Wednesday, August 17, 2011

World News Briefs -- August 17, 2011



Advancing Rebels In Western Libya Face Snipers, Shelling -- CNN

Zawiya, Libya (CNN) -- Rebel fighters in Libya, trying to take over a key western city, faced stiff resistance from Moammar Gadhafi's forces on Wednesday, a rebel commander said.

The fighters hope to seize Zawiya, about 30 miles west of the capital, in an effort to advance toward the capital of Tripoli in their fight to topple the Gadhafi regime that has controlled the North African country for decades.

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MIDDLE EAST

Besieged city of Hama has long been in Syrian regime's sights.

U.S. officials: Syria using diplomats to threaten opposition around the world.

Attacks in Iraq heighten political tensions. Iraq's bloodiest day revives Al Qaeda fears.

Biggest threat to Iraq? Iran-backed militias, not Al Qaeda, US official says.

Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh to return home 'soon'.

Iran's hard-liners seek payback in next election.

ASIA

China's likely next premier emerges from shadows in Hong Kong.

China starts two-month security crackdown in western region.

Anna Hazare refuses to leave Indian prison. Standoff deepens between New Delhi and jailed protest leader.

China rejects report of Bin Laden raid copter access.

AFRICA

Libya rebels cut all fuel pipelines to Tripoli: reports.Libyan rebels battle Gadhafi forces for control of key oil refinery in Zawiya, near Tripoli.

Ten children die each day in Ethiopia refugee camp, says UN.

Contractors are accused in large-scale theft of food aid in Somalia.

Zimbabwe General's death may prompt power struggle.

Nigeria and Benin to fight pirates together.

EUROPE

Markets fall as Merkel-Sarkozy debt talks disappoint.

Germans recoil as Europe seeks more handouts amid debt crisis.

London riots: More than 1,000 people charged. Riots thwarted by Blackberry and Twitter chat - police.

Gorbachev says Russia needs fresh leadership, free elections.

Pope arrives in Spain in time of economic turmoil.

AMERICAS

Violence threatens Venezuela vote outcome-report.

Walmart warns on US weakness.

Mexico’s youth slips into drug violence.

Mexican drug traffickers taunt police with body parts in Acapulco.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama frets over 'lone wolf' attack as Sept 11 looms.

Terror suspect linked to Al-Shabaab appears in US court.

Across the globe, families of 9/11 victims mourn.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China appeals to US to focus on economic recovery.

SABMiller in hostile $10 billion bid for Foster's.

Putin sets sights on Eurasian economic union.

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