Tuesday, February 7, 2012

World News Briefs -- February 7, 2012 (Evening Edition)



Gulf Cooperation Council Denounces Assad For 'Mass Slaughter' -- The Telegraph

Six of the Arab world’s richest countries denounced President Bashar al-Assad for waging “mass slaughter” on Tuesday, withdrawing their ambassadors from Damascus and expelling Syria’s envoys from their own capitals.

The move by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, deepened Syria’s diplomatic isolation. It coincided with decisions by France, Italy and Spain to emulate Britain and withdraw their own ambassadors from Syria for consultations.

The GCC explained there was “no point” in the ambassadors staying “after the Syrian regime rejected all attempts and aborted all honest Arab efforts to solve this crisis and end the bloodshed”.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Hezbollah, Iran preparing for ‘day after’ Assad.

US not considering arming Syrian opposition. White House: US not considering arming Syrian opposition, but is exploring humanitarian aid. Turkey debates its role in possible Syria intervention.

Russian foreign minister visits Syria as shelling continues. Lavrov in Damascus seeking hope for Syria.

Assad regime vows to "hunt" down rebels as death toll rises in Syria.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called to account before Iranian parliament.

Clinton meets Israeli FM amid Iran crisis.

U.S. plans cuts in Iraq personnel, eyes Syria envoy as next ambassador.

Sunni ministers in Iraq return to cabinet. Iraqiyya ministers end cabinet boycott.

High tensions continue in Persian Gulf.

Iran dismisses new U.S. sanctions as ‘psychological warfare’.

Diplomats: Iran boosts nuclear work in bunker.

Palestinians announce agreement for unity government. Israel slams Hamas deal. Middle East press uncertain on Palestinian unity deal.

ASIA

Court challenges put unusual spotlight on Pakistani spy agency.

Tibetan leader warns of military buildup.

New Maldives leader Waheed Hassan vows calm transition. Maldives President resigns after coup. Maldives leader quits after protests, VP sworn in.

US to issue sanctions waiver for Myanmar.

Pakistan factory collapse rescue operation continues.

China forges Arab ties, hedging bets in the Gulf.

AFRICA

Bomb attacks strike military bases in Nigeria.

Egypt's military hints at earlier presidential election.

Somalia moves to evict Mogadishu squatters.

Liberia ex-warlord George Boley to be deported from US.

Mali: Tuareg rebellion forces medical staff to withdraw.

22,000 have fled Mali, says UN. Malian refugees in Niger await food and water aid.

Nigeria names seven behind Eni pipeline blast.

Kidnapped Chinese workers in Sudan freed

EUROPE

Costa Concordia captain remains under house arrest.

Syria crisis: German police arrest two suspected spies.

Freezing Italy takes emergency steps over gas supplies.

Romanian Premier-designate seeks to form new government. Romania's government collapses after protests.

Greece exit would not end euro, says EU commissioner.

French trade deficit hits high, competitiveness at issue.

An independent Scotland may not get triple A status, rating agencies warn.

AMERICAS

Calif. same-sex marriage ban ruled unconstitutional.

US Catholics angry at contraception rule.

3 Mexican presidential hopefuls vie to lead a nation weary of politics.

Venezuela arrests Colombia militia boss 'Martin Llanos'.

Canada's Harper in China visit focused on energy.

FBI warns of threat from anti-government extremists.

Fidel Castro warns of bleak future, touts memoir.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Italy frees former Guantanamo detainee.

Extremist gang wanted British recruits for Pakistani terror training camps.

Terrorist on the school run: Bin Laden's 'ambassador in Europe' to be free in days... and judge says he can take his child to class.

'Shoe-bomb' terrorist to be released from jail on opening day of the Olympic Games.

Detention of U.S. persons: What is the existing law?

Chicago cabbie pleads guilty in terrorism case.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China buys up Saudi, Russian oil to squeeze Iran.

Saudi Arabia will not let oil go above $100: Prince.

China escalates trade war with EU by banning airlines from paying carbon taxes on flights.

BP preparing "vigorously" for oil spill lawsuits.

Exclusive: Iran defaults on rice payments to India.

Facebook, Google remove controversial content in India.

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