Monday, February 14, 2011

World News Briefs -- February 14, 2011 (Evening Edition)



Debt Now Equals Total U.S. Economy -- Washington Times

President Obama projects that the gross federal debt will top $15 trillion this year, officially equalling the size of the entire U.S. economy, and will jump to nearly $21 trillion in five years’ time.

Amid the other staggering numbers in the budget Mr. Obama sent to Congress on Monday, the debt stands out — both because Congress will need to vote to raise the debt limit later this year, and because the numbers are so large.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa -- country by country.

Police disperse Iranian protesters with tear gas. Iran opposition returns to streets, energized by Egypt.

In Lebanon, the Hariri tribunal finds itself on trial.

US military chief reassures Israel after Egypt revolt.

Mideast unrest spreads: Protests Target Iran, Bahrain, Libya; Egypt dissolves parliament, sets elections.

Yemenis protest against president for 4th day. Protesters clash with government allies in Yemen.

Hundreds march in Iranian opposition rally.

Bahrain deploys police as opposition calls for day of protests.

Bomb attack survivor is new Iran atom chief.

Palestinian PM announces full cabinet overhaul.

ASIA

Hints of prisoner swap over US official.

Suicide bombing at Kabul shopping mall kills at least two. Afghan military leader shortage hinders army growth.

Pakistanis keep American in custody despite U.S. pressure.

India to pull 10,000 troops from Kashmir.

South Korea chaos after 'heaviest' snowfall.

AFRICA

Egypt military dissolves parliament, suspends constitution. Constitutional referendum in Egypt promised in 2 months.Observers unsure Egypt's military will keep promises. 'Enormous task' to find Hosni Mubarak's lost fortune.

South Sudan: Born under a bad sign?

Algerian emergency law to end.

Gaddafi tells Palestinians: revolt against Israel.

Somali pirates hijack ship with 23 crew members.

EUROPE

Nicolas Sarkozy vindicated in battle with French magistrates. Racism trial exposes discrimination rift in France.

Vladimir Putin 'has £600 million Italianate palace'.

Italy declares state of emergency over influx of 5,000 Tunisian immigrants. Italy alerts EU amid Tunisia migrant influx. Thousands of Tunisians arrive in Italy.

Berlusconi refuses to resign, dismisses protest.

Europe revolts against Merkel's Euro-zone plan.

Given the choice, Swiss vote to keep their guns.

AMERICAS

Obama unveils $3.73 trillion budget for 2012. White House expects deficit to spike to $1.65 trillion.

At northern border, agents fight drug war on ice.

4th captive freed by Colombian rebels.

Mexicans take to streets over drug-violence surge.

U.S. turns up the heat on Colombian drug gangs.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Former Islamic radical on Egypt and Muslim Brotherhood.

Terrorist who trained 7/7 chief 'while acting as supergrass for U.S.' is released early from jail after serving five years.

The promise and limits of drones: Attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan work, but they're not enough.

Indonesia cleric on 'terror trial'. Indonesia's Ba'asyir rejects 'made-up' charges. Bashir admits to terror camp.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

France wants new global finance system.

U.S. housing crash is hitting cities once thought to be stable.

Japan economy shrinks but exports may fuel recovery.

China trade surplus shrinks, supports government's G20 case.

China overtakes Japan as world's No. 2 economy.

France wants new global finance system.

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