Wednesday, February 27, 2013

World News Briefs -- February 27, 2013 (Evening Edition)



Reports: US Considering Directly Aiding Syrian Rebels -- Voice of America

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is reportedly close to announcing a major policy shift to expand non-lethal assistance to Syrian rebels. The issue will be addressed in Rome on Thursday where nations supporting the Syrian opposition will gather.

During his current nine-nation tour of European and Arab capitals, Secretary of State John Kerry has made coordinating efforts to support the Syrian opposition in its struggle against President Bashar al-Assad a top priority. Wednesday, after meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, Kerry emphasized the need to push for an end to the two-year-old conflict that has claimed an estimated 70,000 lives.

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MIDDLE EAST

Fierce fighting near historic Aleppo Mosque.

New report on Syrian missiles shows extent of death and damage.

US 'considers sending armour and vehicles to Syria rebels'.

Israel military: Mortar shell from Syria lands in Israel-controlled Golan Heights; no injuries.

Iraq resumes flights to Kuwait after 22-year halt.

Iraq PM warns Syria war could spread.

Iran hails turning point in nuclear talks.

Outside View: Alarm on Iran's nukes.

Iran on edge of recession as sanctions bite: US study.

Kurdish rebel leader issues dire warning for Turkey.

ASIA

Afghan militants shoot, kill 17 while victims slept.

North Korea blames U.S. for tension on peninsula.

Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman in North Korea; Obama administration shrugs.

Rapes by Burmese security forces 'may cause more strife' in troubled region.

Another Tibetan monk sets himself on fire in China.

India issues optimistic economic growth forecast.

Calcutta illegal market hit by deadly fire.

AFRICA

Plan floated at U.N. to lift Somalia arms embargo for a year.

Ex-Gaddafi PM in critical state after torture in Libya: Lawyer.

Libya to ask U.N. to lift arms embargo: state media.

Deepening divides stop Libyan families from returning home.

Guinea replaces military chief killed in plane crash.

France: Fierce fighting in northern Mali mountains.

Guinea security forces clash with protesters.

Djibouti police clash with opposition protesters for second day.

Ivory Coast soldiers killing rivals, attacked camp: Amnesty.

Rwanda's Kagame says he won't seek a 3rd term.

Egyptian hot air balloon crash was company's second in 18 months.

EUROPE

NATO, European governments, hit by "MiniDuke" cyber attack.

Coroner vows open inquiry into Litvinenko death.

Eurozone crisis live: Beppe Grillo rules out alliance with centre-left.

Italy votes against austerity leaving EU in turmoil.

Talks with Russia in spotlight as Kerry visits Berlin.

Pope speaks of "rough seas" of papacy at emotional farewell.

Poland emerging as major European outsourcing hub.

Bulgaria parliament readies power price cuts to soothe anger.

Rocket launcher and warhead seized in Northern Ireland.

Three dead' in Swiss shooting.

AMERICAS

White House, Republicans dig in ahead of budget talks.

Leaders to meet with Obama on sequester deadline day.

Mass release of immigrants is tied to impending cuts.

Mexico estimates 26,000 missing since 2006.

Mexico arrests Elba Esther Gordillo, powerful teachers union boss, on corruption charges.

Most Venezuelans think Chavez will recover: poll.

Mexico's Pena Nieto enacts major education reform.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US designates Ansar Dine chief a terrorist.

Elaborate surveillance operation raises concerns about broader Hezbollah attacks.

U.S. military may take over part of CIA drone war.

The danger of the lone-wolf terrrorist.

Details emerge on Hezbollah member arrested in Cyprus.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tech execs question Yahoo's work-from-the-office edict.

Wall Street bonuses to rise to $20 billion for 2012.

Plans for Titanic replica set sail as Australian billionaire avoids sink jinx.

Airbus owner EADS reports strong profits.

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