World News Briefs -- August 10, 2013

Egyptian Police Put Off Dispersal of Pro-Morsi Sit-Ins -- New York Times

CAIRO — The Egyptian police appeared on Monday to have postponed once again their threat to begin choking off two Cairo sit-ins where tens of thousands have gathered to protest the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi, leaving in place a tense six-week-old standoff.

The new military-appointed government has promised for more than a week to use all necessary force to clear out the sit-ins, which were established by Mr. Morsi’s Islamist allies in the Muslim Brotherhood upon his ouster on July 3. But so far, a combination of external pressure from Western powers and internal dissent from liberal cabinet ministers appears to have persuaded Gen. Abdul-Fattah el-Sisi, the officer who ordered the takeover, to hold off decisive action.

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MIDDLE EAST

Assad sends air force to prevent rebel advances in home province.

Syria rebel military chief visits Assad heartland.

Yemen violence: Gunmen launch deadly gas plant attack.

US steps up drone strikes in Yemen as al-Qaida attack fears mount in capital.

Yemenis call US drone strikes an overreaction to al-Qaida threat.

Turkey advises citizens to leave Lebanon.

Israelis seethe over Palestinian prisoner release ahead of peace talks.

Israel names 26 Palestinian prisoners for release.

ASIA

Pakistan accuses India of shelling as Kashmir tension simmers.

Sri Lanka: Mosque closed after Buddhist violence.

Pakistan on high alert after intercepting threats to military sites.

U.S. pullback in Lahore another sign of growing al Qaida violence in Pakistan.

Three U.S. soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan.

Australian election rivals Rudd and Abbott hold first debate.

Chinese students flock to Communist Party.

AFRICA

Egypt police prepare to clear Cairo protest camps.

Tribal clashes kill 111 in Sudan's Darfur: Tribal sources.

In Congo, rising violence triggers new U.N. unit.

The huge challenges facing Mali’s future president.

Marikana shooting: South African union leader killed.

Mugabe delivers Zimbabwe attack on MDC rivals.

EUROPE

Spain maintains reprisal plans while warships due in Gibraltar.

Russia asked to clarify gay law ahead of Sochi Olympics.

Nearly 50% of Greek businesses commit tax fraud, says finance ministry.

Report: Bundesbank sees new Greece bailout in 2014.

Police decry Belfast `anarchy' as 56 officers hurt.

Dutch Prince Friso dies after year in coma.

Swiss luxury goods store denies any wrongdoing over Oprah.

AMERICAS

Holder plan would ease mandatory sentences for some US drug offenders.

US Agencies buying hotel rooms for surge of Mexican illegal immigrants, others released.

Huge blaze at Venezuela oil refinery.

Colombia peace talks with Farc in Cuba make progress.

Agencies buying hotel rooms for surge of Mexican illegal immigrants, others released.

Mexico drugs lord Caro Quintero's release angers US. Freed Mexican drug lord's accomplices could also walk free.

Kerry trip to Brazil, Colombia could be chilly.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda claims deadly Eid attacks in Iraq.

AQAP chief vows to free jailed Al-Qaeda members.

Details emerge about talk between al Qaeda leaders.

Yemen terror boss left blueprint for waging jihad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global shares stumble as recovery signs stir stimulus worries.

Hollywood on course for biggest summer box office in 2013.

BlackBerry directors explore a sale of the company.

Apple patent wins could mean U.S. import ban for Samsung.

U.S. said to plan to arrest pair in big bank loss.

US shale oil threatens to derail OPEC's future: IEA.