Monday, August 16, 2010

World News Briefs -- August 16, 2010



Pakistan Warns of More Floods in `Heart-Wrenching' Disaster -- Bloomberg

Pakistan warned today of a new flood wave making its way south along the Indus River and more heavy monsoon rains, threatening to add to the 20 million people who have lost homes, farms and livelihoods.

The forecast for further inundations in Sindh province came after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the devastation was the worst he had ever seen and promised more emergency funding for relief operations. The UN said on Aug. 13 it had received only 20 percent of the $460 million it needs to provide aid to the homeless and hungry.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq weighs new post to help form government.

Iran will build uranium enrichment centers, nuclear chief says.

Bahrain arrests Shiite clerics on security fears.

Settlement freeze biggest obstacle to direct talks.

In Israel, commerce amid conflict.

ASIA

Military deaths pass 2,000 as Afghan war review looms.

U.S., S. Korea launch joint military exercises amid threats from N. Korea. N.Korea warns of 'severest punishment' over war games.

India prime minister appeals to Kashmir protesters.

India - pakistan relations: Dialogue is the only option: Manmohan.

Death toll from NW China mudslide rises to 1,254; 490 still missing.

AFRICA

Kenya referendum: How groups came together to prevent violence.

Half of Niger's population hungry.

World diamond trading group bans Zimbabwe stones.

Nigerian ex-military ruler declares election bid.

EUROPE

Russian wildfires shrink as cold front advances.

Doctors treating Lockerbie bomber claim he was not consulted over his release.

Eurozone inflation hits 20-month high.

AMERICAS

Obama redefines what he meant when he supported mosque at Ground Zero. Hamas leader: Ground zero mosque must be built.

Mexico TV station Televisa hit by blasts.

Harvard University fund sells all Israel holdings.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda advises Shabaab to keep low profile on links, attack US interests.

Local Al-Qaeda leader surrenders in Yemen.

Al-Qaida leader says Turkey kills Muslims.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China overtakes Japan as world's second-biggest economy.

China favors Euro over dollar as Bernanke alters path.

What the double-dip recession will look like.

Japan GDP figures show sharp slowing of economic growth.

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