Thursday, June 16, 2011

World News Briefs -- June 16, 2011



Al-Qaeda Appoints New Osama bin Laden: Ayman al-Zawahiri Chosen To Lead Terrorist Organisation -- The Telegraph

Al-Qaeda has chosen Ayman al-Zawahiri as its new leader following Osama bin Laden's death in a US commando raid last month, according to a statement apparently issued by the movement’s general command.

The Egyptian surgeon was al-Qaeda’s number two for more than a decade and was widely expected to take on the top role when bin Laden was shot dead by US Navy Seals in Pakistan.

“The general command of al-Qaeda announces, after consultations, the appointment of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri as head of the group,” said the statement which was posted on an Islamist website.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria crisis: UN report condemns crackdown on protests. Assad forces make sweeping arrests in Syria's northwest.

Yemen opposition shrugs off Gulf mediation offer.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II warns Mideast peace prospects are dim.

Militia set up within Iraqi ministry, Maliki says.

U.S. helicopters fire on attackers in Iraq oil hub: military.

ASIA

China's Wen to visit Germany and Britain.

Beijing sends ship to disputed South China Sea.

North Korea demands defectors' return from South Korea. North Korea demands return of nine refugees.

China military paper urges steps against U.S. cyber war threat.

AFRICA

Libya: Area near Gadhafi compound struck in raid. NATO raids pound Gaddafi compound.

Sudan's Abyei: 'North-south troop clash' despite deal. Southern Sudan’s army reports clashes with Sudanese forces in Abyei region.

Gilbert Bukenya: Uganda ex-VP charged with CHOGM fraud.

Bomb blast in Nigeria capital Abuja.

EUROPE

Greek Socialists hold emergency talks on austerity. EU confident Greece will get next aid payout.

Swiss central bank highlights franc concerns.

Putin says Russia's economy two-thirds recovered. Putin: Russia expects full economic recovery next year.

Belarus Lukashenko: Hundreds defy protest ban in Minsk.

Bodies of 104 Air France crash victims to reach Paris.

AMERICAS

Mexico drug war: US sting 'let cartels buy guns'.

Violence in Vancouver as Canucks lose Stanley Cup. Vehicles set ablaze, shops looted as riots sweep downtown Vancouver.

John Boehner, Barack Obama's 'golf summit' has different expectations.

Venezuela to begin rationing electricity.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Zawahri succeeds bin Laden as al-Qaida leader.

Indonesia cleric linked to terror attacks gets 15 years.

Al-Qaeda’s Eton & Ritz bomb plot.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Rich world economy prospects darken: Reuters poll.

US inflation rise ties Fed’s hands on further easing.

Citi says 360,000 accounts hacked in May cyber attack.

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