World News Briefs -- February 12, 2012

Demonstrators gather during a protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Homs, February 10, 2012. Photo: Reuters

Head Of Arab Mission To Syria Quits, New Envoy Proposed -- Voice of America

The Arab League says it has accepted the resignation of the Sudanese general who led the group's observer mission to Syria, and will nominate a former Jordanian foreign minister as the new special envoy for the Syrian crisis.

Officials said General Mohammed Ahmed al-Dabi stepped down Sunday, as foreign ministers from the 22-member Arab League met in Cairo to consider a new joint Arab-United Nations mission to Syria.

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MIDDLE EAST

Rockets hit Homs opposition as Arab ministers meet. Syria unrest: Arab League observer mission head quits. Tunisia to host 'Friends of Syria' meeting. Arab League ministers meet on Syria.

Ahmadinejad: Iran to reveal new nuke achievements.

Turkey 'bombs Iraq hideouts of Kurdish rebels PKK'.

Bahrain king dismisses opposition as disunited.

Israeli union federation ends five-day national strike.

ASIA

In charged moment, China’s political heir tries introducing himself to U.S.

Party in Maldives rejects offer of a unity coalition.

N. Korea began enriching uranium in 1998, exported to Libya via Pakistan.

Cheering crowds greet Aung San Suu Kyi on campaign trail.

Charges against president "politically motivated": Pakistan PM.

Malaysia deports Saudi blogger behind Prophet Mohammad tweets.

Turkmen leader set for easy victory in election.

AFRICA

People power movements rise in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Thousands fleeing Mali create regional strain. Mali sets April deadline to quell rebellion. Insight: Arms and men out of Libya fortify Mali rebellion.

Libya asks Niger to extradite Qaddafi son after remarks.

Top US general meets Egyptian leader amid strained relations.

Egypt strike to mark Mubarak overthrow 'fails'.

EUROPE

Protests erupt across Europe against web piracy treaty. Europe's Internet revolt: protesters see threats in antipiracy treaty.

Greece warns bailout rebels of disaster. Greece set to agree bailout as Germany demands action.

Thousands rally to support disbarred Spanish judge.

Ferraris out of fashion as Italy nabs tax evaders.

Russia to halt U.S. adoptions amid domestic violence claims.

AMERICAS

Venezuela opposition picks candidate to face Chavez.

Occupy movement regroups, preparing for its next phase.

Mexico seizes $4 billion in methamphetamine.

Guatemala Prez to propose legalizing drugs.

Colombia seizes Farc rebels' explosives cache.

Mystery disease kills thousands in Central America.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

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

Al Qaeda leader backs Syrian revolt against Assad.

Al-Qaeda assassinates Yemen intelligence chief.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Murdoch backs Sun staff after new arrests.

Obama budget projects $1.3 trillion deficit this year.

Airlines urge U.N. deal to avert carbon trade war.