Thursday, December 22, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 22, 2011



Wave Of Bombings Kills Dozens Across Baghdad -- Time/AP

(BAGHDAD) — A wave of at least 14 bombings ripped across Baghdad Thursday morning, killing at least 60 people in the worst violence in Iraq for months. The apparently coordinated attacks struck days after the last American forces left the country and in the midst of a major government crisis between Shiite and Sunni politicians that has sent sectarian tensions soaring.

The bombings may be linked more to the U.S. withdrawal than the political crisis, but all together, the developments heighten fears of a new round of Shiite-Sunni sectarian bloodshed like the one a few years back that pushed Iraq to the brink of civil war.

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MIDDLE EAST

Blasts kill dozens in Iraq as political crisis continues. Baghdad blasts kill 63 as Iraq tensions rise.

Arab team prepares Syria mission after deadly assault. White House: Syrian regime is doomed.

Israel accuses 4 countries of meddling in its affairs.

U.S. calls on UN Security Council to impose greater sanctions on Iran.

Extremist teachings remain in Saudi textbooks despite Kingdom's claims of reform.

ASIA

North Korea awaits Kim Jong Un's opening moves. Red skies and stormy seas heralded Kim Jong Il's death, state media says.

Exclusive: Pakistan army wants Zardari out but not a coup.

US: Mistakes led to attack on Pakistani soldiers.

New North Korean satellite images give rare glimpse of life under Kim Jong-il.

Japan says decommissioning damaged reactors could take 40 years.

AFRICA

Egypt’s benchmark stock index slumps after Moody’s puts country rating deeper into junk status.

South Sudanese 'press-ganged' by rebels in Khartoum.

DR Congo police 'killed 24 civilians' after elections.

2 Rwandans sentenced to life for genocide.

Jacob Zuma blames Christianity for South Africa's problems.

EUROPE

Ukrainian president refuses to seek Tymoshenko’s release despite Western pressure.

IRA veteran suspected in NKorean counterfeiting plot wins 6-year fight against US extradition.

Kremlin promises far-reaching Russian reform.

Thousands pay last respects to former Czech leader.

$3.6bn lottery for debt-hit Spain.

AMERICAS

Peace Corps to scale back in Central America.

Mexico's military takes over police duties in Veracruz.

US population growth slowest since 1940s.

Argentina police raid Clarin Group Cablevision channel.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lockerbie bomber proclaims his innocence in 'final' interview.

Jihadist releases new photos of American Shabaab leader.

Yemen kills brother of country's al-Qaeda leader.

Yemen: Civil war becomes war on Al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fitch again warns US debt burden threatens AAA rating.

10 best global stock markets of 2011.

Toyota expects record sales in 2012.

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