VIETNAM TODAY

Thirty US troops including special forces died when the Taliban shot down their helicopter, officials said, in the biggest single loss for foreign troops in the decade-long war.

The Association of Vietnamese Cambodians in Kongpong Chhnang province held its first congress for the 2011-2014 tenure with the participation of 90 delegates.   

Four traditional handicrafts associated with Hanoians' daily life in the past are reappearing at four addresses in the Old Quarter from August 5.

National Assembly deputies approved a resolution on tax reductions and exemptions for businesses and individuals to boost economic development in 2011.   

Lieutenant General Tran Quang Khue, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, received the visiting Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, Commander of the US 7th Fleet. 

After nearly five years of searching, Rodriguez now holds what's believed to be an unprecedented Guatemalan court order. 

There are no energy sources which could replace nuclear power in Vietnam by 2050, said Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai.

The "Desperate Housewives" of Wisteria Lane might want to get their affairs in order.  

Environmentalists reported that pollution has recently worsened in Hanoi, caused by solid and water waste as well as exhaust fumes.

Standard & Poor's has cut the US credit rating for the first time in history.

Vietnamese grandmaster Le Quang Liem needs a professional foreign coach to help him develop to a new level, said an official.

NASA on Friday launched the billion-dollar solar-powered spacecraft Juno on a five-year journey to Jupiter.

National Assembly deputies gathered at a plenary session in Hanoi on August 5 to discuss tax measures to boost economic development in 2011.

The Vietnam Red Cross Central Committee launched a 2011 Action Month for Agent Orange Victims on August 5.

China said Friday that debt deals in the United States and in Europe would not be enough to save their economies.

Newly-elected Minister of Finance said transparency and close supervision are needed in calculating energy and petrol prices.

The central Thua Thien Hue Province's People Committee hopes to get 43 projects completed to host National Tourism Year 2012.

Four waste disposal sites worth an estimated VND54 billion (USD2.62 million) will be built in Hanoi to deal with the increasing waste problem.

International grandmaster Le Quang Liem will leave for Russia to compete at the World Chess Cup in Khanty Mansiysk from August 26-September 21.