Thursday, August 8, 2013

World News Briefs -- August 8, 2013 (Evening Edition)


Amid Confusion Over Yemen Plot, US Drones Pound Al Qaeda -- Christian Science Monitor

Yemen appeared to back away from claims it had foiled a grandiose plot, and some terror experts wondered if the US, which launched two more drone strikes, had been duped by Al Qaeda into closing its embassies.

The US carried out two drone strikes in Yemen Thursday that killed nine suspected Al Qaeda militants, maintaining its accelerated pace of attacks even as confusion grew over the specific threats that caused the United States and other Western countries to close their diplomatic posts in the country.

Yemeni officials appeared to back away from claims Wednesday that the government had foiled a grandiose plot by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to take over some of the Gulf of Aden country’s ports and to bomb key oil pipelines.

Some terrorism experts were starting to wonder if the US had been tricked by clever Al Qaeda leaders into closing embassies and consulates around the region, pulling out diplomatic staff from Yemen, and issuing a global travel alert through the end of the month.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. will now let in thousands of Syrian refugees.

Mortars hit Syrian president's neighbourhood.

Assad shown unharmed after Syria rebels report attack.

Food crisis grips war-torn Syria.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to resume August 14: U.S..

Eilat airport: Israeli military orders shutdown.

Egypt says Sinai patrols kill 60 militants since Morsi ouster. Egypt captures over 100 terrorists in Sinai.

Iran's leader reaches out to U.S., vows to resolve nuclear row.

Israel plans more West Bank settlement homes.

Turk leaders seek distance from life terms imposed over coup plot.

Saudi king fires deputy defense minister.

ASIA

Chinese exports and imports rise more than expected.

Pakistan police killed in funeral bombing. Suicide bomber kills 30 at policeman's funeral in Pakistan.

India accuses Pakistan army of killing soldiers in ambush.

Pakistan PM: imperative to restore ceasefire on India border.

Japan summons China envoy over ships near disputed isles. Japan summons China envoy over island dispute.

Bo Xilai's lawyer 'not allowed' to represent him during trial.

Rebels in southern Thailand call off talks with government.

Many killed in Afghan graveyard bombing.

Philippines, US to start talks on greater military presence.

Burma marks 1988 pro-democracy uprising anniversary.

AFRICA

Morsi's wife in surprise show at Egypt rally.

Egypt Islamists stage Eid protests as military holds off.

Nairobi airport fire: flights resume as investigators rule out terrorism.

Mali election frontrunner's nationalist stance strikes popular chord. Mali: Lack of ID card shut most Mali refugees out of Presidential poll.

Turkey's moves in Somalia unnerve al-Shabaab.

Nigeria police officer sacked over YouTube video.

Two British women injured after acid is thrown into their faces on Zanzibar where they were volunteering at local schools.

EUROPE

British warship to visit Gibraltar amid border row with Spain.

Greek unemployment rate reaches record high in May.

Russian oil barons step up battle for Putin's favor.

Putin wishes George W. Bush rapid recovery after heart surgery.

Gibraltar dispute continues despite Cameron's call to Spanish PM. Britain puts Spain on alert over Gibraltar border checks.

Czech parties closing on deal to hold early election.

UK population grew more than any other EU country in 2012.

Outrage as Swiss move to segregate asylum-seekers.

Georgia marks fifth anniversary since war.

Spanish railway safety under review after Galicia crash, say bosses. Spain rail crash: 'No malfunction reported' .

Crossrail unearths evidence humans lived on Thames in 7,000 BC.

AMERICAS

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college friends indicted for allegedly impeding Boston Marathon bombing investigation.

Colombia coca area down by 25% - UN.

Ex-border patrol agents warn: Politicians helping cartels in U.S..

Argentine President renews claim for Falklands at the U.N., comparing it to Palestinian struggle.

Venezuela top court rejects Capriles' election appeal.

Venezuela opposition claims new govt crackdown.

Colombia aims to raise defense industry profile.

‘Extraordinary’ Mayan frieze discovered in Guatemala.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Eight die in new Yemen drone strikes.

Muslim holy period to be celebrated at Guantanamo.

Obama: Al-Qaida core 'on its way to defeat'. Barack Obama says al-Qaeda has been 'hammered' but threat remains.

Suspected US drone kills 6 militants in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. slowly opening up commercial drone industry.

Fannie Mae profit doubles, will pay U.S. $10.2 billion.

Bordeaux white wine 'main victim' of hailstorm.

NSA scandal weakens U.S. in EU trade talks, matches China on data theft fears.

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