Tuesday, December 20, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 20, 2011


‘Great Successor’ Takes Power In N. Korea -- Financial Times

The death of Kim Jong-il threw the Korean peninsula into fresh uncertainty on Monday as the North Korean regime named the dictator’s youngest son as the “Great Successor”, rattling financial markets in the south.

In a solemn broadcast, a North Korean television newscaster announced that Kim Jong-eun would assume power after his 70-year-old father died of a heart attack on Saturday while travelling outside Pyongyang by train.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria vows to execute 'terrorists' after worst day of violence. Syria unrest: Dozens of army deserters 'gunned down'.

U.N. inspectors seek 'smoking gun' in Iranian nuclear program.

Iraq orders vice president's arrest after TV 'confessions'. Sunni Iraq VP denies charges of running hit squads.

The man Israel didn't release from prison: Marwan Barghouti.

ASIA

North Korea leader lies in state. North Korea: body of Kim Jong-il displayed before stream of mourners. Experts say transition of power to Kim Jong Un is far from certain.

Sympathy? Condolences? South Korea weighs response to Kim Jong-il's death.

Death toll from floods in Philippines nears 1,000.

China seeks rebel village concessions as new protest flares.

David Cameron visits UK troops in Afghanistan.

AFRICA

Egypt clashes enter fifth day after U.S., UN condemn force. Fierce clashes in Cairo, Clinton voices outrage. Egyptian military defends crackdown on demonstrators.

Top rebel leader in South Sudan killed by army.

Nigeria arrests Boko Haram 'militants' in Kano.

DR Congo's Tshisekedi orders army to disobey Kabila.

EUROPE

ECB's Draghi says Euro is 'irreversible'.

World leaders to flock to Havel funeral.

Study: Christian population shifts from Europe.

Kremlin turns to more covert tactics to undermine Russia's protest movement.

AMERICAS

Latin American leaders assail U.S. drug ‘market’.

Obama criticizes Venezuela's ties to Iran, Cuba. Obama criticizes Venezuela’s rights record, ties to Iran and Cuba; Chavez calls Obama ‘clown’.

Cuba sweetens pot for new private farmers.

Berenson arrives home after time in Peru prison.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US drone strikes in Pakistan on longest pause since 2008.

Taliban seek freedom for dangerous Guantanamo detainees.

Libyan rebel leader sues British authorities after rendition nightmare.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Western, Arab nations mull potential Iran petroleum restrictions.

Apple ruling hits Android.

Why fertilizer is a better buy than gold.

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