Friday, August 17, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 17, 2012



Syria Battles Rage On As UN Mission Nears End -- Al Jazeera

State media says rebels forced out of areas near Aleppo airport as the UN chooses a new UN-Arab League envoy to Syria.

Syrian forces reportedly battled rebels near the airport in war-battered Aleppo while fierce fighting was reported in Damascus, a day after the United Nations called time on its observer mission.

Syria's official SANA news agency said on Friday that "armed terrorist groups" - the regime's phrase for rebels - had been pushed out from areas on both sides of the airport, which is located about 15km southeast of Aleppo's historical centre.

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MIDDLE EAST

UN names Algerian diplomat as Syria envoy; refugee crisis dire.

Syrian refugee exodus accelerates: U.N. agencies.

Iran's Ahmadinejad says no place for Israel in new Middle East.

Iran and Hezbollah issue warnings to Israel.

Hezbollah says can kill tens of thousands of Israelis.

Kurdish offensive in Turkey has indirect Syrian backing.

ASIA

North Korea turns to China for economic support .

Thousands of Indians flee Bangalore after text message warnings.

China's Hu gives show of support for North Korea.

Japan sends back Chinese activists in bid to defuse island row.

Japan mulls next steps in island spat with China.

Chinese to become biggest spenders as record numbers head overseas.

AFRICA

Sudanese refugees face 'humanitarian disaster'.

Mali moves ahead with plan to form unity government.

Egypt's Mursi accused of stifling dissent in media crackdown.

South Africa mine 'massacre': Jacob Zuma orders inquiry. Some SAfrican miners vow to fight to the death.

South Sudan says China to help build new airport in Juba.

Pursuing soft power, China puts stamp on Africa’s news.

EUROPE

Finland prepares for Euro break up scenario-report.

Wikileaks: Swedish minister says Ecuador living in 'fantasy world'.

Russia's female punk band protesters sentenced to two years. Pussy riot jailed: Vladimir Putin faces international outcry.

Russian Orthodox and Polish Catholic Church heads aim to reconcile.

AMERICAS

West Nile aerial attack creates controversy in virus-stricken Dallas.

Chilean students arrested in Santiago schools.

Dominican Republic's president Danilo Medina sworn in.

Wildfires continue to rage across western US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Gitmo prisoners rewarded with kittens?

Ramadan at Guantanamo is a quiet affair.

Jihadist identifies Tunisian fighter killed in recent US drone strike in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama better for world economy: poll.

Unemployment rates rose in 44 U.S. states in July.

Google's anti-piracy move prompts file-sharers' reply.

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