World News Briefs -- March 1, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Members of the Free Syrian Army retreated from the Baba Amr district of Homs after Syrian troops, led by the brother of President Bashar Al Assad, launched a ground attack to overrun the neighbourhood. Reuters

Syrian Army Drives Rebels From Embattled City -- NPR

A key rebel stronghold in the central Syrian city of Homs has fallen to the Syrian army.

Residents fled as government forces bombarded the city's Baba Amr neighborhood for nearly a month. On Thursday, the rebels withdrew.

When the Syrian uprising began nearly a year ago, Baba Amr saw regular, daily protests. Then after months of being shot, detained and tortured, protesters began taking up arms. Those armed civilians were later joined by defectors from the Syrian military, and together, they called themselves the Free Syrian Army.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian civilians abandoned to their fate as government troops finally capture key rebel stronghold in Homs. Syrian rebels retreat from Baba Amr district of Homs. Syrian rebels leave embattled Homs stronghold.

Israeli poll undercuts Netanyahu on Iran.

Western sanctions tighten squeeze on Iran oil exports.

Key constituencies disillusioned as Iran votes.

Israel shuts down two Palestinian TV stations in Ramallah.

Turkey: Ten wounded in Istanbul police bus blast. Bombing wounds 15 policemen in Turkey.

ASIA

US court dismisses lawsuit against Sri Lanka president.

NKorea nuclear envoy to visit US on heels of deal.

China welcomes North Korea's moratorium on nuclear tests.

Myanmar President vows more democratic reform.

Maldives president blocked from opening Parliament.

Japan tsunami debris spreading across Pacific.

AFRICA

Nigeria pirates kidnap cargo ship crew in raid.

South Sudan accuses north of bombing oil wells.

Senegal presidential poll results confirm run-off.

Egypt authorities 'secure' US military plane repatriating NGO workers. Egypt's rulers face backlash after lifting travel ban on Americans.

Julius Malema expelled from ANC.

In Seychelles, scary moments described aboard ship.

EUROPE

Spanish town of Rasquera leases land for marijuana plantation.

Eurozone unemployment continues to rise.

EU summit: Greek parliament backs bailout cuts.

Russia sees no progress at missile defense talks.

Russia election: Vladimir Putin supporters 'using illegal methods to ensure victory'.

UN: Drug mobs rule UK cities.

Greek unions walk out, parliament cuts health costs.

AMERICAS

Thousands of Aristide supporters demonstrate in Haiti.

Tornadoes rip through Illinois and Kansas killing at least 12.

Argentina pursuing policy of confrontation, says No 10.

Venezuela's Chavez: I'm recovering like a condor. Hugo Chavez: 'Soaring like the condor' after surgery.

US mosques increase in number despite post-9/11 suspicions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Saudi Arabia may be tied to 9/11, 2 ex-senators say.

CIA joins hunt for 7/7 widow who 'collaborated with terrorists'.

Egypt says man seized at airport not al Qaeda leader.

Guantánamo detainees did not see al Qaida magazine, prison commander says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

One month to go until the U.S. has the world's highest corporate tax rate.

Arctic Ocean drilling: Shell launches preemptive legal strike.

Bernanke warns U.S. lawmakers country headed for 'massive fiscal cliff'.

China holdings of US debt at $1.15 trillion.

Google implements privacy policy despite EU warning.