Saturday, January 12, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 12, 2013



French Troops Continue Operation Against Mali Islamists -- BBC

French forces have continued to launch air strikes against Islamist militants in Mali and sent troops to protect the capital, Bamako.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said army units had attacked a column of rebels heading towards the central town of Mopti.

He also revealed that a French pilot had been killed in fighting on Friday.

The French troops deployed on Friday after Mali's army lost control of a strategically important town.

Mali's government said its forces had recaptured the town, Konna, after the air strikes, but it was not clear if all Islamist fighters had left the area.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

NATO allies hold off on weapons, military support for Syrian rebels.

Syrian troops capture majority of key Damascus suburb: official. Senior officer defects as battles rage for airports, Damascus suburbs.

Russia rejects Assad exit as precondition for Syria deal.

Lebanon wants help dealing with Syrian refugees.

Saudi king allows women on top advisory council.

Palestinian protest on land assigned for E1 settlement.

Iraq threatens to seize oil shipments, sue dealers.

ASIA

N. Korea tells China planning nuclear test: report.

Obama, Karzai accelerate end of U.S. combat role in Afghanistan.

China newspaper says to 'prepare for the worst' after military confrontation with Japan in the East China Sea.

Malaysia opposition holds mass election rally.

Myanmar helicopter crashes in northern battle zone.

'Million Man March' promises to paralyze Pakistani capital. Pakistan's politicians smell plot to derail polls in cleric's march plans.

Sri Lanka Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake is impeached.

Vietnam admits deploying bloggers to support government.

China said to crack down on censorship protests.

Beijing air pollution soars to hazard level.

Bushfires rage on in Australia 'helped' by climate change.

AFRICA

Hundreds of French troops drive back Mali rebels.

Minister: French pilot killed in Mali helicopter raid. France suffers first loss in Mali air strikes.

West African states poised to send troops to fight Mali rebels. ECOWAS to deploy troops to secure Mali. Niger says sending 500 soldiers to Mali operation.

Central African Republic signs peace deal with rebels. Central African Republic president and rebels to form coalition government.

France believes hostage killed during rescue bid in Somalia. Commando killed in raid to free hostage in Somalia.

Somali 'Big Mouth' quits pirate industry.

Zambia bans hunting of lions and leopards.

EUROPE

Bosnian court: 20 years for Srebrenica killer.

Belfast cops attacked on 40th day of flag protest.

Anarchist bombs explode near Greek journalists' homes.

Spanish police say seized items intended for Iran nuclear program.

Key witness in Berlusconi sex trial set to testify on Monday.

Vladimir Franz: tattooed composer polling strongly in the Czech elections.

UK economy heading for triple-dip recession, NIESR warns. UK economy 'contracted in fourth quarter'.

AMERICAS

Haiti marks 3rd anniversary of devastating earthquake.

Venezuela’s vice president is in Cuba’s capital to visit with ailing Hugo Chavez and family.

Sales of guns soar in U.S. as nation weighs tougher limits.

Cubans line up for passports as travel reform deadline nears.

U.S. now targeting Mexican Drug Lord’s family, too.

Bolivia achieves coca-chewing victory at United Nations.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France opens new front in terror war, sending troops to Mali to battle al Qaida-linked extremists.

Bin Laden death photos might not see the light of day.

Dane's life as a spy inside Al-Qaeda.

Al-Qaeda and the Arab Spring (Commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: Big flows into U.S. stocks may be sign of things to come.

Why Boeing’s dream plane is under review: questions and answers about the problems of the 787.

Euro soars to highest versus dollar since April on Draghi impact.

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