Friday, August 24, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 24, 2012

Free Syrian Army fighters run to take cover away from the exchange fire while fighting with regime forces in the Seif El Dawla neighbourhood of Syria's south west city of Aleppo, August 24, 2012.

Syrian Crisis Escalates, Refugee Exodus Swells -- Voice of America

Syrian army bombardments killed at least 21 people in a Damascus suburb Friday and anti-government protests broke out in several other cities. The U.N. says the number of refugees fleeing the conflict is escalating.

Opposition activists said the three-day death toll in the suburb Daraya had reached at least 70, mostly civilians. They said Syrian forces continued to shell the area from positions on Mount Qasioun, on the northern edge of the capital.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria crisis: Number of refugees rises to 200,000.

Russia says no chemical weapons use in Syria.

Syria spillover clashes escalate in Lebanon. Sunni cleric killed in north Lebanon clashes.

Iran expands nuclear capacity underground: Sources.

UN atom watchdog pushes Iran to open up military site.

ASIA

China tightens security ahead of power transfer.

Japan condemns ‘illegal’ landings by Chinese activists, SKorean president on disputed islands.

Deeper Asian splits possible after South China Sea spat: Indonesia.

Exclusive: North Korean leader seeks trip to China for economic help.

Taiwan soaked, but bigger typhoon aims at Okinawa.

AFRICA

Libya: 12 killed, dozens injured in clashes.

Mogadishu safer, but still dangerous.

Red cross fears Sierra Leone cholera crisis, appeals for funds.

Acting Ethiopian PM assures diplomats.

Analysis: Brotherhood taking total control of Egypt. Egypt opposition calls for mass protest march.

EUROPE

Greek PM seeks more time for reforms, cuts.

Germany studies costs of Greek exit behind scenes as leaders meet: Report.

Barack Obama asks eurozone to keep Greece in until after election day.

Putin warns against ignoring nationalism.

Norway killer is ruled sane and given 21 years in prison.

AMERICAS

Empire State Building shootings wounds 11, killing 2, police say.

Ecuador's President Correa sees no end to Assange standoff in UK.

Venezuela is importing oil despite having world's largest reserve.

Feared Mexican Zetas leader Z-40 now top target.

Crime pays? Mexico's unemployed youth a driving factor in organized crime.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pakistan summons US diplomat over drone strikes.

Drone attacks kill 16 in Pakistan: officials. Suspected US drone attack kills 18 in Pakistan.

Pakistan military denies ISI colonel tipped off U.S. about bin Laden.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Severe U.S. summer drought recalls damaging Dust Bowl days.

US music file-sharer must pay damages.

Citi pulls funds from '$5bn man' John Paulson.

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