World News Briefs -- December 16, 2011 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta speaks to troops after the ceremony marking the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq in Baghdad, Dec. 15, 2011. Panetta told troops they would leave Iraq knowing their sacrifice helped the Iraqi people. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

U.S. Withdrawal In Iraq Rolls Into Final Act -- Reuters

American soldiers signed over their last military base to Iraqi officials on Friday with the U.S. troop pullout drawing to an swift end nearly nine years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

The few thousand remaining U.S. troops are scheduled to leave Iraq before December 31, closing a U.S. military venture that cost the lives of nearly 4,500 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis caught up in sectarian strife.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. withdrawal in Iraq rolls into final act.

Syrian troops fire at protesters after prayers.

Iran warns of downing other U.S. drones in its skies.

Hundreds rally in Baghdad against Iranian exiles.

Iran warns Afghanistan to stop U.S. drone flights.

ASIA

Sri Lanka MPs receive controversial civil war report.

Oil workers killed in Kazakhstan clashes.

Fukushima reactors finally brought under control.

Pakistan dismayed over US congress aid freeze bill.

Analysis: Aquino's anti-graft drive risks Philippine instability.

Beijing imposes new rules on social networking sites.

How WTO membership made China the workshop of the world.

AFRICA

Congo's top court declares Kabila election winner.

Panetta: Libya needs time to control of militias.

2.7 million South Sudanese to need food aid in 2012-U.N.

Military police clash with Egyptian protesters. Egypt's military police clash with protesters.

US dismisses Gaddafi killing role.

Gaddafi's death may be war crime: ICC prosecutor.

EUROPE

Torrent of bad financial news flows out of Europe.

EU police escort Russian aid convoy into Kosovo ending tense stand off.

Russia’s opposition struggles for unity.

Putin support hits new low. Russian opposition bracing for new weekend rallies.

London 2012: 13,500 troops to provide Olympic security.

France lose its credit rating? It should be the UK! blasts head of central bank amid rising tensions between London and Paris.

Czech Republic and Hungary join UK in dumping 'undemocratic' EU deal.

Russian customs seize radioactive metal from Iranian’s luggage bound for Tehran.

Russia set to join World Trade Organisation.

Dapper Chirac's image undone as France says guilty at last.

AMERICAS

Guatemalans hunker down against rising violence.

US Congress clears $662 billion defense bill.

U.S. Congressional leaders reach spending deal to avoid government shutdown.

HALF of all Americans are struggling to get by on 'poor or on low income', figures reveal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Libya to allow police to probe Lockerbie-minister.

House cybersecurity bill lets DHS monitor private sector threats.

Judicial Watch sues for Osama death photos, video.

3 sentenced in terror plot on Australian army base.

Hezbollah, terrorist financing, and Venezuela: Don't panic.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

SEC sues ex-Fannie, Freddie execs for fraud.

IMF chief warns over 1930s-style threats.

Blackberry-maker delays key phone launch.

Graphic: How exchange rates could collapse after a Euro break-up.

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