Saturday, May 18, 2013

World News Briefs -- May 18, 2013



U.S. Decries Russia Weapons Sale To Syria -- L.A. Times

Joint chiefs chairman says the missiles, as well as Russia's buildup of warships in the region, will 'embolden' President Bashar Assad.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday condemned Russia's delivery of advanced antiship missiles to Syria and its buildup of warships in the eastern Mediterranean, arguing that the Kremlin's escalating support for its longtime ally in Damascus could prolong the civil war.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Russia's military moves would "embolden" Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and extend the suffering in the widening conflict. "So it's ill-timed and very unfortunate," he said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Pentagon: Russian arms shipment may prolong Syria war.

US: Russia sending missiles to Syria 'ill-timed and unfortunate'.

Syria reportedly holds thousands incommunicado.

Deadly Iraq violence spills into fourth day.

Eight killed, 10 policemen kidnapped in Iraq's Sunni heartland.

Suspected Islamist gunmen assassinate Yemeni colonel.

Religious leaders ban 30 women from running for Iran's presidency.

Saudi Arabia says hackers sabotage government websites.

ASIA

North Korea launches short-range missiles into sea.

Police chief who launched anti-Taliban crackdown shot dead in western Afghanistan.

Angry Afghan MPs halt debate on women’s rights. Afghan parliament fails to pass divisive women's law.

China’s premier to visit India.

India mulls stationing of ground forces in Afghanistan.

Japan envoy leaves NKorea, gives no hints on talks.

The China-Japan clash: What is behind it? – Analysis

White House visit by Burma’s Thein Sein a sign of changing times.

AFRICA

Nigeria launches air raids on militant Islamists. Nigerian warplanes strike 'Boko Haram camps'.

John Kerry urges Nigeria army 'restraint'.

One dead, dozens wounded in sectarian clashes in Egypt. More clashes between Muslims and Christians in Egypt.

Armed Tuareg and Arab groups clash in northern Mali.

French Defense Minister defends strategy, Mali mission.

Sudans defuse row over rebel support, promise more talks.

Somaliland waits for worldwide recognition.

Tunisia bans Salafist group's meeting.

Change looms for Ethiopia's ancient salt trade.

Mandela family fall out as lawyers argue over former president's legacy.

EUROPE

Outing of alleged spies further strains U.S.-Russia ties.

Russia eases stance on Arctic, but draws a line in the ice.

Polish conservative opposition leads opinion poll.

Hollande calls for EU 'economic government'.

France legalises gay marriage.

Italy takes first steps in reviving economy.

Greece faces slow, jobless recovery next year.

Depardieu likens Putin to John Paul II.

EU to ban refillable olive oil jugs and dipping bowls.

AMERICAS

IRS chief declines to identify employees involved in scandal.

'We could lose everything': Tea Party groups prepare to sue IRS.

Questions raised over administration claim that AP leak put Americans at risk.

Speaker Boehner: Call a bipartisan Benghazi Select Committee.

Colombian president hints he will run for re-election in 2014.

Venezuela's military enters high-crime slums.

Canada abuzz over purported crack video of mayor.

OAS calls for softer approach toward illegal drug users.

Powerball, at $600 million, now second-largest jackpot in U.S. history.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon fuels fears that legal powers will yield ‘forever war’ with al Qaeda.

At Guantanamo, a costly confinement.

Hunger strikers in Guantanamo enter their 100th day.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global growth could accelerate, but China’s fortunes hold the key.

Deep sea mining 'gold rush' moves closer.

McDonald's seen overhauling U.S. menu.

Dow, S&P 500 end week with record highs.

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