Saturday, February 18, 2012

World News Briefs -- February 18, 2012



Syrian Troops Fire on Protesters in Damascus -- Voice of America

Activists say Syrian security forces have opened fire on protesters taking part in a funeral procession in the capital, Damascus.

Witnesses says the shooting broke out Saturday at the funeral of three people killed by security forces during a protest in the area a day earlier.

Witnesses and activists say thousands of people participated in Saturday's procession in the Mezze neighborhood. Some injuries were reported, but an exact toll is not known.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian forces fire on anti-Assad crowd in capital.

Wounded Syrian refugees flee dramatic escalation.

Iran warships enter Mediterranean via Suez Canal.

Trial starts in Iran's biggest banking scandal.

With Egypt in turmoil, Israel builds fence to keep out trouble.

Global clearinghouse ready to evict Iranian banks.

ASIA

China's leader in waiting heads home after a little Laker magic.

Afghan leader meets Taliban-linked cleric.

Military crackdown fans the flames of rebellion among Tibetan monks.

Israel's Iran warning as police hunt fourth Bangkok bomber with help from prostitute. Hookers and hookahs: Bungling Iranian bombers pictured partying with prostitutes before botched Bangkok attack.

Toll from Pakistan suicide blast reaches 32.

Report: Kim Jong Il's eldest son falls on hard times.

Japan's Emperor, 78, has successful heart surgery.

AFRICA

Mali: UN warning over refugees fleeing Tuareg rebellion.

Sudan and South Sudan fail to end oil dispute.

Senegal military, police vote, day after protests.

The gun settles disputes in the new Libya.

Egypt sets trial date for accused foreign NGO workers. Egypt trial on U.S. democracy activists set for February 26.

Uganda warns Somali leaders to unite ahead of conference.

EUROPE

Greek cabinet tackles austerity, rescue hopes rise.

Germans aghast as Merkel loses second President in two years.

After strife, France, U.K. stress common ground.

Hackers target Putin's vote-monitoring system.

Latvians set to reject Russian in emotionally charged vote.

'Vatileaks' casts cloud over new cardinal ceremony. Pope makes 22 new cardinals, including NY's Dolan.

Hague fears Iran could start 'new Cold War'.

Dutch prince's life 'still in danger' after avalanche.

AMERICAS

Mexico President Felipe Calderon's message to US: 'No more weapons!'. Mexicans want security, but candidates to succeed Calderon vague on drug war policy. Mexico drug wars: Murders down in Ciudad Juarez.

US gangs a major force in Central American prisons.

Exclusive: Venezuela ships fuel to war-torn Syria.

Haiti govt says President attacked while walking.

Panama indians again blockade Pan-American Highway.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Abu Qatada to remain in UK for two years.

Alleged 9/11 facilitator makes new bid to avert death penalty trial in Guantanamo.

Inside the plans of Capitol bomb suspect.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China faces conflict of law, business in iPad row.

Dreamworks Animation heads to China.

Google's Schmidt may sell about 2.4 million shares.

World Bank opens nomination process for top job.

U.S. films win China access as Xi wraps up tour with import vow.

More charges for Megaupload in US case.

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