevich to Resign

President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday called for Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois to resign, a day after the arrest of Blagojevich on corruption charges.

“The president-elect agree with [Illinois] Lt. Governor [Pat] Quinn and many others in the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do their job and serve the people of Illinois,” said Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs.