Saturday, January 14, 2012

World News Briefs -- January 14, 2011

The Treasury believes that the collapse of the euro could push the UK back into a deep recession Photo: REUTERS

Debt Crisis: Eurozone Back On The Brink As France Has Credit Rating Downgraded -- the Telegraph

The eurozone crisis entered a dangerous new phase as France and eight other European countries had their credit ratings downgraded.

Stock markets and the single currency fell sharply as Standard and Poor’s cut France’s AAA rating.

Italy saw its long-term rating drop by two notches, along with Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. Austria, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia had their ratings lowered by one notch.

The move triggered a backlash from European politicians and led to calls for Britain to be downgraded too.

Read more
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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq suicide bomb kills 50 in Basra pilgrims attack.

Syria army defector to set up high military council. Syria crisis: Qatar calls for Arabs to send in troops.

Iran: We have proof US behind assassination. Iran says it has evidence U.S. behind scientist's killing.

Iran says not storing oil in Gulf due to sanctions.

ASIA

Taiwan's president wins re-election.

Little opposition seen in Sunday’s elections in Kazakhstan.

Politics complicate China-US relations.

Pakistan army chief calls on president: spokesman.

U.S. restores full ties to Myanmar after rapid reforms.

AFRICA

Two killed and 16 hurt in Libyan clashes.

Nigeria fuel subsidy strike: Protests suspended.

South Sudan clashes: Murles exact revenge in Jonglei. Scores killed in revenge attacks in South Sudan.

Insecurity grows in Somali refugee camps in Horn of Africa.

UK, US sailors capture suspected Somali pirates.

Tunisia marks 1st anniversary of Arab Spring.

ElBaradei ends Egyptian presidential run.

EUROPE

Europe must move quickly after S&P downgrades: Merkel.

S&P cuts credit ratings for France, Italy, Spain. In France, the pain of rating downgrade is especially acute.

U.S. faces new challenge of fewer troops in Europe.

Italy cruise ship Costa Concordia aground near Giglio.Officials: 3 killed, scores missing after cruise ship runs aground off Italy.

Spain's Basques enter unfamiliar territory of peacetime politics.

Scotland gaining enthusiasm for independence.

Immigrants help German population grow for first time in eight years.

AMERICAS

Mexico presses US House speaker on arms traffic.

Guatemala congressman Valentin Leal shot dead.

Chavez 'would accept' Venezuela election defeat.

Bowing to Twitter, Canada ends election night gag.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Spanish judge reopens Guantanamo torture probe.

Britain's last Guantánamo Bay prisoner held without charge after 10 years.

Al Qaeda Africa wing threatens to kill western hostages.

Al-Qaeda-linked group asserts responsibility for 37 Baghdad attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

FTC expands Google antitrust probe: source.

Analysts: S&P downgrades could have been worse.

Apple report reveals labor, environmental violations.

Crude rises near $100 on Iran, Nigeria fears.

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