Wednesday, May 18, 2011

World News Briefs -- May 18, 2011



Jailed IMF Chief Under Pressure To Quit -- Yahoo News/Reuters

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Dominique Strauss-Kahn faced growing pressure to quit as head of the IMF after his arrest on attempted rape charges, and Europe sought to fend off a challenge from developing countries to fill a post it has traditionally held.

China, Brazil and South Africa questioned Europe's right to the job but Europeans said it made sense for them to retain the post while the International Monetary Fund plays such a crucial role in helping to ease the euro zone debt crisis.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Tanks shell Syrian town, West piles on pressure. Syrian president: Security forces made mistakes.

U.S. troops face increasing dangers in southern Iraq.

Obama calls Israeli and Palestinian peace talks 'vital'. Netanyahu gives no hint of concessions to Palestinians.

Few in Israel expect big change from Obama Mideast speech.

Yemen opposition says power transition deal agreed.

ASIA

Afghan rally over NATO raid turns violent; 11 die.

Over 70 militants attack Pakistani security post, 17 dead.

Pakistan, China premiers meet amid tension with US.

Japan economy and trade minister says recovery must be achieved next year.

AFRICA

Rebels: Gadhafi fighters shell western mountains. Rebel forces in Libya's western mountains issue call for help. NATO increases pressure on Libya's pro-government forces.

Tunisia reacts to Libya border shelling. Tunisia demands Libya stop cross-border shelling.

Egypt's army says has no plans to pardon Mubarak.

Election in Sudan's Southern Kordofan marred by disputed results.

South Africans vote in crucial local elections.

EUROPE

Queen revisits ghosts of Ireland's "Bloody Sunday".

Medvedev warns of new Cold War over missile defence.

IMF chief's arrest stirs up anti-Americanism in France.

IMF issues stark warning to Greece on fiscal goals.

AMERICAS

Canada oil output cut as Alberta wildfires rage.

The surging Mississippi: Nervous in New Orleans.

Chavez’s influence wanes in Latin America.

Ecuador probes President Correa 'link' to Farc rebels.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

CIA flew stealth drones into Pakistan to monitor bin Laden house.

Officials: terror groups are joining crime rings.

Pakistan says it's arrested an al Qaida figure.

Al Qaeda names Adel as interim chief: report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

If Strauss-Kahn is out, who might become IMF chief?

Surging BRIC middle classes are eclipsing global poverty.

Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Morgan Stanley face New York investigation.

No comments: