World News Briefs -- April 27, 2012

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses the media during a press conference with Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand in Santiago, Chile, April 26, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Panetta: I Hope That IDF Chief Is Right On Iran Nuclear Program -- Haaretz

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says he has no specific information on whether Iran has decided to build a nuclear bomb.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said on Thursday he hopes that statements by Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Benny Gantz describing Iran's leadership as "rational" were correct, AFP reported.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria, rebels trade blame over fragile U.N. ceasefire. Seven dead, 20 wounded in Damascus suicide bomb.

Barak restates Israeli hard line on nuclear Iran.

Islamist militants blow up Yemen gas pipeline.

Iraq violence: Eight killed in Baquba cafe bomb attacks.

ASIA

With Bo Xilai’s ouster, China’s premier pushes more reform.

Pakistani prime minister refuses to step down after conviction.

UN finds cluster bombs in Sri Lanka.

Cambodian environmental campaigner shot dead by police.

AFRICA

West Africa bloc to send 3,000 troops to Mali.

Official says no attacks for another day in South Sudan after bombardment from Sudan.

Arab League condemns South Sudan 'aggression'.

UN maintains arms embargo and ban on import of rough diamonds from Ivory Coast.

Islamists rally in Cairo against military council.

EUROPE

The growing rebellion against austerity.

Spanish unemployment hits record 5.64 million. S&P reduces Spain's credit rating. Spanish economy in "huge crisis" after credit downgrade.

27 injured in 4 blasts in eastern Ukraine city. Four blasts rock Ukraine city weeks before Euro 2012 soccer tournament.

U.S. lawmakers to NATO: Pay up for missile defense.

Medvedev, unscripted, admits disappointments.

European Union protests Ukraine’s treatment of jailed ex-premier.

Thousands rally for nationalists in Serbia.

AMERICAS

Argentina gives Falklands oil explorers May 2 ultimatum.

Falklands sovereignty is not up for discussion with Argentina.

Brazil to boost military presence to protect Amazon wealth.

Brazil's Congress approves controversial forest law.

US: Mexico seized 68,000 guns from US since 2006.

Colombia's ambassador asks US to apologize for Secret Service sex scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida may be looking to avenge bin Laden's death, says Obama spokesman. Bin Laden anniversary triggers law enforcement surge.

Relative: Bin Laden Yemeni widow to stay in Saudi.

US judge denies request to release photos of bin Laden raid.

The real cause of Islamic terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google rebuffs FCC over 'Wi-Spy' flap.

Samsung profits jump as smartphone sales outstrip Apple.

U.S. growth slows on inventories, weak business spending.

Is it finally time for Rupert Murdoch to step down as News Corp. CEO?