Monday, December 19, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 19, 2011 (Evening Edition)



Kim Jong-un, The Child Soldier, Takes Over In North Korea -- The Telegraph

What is the nation's future under the control of a belligerent new 'Dear Leader’ who is not yet 30?

North Koreans have been introduced to their youthful new leader in a style that befits the last truly totalitarian state on earth. Kim Jong-un, the “Great Successor”, has been hailed variously as a martial genius and the “outstanding leader of our party, army and people”.

The rise of the younger Kim, officially 29 but possibly only 27, has mirrored his father’s physical decline: last year, while the “Dear Leader” ailed, the son was hastily made a four-star general and awarded a senior post in the military high command. When the armed forces bombarded a South Korean island with heavy artillery, before sinking one of their neighbour’s warships with a well-aimed torpedo, stories were circulated giving the new general the credit.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel frees last Palestinian detainees in Shalit swap.

Tension rise as Iraq seeks Sunni VP arrest.

Large bloc of lawmakers boycotts Iraqi Parliament.

Shale oil project raises hackles in Israel.

Syria agrees to Arab League monitors. Syria to allow Arab monitors, 100 dead in violence.

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.

Sri Lanka Tamil leaders call for war crimes probe.

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. US 'deeply concerned' on Kazakhstan violence.

Tens of thousands of Pakistanis rally against US.

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.

As violence continues, Egyptian General blames protesters. 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

Medvedev urges reform of Russia’s political system.

France and Britain bicker over credit ratings.

Czechs bid farewell to anti-communist hero Havel.

Greek woes drive up suicide rate to highest in Europe.

EU presses Ukraine to release Ex-Premier. 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.

Venezuela's Chavez expected at regional summit.

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

Cocaine losing its allure in United States.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Libyan rebel suing UK over alleged rendition role.

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

AT&T drops $39 billion bid to buy T-Mobile USA.

Saudi Prince Alwaleed buys Twitter stake.

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. End of road for Saab, files for bankruptcy, blames GM.

Smells like a bear raid. Trading data suggest 2007 effort to manipulate market.

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