Wednesday, August 15, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 15, 2012



Organization Of Islamic Cooperation Suspends Syria -- Reuters

Aug 16 (Reuters) - The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation suspended Syria's membership early on Thursday at a summit of Muslim leaders in Mecca, citing President Bashar al-Assad's violent suppression of the Syrian revolt.

"The conference decides to suspend the Syrian Arab Republic membership in the OIC and all its subsidiary organs, specialised and affiliated institutions," the closing statement said.

The move had been approved on Monday at a preliminary meeting of OIC foreign ministers and was agreed on the summit's second night despite opposition from Iran.

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MIDDLE EAST

Assad's Aleppo focus allows rebel gains in Syria's east.

At least 30 civilians killed in Syria as warplanes flatten homes.

U.S. State Department: Bashar Assad's regime is 'collapsing'.

Syrian government forces, rebels committing war crimes: U.N..

Israeli minister warns of 30-day Iran war.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar urge Lebanon exodus. Lebanon kidnap fans fear of Syria spillover.

Iraq car bombs, blast kill 9, wound 34: sources.

Atomic dialogue with Iran still possible: U.S..

Yemen bracing for more clashes challenging military reforms.

Panetta: Israel has not decided on Iran strike.

ASIA

Pakistan military: 30 militants killed in operation.

'Sea grab' sparks tensions in South China Sea.

China to protest after Japan arrests activists on disputed island.

Japan, China, S. Korea stir old resentments on war anniversary.

India PM says economic growth issue of national security.

UN chief says East Timor ready to protect itself.

AFRICA

Mali army says regional intervention only welcome in north of country.

Egypt’s Morsi decorates generals he dismissed.

Congress tells Obama to sanction Tuvalu and Tanzania for helping Iran.

US, UN concerned over corrupt Somali transition.

South Africa miners in stand-off with police.

EUROPE

European economy shrinks.

Germany fears business slowdown.

Wikileaks: government threatens to take Julian Assange out of Ecuador's embassy. Ecuador says UK threatens to raid embassy over Assange. French leader promises order after youths riot in a northern city.

Ukraine judge again delays Tymoshenko trial.

Germany accuses four of breaking Iran nuclear embargo.

Norway PM under pressure over Breivik report.

AMERICAS

Looming U.S. spending cuts hit more than defense.

U.N. envoy tells Honduras to better protect its journalists.

Surge in violence in Mexico's drug war? Figures are inconclusive.

Former Argentine president de la Rua in corruption trial.

Dallas in state of emergency after West Nile virus.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Help Wanted: Al Qaeda's hiring. Al Qaeda's suicide bomber want ad is as bizarre as it is unsettling.

Despite alarm by U.S., Europe lets Hezbollah operate openly.

Toy planes and miniature bombs: How al-Qaeda plots terror.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

A first look at Samsung's new 10-inch tablet.

U.S. Day Ahead: Goldman may be set to dump Facebook.

Libor scandal: Seven banks summoned in US probe.

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