ANCHORAGE, Alaska A report has cleared Gov. Sarah Palin of ethics violations in the firing of her public safety commissioner. The report, released Monday, said: "There is no probable cause to believe that the governor, or any other state official, violated the Alaska Executive Ethics Act in connection with these matters." It was prepared by Timothy Petumenos, an independent counsel for the Alaska Personnel Board.
A separate legislative investigation recently concluded that Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, abused her office by allowing her husband and staffers to pressure the public safety commissioner to fire a state trooper who went through a nasty divorce from Palin's sister.
Palin fired Walter Monegan, but denies his dismissal was related to the trooper.
GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba A video maker for Osama bin Laden who vowed that al-Qaida will never stop fighting America was sentenced to life in prison Monday for encouraging terrorist attacks.
A jury of nine military officers deliberated for just under an hour before condemning Ali Hamza al-Bahlul at Guantanamo's second war-crimes trial. Al-Bahlul was convicted of 35 counts of conspiracy, solicitation to commit murder and providing material support for terrorism.
The military has not said where he will serve his sentence.
The 39-year-old Yemeni defiantly admitted joining al-Qaida, accused the U.S. of oppressing Muslims for 50 years and said "we will fight any government that governs America."
"We are the only ones on Earth who stand against you," al-Bahlul said, adding that the U.S. has only itself to blame for the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Whoever said this happened out of nowhere is an idiot," he said. "You have started the war against us."
The lead prosecutor, Army Maj. Daniel Cowhig, said al-Balhul has shown no remorse or regret.
"When will it be safe for this man to leave confinement? Never," Cowhig said.
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