Wednesday, December 21, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 21, 2011



Syria Crisis: 'Nearly 200 Lives Lost' In Last Two Days -- BBC

Almost 200 people have died in two days of clashes in Syria, activists say, as the violence there intensifies.


Two activist groups put Tuesday's toll at 84 - the majority in Idlib province in the north-west.

Video has emerged of a young boy, whose body was apparently torn in half by shelling in the city of Homs.

The bloodshed comes a day before an advance group of Arab League monitors is due to arrive to oversee the implementation of a peace initiative.

The UN said earlier this month that more than 5,000 people had been killed across Syria since protests against President Bashar al-Assad erupted in March.

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MIDDLE EAST

Activists say at least 100 killed in Syrian town. Syrian opposition urges UN to act after 'massacre'.

Iraqi leader threatens to abandon power-sharing.

Gulf Arabs back unity after hinting at Iran threat.

Iraq: At least $6 billion gone missing due to overlooked oversight.

Holy Land Patriarch worried for Mideast Christians.

ASIA

Kim Jong-il death: 'Five million' mourn North Korea leader. North Korea's military to share power with Kim's heir.

Latest crisis tests survival skills of Pakistan's President Zardari.

Protesting villagers in China win rare compromise. China village ends protests after government compromise.

Philippine floods: President declares national calamity.

Thailand backs Aung San Suu Kyi in landmark Burma talks.

AFRICA

Egypt's ruling generals face mounting criticism. Egypt: 10,000 march in protest at woman dragged half-naked through street.

Rebel leader George Athor reportedly killed in South Sudan.

Tiny state of Djibouti sends Somalia 200 troops.

Rights body: $32 billion missing in Angola.

DR Congo President Joseph Kabila begins second term.

EUROPE

Thousands line streets of Prague to pay respects to Vaclav Havel.

'Miracle' if France keeps triple-A rating.

Rajoy takes over as Spain's new prime minister.

Putin pledges pro-growth tax reform, stable ruble.

AMERICAS

South American states ban Falklands vessels from ports.

Mexican election favorite dents image with gaffes.

US National Guard at border cut to fewer than 300.

Colombia to start paying victims of violence.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Local US Cops ready for war with Homeland security-funded military weapons.

US will break lull in drone strikes only to hit a high-value target: Pakistani official.

Awlaki video urges U.S. Muslims to join Al Qaeda.

Al-Qaida puts out YouTube preacher’s greatest hits.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Banks take 489 billion euros in 3-year ECB loans. ECB lends banks $639 billion over 3 years.

World economy at a 'very dangerous juncture': IMF chief.

Investors lose faith in stocks as billions pour out of funds.

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