Friday, August 2, 2013

World News Briefs -- August 2, 2013



Terror Threat Prompts U.S. Embassy Closures Overseas -- CNN

Al Qaeda is linked to a terror threat that has prompted the State Department to direct its embassies in key Middle East nations, including Egypt and Israel, to close Sunday, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-California, told CNN's "New Day" Friday. "It's my understanding that it is al Qaeda linked, alright, and the threat emanates in the Middle East and in Central Asia."

A terror threat prompted the State Department on Thursday to direct its embassies in key Middle East nations, including Egypt and Israel, to close on Sunday with the possibility they could remain idle longer.

A U.S. official not authorized to speak publicly on the matter called the threat "credible and serious."

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MIDDLE EAST

U.N. rights chief calls for investigation into Syria massacre.

Syrian Christian towns emptied by sectarian violence.

Rockets hit south of Lebanon's capital. Lebanese troops scour area of presidential palace following rocket attacks.

Tehran leader's comment about Israel raises stir. Iran's Rouhani misquoted in remarks on Israel: state TV.

Iran's Ahmedinejad term comes to an end.

Barack Obama praises Benjamin Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas.

Official: Clashes in Yemeni capital leave 1 dead.

ASIA

Philippines, Vietnam agree to cooperate on maritime dispute with China.

In overture to China, Japan PM may skip visit to war dead shrine.

US: China's human rights situation is getting worse.

Taiwan vote on nuclear plant referendum sparks brawl.

Bangladeshi court bans Islamist party from elections.

New Vietnam law bans news stories from social media sites.

AFRICA

Kerry: Army's ouster of Egypt's president was not a military takeover. U.S. gives seal of approval to Egypt's new leaders.

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood 'disappointed' by John Kerry's remarks.

Tunisian army, militants clash near Algerian border: Sources.

Algeria reinforces army along Tunisia border.

Nigeria: Islamic extremists kill 8; Military warns of planned ‘massive attacks’ in Maiduguri. Nigerian teachers targeted in deadly attack.

Mali presidential race goes to runoff.

Mugabe's party has big lead in Zimbabwe vote results. Zimbabwe: Disputed poll poses fresh divisions.

EUROPE

Snowden out of airport, still in Moscow.

Moscow criticized for meddling in Finland's NATO debate.

Berlusconi conviction leaves Italian government hanging.

Germany nixes surveillance pact with US, Britain.

UN envoy: Cyprus mustn't be forced into peace deal.

Netflix clones in Russia get a head start with piracy law.

AMERICAS

Obama rethinks Putin summit after Snowden granted asylum.

US jobless rate falls, but growth lags. Obamacare full frontal: Of 953,000 jobs created in 2013, 77%, or 731,000 are part-time.

UN narcotics board says Uruguay’s marijuana bill is contrary to international treaties.

Anger in Chile over ruling on 2010 mine collapse.

Samantha Power approved by Senate as ambassador to United Nations.

FBI and police deny alleged search of journalist's home after Web searches UPDATED.

Texas 'running out' of execution drug pentobarbital.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda threat closes some U.S. embassies. Threat to U.S. embassies appears al Qaeda-linked: lawmaker.

John Kerry pledges early end to Pakistan drone strikes.

F.B.I. said to find it could not have averted Boston attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

LinkedIn membership and revenue soar, mobile outlook promising.

Avatar will get three sequels says James Cameron.

The $7 trillion problem that could sink Asia.

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