World News Briefs -- April 4, 2011

Obama launches 2012 re-election campaign, begins social media strategy

Obama Starts 2012 Campaign Before Potential Rivals -- Washington Post

President Obama formally launched his reelection campaign Monday morning--illustrating his eagerness to start raising money for a race that could prove difficult, but also making him vulnerable to potential criticism for focusing on politics despite pressing crises at home and abroad.

The announcement--via an e-mail message and a web video to supporters--makes Obama the first declared candidate in the 2012 presidential race, as none of the Republicans who are considering challenging him has declared.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. shifts to seek removal of Yemen’s leader, an ally. Yemen police kill at least 12 protesters. Second day of clashes kills 15 protesters in Yemen. Troops fire on Yemen protest; US seeks Saleh exit.

Gulf states denounce Iran's meddling.

Syria gets new government as demonstrations continue. Syria: Thousands gather in Damascus for funerals.

In 8 year fight against Al Qaeda, Saudi Arabia detains almost 12,000 people.

ASIA

Japan dumps contaminated water into Pacific; leaks to go on for months. Search for radiation leak turns desperate. Japan names first two nuclear plant victims.

9 more killed in Afghan protests over Koran-burning. 22 Killed in Afghan protests over Florida Quran burning.

Pakistan Sufi shrine suicide attack kills 41. Bombs kill 42 at shrine in Pakistan.

Pakistani domestic issues may stymie peace talks with India.

Observers slam Kazakh leader's 95% election romp.

AFRICA

NATO to U.S.: We need more strikes in Libya. Italy recognizes rebels as legitimate Libyan voice. Libyan wounded describe "hell" of Misrata. Libya's stalemate path bodes a long-term commitment from the West. Gaddafi envoy seeks Turkish truce deal. Timeline: Libya's uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.

Battle for Abidjan rages on in Ivory Coast. Ouattara forces begin Abidjan assault. Ivory Coast: UN presses Ouattara over Duekoue massacre.

War of words as Zimbabwe slams S.Africa's Zuma.

Sources: Mubarak has left Egypt. Egypt army denies report that Mubarak left country.

EUROPE

Merkel’s coalition in turmoil as Deputy gives up FDP post.

IMF pressures Greece to restructure debt.

France says finds bodies in Atlantic crash wreckage.

Kosovo government on brink of collapse.

AMERICAS

Argentina's president stokes up claim to the Falklands.

Haitians awaiting results in presidential election.

U.S. Government shutdown looms over talks as crunch time for 2011 budget nears.

Eyeing Middle East, Nicaragua's Ortega quashes weekend protests.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: Algerian security official says Al Qaeda using Libyan conflict to acquire weapons.

US officials weigh how to fight terrorism in a post-Saleh Yemen.

Libya: Former Guantánamo detainee is training rebels.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Foreign banks tapped Fed’s secret lifeline most at crisis peak.

Oil rises to 30-month high on Libya conflict; Kuwait says price is too high.

Facebook sued for $1billion over 'Intifada' page calling for violence against Jews.

U.S. drilling agency says no deal with BP.