Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 9 Mar 2012

1. ITALY ANGRY WITH UK OVER DEATHS

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has said it is "inexplicable" that the UK failed to consult Rome before yesterday's unsuccessful bid by British and Nigerian special forces to free a Briton and Italian held in Nigeria. UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara were about to moved - possibly executed - and that what happened was "completely explicable".

SBS raid: Italians outraged - but are they being disingenuous?

2. AL-QAEDA 'FORCED BIN LADEN OUT'

Al-Qaeda forced Osama bin Laden to retire as leader of the organisation, according to a new book from a retired Pakistani army officer. Brigadier Shaukat Qadir also reports that Bin Laden suspected he would be discovered in his Pakistani compound and viewed death as a release from years of deteriorating health.

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3. UGANDANS' FEARS OVER KONY VIDEO

Anger is growing in Uganda over the viral film Kony 2012, which has been viewed by 32 million people in four days. Some Ugandans fear the film could lead to military intervention or encourage Kony to escalate his crimes. Others hotly dispute the suggestion that Kony's LRA remains active in the north of the country.

Kony 2012 is talk of the internet - but how wise is the campaign?

4. LSD COULD TREAT ALCOHOLISM

The hallucinogenic drug LSD could be used to treat alcoholism, according to fresh analysis of a study made in the 1960s. Researchers found LSD had a "significant beneficial effect" on alcoholics for up to six months. One expert commented that LSD is "as good as anything we've got" in tackling alcoholism.

5. BARCLAYS BOSS RECEIVES £17M PACKAGE

Barclays chief Bob Diamond earned £6.3m in pay and bonuses in 2011, although he was not the highest paid person at the bank. Diamond's bonus of £2.7m was less than half the size of the one he was awarded in 2010. However it is claimed that his total package including perks and shares was worth £17m.

6. JOBS BOOST FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA

The US enjoyed a 227,000 net increase in jobs in February – the third consecutive month that the ‘non-farm payroll’ has risen. While the numbers aren’t enough to shift the unemployment rate from 8.3 per cent, they could bolster President Obama’s argument that his economic polices are working, says the New York Times.

Breitbart Obama video fails to shock US establishment

7. DEAD SOLDIER HAD REASSURED MUM

One of the six British soldiers killed in a Taliban bomb blast in Afghanistan sent two messages to his mother telling her not to worry shortly before he died. "I’ll be fine mum trust me," wrote Private Anthony Frampton. Days later he added: "try not 2 worry mum love you so much!”

Six British soldiers killed in Afghanistan explosion

8. COCA COLA DODGES CANCER WARNING

Coca Cola and Pepsi are to change their recipes in order to avoid having to put a cancer warning label on their bottles and cans in California. The US state recently added 4-methylimidazole - a key ingredient of the soft drinks - to a list of carcinogens. Coca Cola insists the existing recipe poses no health risk.

Coke and Pepsi change recipes to avoid cancer warning

9. UNITED'S SHOCK EUROPA DEFEAT

Manchester United were beaten 3-2 by Athletic Bilbao last night in a dramatic Europa League tie at Old Trafford. Sandwiched between two Wayne Rooney goals came three from the visitors, including a late winner from Iker Muniain. United have won just one of their five European ties at Old Trafford this season.

Manchester sides both flop to Europa Cup defeat

10. HOT TICKET: SECRET POLICEMAN’S BALL

The first US version of the popular British comedy gala The Secret Policeman’s Ball is broadcast in the UK tonight. The Ball celebrates Amnesty International’s 50th anniversary. US and UK comedians include Russell Brand, Jon Stewart and David Walliams. Music comes from Coldplay and Mumford and Sons. 10pm, C4.

Brand steals show in first US Secret Policeman's Ball