Thursday, March 1, 2012

World News Briefs -- March 1, 2012



Syrian Rebels Reportedly Retreat From Bab Amr In face Of Army Onslaught -- Washington Post

BEIRUT — The Free Syrian Army announced Thursday that it was staging what it called a tactical retreat from the stricken Bab Amr neighborhood in the Syrian city of Homs, citing concerns for the welfare of civilians and the lack of sufficient weaponry to withstand an escalating offensive by better-armed government troops.

The move came a day after Syria’s army launched a fresh push to retake Bab Amr, which has become a powerful symbol of resistance to the regime led by President Bashar al-Assad. Bab Amr has been under siege by government troops and bombarded on a daily basis for nearly four weeks.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels leave embattled Homs stronghold.

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

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

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

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

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.

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