Monday, June 18, 2012

World News Briefs -- June 18, 2012

Demonstrators protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Binsh near Idlib June 15, 2012. Escalating violence in Syria forced United Nations observers to suspend operations on Saturday, in the clearest sign yet that a peace plan brokered by international mediator Kofi Annan has collapsed. Picture taken June 15, 2012. REUTERS/Shaam News Network/Handout

Syrian Forces Pound Cities; Russia Readies Marines -- Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian security forces pounded opposition areas across the country on Monday, activists said, adding that at least 23 people had been killed in clashes they say have escalated since international observers suspended their mission.

Activists said artillery had targeted Douma, a town 15 km (9.3 miles) outside the capital Damascus. The town has for weeks been under the partial control of rebels who have joined the 15-month-old revolt against President Bashar al-Assad.

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MIDDLE EAST

On the offensive, rebels push Syrian military out of cities around Homs. Syrian government forces escalate attacks.

Iran: Atmosphere at Moscow talks 'not positive'.

Oil embargo on Iran will not be postponed, says EU.

'Iran was involved in bomb plots on Israeli envoys'.

Saudi appoints Prince Salman crown prince: state TV.

Three killed in gunfight on Israeli/Egyptian border as Muslim Brotherhood declares victory in Egypt elections.

IDF tanks move closer to Egypt border.

Israel begins deporting migrants from Africa.

Kuwait's ruler suspends parliament for a month.

ASIA

Bomb attack leaves six dead in Afghanistan’s Kapisa province.

Suspected Islamist insurgents kill 3 Thai troops.

Beijing and Manila ease tensions in South China Sea.

Chinese astronauts complete successful docking at space lab.

China closes window on economic debate, protecting dominance of state.

AFRICA

Rival camps claim victory in Egypt vote. Egypt's military rulers make 11th-hour power grab.

Christians retaliate after three more churches bombed in Nigeria.

Mali’s neighbours plan military intervention to re-conquer parts of country seized by rebels.

Last chance to stop sub-Sahara food crisis: EU.

Activists demand more protection for African children.

EUROPE

G20 summit: Greece must 'get on with it' or face dangerous consequences, warns David Cameron.

Euro crisis far from over, stock analysts warn.

No let-up for Spain, Italy pain after Greek vote. Greece election result fails to quell euro concerns.

Socialists take French parliament, sweep power.

Pope, Cardinals meet on scandal probe.

AMERICAS

World leaders meet in a Mexico now giving Brazil a run for its money.

Paraguay: Murder charges for farmers after land clash.

Mexico's drug war rocks U.S. expat stronghold.

Luka Magnotta on his way back to Canada.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban to U.S.: End drone strikes in Pakistan, or no more polio vaccines.

Al-Qaida urges Egypt to cancel treaty with Israel.

Al-Qaeda bombmaker becomes America's worst nightmare.

Drones, net the weapons of new war.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama effort to contain European debt crisis takes on greater urgency.

G20 nations set to boost IMF firewall.

Facebook technology chief Bret Taylor to step down.

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