Thursday, December 13, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 13, 2012



Russia Says Syrian Rebels Might Win -- Reuters

MOSCOW/BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebels are gaining ground and might win, Russia's Middle East envoy said on Thursday, in the starkest such admission from a major ally of President Bashar al-Assad in 20 months of conflict.

"One must look the facts in the face," Russia's state-run RIA quoted Mikhail Bogdanov as saying. "Unfortunately, the victory of the Syrian opposition cannot be ruled out."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

NATO: Syrian regime "approaching collapse".

Russia acknowledges Assad losing control.

Assad troops fired Scud missiles at Syrian rebels, says US. Syria denies using Scuds against rebels.

Jordan feels pressure to take sides on Syria.

UN inspectors in Iran for nuclear talks.

Clashes in Hebron over Palestinian killing.

ASIA

North Korean satellite 'orbiting normally' after rocket launch.

U.S. wants collective effort to rein in North Korea.

For North Korea, next step is a nuclear test.

Japan scrambles jets after Chinese plane spotted near contested islands. Defiant Chinese plane intrudes over Senkakus.

Pakistani military, Taliban, blamed for abuses in northwest region.

Bangladesh opposition protests turn violent.

Japan's LDP, partner on track for two-thirds majority in polls.

Thai ex-PM Abhisit to be charged over protest death.

China marks massacre amid tense Japan ties.

AFRICA

Egyptian opposition warns of referendum violence.

ANC leadership: Motlanthe confirms he will run against Zuma.

Main opposition rejects Ghana election results.

Mali gets new Prime Minister after military ouster.

Government pays Libyan dissident's family £2.2m over MI6-aided rendition.

Morocco's biggest opposition leader dies.

EUROPE

Putin slams U.S. rights bill, signals measured response.

Ukraine leader picks PM Azarov for new term in post. Naked women protesting in freezing temperatures and brawling MPs: Ukraine's Parliament gets off to a feisty start.

Eurozone agrees ECB banking supervision rules.

Man charged over threat to Northern Ireland's first minister.

British Premier apologizes in killing of I.R.A. lawyer.

London rejects plan for mega-mosque.

AMERICAS

US fiscal cliff negotiations struggling.

Clinton to testify on Benghazi report on December 20.

Hugo Chavez faces tough cancer recovery, says Maduro.

Honduran congress dismisses Supreme Court justices.

Argentina sees protests after Marita Veron verdict.

12.12.12 concert for Sandy relief – as it happened.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

9/11 trial: Any mention of torture is classified, military judge rules.

Syrian National Coalition urges US to drop Al Nusrah terrorism designation.

Millions in ransoms fuel militants’ clout in West Africa.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

'It's called capitalism': Google boss says he is 'proud' of the company's multi-million pound tax avoidance scheme.

U.N. conference slyly introduces resolution to gain control of internet—in middle of night.

Contentious US fiscal debate has worldwide implications.

No comments: