Wednesday, July 20, 2011

World News Briefs -- July 20, 2011



'Gang Of Six' Plan Takes center Stage As Debt Deadline Nears -- CNN

Washington (CNN) -- Top administration and congressional officials are expected Wednesday to focus on a new bipartisan $3.7 trillion debt reduction plan -- the latest effort to avoid a potentially catastrophic default next month on the federal government's financial obligations.

President Barack Obama offered strong praise for the initiative Tuesday, calling it "broadly consistent" with his approach to the debt ceiling crisis because it mixes tax changes, entitlement reforms and spending reductions.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian warns ambassadors not to leave capital.

Israel deporting 15 foreigners aboard Gaza-bound boat.

Iran downs US spy drone near N-site.

IAF strikes terror targets in Gaza after Kassam attack.

ASIA

China, ASEAN set "guidelines" on sea row, but no deal expected.

Taliban claim their mobile phones have been hacked.

Powerful earthquake hits Central Asian valley.

South China Sea dispute: Philippine MPs visit Spratlys.

Death toll from Mumbai triple bombing rises to 20.

AFRICA

Libya forces, rebels locked in battle for Port Brega. France: Cease-fire deal could include Gadhafi remaining in Libya.

UN mission accuses Sudan of shelling and torturing civilians in Nuba war.

UN declares Somalia famine in Bakool and Lower Shabelle. Oxfam: $800 million needed to help hungry.

Malawi's capital Lilongwe hit by riots.

Tunisia's Islamist party denies it behind riots.

Egypt's military seeks future political role.

EUROPE

Phone hacking: Cameron's 'regret' over hiring Coulson. Special report: Murdoch affair spotlights UK's dirty detectives. Cameron names hacking inquiry panel.

Greece threatened with widespread, long-term poverty. Greece debt: Merkel dampens expectations of deal.

'Eco-anarchists' in court accused of plot to destroy IBM centre.

Serbia arrests last major war crimes fugitive.

Medvedev signs law restricting Russian beer, alcohol sales.

AMERICAS

Heat 'dome' traps much of US in pressure cooker.

Huge US deficit-cutting bill sails through GOP House.

Chile inquiry confirms President Allende killed himself.

Slain kids cast larger shadow on Mexican drug war.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. officials fear al Qaeda faction is making gains.

U.S. missiles missed Awlaki by inches in Yemen.

Clinton says U.S., India 'allies' in terrorism fight.

Al-Qaeda plans cartoon to fight the West.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Venezuela now OPEC's largest oil reserves holder.

Gold reaches historic £1,000 an ounce as edgy investors seek safety in eurozone crisis.
China appeals to US to protect investor interests.

Bernie Ecclestone in Formula 1 bribe probe.

IMF warns European debt could derail global economy.

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