World News Briefs -- February 19, 2011

Protesters reportedly tear down statues of Muammar Gaddafi's famous "Green Book" in Tobruk on Thursday. Al Jazeera

Libya Death Toll Rises To 84 As Protesters Killed In Benghazi -- The Telegraph

Libyan security forces killed 35 people in the eastern city of Benghazi late on Friday, Human Rights Watch cited hospital sources as saying, in the worst unrest of Muammar Gaddafi's four decades in power.

The New York-based watchdog said the killings on Friday took to 84 its estimate for the total death toll after three days of protests which were inspired by uprisings elsewhere in the Middle East but met with a fierce security crackdown.

The deaths in the city on Friday happened when security forces opened fire on people protesting after funeral processions for people killed in earlier violence, the group said. There has been no official word on the number of dead.

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MIDDLE EAST

Protests across the Middle East and North Africa. Unrest in the Middle East: Shocking moment troops open fire on protesters in broad daylight as numbers killed nears 100.

Bahrain pulls back military; protesters stand firm. Bahrain crown prince orders military to withdraw. Fresh clashes in Bahrain protests.

Palestinians to make fresh UN anti-settlement bid.

Yemen, awash in guns, wary about unrest.

Egyptian military has not approved transit of 2 Iran ships.

Iran vows to crack down on opposition rallies.

Iran pushing to upgrade enrichment gear: IAEA.

ASIA

Eight dead in attack on Afghan bank: official. UPDATE 2-At least nine killed in Afghan bank attack.

Hillary Clinton urges Taliban to reject al-Qaeda allies. 'Diplomatic surge' to help end Afghan war, Clinton says.

Second American involved in Lahore shooting slips back to U.S.

Thousands of Thai 'Red Shirts' rally in Bangkok.

USFK commander remains confident of American civilians' safety.

AFRICA

Bloodshed as tensions rise in Libya. Libyan regime hits back with deadly crackdown. Gaddafi's forces accused of using gunships against citizens. Libya: Benghazi tense as police leave the streets.

Algeria protests under way. Protesters brave riot police in Algerian capital.

Tunisian grants general amnesty.

Uganda's incumbent president takes an early lead in poll.

Somali pirates seize yacht with four Americans onboard.

EUROPE

Criminal probe targets Russian's yachts.

Four Russian tourists killed on way to Caucasus ski resort.

Albanian opposition holds new anti-govt protest.

AMERICAS

Napolitano requests $57B for Homeland Security.

Mexican drug gang Zetas suspected in US special agent killing.

Office rent in Rio is Americas’ dearest.

Cocaine to blame for rain forest loss, study says.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Sudanese war criminal at Guantánamo turns government witness.

Al-Qaida No. 2 issues video after Egypt upheaval.

Clinton calls on Taliban to cut ties with al-Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fear of 'catastrophic' crash rising despite bull market.

Alexander Lebedev tells Vladimir Putin Russian spies are trying to steal business empire.

Qantas in Rolls-Royce talks after new A380 problem.

China resisting G20 deal on indicators.

Silver climbs near 31-year high.