The question pertained to the appeal of Wadih El-Hage, a former associate of Osama bin Laden who was living in Texas at the time of the Aug. 7, 1998, attacks at U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Twelve Americans were among those killed.

Assistant U.S.

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The lawyer representing 37 Guantanamo inmates argued before the highest U.S. (Read content ‘High court probes Guantanamo prisoners’ rights (Reuters)’…)

Jolie, recently seen in "A Mighty Heart" and "Beowulf," will play a character based on real-life spy Kathi Lynn Austin, who has undertaken field missions in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Central America.

Variety reported Paramount Studios had acquired the rights to Austin's story and were hoping the Jolie film could inspire a series of movies similar to the successful "Bourne Identity" franchise.

Jolie is currently filming Clint Eastwood drama "The Changeling," about a woman whose son goes missing in 1920s Los Angeles.

The 32-year-old is reportedly Hollywood's highest earning actress along with Reese Witherspoon, commanding around 15-20 million dollars per picture.

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Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, responsible for overseeing the fight against Islamist extremism as well as protecting the royal family, had been facing investigation for hospitality expenditure.

The retirement will take effect immediately.

The allegations were among a number against individual officers about using corporate credit cards that are being looked at by the force's corruption watchdog.

"Following discussions with the Metropolitan Police Authority and the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman has decided to retire from the Metropolitan Police Service," a police statement said.

The national counter-terrorism co-ordinator Peter Clarke, who had been due to retire himself on January 31, 2008, will take over Hayman's role until a successor is found.

Hayman, 48, has been head of the Specialist Operations Directorate, which includes the Counter-Terrorism Command, since February 2005.

He was involved in the investigation into the devastating July 7 and failed July 21 suicide bomb attacks in London in 2005 and when an innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, was mistaken for a bomber and shot dead.

A recent court case in which the police were found guilty of health and safety failings over the death, heard criticism that Hayman failed to pass on concerns about the true identity of De Menezes up the chain of command.

Hayman said he was honoured to have served to protect the nation, despite his workload's toll on family life and friends.

But in an apparent reference to the expenses allegations, he added: "It (the role) also puts you in the spotlight, often in ways that are very hurtful.

"Recent weeks have seen a series of leaks and unfounded accusations about me, which I have and will continue to refute strongly.

"However, these events take their toll on you personally and I feel now is the right time for me to step aside and for a new person to take over."

Met Police Commissioner Ian Blair said Hayman could be "very proud" of his achievements but he fully understood his decision.

In a forecast by the Homeland Security inspector general, the number of FEMA investigations outnumber those planned for any of the 10 other divisions listed.

Each year the department’s inspector general lists the reports it expects to produce.

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Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, head of the Specialist Operations Directorate, will step down, the department said.

“This role requires total commitment in both time and effort and has a considerable impact on your personal life, your family and friends,” Hayman said in a statement released by the department.

“It also puts you in the spotlight, often in ways that are very hurtful.

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