Friday, May 17, 2013

World News Briefs -- May 17, 2013



Obama's 'Red Line' Is Crossed As He Reveals US Has Evidence Of Chemical Weapons Being Used In Syria while Russia Sends Advanced Missiles To Aid Assad -- Daily Mail

* US President has previously said chemical use would be crossing 'red line'
* Obama insisted it was important to get more information about allegations
* Russia has sent advanced antiship cruise missiles to Syria
* Russia's Pacific Fleet enters Mediterranean waters for the first time in decades in a period of high tension over the Syrian conflict

President Barack Obama has revealed the US has seen evidence of chemical weapons being used in Syria.

His announcement comes as Russia sends in advanced missiles to Syria in a move that highlights the depth of its support for President Bashar al-Assad.

Following a meeting with Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mr Obama insisted it was important to get more specific details about alleged chemical attacks.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels call off Aleppo prison siege after troops throw inmates out window.

Refugees fleeing besieged Qusayr say Syrian rebels dug in, preparing for government onslaught.

Syrian refugees now number more than 1.5 million.

UN chief in Russia as Syria crisis deepens. Hold Syrian peace talks soon, says U.N. chief.

UN: 3 UN military observers were abducted in zone between Syria and Israel and later freed.

At least 32 killed by blasts outside Sunni mosque in Iraq's Baquba.

Iran’s conservatives divided over presidential candidates.

Iranian cleric says a woman can never be president.

ASIA

Deadly blasts hit mosques in Pakistan.

China president takes charge of sweeping economic reform plans: sources.

Myanmar frees political prisoners before president goes to U.S..

Relations sour between Taiwan and Philippines over fisherman's death.

S. Korea calls Japan visit to N. Korea 'unhelpful'.

U.S. slams Japanese mayor's sex-slave comments as 'offensive'.

Gina Rinehart: Australian politicians treating miners 'like an ATM'.

World's tallest dam approved by Chinese environmental officials.

AFRICA

Boko Haram crisis: Nigerian army begins raids in Borno. Nigerian troops fire on suspected Boko Haram camps, killing 21, says official.

In South Sudan, Doctors Without Borders hospital destroyed; 100k people without medical care.

Libya: Benghazi insecurity persists.

U.S. instructors to train African troops for Mali in Niger.

Angry Egyptian policemen close crossing with Gaza.

Mine union threatens to bring South Africa to 'standstill'.

Madagascar's Rajoelina not eligible to run in election: AU.

EUROPE

Hollande: Europe's identity at risk from recession.

Germany's uncomfortable role as Europe's 'economic police'.

Fearing Afghan instability, Russia mulls border troops.

Bulgarian president calls parliament quickly to end impasse.

Italy PM Letta seeks to smooth property tax standoff.

Cannes Film Festival hit by $1 million jewellery theft .

AMERICAS

Feds arrest Idaho man on terror charges.

Mexican general sent to quell drug violence in new strategy.

In Mexico, fears for democracy as threatened journalists curtail coverage.

Brazil Indians occupy cattle ranch in widening land dispute.

Venezuela to 'saturate the market' with 50 million rolls of imported toilet paper.

Powerball jackpot 3rd largest in U.S. history.

Toronto mayor in 'crack cocaine' video scandal.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

2 more Guantanamo prisoners join hunger strike, military says.

US designates Al-Qaeda-linked outfit's leader fighting Assad as global terrorist.

Germany fears return of European jihadists in Syria.

Mueller defends FBI in Boston bombing, but acknowledges slip-up on suspect’s travel.

Study: U.S. more dangerous than Japan, Switzerland — and Botswana.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Bill Gates retakes world’s richest title from Carlos Slim.

Penitent Romanian hacker aims to protect world's ATMs.

Facebook faces same fate as MySpace, says Murdoch.

Iron Man 3 proves its box-office mettle after passing $1bn mark.

Rio Tinto puts largest 'red' diamond on market.

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