Monday, December 19, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 19, 2011



N Korean Leader Kim Jong-il Dies -- BBC

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died of a heart attack at the age of 69, state media have announced.

Millions of North Koreans were "engulfed in indescribable sadness", the KCNA state news agency said, as people wept openly in Pyongyang.

KNCA described one of his sons, Kim Jong-un, as the "great successor" whom North Koreans should unite behind.

Pyongyang's neighbours are on alert amid fears of instability in the poor and isolated nuclear-armed nation.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria agrees to Arab League monitors.

Iran prepared for 'worst' on sanctions: Salehi.

Yemeni military forces start leaving Sana’a streets after deal. U.N. seeks $447 million for Yemen, Gulf Arabs urged to help more.

Blast hits Egypt's gas pipeline to Jordan, Israel.

ASIA

North Korea quickly names 'great successor' after Kim Jong-il's death. North Korea's Kim Jong Il dies; South goes on high alert. Kim Jong-un: a profile of North Korea's next leader.

Philippine death toll rises in worst cyclone in three years. Smashed to smithereens: New pictures show full scale of carnage after Philippines was hit by Typhoon Washi.

Chinese rebel villagers vow march to press complaints.

Kazakhstan declares state of emergency after deadly protests.

Pakistani president returns home amid rising tensions with military.

Pakistan's Supreme Court probes memo scandal.

AFRICA

Egypt's Islamists claim sweep of second round vote.

Egypt violence: Cairo clashes go into fourth day. As violence continues, Egypt news media clash over its cause.

Nigeria police arrest 14 after deadly shootout with sect.

Congo opposition leader declares himself legitimate President.

Cash-strapped Sudan open for oil bidding.

EUROPE

Czechs bid farewell to anti-communist hero Havel.

Greek woes drive up suicide rate to highest in Europe.

EU-Ukraine pact finalized but won’t be ratified pending Tymoshenko case.

Hopes fade in search for Russian oil rig survivors.

New Spanish leader pledges deep cuts to fight crisis.

Kosovo leader speaks softly, carries big hope.

AMERICAS

FBI: U.S. violent crime down in 2011, fewer murders, rapes.

Cartels use legitimate trade to launder money, U.S., Mexico say.

Chavez keeps trying to lure anti-U.S. allies.

Cocaine losing its allure in United States.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida after Bin Laden.

Killing of Osama biggest news story of 2011.

How many times do 75 percent of al Qaeda's top leaders need to be killed before the terror group is dead?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Most stock funds post losses this year; bonds gain.

EU demands £25bn lifeline from the UK.

EU finance chiefs to discuss IMF loans, new treaty.

Saab files for bankruptcy after Chinese deal fails.

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