World News Briefs -- July 4, 2012 (Evening Edition)

President Barack Obama listens as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano administers the Oath of Allegiance during a military naturalization ceremony for active duty service members in the East Room of the White House, July 4, 2012. White House Photo by Pete Souza

Americans Celebrate Independence Day -- Voice of America

U.S. President Barack Obama has marked the nation's Independence Day by welcoming 25 active duty U.S. service members as new American citizens.

Obama said in a speech at the White House Wednesday that "immigration makes America stronger" and "positions America to lead in the 21st century." The 25 who took the oath of allegiance hailed from 17 different countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria and Russia.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian groups come to blows while seeking peace.

Assad accuses Turkey of contributing to bloodshed in Syria. Syria: Bashar al-Assad tells Turkey to stop meddling.

Reports of Syrian deaths surge this week as opposition remains splintered.

Russia accuses West of distorting Syria agreement.

World powers and Iran to hold more technical talks.

Iran 'ready to fire missiles at US bases'. Iran threatens retaliation on US military bases within minutes of attack.

Palestinians ready to exhume Arafat's body for tests.

Iraqis face long future of fear as attacks mount.

Car bomb in Iraq market kills three, wounds many.

ASIA

Pakistan, Afghanistan report rise in polio: study.

Challenges loom in US-Pakistan ties despite accord.

Afghan soldier opens fire on US troops.

India, Pakistan hold talks on Mumbai attacks.

Burma's hardline vice-president steps down in further sign of reform.

Japan to import no Iranian oil in July: sources.

China stops copper plant, frees 21 after protests.

China to ban official shark fin consumption in luxury crackdown.

AFRICA

Senegal's ruling party wins legislative majority.

South Sudan’s first year of independence mired in conflict.

Libya deploys military ahead of first post-Qaddafi elections.

Nigerian capital on alert after shopping mall attack.

France 'confident' UN will back west African force in Mali.

Congo-Kinshasa: A new tragedy in the eastern DRC.

EUROPE

Vatican gets report card on financial transparency.

Eta's farewell to arms puts prisoner issue centre stage.

Nicolas Sarkozy 'knew police would come looking for him'.

Russia debates internet blacklist.

Bavarian glaciers could disappear in 30 years.

Ukraine police clash with Kiev crowd over language law.

AMERICAS

More than half of the vote in Mexico’s presidential election to be recounted.

Obama marks fourth of July with new citizens.

Romney calls Obama's health care requirement a tax.

More than 1 million in U.S. still without power 5 days after storm.

Peru: Three die in clashes over Conga gold mine project.

Kids cross border alone, fleeing drugs and gangs.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: Iranian agents in Kenya planned attacks on US, Israeli targets.

Suspected al-Qaeda financier arrested in France.

Al Nusrah Front claims series of suicide attacks, ambushes in Syria.

Yemen air strikes kill four al Qaeda suspects: witnesses.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple iPad 'Mini' rumors heat up; launch seen by year's end.

Has the European slowdown finally hit the U.S.?

Acta down, but not out, as Europe votes against controversial treaty.