Wednesday, March 30, 2011

World News Briefs -- March 30, 2011 (Evening Edition)



Libya Rebels Lose Almost All Ground Won With West's Help -- NBC

'Withdrawal until we can think of better tactics,' rebel spokesman says

AJDABIYA, Libya — Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday and moved within striking distance of another major eastern city, nearly reversing the gains rebels made since international airstrikes began.

Rebels pleaded for more help, while a senior U.S. intelligence official said government forces are making themselves harder to target by abandoning tanks for civilian "battle wagons": minivans, sedans and SUVs with makeshift armaments.

The change not only makes it harder to distinguish Gadhafi's forces from the rebels, it also requires less logistical support, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian president blames protests on 'conspirators'. U.S. dismisses Assad's speech, conspiracy theory.

Yemen's Saleh makes new offer: opposition snub it. Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh loses grip on several provinces. Huge Yemeni crowds press on for president's ouster.

Death toll hits 57 in Iraqi hostage siege. At least 9 Iraqi officials dead in hostage siege.

Kuwait condemns three to death in Iran spy ring.

Senior U.S. diplomat vents frustration at Iranian intransigence.

ASIA

UN atomic watchdog raises alarm over Japan evacuations. Japan considers entombing nuclear plant as workers fight to stop radiation. Setbacks mount in Japan at leaking nuclear plant.

China warns UN not to interfere as dissidents are rounded up.

Taliban seizes Afghan district in rare show of force.

Pakistan captures accused plotter in 2002 Bali bombings. Official: CIA tipoff led to Pakistan arrest.

U.S. tactical nukes needed in South Korea, lawmaker says.

Burma swears in civilian President, ending overt military rule. Burma transfer of power complete.

China executes Filipino drug couriers.

AFRICA

Libyan rebels flee east from Gaddafi bombardment. Outgunned Libyan rebels on the run as air strikes resume. Gadhafi's forces adapt to airstrikes, pound rebels. US forces fire on Libyan vessels: command. Libyan rebels flee east from Gaddafi bombardment. A day of battle shows Libyan rebels' weaknesses. US set to give arms to Libyans. FACTBOX-Western military assault on Libya's Gaddafi.

Ivory Coast capital falls to rebels. Gbagbo has "hours" for peaceful Ivorian exit -Soro.

Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo eyes cease-fire as troops near capital. Ivory Coast rebels advance toward capital.

Egypt's military issues interim constitution. Egypt's presidential vote to be held by November.

South Sudan training Darfur rebels - Bashir adviser.

EUROPE

Kosovo court orders President to resign. Kosovo president quits after ruling, to run anew.

Chechen warlord accused of staging airport bombing.

Portugal and Greece downgraded on debt worries. Debt-laden Portugal's borrowing rates hit new high .

Berlusconi: Migrants to leave Lampedusa in 48 hours. 'You deserve Nobel Peace Prize': Berlusconi pays homage to locals on tiny Italian island overrun with 6,000 illegal immigrants fleeing Tunisia and Libya during visit.

George Clooney called as witness in Berlusconi sex trial. George Clooney says it is 'odd' he is linked to Silvio Berlusconi investigation.

Spain to miss deficit targets: central bank.

EU talks on food from cloned animals collapse.

AMERICAS

Obama sets ambitious goal to reduce US oil imports. Two-thirds of oil and gas leases in Gulf inactive. Obama to outline energy plan.

Poll: Mexicans think cartels are winning drug war.

Colombia expects final victory over FARC rebels.

Population near Ground Zero has DOUBLED since 2000 making it one of the fastest-growing places in New York City.

Israel angered by Argentine 'deal' to stop Iran terrorist inquiry.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Panel rejects detainee’s ‘Gump’ defense. Judges overturn ruling granting his release from Guantanamo

Qaeda: Arab revolts herald "great leap forward".

Appeals court overturns Gitmo detainee release.

Threats claim nuclear bombs hidden all over U.S.

‘Freelance jihadists’ join Libyan rebels.

Turkish, Afghan, Pakistan forces hold anti-terror exercise.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Number of problem banks in America nears 1,000.

Sovereign ratings ‘theater’ adds to instability in Europe, IMF paper says.

China economist blasts dollar dominance on eve of G20.

Libya threatens to sue firms over rebel oil deals.

Opec set for $1,000bn in export revenues.

Microsoft co-founder hits out at Gates.

Japan nuclear crisis: Has the US industry learned something?

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