Tuesday, May 21, 2013

World News Briefs -- May 21, 2013



'98 Percent Sure' There Are No More Tornado Casualties, Oklahoma Fire Chief Says -- FOX News

Rescuers have searched every home in devastated Moore, Okla., and the fire chief said he is "98 percent sure" there are no more bodies or survivors in the rubble of the Oklahoma City suburb devastated by what has now been rated an EF-5 on the weather scale, a ranking reserved for the deadliest and rarest of twisters.

Word that the tornado had been classified as the most devastating funnel cloud punch Mother Nature can deliver came as the death toll held steady at 24, including nine children. The ranking, on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, puts the tornado in the same class as the deadliest in U.S. history, which hit Joplin, Mo., in 2011, killing 158 and injuring hundreds more.

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MIDDLE EAST

Hezbollah, Syrian army renew Qusair offensive.

Gantz: If Assad escalates attacks, he'll bear consequences.

For first time, Assad regime claims responsibility for firing at Israel. Israel fires back at Syria after gunshots at its troops.

UN says it sees a major drop in number of Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan, unsure why.

Sectarian attacks in Iraq stoked by spillover from Syrian war.

Attacks in Iraq kill over 40, sectarian tensions high. Wave of violence continues in Iraq.

Turkish peace initiative with Kurds meets resistance.

Reports: Iran bars 2 top figures from June ballot.

Saudi Arabia detains 10 more in Iran spying case.

Saudi Arabia executes five Yemenis in Jizan.

ASIA

China's bird flu outbreak cost $6.5 billion.

Seven Muslims jailed over violence in Burma's Meiktila.

Kyrgyzstan bent on evicting US air base in 2014.

Afghan forces in deadly battle with Taliban.

Detained Chinese fishermen, boat released by North Korea.

South Korea see north's threats at unprecedented levels.

With wary eye on the U.S., China courts India. Premier Li Keqiang's visit: India and China in border row pledge.

Obama, Xi to meet in June in California.

Musharraf granted bail in Benazir Bhutto case.

Japanese mayor: South Korean soldiers 'abused women in wartime'.

Number of Afghan women jailed for fleeing abuse soars.

Bangladesh panel to recommend life in prison over building collapse.

AFRICA

South Sudan army recaptures Boma: Officials.

Nigerian military in heavy fighting with Boko Haram militants.

Nigerian military: More than 200 Boko Haram captured. Nigeria: Boko Haram Islamists 'arrested' in Maiduguri.

Nigeria seeks Niger's military support against Boko Haram.

More regional troops going to Central African Republic.

Congolese army, rebels clash for a second day near Goma. DR Congo fighting: Goma clashes 'kill 19'.

Missing oil revenue stirs discontent among Chad's poor.

Egyptian military source denies troops were sent to Sinai.

Lanxess strike: South African miners shot with rubber bullets.

EUROPE

French historian kills himself at Notre Dame Cathedral after gay marriage rant.

Russia's Putin out to silence independent voices: pollster.

UK says on right track as IMF review nears.

Bundesbank chief says France must take deficit cuts seriously. How the French economy compares to Germany's, UK's.

Bulgaria's ex-PM Borisov says he is convinced rivals can form government.

Swiss franc to lose shine as euro debt fears ebb, U.S. recovers.

Ireland defends corporate tax system.

Russia vows reprisals for 'stolen' song contest votes.

AMERICAS

Oklahoma tornado's strength upgraded to rare EF5.

Whole neighborhoods razed by Oklahoma tornado that killed 24. Shocking before-and-after photos reveal how Plaza Towers elementary school was razed to the ground by terrifying tornado.

San Francisco and Houston awarded 2016 and 2017 Super Bowls.

Guatemalan court overturns genocide conviction of ex-dictator.

Bolivia: New law backs President Evo Morales third term.

Canadian PM Harper under cloud after chief of staff resigns.

Top IRS official will invoke Fifth Amendment. White House admits top Obama aides knew a month ago about IRS probe.

Analysis: Some Republicans see new scandal in Sebelius fundraising.

LA picks new mayor after low-drama campaign.

Trouble on the U.S. farm: 'We face a grim future'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russia says kills senior Islamist insurgent.

Bearing witness at terrorism trials.

Obama to discuss al Qaeda, drones, Guantanamo Bay in Thursday speech.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Victory for Dimon as JPMorgan shareholders reject CEO-Chairman split.

Porn and banks: Drawing a line on loans.

Apple's Tim Cook defends tax strategy in Senate. Apple 'among largest tax avoiders in US' - Senate committee.

Yahoo's rise in Asia offsets risk from Tumblr bet.

New Xbox details coming today: What will Microsoft's next gaming console do?

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