World News Briefs -- July 6, 2011

Report: At Least 22 Killed In Syrian City Hama -- Jerusalem Post

More than 22 people were killed by security forces in the Syrian city of Hama on Wednesday following the largest demonstration since anti-government protests broke out against Syrian President Bashar Assad, London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported.

The National Human Rights Organization told Al-Quds Al-Arabi that the army had encircled demonstrators in the area and fired on protesters. Organization head Omar al-Qarbi said that in addition to the 22 killed, at least 80 were wounded, some of them in critical condition.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian forces shoot dead 14 in Hama: activists. Syrian deserter: 'It was like a war against your own people'. Syrian forces may have committed crimes against humanity.

Israeli authorities on high alert ahead of 'aerial flotilla'.

Weapons prove Iranian role in Iraq, U.S. says.

Yemeni opposition general rejects plan to keep Saleh in power.

Rights group slams Bahrain's 'violent repression'. Reconciliation talks begin in Bahrain.

ASIA

Militants enter Pakistan, attack border villages.

India broadens ties in Central Asia.

S. Korea military arrests shooting 'accomplice'.

Opposition-sponsored strike cripples Bangladesh.

AFRICA

Libyan rebels launch assault near capital. Western mountain rebels launch offensive southwest of Tripoli.

Mauritanian forces repel militants from army base.

Boat sinks off Sudan 'killing 197 migrants'.

Somalia food crisis reaching 'unimaginable proportions'.

Somalia Islamists lift aid ban to help drought victims. Hunger in Somalia: Militants want aid groups back.

EUROPE

Moody's downgrades Portuguese bonds to junk status. Portugal hits back at Moody's downgrade.

Lukashenko nears crunch time, says Belarus opposition.

Russian activist blasts brutal anti-terror tactics.

Thousands gather in Spain for running of the bulls.

AMERICAS

Hugo Chavez hints at ruling until 2021.

Truth commission would help Haiti deal with 'Baby Doc', says UN.

50-mile wide dust storm blankets Phoenix.

President Obama to host twitter town hall on economy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan inquiry orders Bin Laden family to remain.

U.S. indicts Somali on terrorism charges.

Mauritanian military attacks al Qaeda group.

Denying the sea to al Qaeda.

Obama to name new counterrorism chief.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US scores major trade case victory over China.

China raises interest rates amid inflation fight.

Ratings agencies criticised by European Commission.

Netflix expands to 43 new countries.