World News Briefs -- January 29, 2013

Donors Pledge Millions For War-Torn Mali -- Al Jazeera

About $600m promised to support military operations and humanitarian aid after capture of Timbuktu by French-led forces.

African leaders and international officials have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars at a donor conference in Ethiopia to support military operations against rebels in Mali.

Dioncounda Traore, Mali's president, thanked the "entire international community" as nations offered cash or support at the meeting at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

About $600m has been pledged so far, including more than $120m from Japan and $96m from the US.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian refugees top 700,000, U.N. struggling to cope.

At least 65 bodies found 'executed' in Syrian river.

U.N. envoy to Syria expected to deliver bleak assessment of situation.

Russian PM Medvedev says odds against Assad's political survival.

Report: Syria President Assad announces wife Asma is pregnant.

Large arms shipment intercepted off Yemen, Iran eyed as source.

Israel now says Iran nuke threat not imminent.

Yemen moves against al Qaida-linked fighters after hostage talks falter.

ASIA

UN atomic monitor ready for North Korea nuclear-bomb test. North Korea says it must detonate nuke device.

Google adds detail to North Korea map. Google releases detailed map of North Korea, gulags and all.

All on board Kazakh flight die in crash.

China's air pollution again at danger levels.

China denies selling weapons to ethnic army in Shan State.

Japan approves $1.02 trillion budget for 2013/14, borrowing at new highs.

India, Bangladesh take steps to deny criminals safe havens.

Twenty-one dead in Kazakhstan plane crash.

Australia battles floods in two states.

AFRICA

Donors pledge $455.5 mn for war-torn Mali. Donors pledge $455.5 mn for war-torn Mali.

Egypt army chief warns state could collapse.

Suicide blast by offices of Somalia president and PM.

Nigeria condemns new MEND threat.

Niger gives green light to U.S. drone deployment: source.

Mozambique floods displace thousands.

EUROPE

Could Scottish, Catalan independence votes reshape Europe?

'France is totally bankrupt': French employment minister Michel Sapin embarrasses President Francois Hollande with shocking statement on state of the country's economy .

Greek finance minister eyes 2014 recovery for economy.

EU may ease Spain budget goal in austerity retreat.

Russian court postpones Magnitsky hearing.

Scandal at world's oldest bank upends Italian elections.

British queen not likely to follow Dutch example.

AMERICAS

Despite recent revival, US economy still needs life support.

Obama presses immigration agenda as senators draft new overhaul.

Funerals, tears, cries for justice after Brazil club fire.

Israel angered over deal on join Argentina-Iran probe of 1994 Jewish center bombing.

Former Guatemalan dictator to stand trial on genocide charges.

Surviving band member leads police to bodies. Bodies of missing Mexican band members found in well.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

In northern Mali's war, al-Qaeda affiliate is directing the fight.

Military court to resume 9/11 pre-trial hearings.

Lawyer fired in 9/11 case at Guantanamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google pledges fight over government access to users' email.

Crucial, long-overdue BlackBerry makeover arrives.

Bernanke seen buying $1.14 trillion in assets in 2014.