Friday, December 21, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 21, 2012



Syria Fires More Scud Missiles As Refugee Projections Climb -- Christian Science Monitor

NATO condemned Syria for firing Scud-type missiles yesterday, which Syria denies doing. The UN says the violence could result in as many as 1 million refugees over the next six months.

The head of NATO condemned the Syrian government's return to firing Scud-type missiles yesterday, saying they were "acts of a desperate regime approaching collapse."

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that surveillance captured evidence of the firing of fresh rounds of missiles yesterday morning, Reuters reports, while American officials confirmed independently to The New York Times that the Scud missiles had resumed after an apparent lull from their initial use last week.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem denied the reports as "untrue rumors," according to the Times.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Fears Syria is turning into sectarian conflict.

Syrian rebels attack army base near military industrial compound in country’s north.

Anti-Nato protest marches in fear of turning 'Turkey into a battlefield'.

Amman warns: Jihadists hijacking Syria revolution, may target Israel, Jordan next.

Iran firms that shipped arms to Syria hit with UN sanctions.

Iraqi Sunnis accuse Maliki of crackdown, tensions flare.

US hopes to resolve Iran nuclear standoff in 2013.

ASIA

Chinese ships enter Japanese waters near disputed islands.

Japan's Abe attempts to mend ties with South Korea.

Multiple uranium enrichment facilities suspected in N. Korea.

Fiji's military to 'monitor' parliament after polls.

N. Korea says it has detained a U.S. citizen for unspecified 'crimes'.

In India, a Hindu nationalist rebuilds image with Muslim votes.

China censorship not improving under new leaders, analysts say.

AFRICA

Deadly tribal fighting erupts in Kenya. Kenya: Tana River clashes leave dozens dead. 39 dead following ethnic clashes in Kenya.

Clashes as Egyptian Islamists stage rally.

UN approves Mali military intervention. Malians call for swifter intervention to oust Islamists.

Hundreds fleeing South Sudan shooting seek U.N. refuge.

New, more virulent cholera strain caused Guinea outbreak.

EUROPE

Russian State Duma passes anti-US adoption bill.

Greeks flock to informal work as recession deepens.

Italy Prime Minister Monti resignation expected on Friday.

Assange to publish 'million more files'.

Dozens die in Ukraine's cold snap.

AMERICAS

US 'fiscal cliff': Boehner pulls Republican tax reform plan. Boehner forced to withdraw fiscal cliff bill after Republican revolt.

U.S. population growth flat; N.D. fastest growing state.

Argentina: Troops deployed after looting at ski resort.

Analysis: Allies to lose socialist patron if Venezuela's Chavez goes.

Mexico's Maya heartland greets dawn of new era.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'Foreigners' reported killed in US drone strike in Pakistan.

Lockerbie bombing: Libyan government set to release files.

Pentagon rejects post-9/11 antiterrorism standards.

Francois Hollande: Al-Qaeda behind Nigeria kidnap.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US economic health key to global growth in 2013.

US stock futures tumble on 'fiscal cliff' setback.

World spare oil capacity up,stocks drop-EIA Iran report.

Steve Jobs's yacht impounded over unpaid Philippe Starck design bill.

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