Wednesday, February 8, 2012

World News Briefs -- February 8, 2012 (Evening Edition)



Turks Seek World Action As Syria's Homs Bleeds -- Yahoo News/Reuters

AMMAN (Reuters) - Syria's army pounded the rebel city of Homs on Wednesday as Turkey sought international action to protect civilians from former ally President Bashar al-Assad, a move that risks the wrath of Russia and China.

Dozens more were killed during the day, according to the opposition, drawing comparison with the plight of Benghazi which triggered Western attacks on Libya last year and accelerating a global diplomatic showdown whose outcome is far from clear.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Homs under 'heaviest' shelling yet. Nearly 50 die overnight in Homs. For rebel-held Syrian towns, constant funerals.

Turkey may move as Syria presses assault in Homs. Turkey calls for a broad coalition to end ‘intolerable’ violence in Syria. West reluctantly weighs military aid for Syria rebels. EU threatens new sanctions on Syria.

Signs build that Iran sanctions disrupt food imports.

In growing resistance to unity deal with Abbas, 31 Hamas lawmakers say it’s illegal. Fatah-Hamas unity government: Israel condemns move.

Violence in Bahrain escalates ahead of February 14 anniversary.

U.S. eyes cuts to Iraq embassy after troops exit.

Iran parliament summons President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Israeli union federation launches nationwide strike.

ASIA

Beijing accents the positive ahead of high level visit to US.

Maldives protests spread after leader ousted. Maldives leader calls for unity gov't amid rioting. Maldives president in hiding after claiming he was forced to resign at gunpoint.

Nato, Afghan and Pakistan officials to hold border talks.

Key state election begins in India's Uttar Pradesh state.

3 ministers resign in porn scandal in South India.

US, Japan pave way to send Okinawa Marines to Guam.

AQ Khan gives rare interview in Pakistan to defend his summer home.

AFRICA

Higher speeds, hired guns drive Somali piracy cost.

South Sudan businesses fear oil shutdown fallout.

Al Shabaab car bomber kills 11 in Mogadishu.

UN: 20,000 who fled violence in Mali need help.

Nigeria: Boko Haram claims Kaduna army suicide attack.

Egyptian judges lay out evidence against NGO workers. Egypt will not be swayed by aid threat in NGOs case: PM.

Sudan oil dispute raises war rhetoric.

Sudan: Darfur Regional Authority launched.

Insight: In Sudan, glimpses of an Arab spring.

EUROPE

German exports set record of a trillion euros in 2011.

Aid sent by helicopter as thousands cut off in Europe.

Germany’s Merkel pledges campaign support for France’s Sarkozy.

Frustrations soar as Greeks seek elusive bailout deal. Greece: 'There's no more left to cut'. Greek trump card fails as stronger Europe shrugs off break-up threat.

Russia's Putin warns against outside interference.

Latvia at risk of sending more into poverty, IMF report says.

Hundreds of raids against London gang suspects.

NATO extends Baltic air patrols until 2018.

AMERICAS

Mexico road project sets up fight over ruins.

Canada PM in China to discuss oil and energy issues.

Mexico arrests Sinaloa drug cartel's reputed enforcer.

Brazil police-army stand-off amid talks to end strike.

Cristina Kirchner says Britain 'militarising' South Atlantic. Argentina to raise Falklands UK 'militarisation' at UN.

No cigar: Economic embargo on Cuba turns 50.

Haiti Prime Minister Conille: Donor aid needs revision.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

BBC tells journalists to stop calling Qatada 'an extremist' - and showing pics of him looking fat.

'Lone wolf' terror threat warning.

Radical U.S. Muslims little threat, study says.

Drone strike in Pakistan kills 10 near Afghan border.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

'App Economy' has created 466,000 US jobs.

Airbus to inspect all A380 superjumbos for wing cracks.

Harry Potter boosts Time Warner earnings.

Energy independence within reach for U.S.

Yahoo shakes up board in a bid to appease angry investors.

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