Rebels Circle Damascus Airport; Russia, U.S. Downbeat -- Reuters
(Reuters) - Rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared Damascus International Airport a battle zone on Friday, while Moscow and Washington both sounded glum about the prospects of a diplomatic push to end the conflict.
Fighting around the capital city has intensified over the past week, and Western officials have begun speaking about faster change on the ground in a 20-month-old conflict that has killed 40,000 people.
But Russia and the United States, the superpowers that have backed the opposing sides in the conflict, both played down the chance of a diplomatic breakthrough after talks aimed at resolving their differences.
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MIDDLE EAST
US says pressure on Assad ‘increasing’. Syrian rebels gain ground on Syria’s Assad, officials say.
Syrian army reinforcements on edge of contested Damascus suburbs. Rebels say Damascus airport is now a battle zone.
Hamas chief arrives in Gaza for 1st-ever visit. Emboldened Hamas leader to visit Gaza for first time in 45 years.
Iran commander claims sanctions are helpful.
Yemen foils prison break by 25 Qaeda convicts.
Iraq, Kuwait urged to normalise ties. Ban urges Iraq, Kuwait to seize 'historic' chance.
ASIA
Major quake strikes off Japan, setting off small tsunami. One-metre tsunami hits Japan after strong earthquake. Tsunami warning lifted for strong Japan earthquake.
AP Exclusive: Satellite images show snow may have slowed NKorea’s rocket launch preparations. Japan authorises North Korean missile shoot-down.
Most Afghan refugees want to remain in Pakistan.
China’s air force holds large-scale drill amid tensions with Japan, South China Sea claimants.
China calls US Tibet remarks 'disgusting'.
Death toll from Philippine typhoon climbs past 500.
AFRICA
Egypt opposition rejects Morsi dialogue offer.
Islamist sect in Nigeria grows more deadly.
DRC opposition rejects offer to join M23 talks. Congo peace talks set to open in Uganda.
Border raids in Ivory Coast threaten security.
Ghanaians vote for new president.
South Sudan blogger and government critic killed.
EUROPE
Clinton urges calm amid brewing tensions in Northern Ireland.
Russia accuses US of using 'cold war tactics' over Magnitsky Act. Russia to retaliate over US Magnitsky rights act.
Russian PM defends tough laws, stands behind Putin.
Fatal North Sea collision said to be human error.
Berlusconi party says will not push Italy into chaos.
Greece’s unemployment rate rises again, to record 26 percent, as recession continues.
Germany's growth forecast cut by Bundesbank.
AMERICAS
Hugo Chávez returns home after treatment in Cuba.
"Fiscal cliff" talks down to Obama and Speaker Boehner.
Mexico: Bringing back the bad old days.
El Salvador gangs accept proposal to create 'peace zones'.
Colombia: Peace talks resume, but local hope dampens.
Cuba blocks calls to phone system used by dissidents.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Man pleads guilty to plotting attack on Seattle military complex.
Death by algorithm: West Point code shows which terrorists should disappear first.
Senators to vote on probe of CIA interrogation program.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Netflix rebuked for Facebook post.
Get ready for a breakout in oil prices.
Aston Martin stake bought by Italian private equity firm.
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