Monday, December 24, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 23, 2012



U.N. Envoy Meets With Syrian President As Deaths Mount Across Country -- CNN

(CNN) -- With the carnage in Syria reaching unimaginable levels, U.N. peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi met with Syria's president Monday in hopes of making headway in ending the country's civil war.

But a lack of details after the meeting suggests that the 21-month-old crisis might still be far from over.

"We have exchanged opinions about the possible steps that can be taken in the future," Brahimi told reporters after meeting with President Bashar al-Assad.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Top envoy Brahimi meets Syria's Assad.

Syrian rebels say capture military base, seize weapons.

Air strike kills dozens of Syrians trying to buy bread.

Peace envoy Brahimi in Syria, air strike kills dozens.

Israel says Syria chemical weapons are secure for now.

Yemen: 2 militants killed in US airstrike.

Iran fighting 'smart economic war': Ahmadinejad.

Christianity 'close to extinction' in Middle East.

ASIA

India and Russia seal defense deals, hail partnership.

North Korea could have U.S. within missile range, says South.

India's gang-rape protesters defy moves to quell outrage.

India PM appeals for Delhi calm after rape protests.

No let-up in civilian deaths in Pakistan as Taliban keep on attacks in 2012.

China to crack down on "malicious" trademark registrations.

AFRICA

Egypt opposition alleges referendum 'fraud'. Egyptian judges review ballot on divisive constitution.

Mali: Islamists take pickaxes to Timbuktu's ancient mausoleums.

Christmas brings fear of church bombs in Nigeria.

Rebel faction in Ethiopia says it wants peace talks.

Somali pirates release longest-held hostages after 33 months.

Sudan's Bashir to give speech, after surgery last month.

Nelson Mandela expected to remain in hospital for Christmas.

EUROPE

Eastern Europe deadly freeze leaves hundreds dead.

Russian opposition leader faces new probe.

Macedonians brawl inside, outside parliament over 2013 budget.

Italy's Monti says may be ready to seek second term.

Putin visits India, eyes arms sales, trade and political ties.

British paper to sue Armstrong.

AMERICAS

US lawmakers: We're likely to go over the 'fiscal cliff'.

Mexico clashes leave seven police officers dead.

Mexico's top cop resigns ahead of shake-up.

Red alert issued for volcano on Chile-Argentina border.

Venezuela rules out new elections.

Argentina angry after Antarctic territory named after Queen.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Ansar al Sharia Tunisia releases pictures of FBI agents.

New Pentagon effort will send Army teams to Africa as terror threat grows.

Drone kills two Qaeda militants in south Yemen-officials.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: Amazon, Google on collision course in 2013.

French 'sadness' over flat champagne sales.

Insight: In fracking culture war, celebs, billionaires and banjos.

Google Video executives' Italian conviction overturned.

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