Tuesday, August 14, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 14, 2012

Former Syrian Prime Minister Riad Hijab, who defected from the government of President Bashar Assad last week, holds a press conference in the Jordanian capital Amman on Tuesday. NBC

Bashar al-Assad Regime 'Controls Only 30 Per Cent Of Syria' Says Former PM -- The Telegraph

President Bashar al-Assad’s regime controls less than a third of Syria and the army should abandon him for the “side of the people”, the country’s former prime minister said.

Riyad Hijab, who became Syria’s most senior defector when he left his post 10 days ago, said the “corrupt” regime was suffering “spiritual and financial” collapse.

Delivering his first public remarks since changing sides, Mr Hijab spoke in the Jordanian capital, Amman, before the version of Syria’s national flag flown by the rebels. He used this appearance to predict Mr Assad’s downfall, praise the “revolution” and incite the army to turn on its commander.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Defected Syria PM says 'regime' near collapse.

U.N. humanitarian chief in Syria to highlight dire situation.

Iranian former ministers call for curbs to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's powers.

Ahmadinejad arrives in Saudi for Islamic summit.

ASIA

China mum on dates for leadership change meeting.

N Korea and Japan to talk after four years.

Mongolia gets new PM, ends weeks of uncertainty.

Panetta: Pakistan military plans to open new front. At least 25 killed in northwestern Pakistan clash: military.

Premier of Australia backs plan on refugees.

China's most-wanted man shot dead.

AFRICA

Mohammed Morsi tells Egypt army to 'protect the nation'.

South African platinum mine union riots 'kill nine'.

UN food agency needs $48m to feed hungry Malawians.

WFP seeks to avert Zimbabwe hunger.

Somali pirate gets life sentences.

EUROPE

Europe on the edge of recession.

Greece sinks again, more cuts to save bailout in store.

French youths fire on police in overnight clashes.

Honeymoon over, outlook worse for French president.

Ukrainian court adjourns trial of ex-PM Tymoshenko.

In Putin’s Russia, little separation between church and state.

A secret Putin palace on Russia’s Black Sea?

AMERICAS

Venezuela plans a million strong 'guerrilla army' against US invasion.

Honduras cooperating with US human rights probe.

Fidel Castro's birthday highlights a graying Cuba.

London 2012: Olympic flag arrives in Rio.

Ecuador to decide on Assange plea 'this week'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Toulouse shooter's al Qaeda ties played down by officials.

Al-Qaida claims attack on Iraq security HQ.

Mimicking al Qaeda, militant threat grows in Sinai.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Kenya sees stable food supply, global prices a concern.

Standard Chartered CEO takes charge of Iran probe talks.

Worst-case economic scenarios will be avoided this year: Mark Dow.

No comments: