Wednesday, August 31, 2011

World News Briefs -- August 31, 2011



Rebels Give Foes Ultimatum As Services Return In Tripoli -- Wall Street Journal

As Forces Close In on Loyalist Stronghold, Officials Seek Peaceful Resolution; Dictator's Daughter Gives Birth

North Atlantic Treaty Organization officials said their efforts in Libya were now focused on preventing a bloody battle for control of Col. Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte, as rebels gave loyalists until Saturday to surrender.

With rebel officials taking steps to establish their authority in Tripoli, the town of Sirte, 245 miles (395 kilometers) east of the capital, was shaping up as one of the final stands by Gadhafi loyalists. "It is the last bastion," said NATO Col. Roland Lavoie.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian security forces shoot dead protesters at start of Eid. Syrian activists say troops raid central city.

Yemen Defense Minister escapes blast: Military.

Iran invites Libya rebel chief to Tehran.

Khamenei warns of security risk for Iran elections.

Israel trains settlers to confront Palestinian protest.

ASIA

China says attacks thwarted as Pakistan President visits Xinjiang.

August deadliest for U.S. troops in Afghan War.

Filipino militant warns of post-Ramadan attacks.

Australia condemns 'irresponsible' Wikileaks cable leak.

AFRICA

Qaddafi loyalists reject rebel ultimatum. Qaddafi regime rejects Libyan rebels' ultimatum to surrender. Rebels say time running out for Gadhafi as crisis mounts in Tripoli. Rebels: End is near for Gadhafi regime.

Violence at Malema hearing shows divide within South Africa's ANC.

Catastrophe looms in Southern Kordofan, rights groups say.

EUROPE

At least seven killed in Chechnya suicide attacks. Police say three bombers behind Chechnya attack.

EU police launch operation in Kosovo's tense north.

UK plunges into debt danger zone after Labour's 10-year borrowing binge, says finance watchdog.

AMERICAS

Irene floods in North Carolina and New York 'disaster'. Hurricane Irene by the numbers: state by state damage reports.

Security on rise nationwide for 9/11 anniversary.

One in five US Muslims knows of extremist support in community.

Ex-military chiefs convicted for Bolivia crackdown.

Guatemala's murder rate down, despite talk of 'failed state'.

ATF chief removed over border gun scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Osama bin Laden raid: last minute intelligence check raised doubts.

Family of dying Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi beg Scotland to send medication.

Drones kill another irreplaceable’ al-Qaida leader.

German Islamist terrorist confesses and blames fake jihad rape video for inspiring his crime.

Inside the spy unit that NYPD says doesn't exist.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Exxon Mobil clinches Arctic oil deal with Rosneft.

Office raid deals new blow to BP in Russia.

Some U.S. firms paid more to CEOs than taxes: study.


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