Wednesday, March 16, 2011

World News Briefs -- March 16, 2011



Japan's Emperor In Historic Speech: Don't Give Up Hope -- CNN

Tokyo (CNN) -- In an extraordinarily rare appearance, Japan's emperor told citizens Wednesday to not give up hope as the country grapples with an epic earthquake, a devastating tsunami and growing fears of a nuclear catastrophe.

"I truly hope the victims of the disaster never give up hope, take care of themselves, and live strong for tomorrow," Emperor Akihito said in a televised address. "Also, I want all citizens of Japan to remember everyone who has been affected by the devastation, not only today but for a long time afterwards -- and help with the recovery."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Bahrain expels protesters from Pearl roundabout. Bahrain forces expel protesters; clashes kill 5. Analysis: Bahrain crisis seen worsening sectarian tensions. In Bahrain: Protesters fear mass arrests are next.

Abbas says he’s prepared to visit Gaza strip to heal relations with Hamas. Hamas welcomes Abbas' readiness to visit Gaza.

Yemeni opposition activists attacked, 120 wounded. Witnesses say hundreds injured in attack by Yemen government supporters on camping protesters.

Israel unveils seized arms cache. Israel intercepts ship it says carried Iranian weapons bound for Gaza.

Syrian security disperses protests.

ASIA

Japan's Emperor Akihito expresses 'deep concern' over Fukushima nuclear plant crisis. Thousands still missing, millions short of power and water – and fear everywhere. Exodus from Tokyo begins. Japan prepares to restart work at nuclear plant. Workers briefly abandon Japan nuclear plant as crisis worsens.

Japan disaster: 30 powerful images of the earthquake and tsunami.

CIA spy charged with murder in Pakistan is freed. CIA contractor released after Pakistan killings.

Pakistan Christian's death 'not due to natural causes'.

Corruption 'threatens India's economic growth'.

AFRICA

Gadhafi son: 'Everything will be over in 48 hours'. Libyan oil buys allies for Qaddafi. Libyan website reports rebels sink Gaddafi ships. Qaddafi forces attack rebel stronghold in West. Libyan rebel city comes under Kadhafi assault. Gaddafi advances, no-fly diplomacy falters. Libyan forces bombard rebels in the east and west.

Young leaders of Egypt's revolt snub Clinton in Cairo. Clinton, rebuffed in Egypt, faces tough task on Arab upheaval.

Accused Somali 'pirates' deny US yacht death charges.

Ivorian fighting spreads to new town in west.

EUROPE

Silvio Berlusconi laughs off '33 women' claims. Sex with 33 women in two months? 'That's too many, even for me,' claims Italian prime minister Berlusconi.

Germany shuts 7 plants as Europe plans safety tests.

Japan crisis: disaster tests for all 19 British reactors.

Wealthy foreigners offered fast track to settle in Britain.

AMERICAS

What are the odds? US nuke plants ranked by quake risk.

Ciudad Juarez 'safe corridors' plagued by killings.

Uruguay officially recognizes Palestinian state.

U.S. housing starts see biggest drop since 1984.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda vs Qaddafi.

Al Qaeda's new women's magazine: Guns, facials and niqabs.

Is Tahrir Square the end of Al Qaeda? (a commentary)

Al-Qaeda a 'money making machine'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar depressed by OPEC slashing treasury holdings by 9%.

Mandatory spending to exceed all U.S. Federal revenues — 50 years ahead of schedule.

Economic hit from Japan quake seen up to $200 billion.

No comments: