Wednesday, March 20, 2013

World News Briefs -- March 20, 2013 (Evening Edition)

Obama and Netanyahu shake hands at a joint news conference in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Reuters

U.S. And Israeli Leaders Address Security Fears -- Wall Street Journal

JERUSALEM—President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu struck a friendly tone on Wednesday as Mr. Obama arrived for a three-day visit aimed at patching up relations with the main U.S. ally in the Middle East.

Standing alongside Mr. Netanyahu at a joint news conference, Mr. Obama pledged to hold Syria to account if it used chemical weapons and reassured Israel of U.S. resolve against Iran as he tried to allay security fears.

"I am deeply skeptical of any claim that in fact it was the opposition that used chemical weapons. Everybody who knows the facts of the chemical weapons stockpiles inside of Syria as well as the Syrian government capabilities, I think, would question those claims," Mr. Obama said, reiterating his view that the use of chemical weapons would be "game changer."

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MIDDLE EAST

Barack Obama promises 'unwavering commitment' to Israeli security – live.

Obama and Netanyahu renew support for two-state solution – live.

In Israel, Obama warns Syria on chemical weapons.

Obama in Israel on first official visit. Obama arrives in Israel, vows undying support.

Obama vows to keep Iran from nuclear weapon.

U.S. officials lock horns over Syria’s potential chemical weapons use. Feinstein, Rogers: Assad appears to have used chemical weapon.

Islamic law comes to rebel-held Syria.

Five Syrian shells land in Lebanon despite warning.

Blasts outside Turkish ministry, party office before ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia deports 200,000 illegals in 4 months.

World's largest embassy to be slashed by two-thirds.

ASIA

Pakistani Taliban overrun rival faction's headquarters, dozens killed.

Asia's F-35 buyers forced to wait as China seeks edge.

Afghanistan, NATO strike compromise on pullout plan.

Bangladesh president Mohammad Zillur Rahman dies in Singapore.

South Korea raises alert after hackers attack broadcasters, banks.

North Korea vows military action against more U.S. B-52 flights.

China's new diplomats signal thaw with Japan, keeping U.S. at bay.

Afghan spokesman labels NATO war 'aimless and unwise'.

North Korean elite beating sanctions, one plasma TV at a time.

Taiwanese spies ‘undermine U.S. confidence,’ former American diplomat says.

Pakistan to hold historic polls on May 11.

Asian giants aim for free trade.

AFRICA

France wants U.N. to take over peacekeeping mission in Mali.

US implies Rwanda hasn't assured warlord's passage. DR Congo warlord 'to be taken to The Hague within days'.

Al-Shabab retakes Somali town after Ethiopian pullout.

U.S. steps up support for French in Mali.

More than 60 wounded in fighting in South Sudan.

Puntland maneuvers for bigger role.

Sudan offers talks with Southern rebels. Sudan ready to talk with southern rebels: Defense minister.

Arms transfers fuel instability in Ivory Coast.

EUROPE

Cyprus to keep banks shut into next week as it seeks deal to avert disaster.

Cyprus in urgent talks to avert financial meltdown. Cyprus rejects bailout deal leaving eurozone facing fresh crisis.

Italian president seeks way out of political stalemate.

Clockwork Orange: France a 'savage' nation, book claims.

French budget minister in tax fraud probe resigns.

Taliban victim Malala Yousafzai starts school in UK.

Poland miners: 19 rescued after earthquake.

IMF head Lagarde's flat searched in Bernard Tapie probe.

AMERICAS

U.S. Fed keeps easing, not worried about stock bubble.

U.S. Senate approves funding bill to avert government shutdown.

Senate Democrats to drop assault weapon ban from gun bill.

US early release of extradited drug traffickers ‘insulting’: Colombian Senator.

Pope will remain neutral on Falklands, says Warsi.

By land or by sea, tougher U.S. border tests illegal immigrants.

Guatemala ex-ruler Rios Montt on trial for genocide. Guatemalan survivors revisit horror of war in ex-dictator's trial.

Colorado prisons chief Tom Clements shot dead.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

General says Guantanamo buildings are in disrepair.

Al Qaeda in Africa says beheads French hostage: agency.

Hunger strikes at Guantanamo nearly double.

Al-Qaida in Iraq claims wave of attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

PIMCO sees opportunity in European commercial property.

Companies announce strong results from Gulf oil appraisal well.

Immigrant business flying high with airborne drones.

Apple brand less 'inspiring', survey says.

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