Monday, April 16, 2012

World News Briefs -- April 16, 2012



Attacks In Afghanistan End After 18 Hours Of Intense Battle -- L.A. Times

REPORTING FROM KABUL, AFGHANISTAN and NEW DELHI -- Fighting ended Monday morning about 18 hours after the Taliban launched a coordinated attack on Western embassies, NATO headquarters and Afghan government facilities in Kabul and three eastern provinces.

The attacks, marked by extensive gunfire, explosions and rocket attacks and among the most serious to hit the capital since the Taliban was driven from power in 2001, saw eight Afghan security personnel and three civilians killed, Interior Minister Besmillah Mohammadi said.

Afghan officials added that at least 36 insurgents were killed and more than a dozen wounded or captured.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria UN observers begin work as fighting continues. U.N. monitors to begin work in Syria on Monday.6 U.N. observers arrive in Syria.

Iran says ready to resolve nuclear issues.

Obama: More Iran sanctions coming if talks drag.

Gulf states to meet Tuesday on UAE-Iran island row.

PA has lost its 'raison d'etre', Abbas to tell Israel PM.

ASIA

Attack in Afghan capital could spark fresh US-Pakistan tension at sensitive time.

US officials warn failed North Korea missile launch paves way for future tests.

Philippine president: No war with China over shoal.

Stalemate remains with China in maritime dispute: Philippines.

China's Premier Wen says corruption greatest threat. Neil Heywood killed 'because he threatened to expose Gu Kailai's money trail'.

E.Timor holds second round of presidential election.

Japan seeks to restart nuclear reactors after May stress tests.

AFRICA

South Sudan-Sudan clashes spreading, officials say. Analysis: Buckling economies key in Sudan's "war of attrition".

Boko Haram video brings threat to Nigerian government ‘doorstep’.

Guinea-Bissau military leaders, political parties announce transitional council.

Mali ready to talk to rebels, not 'foreigners'.

Egypt's Islamists threaten street protests over presidential election chaos. Disqualifications throw Egypt election into turmoil.

EUROPE

Spain bond yields jump above 6%, raising bailout fears.

Belarus frees high-profile opposition activists.

A rich exodus: Thousands of wealthy Britons expected to leave in next two years over fears about high crime and taxes.

Pope marks milestones amid signs of frailty, succession talk

Anders Breivik pleads not guilty at Norway murder trial. Norway killer admits massacre, claims self-defense.

AMERICAS

Americas meeting ends with discord over Cuba. Cuba casts big shadow over Summit of Americas.

Inside the Secret Service's hooker hot spot: Agents assigned to protect Obama found their girls at the Pley Club in Cartagena, Colombia, sources say. 20 US agents could be involved in Colombian hooker woe.

El Salvador marks murder-free day.

Mexican photographer captures suffering, endurance in 'murder capital of the world'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Experts: IRA dissidents could crash Olympics party.

NYC man faces terror trial.

Abu Zubaida’s clear ties to al-Qaeda (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Titanic becomes second ever film to take $2 billion.

World Bank president to be named soon.

US to make profit from bailouts, Treasury says.

Oil falls to near $102 after Iran nuclear talks.

No comments: