Wednesday, January 30, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 30, 2013



Brahimi Says Syria 'Horror Unprecedented' -- Al Jazeera

UN envoy says the country "is being destroyed bit by bit" as nearly 70 bodies of executed men are found in Aleppo.

The Syrian conflict has reached "unprecedented levels of horror", Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, has said in remarks that came just hours after dozens of people were found shot dead in Aleppo city in what is being called a "new massacre".

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MIDDLE EAST

Donors pledge $1.2bn for UN Syria aid operation.

Israel hits target in Syria border area: sources.

Israel ramps up warplane presence over Lebanon amid fears of chemical weapons in Syria.

Israelis order gas masks as Syria deteriorates.

U.N. nuclear watchdog backs Iran's denial of Fordow blast.

Turkish forces foil kidnapping of Syrian opposition figure.

Israel boycotts UN Human Rights Council.

With or without Exxon, Iraq Kurds strive for energy autonomy.

Iranian journalists in fear after arrests.

ASIA

Australian PM surprises with Sept election call. Gillard sets Australia poll date of 14 September.

China announces naval exercise amid Japan tensions.

Clinton hopes North Korea can be dissuaded from nuclear test.

Departing South Korean leader creates furor with pardons.

South Korea launches space rocket carrying satellite.

China burns half of coal consumption worldwide, figures show. China's air pollution again at danger levels.

AFRICA

Mali conflict: French troops take control of Kidal airport. French troops enter last Mali rebel stronghold.

French foreign minister: Troops to leave Mali soon.

Looters go on rampage in Timbuktu.

Morsi cuts European visit as Egyptian crisis continues.

Dutch court says Shell responsible for Nigeria spills.

Finance minister: Zimbabwe has $217 left in the bank.

EUROPE

Eurozone crisis live: Another blow for Spain as recession deepens.

Spain's recession worsens in the fourth quarter.

Analysis: Putin's central bank choice - Sound money or boom-bust?

Russia pulls out of anti-drug agreement with U.S.

Scottish independence: SNP accepts call to change referendum question.

Germany marks 80th anniversary of Hitler's rise.

AMERICAS

US economy shrinks 0.1 percent, 1st time in 3 1/2 years.

UN agency: Venezuela prison violence 'alarming'.

Venezuelan vice president says Chavez is "very optimistic" of recovery.

Brazilian cities crack down on nightclubs after deadly fire.

Mexico's new President mostly mum on drug violence.

New drug bill 'to decriminalise ecstasy' in Colombia.

Amia bombing: Israel condemns Argentina-Iran probe.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Exclusive: CIA nominee had detailed knowledge of "enhanced interrogation techniques".

State Department defends commitment to closing down Guantánamo prison.

Lawyers to get access to secret Gitmo camp.

Report: Iran, Hezbollah terror threat rising.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

New BlackBerrys are ready, but RIM seeks carriers, apps.

Royal Bank of Scotland facing £500 mn Libor fine.

US banks in stress-test ‘global shock’.

Shell Nigeria case: Court acquits firm on most charges.

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