Anti-Gay Law Stirs Fears in Russia. Deepwater Oil Drilling Returns to Gulf and Grows as Blast Fades. Us Coast Guard/European Pressphoto Agency A $7.8 billion agreement was proposed last week to settle plaintiffs' claims in the BP oil explosion in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The announcement of an agreement late Friday by and lawyers representing individuals and businesses hurt by the disaster represented something of a turning of the page, though BP and its drilling partners continue to face legal challenges. After a yearlong drilling moratorium, BP and other oil companies are intensifying their exploration and production in the gulf, which will soon surpass the levels attained before the accident. Drilling in the area is about to be expanded in Mexican and Cuban waters, beyond most American controls, even though any accident would almost inevitably affect the United States shoreline.
The reason for the resumption of such drilling, analysts say, is continuing high demand for energy worldwide. BP has five rigs drilling in the gulf, making it one of the most active drillers there. China Increases Military Spending More Than 11 Percent. Syrian Rebels Withdrawing From Key Enclave in Homs.
European Debt Crisis. Venezuela - Fuel Still Flows to Syria. North Korea Agrees to Suspend Its Nuclear Program. Dogging Mitt Romney.