Monday, March 5, 2012

World News Briefs -- March 5, 2012



OSCE Observers: Russian Election Skewed in Favor of Putin -- Voice of America

A statement from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says there was no real competition. It says abuse of government resources ensured that the winner was never in doubt.

The OSCE says Putin was given a clear advantage in access to the media. It says voters had a limited choice of candidates because of overly restrictive registration requirements. The OSCE also reports voting irregularities at one-third of the polling stations.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian troops pursue crackdown, Annan to visit. Thousands of Syrian refugees pour into Lebanon.

'Al-Qaeda' gunmen kill 27 police officers in coordinated Iraq attack.

IAEA voices 'serious concerns' about possible military dimensions to Iran nuclear program.

On Iran, Obama and Bibi differ on red lines and timelines. Obama: ‘Loose talk of war’ plays into Iran’s hands, says he won’t let Iran get nuke weapon.

Ahmadinejad rivals rack up parliament wins in Iran.

100 Yemen soldiers killed in clashes with suspected al-Qaeda gunmen. 106 dead in Yemen fighting, 55 troops held captive.

No political differences between Fatah, Hamas.

Iran decides not to kill U.S. marine accused of spying.

Percussion bomb explodes near Turkish prime ministry.

ASIA

Afghan and US reports fail to agree on Koran burning.

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi takes election battle to military’s political stronghold in capital.

China's premier warns of slower growth, problems ahead.

Tajikistan blocks Facebook.

Australia's billionaires are a 'threat to democracy' says top politician.

AFRICA

Analysis: Extreme Islam turning Libyan rebels into savage oppressors.

British journalists held in Libya over spying allegations.

At least 200 reported dead in Republic of Congo blasts. Soldiers recover bodies from Congo blast site.

Nigeria military kills 3 suspected sect members.

Senegal presidential run-off set for March 25.

EUROPE

Russia election: Monitors say vote skewed for Putin. Observers: Serious problems in Russia vote.

Putin appoints 'The Magician' to investigate election fraud claims.

Medvedev orders review of tycoon’s conviction.

Twelve banks will join Greek debt swap.

Cash-strapped Britain: One in five has to borrow money to buy food.

Trial of Iceland ex-PM Haarde over 2008 crisis begins.

France election: Nicolas Sarkozy seeks to put a disastrous electoral week behind him.

AMERICAS

Chavez faces more cancer treatment before Venezuela vote.

In three years, Venezuela's foreign debt grew 90%.

Peruvian police capture 'Shining Path boss' Walter Diaz.

Hundred-foot long drug tunnel discovered across Mexico-US border.

Haiti's Martelly wants camps of ex-soldiers cleared.

Chicago police chief pledges no NYPD-style spying on Muslims.

Texas gun sales boom in expectation of Obama re-election.

Families oppose 9/11 remains at memorial museum.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban 'offer every assistance' to al Qaeda, says terrorist leader.

Gitmo war crimes court surprises some observers.

Relatively light sentences challenge image of Guantanamo’s tough tribunals.

Holder to make case for targeting Americans in terror hunt.

Picture of fugitive '7/7 widow' at Tanzanian border released.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

AIG selling $6 billion of AIA shares, to repay bailout.

As new iPad debut nears, some see decline of PCs.

Stocks fall on China, Europe growth.

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