World News Briefs -- February 24, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal with the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton at the Friends of Syria conference in Tunis. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters

Saudi Arabia Backs Arming Syrian Opposition -- The Guardian

Foreign minister tells conference on Syria that supplying weapons to rebels fighting Assad regime is 'an excellent idea'

Saudi Arabia has backed the arming of Syria's opposition guerrilla army in remarks that could signal an intervention by the Sunni Muslim superpower in the Assad regime's crackdown on an anti-government uprising.

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MIDDLE EAST

Hamas severs ties with Assad, backs Syrian revolt.

‘Friends of Syria’ pledge support for Syrian opposition, Clinton blasts Russia, China for veto. 'Friends of Syria' ready ultimatum for Assad. "Friends of Syria" to demand immediate access for aid.

Kofi Annan named UN-Arab League envoy to Syria.

Iran has expanded sensitive nuclear work: U.N. agency.

U.S. does not believe Iran is trying to build nuclear bomb.

Formerly secret telexes reveal Iran’s early use of deceit in nuclear program.

Muslim worshippers, Israeli police clash at Jerusalem's Temple Mount.

Kuwait abandons nuclear programme after Fukushima fallout.

Hamas sets new terms for reconciliation with Fatah.

Ahead of US trip, Israeli prime minister tells his ministers not to speak to media about Iran.

ASIA

Twelve killed in protests across Afghanistan. Afghan protesters march towards presidential palace.

U.S. delegation to Pakistan walks into uproar over congressman’s resolution. Pakistan calls on Taliban to hold peace talks.

US, N. Korea talks enter second day in Beijing.

Chinese official warns Tibetans against separatism.

Australia’s Kevin Rudd challenges prime minister who ousted him for leadership of nation. Rudd to contest Australian leadership.

Amnesty slams Australian refugee centres.

Bali prison governor sacked over riots.

AFRICA

Explosions heard in Nigerian city of Gombe.

New Libya army flexes muscles to halt tribal fight.

Somalia 'air strike kills foreign al-Shabab militants'. Military pressure eroding Somali Islamist rebels.

Armed men attack Egypt's Islamist presidential hopeful.

Christian's killing in Nigeria inflames tensions.

Senegal ends campaigning ahead of Sunday’s vote.

Egyptians' sense of safety has plummeted, poll finds.

EUROPE

Kosovo, Serbia reach deal on 2 key issues.

Lloyds says two-thirds of Irish loans may not be repaid in full.

Germany isolated over resistance to expanding Euro bailout.

Looking for trouble: Young Russians hope to catch fraud at March 4 elections. Facing hostility, Putin to win the Kremlin: poll. Putin warns protestors and West about ‘Russia’s own will’.

Ratko Mladic brands UN war crimes tribunal biased.

Dutch prince 'unlikely to regain consciousness' after skiing accident.

Estelle is Sweden's first royal baby in 30 years.

AMERICAS

Argentines discover 51st victim in train wreck.

Haiti PM resigns amid political infighting. Haiti's prime minister quits after just a few months.

U.S. debt doomsday may come sooner than expected.

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez set for new Cuba surgery. Chavez 'preparing for the worst' as he flies to Cuba for emergency cancer surgery.

U.S. might reach $16.4 trillion debt limit close to election day.

Honduras prison fire was started by accident, report finds.

Argentina train crash: Full investigation promised.

Bolivia's disabled clash with police over subsidies.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida claims deadly attacks on Iraqi cities.

Boko Haram has al-Qaeda ties, claims Nigerian military chief.

US adds Indonesian group, 3 leaders to terrorism list.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. weighs release of oil reserves, world frets about Iran.

Oil prices rise: What happens next?

Lloyds Banking Group makes annual loss of £3.5bn.

Natural gas: The industry that could save America.