Saturday, March 23, 2013

World News Briefs -- March 23, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama stops to look at the Treasury as he takes a walking tour of the ancient historic and archaeological site of Petra, March 23, 2013.

Obama Tours Jordan Archaeological Site at End of Mideast Trip -- Voice of America

PETRA, JORDAN — At the end of his Middle East trip, President Barack Obama has visited one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.

Obama traveled on Marine One, the presidential helicopter brought along for his Mideast trip, to Petra about 55 minutes flying time south from the Jordanian capital.

Petra is Greek for stone. The site is famous for its stunning ancient structures carved into solid rock by the Nabateans as their capital some 2,000 years ago.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria rebels seize base in embattled southern province.

Fearing stark future, Syrian Alawites meet in Cairo.

Thousands mourn slain cleric in Damascus.

Obama plays tourist in Petra as he winds up Middle East trip.

Israel and Turkey to restore diplomatic ties.

Yemenis voice cynicism and hope as powerbrokers discuss reforms.

Lebanese president accepts prime minister's resignation.

Oman ruler pardons jailed dissidents.

Some Iraqis profit from economic progress; Most suffer.

ASIA

Pakistani officials: US drone kills 3 militants.

China punishes North Korea as US asks for more.

In Moscow speech, new Chinese leader Xi warns against meddling.

Calm returns to Myanmar violence-hit city. Ethnic violence erupts in Burma leaving scores dead. State of emergency imposed in central Burma.

Fire kills 30 in Thai refugee camp.

Musharraf vows quick return to Pakistan Pakistan Taliban threaten to send Musharraf to "hell" when he returns.

Chinese protesters take corruption battle into their own hands.

India's Slumdog census reveals poor conditions for one in six urban dwellers.

AFRICA

Rebels push closer to C. African Republic capital. Central African Republic rebels reach outskirts of capital.

Mali’s war: Far from over.

Congo says foils plot to assassinate president.

Congolese warlord arrives at war crimes court jail.

Gunfire, bloodshed as hundreds clash outside Muslim Brotherhood HQ in Cairo.

Safia, Hannibal, Mohamed and Aisha Gaddafi 'not in Algeria'.

Xi trip highlights China's Africa influence.

EUROPE

Cyprus passes bills for EU bailout; Greece to take over bank branches. Cyprus officials due in Brussels for crunch talks.

What happens if Cyprus collapses?

Pope Francis visit Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo.

Fitch: Britain faces AAA downgrade.

Sarkozy under formal investigation. French Right fury over Sarkozy investigation.

Drug-resistant TB threatens Europe.

Mussolini’s ‘most secret’ bunker discovered beneath historic Roman structure.

AMERICAS

Colombia, FARC rebels say peace talks making progress on land reform.

The Iran, Hezbollah, Venezuela axis.

Key US decision on Cuba terror-designation coming.

US Senate passes first federal budget in 4 years.

U.S. officials concede failures on gauging border security.

Military-style drones will patrol NYC: Bloomberg.

Sprawling and struggling: Poverty hits America's suburbs.

Pope Francis personally calls kiosk owner to cancel newspaper subscription in Argentina.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

United States designates Ansar Dine a foreign terrorist organization.

Will $5M bring down tweeting, rapping US jihadi?

Attorney: Guantanamo detainee "skin and bones".

Detainees' attorneys angered by cancellation of flights to Guantanamo.

The Pentagon wants to build a new prison at Guantanamo Bay.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

YouTube tops 1 billion monthly users.

EU investigating telecoms complaints about Apple.

BlackBerry shares dive on reports of muted U.S. debut for Z10.

Pepsi rolls out new shape for 20-ounce bottle in April, first redesign since 1996.

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