Tuesday, September 3, 2013

World News Briefs -- September 3, 2013



Obama Administration Presses For Support On Syria Strikes -- CNN

(CNN) -- The Obama administration will spend this week trying to persuade lawmakers at home and allies abroad that an attack on Syria is the appropriate response to the alleged use of poison gas by President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The White House push comes after al-Assad once again raised the specter of an all-out regional war if the United States strikes.

Syria's allies Russia and China, meanwhile, remain steadfastly opposed to military action, unconvinced by evidence that the United States and France say shows al-Assad's forces used chemical weapons in an August 21 attack around Damascus.

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MIDDLE EAST

Assad warns of ‘regional war’ in French interview.

Syria refugees top two million, U.N. sees worst crisis since Vietnam.

Syrian defector has evidence of March chemical attack: opposition.

Distrustful of U.S. motives, many in the Arab world oppose Syria military strike.

Saudi Arabia pushes US toward military strike in Syria.

Rocket attack kills 15 militants in Sinai: Egyptian state TV.

Hamas says Egyptian military building buffer zone with Gaza.

Iran's Navy commander cautions Azerbaijan against outcomes of missile purchase.

13 killed in shootings, car bombing in Iraq.

ASIA

Manila accuses China of Sea violation, Beijing says wants peace.

Taiwan plans new infrastructure for disputed South China Sea claim.

India's parliament passes cheap food law for 800 million people.

Rodman heads to NKorea to visit his 'friend' Kim.

SE Asia governments appear to squelch social media commentary.

Sri Lanka criticizes UN rights chief visit.

AFRICA

U.N. envoy says military success an opportunity for Congo talks.

Libya at a crossroads as strikes threaten oil supplies.

Somali President unhurt in bomb attack.

Ambiguous religion policy backfires on Tunisia's ruling Islamists.

Egypt jails 11 Islamists for life for attacking army.

Egypt shuts down four TV stations. Egyptian court bans Al-Jazeera affiliate, pro-Islamist channels.

South Africa gold miners' strike to start.

EUROPE

Poll finds 60% of British public oppose UK military action against Syria.

UK's 'reckless' Cameron pays political price for Syria vote loss.

Merkel urges 'collective' Syria response, Steinbrück attacks chancellor's record.

Sweden won't raise online spying when Obama visits.

Russia issues travel warning to its citizens about United States and extradition.

Germany to charge 30 former Auschwitz guards over killings.

OECD raises UK growth forecast.

Romania opens inquiry against communist gulag chief.

AMERICAS

As Syria heats up, White House nixes briefings.

Top US officials to push for Syria action before Senate.

Split Congress mulls denial of military force request.

Brazil and Mexico probe claims US spied on presidents.

Colombia's Cabinet resigns to allow Santos to make shuffle.

Argentina's ex-leader Carlos Menem back on trial in tax case.

San Francisco-Oakland bay bridge opens to traffic after years of delays.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Attacking Al-Qaeda in Syria.

Egypt arrests Al-Qaeda head in Sinai.

Guantanamo judge bans spiral-bound notebooks at meetings on USS Cole case.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nokia stock surges on Microsoft takeover.

Jeffrey Bezos, Washington Post’s next owner, aims for a new ‘golden era’ at the newspaper.

Life expectancy gap widens between women in rich and poor countries.

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