Friday, January 6, 2012

World News Briefs -- January 6, 2011



Damascus Bomb Kills 25 As Regime Suffers High Level Defection -- The Telegraph

At least 25 people were reportedly killed or wounded after a suicide bomber blew himself up in central Damascus, the second such attack on the Syrian capital in a fortnight.

The bomb was detonated at a set of traffic lights in the historic district of al-Midan, just south of Damascus's ancient walled city, state television reported.

Video footage indicated that a police bus had borne the brunt of the blast. Reduced to a shell, its seats were soaked in blood and covered in shards of glass.

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MIDDLE EAST

Suicide bomb kills 25 in Damascus: Syrian TV. Syria: explosion targets police bus in Damascus.

Iran to hold new naval drill near strait of Hormuz.

Turkey jails former leader of its once-exalted military.

Iran clamps down on internet use.

ASIA

China warns US on Asia military strategy. China stays cool as new US defense strategy targets Asia.

U.S. asks China to pressure North Korea to avoid provocations during transition.

North Korea rebuffs Seoul overtures.

Kidnappings point to security breakdown in southern Philippines.

AFRICA

Accounts emerge in South Sudan of 3,000 deaths in ethnic violence. South Sudan appeals for humanitarian aid amid fighting.

Nigeria church hit by deadly gun attack in Gombe. Nigeria church shooting kills at least 8, pastor says.

Kenya push al Shabaab rebels from two Somali towns.

Ex-rebel official hopeful about Libya's transition.

Mubarak trial more politics than justice: lawyers.

EUROPE

France proclaims 600th anniversary of Joan of Arc.

Jailed Ukrainian leader’s husband seeks asylum in Czech Republic.

Ex-Minister urges Russian parliamentary vote rerun.

German president backed by polls, Merkel.

AMERICAS

New Pentagon strategy stresses Asia, cyber, drones.

Floods in Brazil force thousands to flee their homes.

Migrants’ new paths reshaping Latin America.

Police detain 20 in deadly Mexico prison riot.

U.S. unemployment rate falls, lowest in nearly 3 years. US economy creates 200,000 jobs in December.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Sept. 11 case a litmus test for military commissions.

Osama bin Laden film leak claims investigated.

Direct Al Qaeda influence on Western attacks overrated, says NYPD intel director.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil rises to $113 on supply risks, US jobs.

In new control over diamonds, smugglers pay in Mozambique.

Lloyds, RBS face £33bn of new credit losses.

Global economy could endure disaster for a week.

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