Thursday, January 3, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 3, 2013


Syria Toll At 60,000 And Counting -- The Australian

DOZENS of civilians were killed by a missile strike on a Damascus petrol station yesterday as the UN revealed that the death toll from the 22-month conflict had passed 60,000 -- far more than previously thought.

The attack by a MiG fighter on the petrol station in the eastern suburb of Meleiha was one of the bloodiest yet, causing an explosion and inferno that killed or wounded numerous drivers queuing for scarce fuel.

Opposition activists said that between 30 and 70 people were killed, and many more injured.

Meleiha is not a notorious rebel stronghold.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: Fierce fighting near strategic airports.

Protests engulf west Iraq as Anbar rises against Maliki.

Iran moves Rafsanjani daughter to solitary confinement.

Israeli raid in West Bank triggers clashes with Palestinians.
Turkey arrests ex-military chief of staff.

Yemen's ex-president to seek treatment abroad before talks start.

ASIA

China warns Vietnam over South China Sea islands.

Myanmar says jets used against Kachin rebels.

India gang rape: Five suspects charged in Delhi. Indian rape accused charged; victim's father calls for hanging.

Taiwan undersea oil plans raise neighbors' eyebrows.

In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubt.

South: Drop in N. Korea defectors linked to tighter border security.

Video fuels rumor NKorean leader's wife gave birth.

Japan’s population falls by record in 2012 as births decrease.

AFRICA

Central African Republic leader fires son after rebel threat. Central African Republic rebels agree to talks.

Presidents of Sudan, South Sudan to meet Friday.

Egypt panel implicates Mubarak, military in deaths.

Civilian armed groups fight crime, wreak havoc in Niger Delta.

Ivory Coast to investigate deadly stampede.

Mandela's recovery "on track" at home: South African government.

EUROPE

Putin orders change in election rules.

Spanish politician calls for inquiry into auto accident that killed Cuban dissident.

British government extradites al-Qaida suspect.

Three women killed after gunman's drunken rampage in Swiss village.

Putin gives tax exile Depardieu Russian citizenship.

Icelandic girl fights for right to her own name.

AMERICAS

Fiscal cliff: US urged to tackle budget deficit.

Argentina presses claim to Falkland Islands, accusing UK of colonialism. UK prime minister rebuffs Argentina over Falklands.

Gun checks soar 39 percent, set new record: FBI.

Mexico troops kill 12 in gun fight in Zacatecas state.

Venezuela opposition seeks answers on Chavez.

Mississippi River nears historic lows, shipping at risk.

Clinton discharged from hospital, doctors expect full recovery.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US drone strike kills 5 'militants' in South Waziristan.

Pakistan militant Mullah Nazir 'killed in drone attack'. Pakistani officials: Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill 15, including a Taliban leader.

The top terror takedowns of 2012.

US drones killed 2,183 Jihadis, 487 civilians since 2004.

Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Hollywood's record haul: why 2012 was a great year for movies.

Boeing soars past Airbus in deliveries.

Starbucks to open first Vietnam store next month.

Al Jazeera buys Al Gore's Current TV.

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