World News Briefs -- February 26, 2013

Iran Nuclear Crisis: New Talks Open In Kazakhstan -- BBC

A new round of talks between world powers and Iran over its controversial nuclear programme has opened in the Kazakh city of Almaty.

The discussions are the first since talks in July 2012 ended without a breakthrough.

Negotiators from Iran are meeting counterparts from the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany - the P5+1.

International powers suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian government accused of targeting hospitals as war rages. Syrian military targets Aleppo, leaving 70 children dead.

Syrian opposition pledges to attend Rome summit.

Syria says 'ready' for talks with rebels. Russia wants U.S. to help foster dialogue in Syria.

Iran, world powers see little chance of breakthrough in new nuclear talks.

Exclusive: Iran said to deploy aging foreign tankers, avoiding sanctions.

Iran’s parliament approves North Korean-educated military official as communications minister.

Israel says rocket fired from Gaza. Rocket explodes in Israel, first attack from Gaza since November truce.

Thousands mourn Palestinian prisoner, revolt fears grow.

ASIA

Drop in Taliban attacks incorrect.

Vietnam to participate in UN peacekeeping missions.

Philippines martial law victims to receive reparations.

Sri Lankan forces 'raped' Tamils in custody, study says.

BBC blocked in China just days after reporting on Chinese hackers.

Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman on peace mission to North Korea. Rodman, Globetrotters visit North Korea.

AFRICA

French in tough fight in northern Mali.

Tunisia police launch manhunt for killer of opposition politician.

18 killed as hot air balloon explodes, plummets in Egypt.

Tribal clashes in Sudan's Darfur kill more than 500-MP.

Video claims Nigeria sect holds 7 French hostages.

Tunisia arrests suspect in killing that sparked unrest.

EUROPE

Eurozone crisis live: Italian political deadlock sends markets tumbling.

Berlusconi revives political career in chaotic Italian election.

Italy faces political deadlock after vote.

After election win, Anastasiades tackles Cyprus bailout.

Scandal threatens to overshadow pope's final days.

Benedict XVI to be known as 'pope emeritus'.

Litvinenko lawyer accuses UK of cover up to help Russia ties.

AMERICAS

'Sequester' scare tactics? White House details 'devastating' 50-state impact.

White House will soon revive cybersecurity legislation push.

US oil imports from Middle East increase.

US court begins BP trial over Gulf oil spill.

Announcement that Raul Castro is in his final term met mostly with silence in Miami.

Colombia coffee growers on strike clash with the police.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France says will not negotiate with Cameroon hostage-takers.

Malian jihadists aware of al Qaeda's advice on avoiding drone attacks.

Mali Islamists warned about Sharia in al-Qaeda 'manifesto'.

United Nations removes Osama bin Laden from sanctions list.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Inmates go high-tech as startup mania hits San Quentin.

Kim Dotcom's Mega to expand into encrypted email.

Just like that, safe havens are in favor.