Friday, December 30, 2011

World News Briefs -- December 30, 2011



North Korea Blasts South Korea, Vows No Policy Changes -- Washington Post

BEIJING — North Korea on Friday warned South Korean leaders and other “foolish politicians” that its behavior wouldn’t soften under the untested leadership of Kim Jong Eun, youngest son and heir to the power of the late dictator Kim Jong Il.

Pyongyang also vowed to cut all ties with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and accused his government of hoping to use Kim Jong Il’s recent death to spur “system change.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria troops 'clash with Damascus activists'. Syrians activists call for mass protests as observers continue visit. Syrian defectors hold fire amid Arab League visit.

Iran tracks US aircraft carrier amid Strait of Hormuz tension.

Turkey: Funerals held after air strike.

Who's who in Iraq after the US exit?

ASIA

North Korea vows no softening toward South. North Korea's new leadership lashes out at South Korea.

Pakistan judicial commission to probe memo scandal.

At least 8 dead in ethnic fighting in western China.

China's factories falter, pro-growth policies eyed.

China confirms plans for manned moon landing.

Cyclone Thane hits southern Indian coast.

AFRICA

Southerners 'killed by Sudan air raids'.

Foreign aid worker is killed and colleague is wounded in Somali capital. Deaths in Somalia underscore risks MSF endures.

Egypt rights groups blast raids on NGO offices.

Church bombings are declaration of war, say Nigerian Christians.

Elephant poaching: 'Record year' for ivory seizures.

EUROPE

Disputed voting turns church, a Kremlin ally, into its critic.

Russia submarine fire "totally extinguished".

Ukraine ex-PM Tymoshenko moved to prison.

Hungary poised to widen rift with west.

AMERICAS

US targets money laundering activity for cartels.

For Central America's pura vida state (Costa Rica), a drug war test.

US rejects Hugo Chavez remarks on Latin America cancer.

Jamaica opposition scores landslide win at polls.

Argentine dictator guilty of torture.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. mulls transfer of Taliban prisoner in perilous peace bid.

Boot Hezbollah from Twitter or we sue, group says.

Counter-Terrorism: Caucasian nightmare.

Al-Qaeda's newest outpost.

No more military custody for al-Qaeda fighters (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple in race to keep ahead in 2012.

Analysis: Dawn of a year of trading dangerously.

Euro falls to 10-year low versus yen, faces bleak 2012. Architects of a currency in crisis.

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