Ukraine duped by con man in billion-dollar gas deal
For years, Kiev and Moscow have been locked in a bitter dispute over the Russian pipeline that runs through Ukraine.
This week, Ukraine decided they had enough and would climb out from under Russia's thumb and sign a deal with a new gas partner:
Gas Natural Fenosa of Spain.
The deal worth over a billion dollars would see Fenosa build a new port terminal on the Black Sea for importing and exporting liquefied natural gas. The signing of the agreement was a major deal. It was even televised!
And attended by the Ukraine's Prime Minister and Jordi Sarda Bonvehi, the representative for Fenosa. It was a huge step towards energy independence for the Ukraine. There was just one problem. FULL POST
FBI searching for answers in Benghazi attack... on Facebook
Our fifth story OutFront: searching for answers.
It's been 80 days since the attack on the Benghazi consulate that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans, so why is the FBI using Facebook now to ask for tips about the September 11th attack?
OutFront tonight is Tim Weiner, author of the book "Enemies: A History of the FBI."
Republican infighting over potential tax compromise continues
Our fourth story OutFront – let's make a deal. Or at least part of a deal?
We may not be any closer to an agreement on the entire fiscal cliff, but there has been a big push in Washington to get at least one item signed, sealed, and delivered – an extension of Bush tax cuts for people making less than $250,000. Democrats in particular have supported this, with the hopes that popular support can force Republicans to extend these cuts without extending cuts for higher earners.
And yesterday, one Republican Congressman broke ranks with his party and said he agrees with this plan. Will more follow? Republican Congressman Kevin Yoder of Kansas, who is on the Appropriations Committee, comes OutFront tonight.
CLICK TO SEE ACCOMPANYING PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING CNN CONTRIBUTORS JOHN AVLON AND ERICK ERICKSON
Bradley Manning testifies for first time at abuse hearing
Our third story OutFront – allegations of abuse
Army Private Bradley Manning took the stand in his own defense for the first time today.
The former intelligence analyst is charged in the largest leak of classified material in American history, he's accused of stealing thousands of military and State Department documents, which ended up on WikiLeaks.
Manning says he suffered abuse when he was confined to Marine Corps brig for nine months. Last night on OutFront, Erin spoke to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and he spoke in support of Manning.
OutFront tonight is CNN's Chris Lawrence at the Pentagon.
OUTFRONT UPDATE 11/30/2012: Prosecutors cross examined Manning today in an attempt to poke holes in his claims of abuse. Manning testified yesterday that he was forced to stand naked in his cell after expressing suicidal thoughts. His underwear was removed because he threatened to hang himself with it, although his guards provided him with a blanket and he admitted today that no order was ever given to specifically drop the blanket while standing. Manning's lawyers hope to prove mistreatment and parlay that into a shorter sentence during his actual court martial.
Palestine celebrates after UN vote upgrades status
Our second story OutFront: a victory for Palestinians.
The West Bank celebrated today after the United Nations gave Palestinians a small step toward statehood, something they've wanted for years.
The Palestinian Authority is now recognized by the U.N. as a "non-member observer state." The resolution was passed against the will of the United States and Israel, who were in the minority – just nine countries voted against it.
The vote gives the Palestinians a higher profile at the U.N., but more importantly, it also means they can join organizations like the International Criminal Court. And that could allow the Palestinians to pursue war crimes charges against Israel.
OutFront tonight is Silvan Shalom, the Vice Prime Minister of Israel.
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