02/08/2013 World News Today

Zeinab Badawi. The great survivor of African politics looks like he's

done it again. Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF Party say they have won

Zimbabwe's elections by a landslide but the opposition say it was

stolen.. Is Zimbabwe now heading towards instability and uncertainty?

A worldwide warning to Americans abroad - the State Department says

Al-Qaeda might be planning terrorist attacks in the Middle East and

beyond. Also coming up: What's so special about this ring that's

prevented an American pop star from taking it out of Britain?

And text, sex and politics. As Anthony Weiner tries to become New

York mayor, we'll get an expert's 90 but Robert Mugabe still has the

ability to out manoeuvre his opponents and his Zanu-PF Party does

enjoy considerable grassroots support in Zimbabwe. The party is

claiming it has won a clear majority in the elections and that Mr Mugabe

will return as president. Two African observer missions have given

their broad support for the election process. But the opposition MDC and

its candidate for president Morgan Tsvangarai have said they won't

accept the results, alleging massive fraud. Our African correspondent

Andrew Harding reports. President Mugabe is on a roll. The

green bits show what his party has been winning seats. As more results

come in, a crushing majority is looking certain. ZANU-PF, 12,708.

Officially we do not know if Mugabe has kept his job but his team seems

certain. The indications from the elections are that we are going to

have a landslide victory, unprecedented landslide victory.

African observers have expressed concerns about ridding with voters

denied access to the polls. Overall, the foreign monitors seem convinced

the results should stand. We do not believe that these incidences will

amount to not representing the will of the people. On the streets, there

is anger amongst Mugabe's opponents convinced they have been cheated of

victory. We cannot take it any more, the youths are suffering, there is

so much apathy. You cannot take it any more. But it is also clear

President Mugabe enjoys far more popularity in Zimbabwe than some

would like to believe. Zimbabwe is entering legal challenges and

uncertainty but the facts on the ground seem pretty clear, President

Mugabe will keep his job, his grip on power is perhaps as strong as

ever and there's not much has critics at home or abroad can do to

change that. Well, let's get the latest from an

academic and human rights activist from Zimbabwe. Is this all looking

like a bit of a mess in Zimbabwe? Come again, I did not get your

question. Is this looking like a mess, one side saying they won and

the other side are saying we do not think the election was correct.

Well, I don't see it as a mess, really. It is just that these are

some of the sentiments we should expect when people find themselves

in an election and one that has been highly contested like this in

Zimbabwe. But I want us to understand today has been a lot of

people underestimated ZANU-PF and the opposition party overstated

their support to the extent of being reckless in their campaign. This is

a shocker to them. We should not really expect that it will turn out

to be something quite of a mess. It will turn out to be something

positive for Zimbabwe. If the African observer missions say these

elections have been both free and fair, the moment they say quite

free, we do not know about fair, but if they say they were all right

basically the MDC will have no choice but to accept? Well, they

will be left with no choice that is if you remember yesterday also the

South African president Jacob Zuma also said on TV live on TV that if

the MDC is complaining there has been irregularities they must

provide evidence so there will -- they will be in an invidious

position to supply evidence the elections were rigged but so far we

know the observers have given it the thumbs up and that in itself is a

big roost for the outcome, particularly for ZANU-PF. I see but

it is not like 2008, we have had a power-sharing coalition with the MDC

and ZANU-PF and the MDC, people say it has lost its lustre while it has

been in power, how far is that true? To an extent that is quite true. Its

greatest undoing, the MDC has been involved in global political

argument, the coalition, they failed to operate and to perform. A lot of

them were philandering, we know about Morgan Tsvangirai and we also

know how most of them enjoyed the trappings of power and that was to

ZANU-PF's gain and they presented them to the people to say that these

people have been claiming they want to bring change but look at what

they are doing, this is the change they will bring. A lot of swing

voting has happened. Very quickly, and briefly, if ZANU-PF are the

outright winners, people all over the world should not say there was

vote rigging and by and large it is a credible result? I think it is a

credible result. We should have expected this. Thank you as always

for your brilliant analysis. Supporters of Egypt's deposed

president, Mohamed Morsi, are staging rallies in Cairo, two days

after the military-backed government authorised the police to disperse

the sit-ins. This is the scene outside the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque

in Cairo. The demonstrations are taking place a day after the US

Secretary of State, John Kerry, said the armed forces were in effect

restoring democracy when they removed Mr Morsi - the country's

first democratically elected leader. Those are the pictures live from

Cairo at that mass rally. A world-wide warning has been issued

to American citizens abroad. The US State Department says Al-Qaeda and

related militant groups might be planning a terrorist attack during

the month of August in the Middle East and beyond. David Willis joins

us now from our Washington Bureau. A fairly broad warning, what is the

State Department saying? A broad warning geographically at least. The

State Department putting out this worldwide travel advisory, warning

of a potential threat to American citizens from Al-Qaeda or its

affiliates and it is urging American citizens of the dangers of a

possible attack on tourist facilities or on public transport

systems in North America or the Middle East, urging Americans to be

aware of their surroundings and adopt appropriate safety measures to

protect themselves. It recommends you are citizens register with the

embassy in the country they are visiting. All of this comes a day

after the State Department announced it would be closing 21 embassies or

consulates overseas in 18 different countries on Sunday for the day.

Sunday is a normal business day in the Muslim world out of what it

called an abundance of caution and in the interests of those who might

be visiting the facilities. It is cautious there might be some sort of

attack involving a crowd of people queueing for a Visa, perhaps.

thank you, David. The president-elect of Iran Hassan

Rohani is due to be sworn in on Sunday and already he's created

something of a stir. He was quoted as describing Israel as a wound that

must be removed during a pro-Palestinian rally in Teheran.

But in footage seen by the BBC Mr Rouhani criticised the Israeli

occupation of Palestinian land, but did not say Israel itself should be

removed. State media in Iran has accused two other Iranian news

agencies of distorting comments made by Mr Rouhani. We will talk about

this with my colleague in a moment but let's look at who Hassan Rowhani

is. He has strong links with Britain. Ichard Galpin has gone to

Scotland to find out more about him. Glasgow, not unobvious place for an

Iranian cleric and senior politician to study. But in the 1990s Hassan

Rowhani came to Glasgow Caledonian University is a postgraduate student

researching Islamic law. Known then as something else, he received a

doctorate in 1999. For a thesis on the flexibility of sharia, Islamic

law with reference to the Iranian experience. He did most of his

research in Iran while Deputy Speaker of Parliament but travels

regularly to the University to discuss his thesis. This is the

thesis which he wrote. The senior academics who survived him --

supervised Tim says he has a modern and reformist approach which is

different from the hardline religious leadership which has

dominated a run for so long. I met a professor who was one of his

academic supervisors in Glasgow. He told me the fact Hassan Rowhani

wanted to study in Britain reflected his comparatively liberal instincts.

He chose Great Britain because he has respect for the legal system

here, the judiciary and the legislative system. The Parliament.

Absolutely. He believes he will bring reform. I am hopeful he will

be successful in delivering the promises he made to the nation

however I would not say it will be an immediate change, it has to be

gradual towards an Orion of sustainable development and good

relations with the rest of the world. Hassan Rowhani has called the

many changes including re-engaging with the West to end the crisis over

the nuclear programme so economic sanctions on Iran are lifted.

Provided the United States is willing to authorise a negotiating

position that includes ways for Iran to benefit then I believe during his

presidency it should be possible to negotiate a solution, a permanent

long-term solution to the nuclear question.

In Orion, there are high expectations of change. At how much

Hassan Rowhani will achieve remains an open question. With me now is

Rana Rahimpour from the BBC's Persian Service.

Tell us what exactly did Hassan Rowhani say at the Palestinian rally

today? These are his exact words translated. He said that the

occupation of the holy land of Palestine and Jerusalem is an old

wound in the body of the Muslim world and he never mentioned Israel

or the Zionist regime as the politicians refer to it or never

mentioned removing anyone unlike what some of the Iranian news

agencies said which they have corrected and have apologised for

the way they reported it. So, in saying it is an old wound, that is

not a controversial one for a Muslim leader to make but how you think the

misunderstanding began in the first place, why would he be misquoted?

Was a mistake or mischief? I think it was a mistake because that is

what people say at the rallies, people are there to denounce Israel

and they expect to hear this, they are used to hearing these rhetoric

is from Ahmadinejad. It was an expectation and they decided to end

the sentence it is the sentence they things from Binyamin Netanyahu, this

is like Ahmadinejad but he did attend this rally in Tehran so why

would he be playing the Palestinian card so early, he has been sworn

that has not been sworn in yet. have too attend the rally and Hassan

Rowhani is part of the establishment. He will not change

the rainy and policy towards Israel but he is an experienced diplomat

and he knows what words can do and he knows the value of each word and

that's why we were surprised when we heard the news, Ahmadinejad has

never been a diplomat but Hassan Rowhani knows how words can be

misquoted and I think he will be much more careful especially when he

has promised more engagement with the West. Do we know what his policy

priorities will be? He said he is seeking more engagement with the

West he once more transparency when it comes to the nuclear policy so it

seems he is trying to reach out a hand to the West. Well done. Thank

you. The former Italian prime minister

Silvio Berlusconi has reacted and delete after his risen sentence was

upheld by the highest court in the country. In a televised statement

Silvio Berlusconi described himself as an innocent facing genuine

harassment. He is unlikely to go to jail because of his age and is more

likely to face community service or house arrest.

Investigators looking into the train crash that killed 79 people in

north-west Spain last week say the driver ignored three separate

warnings to slow down. He received the final warning 250 metres before

getting to the curve with the train crash. The driver, Francisco Jose

Garzon Amo, applied the emergency brakes seconds later.

Prince George has had his worst registered. He was registered as His

Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge. -- he

had his birth registered. When the American pop star Kelly

Clarkson bot and gold ring at auction she might have thought that

was that -- purchased an old gold ring.

There are no diamonds. But this simple ring is a precious piece of

Jane Austen's past. When her descendants could tap auction last

year American singer Kelly Clarkson what it. But she has only been able

to wear a replica. The British Government has placed an export ban

on the ring. The committee felt, after discussions, that this ring

was of such reality in terms of its association with Jane Austin, that

it was worth saving for the nation. At the author's former house the

only other former pieces of the author's Julie Arquette safely and

locked glass. The museum could not compete with the auction house.

looks like the price was going to go through the roof. It is difficult to

raise and off a lot of money very quickly. Given that the American

singer won the bid fair and square is it right that she should be

denied her purchase? I admire her. But we need to keep so much here.

is part of our heritage. It is very special. She wanted to wear it as an

engagement ring. That is very romantic. For now the rain remains

in the UK but there last chapter is yet to be written.

Politicians often have to come to terms with scrutiny of their private

lives. In the race to be the next mayor of New York City two

candidates are trying to relaunch their political careers after

colourful scandals. Voters can pick Wherever he goes and media circus

follows. Anthony Wiener, the candidate for New York Mayor, who is

almost as well known as his alias, Carlos Danger. That is the name he

used. The topic at this meeting was supposed to me how to rebuild the

community, but attention quickly turned to the wreckage of his

career. How can I trust you with my family and my community venue cannot

be trusted in your own family? not so much that new EU or is

shocked by the revelations. Two years ago photo has got to view

the front portrait of the then Congressman. He had sent online

photos to women. He had to resign. The front pages had a familiar look

will stop -- familiar look. That is not the way we role in New

York City. I do not understand how you think you would have the moral

authority to oversee employees when your standard of conduct is so much

more than the standard of conduct that is expected of us. By contrast

Eliot Spitzer has mounted a mortal comeback. -- at model comeback. He

was forced to resign after a sex Let us talk more about this.

We will speak to Robert Shapiro. He has been an adviser to Bill

Clinton, Al Gore, and Barack Obama. What is the difference between Eliot

Spitzer and Anthony Wiener. Eliot Spitzer had sex. Anthony Wiener had

a lesser scandal. There is no evidence that Eliot Spitzer repeated

his mistake. Weiner had to resign and then went on doing the same

behaviour. The most important difference is that Eliot Spitzer had

an extraordinary record as Attorney General. He has a record of

distinction. Anthony Wiener's record in Congress is more diminutive.

if you are a politician of real ability that can transcend our

sexual scandal? -- a sexual scandal westerner --? The public supported

Bill Clinton through his scandal. He was the most successful US president

in a generation. That is what the public values. What the voters of

New York will value most is someone who can demonstrate that they can

manage the beers of the city in the interests of the people. -- manage

their business of the city. What about the role of the waves standing

by their man? -- the ways standing by their men? I cannot speculate on

anybody's marriage. I did not mean that. I mean, standing by your man.

How important is that? It is to kill. -- it is critical. If they do

not it is a closed deal. The spouse has got to stand by for there to be

any realistic chance of getting the public to see beyond the sexual

scandal to the qualities that the candidate is offering.

Thank you for sharing your insights. Robert Mugabe has officially won a

substantial majority in Zimbabwe. substantial majority in Zimbabwe.

That is all for now. Goodbye. We will all see some sunshine. Most

of us will see a few showers as well. This is the picture this

evening and overnight. This is where the wildest of the weather will be

in the morning. For most of us some showers and some sunshine.

Temperature is not as they have been. There will be a few showers