Tuesday, December 25, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 25, 2012



'Like Times Square At New Year's': Pilgrims Mark Christmas In Bethlehem -- NBC/AP

Pilgrims and locals celebrated Christmas Day on Tuesday in the ancient Bethlehem church where tradition holds Jesus was born, candles illuminating the sacred site and the joyous sound of prayer filling its overflowing halls.

Overcast skies and a cold wind didn't dampen the spirits of worshippers who came dressed in holiday finery and the traditional attire of foreign lands to mark the holy day in this biblical West Bank town. Bells pealed and long lines formed inside the fourth-century Church of the Nativity complex as Christian faithful waited eagerly to see the grotto that is Jesus' traditional birthplace.

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MIDDLE EAST

Gulf Arabs decry Iran "interference", Syria killings.

Syria rebels kill military intelligence chief.

Pope decries slaughter of 'defenseless' Syrians.

Turkey lifts objection to Israel-NATO cooperation.

Group says Gaza Palestinians violated laws of war.

Gunmen in Yemen kill 2 army officers in capital; clashes elsewhere kill 3 troops, 11 tribesmen.

Iran set to unveil new domestic satellite.

Israel endorses first university in West Bank.

Baghdad Christians attend mass at attacked church.

ASIA

India clamps down on gang rape protests, PM appeals for calm.

Pakistan resume India cricket tour in Bangalore.

Top Philippine communist rebel arrested: army.

Taiwan and China move closer to peace accord?

Two die as passenger jet lands in Myanmar rice field.

What wealthy Chinese want for Christmas: a bike.

AFRICA

Egyptians fret over economy after rancorous vote on constitution.

Central Africa rebels and govt. edge closer to talks.

Ship crew held for 1,000 days rescued off coast of Yemen.

U.N. says South Sudan threatens its peacekeeping mission.

Mali: Poorer by the day.

Nelson Mandela looking much better, says Jacob Zuma after Christmas visit.

EUROPE

Cold war: Bitter winter weather kills hundreds in eastern Europe, Russia.

Russian ruling party official shot dead in Caucasus.

Greece not doing enough against rich tax dodgers, say EU/IMF.

Car-bomb threat sparks megabrothel evacuation in Spain.

Catholic Church urges Irish to oppose abortion law.

Queen's Christmas message hails Olympic stars.

AMERICAS

Down to the fiscal cliff wire, with no solution in sight.

Poverty and fear of gangs drive young immigrants to U.S..

Officials push to postpone swearing-in of Chávez. Venezuelans debate missed Chavez inauguration.

2013 will be the year of final victory: Colombia defense minister.

George H.W. Bush, 88, spends Christmas in the hospital as he continues to struggle with cough and weakness.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US drone strikes kill Jordanian, Yemeni AQAP operatives.

U.S. Army to train Africa forces in anti-terror.

When U.S. drones kill civilians, Yemen’s government tries to conceal it.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Mundie, one of Gates' successors, to retire from Microsoft.

Instagram hit with class action lawsuit.

Is this the new BlackBerry? Newly leaked images show what may be the next generation of the device - with the same keyboard design.

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