Monday, January 24, 2011

World News Briefs -- January 24, 2011



Middle East Peace Talks Leaks: Mahmoud Abbas Facing Testing Time -- The Telegraph

The largest leak of secret Palestinian documents pertaining to the Middle East peace process marks the beginning of a testing period for Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate Palestinian leader.

His critics are already seeking to portray the "Palestine Papers" as evidence that the president of the Palestinian Authority is little more than an Israeli shill.

Palestinians living abroad, who tend to be more sympathetic to his rivals in Hamas, are already speculating that Mr Abbas and his Fatah party cannot survive the disclosures.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Leaks show Palestinians giving much ground to Israel. 'Palestine Papers' stir fury over bowing to Israel.

U.S. may cut economic ties with Lebanon if Hezbollah-linked PM chosen. Hezbollah to nominate billionaire Najib Mikati as Lebanese Prime Minister.

Turkey rejects Israeli find on raid.

Iraq: Car bombs targeting Shiite pilgrims kill 18.

Yemen activist freed, wins promises of release for others.

ASIA

South Korea to soon propose nuclear talks with North.

In China, Hu’s successor is being quietly groomed.

Crop warning over China drought.

Floods continue to spread in Australia. Southeast Australia set for another week of floods.

AFRICA

Police fire tear gas at Tunisian protesters.

Pirates vow revenge for S Korean rescue.

Several injured in pro-democracy march in Algiers.

Analysis: South Sudan secession a risky precedent. Abyei, Sudan's potential tinderbox.

EUROPE

Portugal's Cavaco Silva re-elected president.

Irish Government in chaos as Greens quit Coalition.

Belgian 'Shame' march demands unity and government. Brussels protest calls for Belgian unity government.

Uzbek strongman embarrasses EU with Brussels visit.

Silvio Berlusconi continued paying 'call girl' after prostitution scandal broke, new evidence shows. Why Berlusconi may yet survive the Milan prostitute scandal. Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi 'paid TV weather girl £100,000' according to bank records.

AMERICAS

Death toll from flooding in Brazil surpasses 800.

Legal net tightens around Haitian ex-strongman.

Canadian military likely headed to Sudan: Ex-diplomat.

U.S. Treasury's toxic asset funds gain 27 percent.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Tony Blair links Iran and al Qaeda.

Egypt has 'conclusive' evidence that Al Qaeda group was behind church bombing.

Pakistan's Godfather of the Taliban dies.

The myth of homegrown Islamic terrorism in the U.S.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The costs of the EU's Galileo satellite system are still skyrocketing.

Climate change: Dogs of law are off the leash.

China Bank moves to buy U.S. branches.

Toyota sold 8.4M vehicles in 2010 to hold top spot.

No comments: