Sunday, December 25, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 25, 2011



In Christmas Message, Pope Urges Peace In Africa, Asia -- Radio Free Europe

In his traditional Christmas Day message, Pope Benedict XVI has urged the faithful to seek a "spiritual union" with the less fortunate around the world.

Appearing at noon from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, the pope also pronounced Christmas blessings in 65 languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Swahili, and his native German.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria's Homs under a military siege, activists say. Thousands take part in funeral for Syria bombing victims.

Iraq Sunni leader says charges could reignite sectarian war.

U.S. embraces low-key plan as turmoil in Iraq deepens.

Yemen's President says he'll leave for U.S. Yemen's Saleh vows to leave, troops kill 9 protesters.

Dozens hurt as Jordan Islamists, regime loyalists clash.

Gaza's Hamas leader launches Muslim world trip.

Thousands in Bethlehem for Christmas.

ASIA

North Korean heir's uncle plays key role.

Japan PM heads to China amid N. Korea worries.

Oil interests push China into Sudanese mire.

In China, a daring few challenge one-child limit.

Suicide bomber strikes Afghan funeral, killing 10.

AFRICA

Libya marks 1st independence day in 42 years.

NTC chief: Gadhafi children aim to destabilize Libya.

Egypt Islamist parties the big winners in second round of voting.

Sudan's army kills Darfur rebel leader: state media.

Christmas blast kills 19 at Nigeria church.

In Nigeria’s north, deadly clashes with an Islamist group.

Nigerian oil spill stretches 900 square kilometers, says environmental group.

EUROPE

Pope ushers in Christmas, decries commercialization.

Protesters take to Moscow streets, calling for fair elections.

Britain risks tearing itself apart - Archbishop of Canterbury.

Queen Elizabeth visits Philip in hospital.

AMERICAS

Cuba wraps up dramatic year of economic change.

US regrets Cuba's decision not to release Alan Gross.

Haiti migrants found dead off Cuba's coast.

Violence erupts across the U.S. around release of Nike Air Jordans.

Argentine government limits foreign landowners.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US cannot rely on Pakistan for counterterrorism operations.

Cold War heats up between U.S. and Hizbullah.

Iran rejects US allegation on Al Qaeda operative.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World economy to trudge on in 2012 despite Europe: Reuters poll.

China central bank chief: cut reliance on rating agencies.

Facebook tops search charts.

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