Friday, January 4, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 4, 2013 (Evening Edition)



Syria Using More Iranian Missiles, U.S. Officials Say -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON—U.S. officials said the Syrian military has fired at least four short-range Iranian-made ballistic missiles at rebel positions in recent days, raising alarms in Washington that the Assad regime may be turning to deadlier weapons to hold on to power.

The Syrian military fired a few of the Iranian-made missiles, known as Fateh-110s, late last month. Officials said the additional salvos fired this week at rebel targets near the city of Homs suggest that Tehran may be stepping up its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"It certainly shows more aggressive action by the Syrian regime, aided by the Iranians," a senior U.S. official said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian warplanes bomb suburbs of the capital as troops and rebels fight across the country.

Israeli PM to ambassadors: Iran not yet crossed red line.

Saudi jets bolster US drone attacks on Yemen: report.

Iraq's al-Sadr visits church, site of 2010 attack.

Anti-government protests rage across Iraq.

Iran says talks with big powers to be held in January. EU says no date for Iran talks, hopes for next round soon.

Official: Turkish military to keep fighting rebels.

Turkish Kurd deputies meet jailed militant leader Ocalan: lawmaker.

Abbas's Fatah holds first mass Gaza rally in years.

ASIA

"Nobody helped us for an hour:" Indian rape witness.

Japan sends envoy to soothe ties with South Korea.

South Korea says Japan must heal wounds of wartime excesses.

China shuts website of leading reformist magazine.

India gang rape: Delhi to appoint more policewomen.

Kim Jong-un's wife 'has given birth' in North Korea.

Malala Yousafzai leaves Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

US cool on Google's Eric Schmidt visiting North Korea. North Korea trip to be "private" mission: former U.S. diplomat Richardson.

AFRICA

Grenade kills two in world's biggest refugee camp in Kenya.

No S. Sudan oil exports until at least March.

DR Congo rebels threaten to ditch peace talks.

Sudanese leaders Bashir and Kiir to meet in Ethiopia. Sudan, South Sudan leaders to try to defuse tension at summit.

Different challenges in Central African Rep., Mali.

New child soldier fears in C. African Republic.

Islamist split in Egypt buoys radical wing.

Libyan police captain abducted in Benghazi.

EUROPE

Britain's top tabloid scolds Argentina over the Falklands.

Signs of hope for euro zone, but new worry for UK.

Radio Liberty loses its license in Moscow, and Russians raise voices in dismay.

Northern Irish police injured as flag row turns violent again.

Hungary top court voids election law in blow to Orban.

Greece probes officials in Swiss tax scandal.

Gerard Depardieu 'pleased' to become Russian citizen.

Brigitte Bardot threatens Russia move over sick elephants.

AMERICAS

Mediocre job growth points to slow grind for U.S. economy.

Trillion dollar coins: The ultimate U.S. debt ceiling end-around?

Venezuelan government announces Chávez has 'severe' respiratory infection. Chavez still has "severe" respiratory problem.

Cuban group says political detentions rose dramatically in 2012.

Argentina renews dispute with Britain over Falklands.

The 113th Congress is the most diverse in U.S. history.

Bank Of Canada won’t discuss melting plastic bills, says national security behind silence.

US car sales rise 13.4% to hit five-year high.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Anwar al-Awlaki may have bought hijackers pre-9/11 tickets.

Did Awlaki really help the 9/11 hijackers?

Alleged Al Qaeda operative extradited to US, lands in New York City.

Bahawal Khan to succeed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

S&P 500 finishes at 5-year high on economic data.

BMW 39% December gain overtakes Mercedes for U.S. crown.

Swiss bank Wegelin to close after US tax evasion fine.

EU says its Google case not affected by U.S. ruling.

Virgin France to shut Paris flagship store, blaming insolvency.

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