World News Briefs -- July 19, 2011

Photo: A man, at left, tries to attack News Corp Chief Executive and Chairman Rupert Murdoch with a white substance during a parliamentary committee hearing on phone hacking at Portcullis House in London on Tuesday. Credit: Reuters

Rupert Murdoch Attacked At Parliament, Appears Unharmed -- L.A. Times

News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch endured not only verbal blows but also an attempted physical attack Tuesday during his historic appearance before a committee of the British Parliament to account for the alleged illegal activities of reporters at his newspapers accused of hacking people's cellphones.

The hearing was interrupted when it appeared that someone tried to strike Murdoch, perhaps with shaving cream.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Resident: 'Death squads' on streets of restive Syrian city. Sectarian violence in Syria raises fears. Syria forces fire on funeral procession; 10 killed.

Yemeni army, tribes launch southern offensive.

Iran says installing new nuclear enrichment machines.

Iran's strongest man killed in 'revenge attack'.

Israel troops board Gaza protest boat Dignite-al Karama.

ASIA

South China Sea dispute high priority for ASEAN. US senators warn Beijing on S China Sea.

China cracks down on Xinjiang protest.

U.S.-India nuclear deal drifts dangerously. India may soon join nations exporting nuke reactors: US report.

Largest uranium reserves found in India.

Clinton says U.S. will support India in terror fight.

AFRICA

US officials meet Qaddafi representatives. More talks to come? Libya: US officials hold meeting with Gaddafi regime. Libya conflict: US officials met Gaddafi envoys.

Libyan rebels capture part of eastern oil port. In Libya, rebel casualties tell the story behind fight for key city.

Guinea's President calls for calm after assassination attempt.

Famine to be officially declared in southern Somalia.

Sudan's South Kordofan fighting: UN warns of war crimes.

Secrets of Somali pirates revealed in new book.

Tunisian leader says protesters aim to spread chaos.

EUROPE

British prime minister on the defensive. British PM cuts short Africa trip amid phone-hacking scandal.

Europe’s debt crisis arrives in Italy.

Portugal's Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho discovers 'colossal' budget hole.

London 2012 Olympics budget is '88% complete'.

AMERICAS

U.S. House to vote on tea party-backed debt plan.

'Dangerous' U.S. heat wave creeps east.

Chile's President Pinera changes team after protests.

Bolivia drops out of UN drug pact to protect its coca chewers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda seen aiming at targets outside U.S.

The Indian Mujahedeen: Home-grown terror group with global connections.

Post-9/11, biggest terror threat is underground.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Murdoch's moment: What's at stake for News Corp. in phone-hacking hearings(VIDEO).

Brazil caught between titans in global currency war.

Baidu signs deal with music labels.