World News Briefs -- February 10, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Slaughter In Syria: But Who Was Really Behind 'Terrorist' Blast In Aleppo That Killed 25? -- Daily Mail

* 25 killed and 175 wounded as northern city of Aleppo hit by series of blasts
* Regime blames rebels, who deny involvement
* 'We are all going to die here', says rebels pleading with UN to intervene
* Israeli media reports Syrian army considering use of chemical weapons
* Europe, Arab and U.S. allies to hold inaugural Friends of Syria meeting
* Brutal crackdown on anti-government opposition continues
* Activists plan nation-wide protests after Friday prayer today
* Up to 110 people killed yesterday alone

Bomb blasts hit security compounds in the Syrian city of Aleppo today - sparking a propaganda war between the regime and rebels.

State media blamed the 'terrorist' opposition for killing 25 people, including several children, and wounding 175 in the explosions.

But rebels claim the blasts, in a city which has so far remained largely loyal to President Bashar Assad, were planted by government forces in a bid to disrupt their movement.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian Soldiers Killed by Blast in Aleppo as Army Attacks Homs. Two explosions kill dozens in northern Syrian city of Aleppo. Bread, blood in short supply in battered Syrian cities.

Palestinian prisoner on 55th day of hunger strike.

Saudi faces death calls after prophet tweets.

Iranian Parliament adjourns without backing oil restrictions on EU.

Iraq's Sadr calls for unity at mass rally.

Demonstrations whisper of an Arab Spring in Jordan.

housands of Turkish quake survivors battle cold.

ASIA

Asia giants join Iran diplomacy as sanctions hurt trade.

7 officials in Tibet sacked for 'neglect of duties,' state media report. Chinese premier meets government-installed Tibetan cleric amid unrest.

Maldives ex-president demands election, warns of protests. Don’t harm ousted president, India tells Maldives.

Military kills 11 militants in NW Pakistan: Officials.

Pakistan turmoil expected after PM's contempt appeal rejected.

Reversal: Cambodia genocide court to pursue more Khmer Rouge.

China's exports and imports dip raising growth concerns.

Himalayan ice melt estimates get a major downsizing.

AFRICA

Sudan, S.Sudan sign security pact to defuse tensions.

Insight: Arms and men out of Libya fortify Mali rebellion.

Guinea stadium massacre: Col Tiegboro Camara charged.

Nigeria insurgency beginning to take toll on economy.

Muslim Brotherhood demands military cede power in Egypt. In Egypt’s bread, signs of economic weakness.

Peace eludes South Sudan's Jonglei state.

South Africa to lure miners with $40 billion railways boost.

EUROPE

Greek cabinet approves EU/IMF bailout bill.

You might need more than one can of WD-40 to start that one! Europe held in icy grip as temperatures plummet as low as -20C.

Putin seeks payments from those who made fortunes in '90s.

S&P downgrades 34 Italian banks.

Tymoshenko's daughter says mother denied painkillers.

Hose streets? Our streets! Belgian firefighters soak police in protest.

In Europe, stagnation as a way of life.

Greeks strike against austerity, EU demands more cuts.

Kremlin attacks on US Embassy: Electioneering or end of reset?

Scotland likely to hold a vote on independence from Britain.

Spanish police say that have arrested suspected killer of Serbian prime minister in 2003. Spain arrests fugitive convict in Serbia PM killing.

AMERICAS

Colombia orders ex-peace commissioner Restrepo's arrest.

U.S. median household income up 4% at end of 2011.

U.S. travel warning on Mexico is more precise on violent areas. U.S. updates travel warning for Mexico.

Audit endorses State Department review of Keystone XL pipeline.

Rio police vote for strike action.

Argentina to raise Falklands UK 'militarisation' at UN.

Mexican army finds 15 tons of pure methamphetamine.

First new U.S. nuclear reactors in decades approved.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Defense lawyer challenges Guantanamo prison mail rule as illegal ‘intelligence monitoring’.

Freed Guantanamo prison-camp detainees returned to terror, Republicans say.

9 sentenced over planned London attacks. Big Ben terror gang get shorter jail terms: Credit for early pleas that saved taxpayers £2.5m.

Al Qaeda's 'morale boost' as it formally joins with Somalia's al Shabaab.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google to make home entertainment system: report.

Rising oil production in Alberta: More evidence disproving Hubbert’s peak.

U.S. mortgage settlement leaves most homeowners to fend for themselves.

IEA slashes oil demand growth forecast.