Tuesday, August 7, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 7, 2012



Fighting Grows More Intense In Syria’s Largest City -- New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Thousands of frightened refugees poured out of the embattled Syrian metropolis of Aleppo on Tuesday as the military’s fighter jets stepped up bombing raids and rebels said they were struggling to hold some of the city’s neighborhoods while mounting new assaults in others.

It was an especially violent day all over the country, with activists reporting shelling and clashes in at least a dozen areas, adding hundreds of new bodies to a death toll that has already surpassed 21,000, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an antigovernment activist group based in Britain. But Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, with an ancient and foreboding citadel at its center, seemed on course to become the country’s Gettysburg.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian forces encircle rebels in Aleppo stronghold.

Crumbling: Nearly 20 senior Syrian military officers defect Assad's regime.

Iran, Syria huddle as fighting rages. Iran backs Assad as Syrian forces choke off Aleppo.

Iran's currency falls to record low against dollar.

US downsizing operations in Iraq.

ASIA

US warns China against further moves in South China Sea.

Afghan defense minister quits, hands Karzai a security headache.

11 Afghan police defect to Taliban in Helmand province.

China evacuates 450,000 after Philippines turned into 'waterworld' by Typhoon Haikui. Philippines crippled by heavy floods.

Nepal to ban independent trekking.

New Zealand volcano erupts for first time in over 100 years.

Japanese nuke plant chief after tsunami: 'This is serious'.

AFRICA

Military: Gunmen attack central Nigeria church, kill 19 and wound others in assault.

Regional heads to confer on DR Congo conflict. African leaders discuss sending troops into DRC.

Sudan says to resume South Sudan talks on August 26.

Insight: Young Sudan activists push revolt against odds.

Egypt military hunts for Sinai attackers.

Egypt's Brotherhood says Mossad behind Sinai attack. Israel Dismisses accusation of involvement in Egypt attack. Attack in Sinai poses challenge to Egypt’s Islamist president.

Egypt moves to block Gaza smuggling tunnels: source.

EUROPE

Germany and Italy near blows over euro. Fiery German euro debate haunts Merkel.

UK coalition in crisis over parliamentary reform.

Serb central bank clash sparks resignations, rating cut.

Spain 'al Qaeda cell' may have targeted Gibraltar.

Prosecutor seeks jail for Russian punk rock band protest.

AMERICAS

Venezuelan charged in diplomat's killing in Kenya.

U.S. targets Mexican drug lord's Belize associates.

Ernesto likely to become hurricane, hit Mexico's Yucatan.

2nd Cuban offshore oil well also a bust.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. appeals ruling against military detention law.

Philippines Abu Sayyaf evolving.

Al Qaeda offers assistance to secular Syrian rebels.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple's secrets revealed at trial.

Apple ‘iPhone 5’ rumors continue to fly.

Standard Chartered's stock drops on Iran allegations.

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