Tuesday, October 29, 2013

World News Briefs -- October 29, 2013



Reports: Obama Considers Ending Spying on Allied Leaders -- Voice of America

U.S. officials say the Obama administration is weighing whether to order the National Security Agency to stop spying on leaders of American allies.

California Democrat Dianne Feinstein, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued a statement Monday saying she was informed by the White House that "collection on our allies will not continue." However, administration officials later stressed that a final decision on the matter has not been made.

Caitlin Hayden, a spokesperson for President Barack Obama's National Security Council, issued a statement hours later saying the administration has "already made some decisions through this process," but refused to discuss Feinstein's statement.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria’s ability to launch chemical attack said to be limited after key equipment destroyed.

Syria polio cases confirmed by World Health Organisation.

U.N. inspectors hold 'very productive' nuclear talks with Iran. Iran says seeks ‘practical solution’ to rift with UN inspectors.

Iran two weeks away from weapons-grade uranium -- ex-IAEA official.

US, Russia quietly cooperate on Iran.

Iraqi PM flies to U.S., seeking arms to fight militants.

Turkey fulfils sultan's dream with Bosphorus tunnel.

Sources: Saudi Arabia frees man jailed for Mohammad tweets.

ASIA

Japan minister: China threatens peace in islands row.

Japan probes banks over possible yakuza gangster links.

Tiananmen car crash may have been suicide attack, officials claim.

Kashmir: India says soldier killed in Pakistan firing.

Video raises fresh Philippine siege questions.

Exclusive: China central bank seeks to reassure money markets after rate spike.

Activists denounce China state TV 'interview' with detained journalist.

Rohingya using larger boats to flee Burma, Bangladesh.

AFRICA

Congo army makes inroads against weakened rebels.

DR Congo M23 rebels 'all but finished', says UN.

AU, partners to discuss Africa’s peace and security.

Kony 2013: U.S. quietly intensifies effort to help African troops capture infamous warlord.

Judges in Egypt Brotherhood's trial quit.

Kenyan soldiers jailed for Westgate looting.

White coup plotters in SAfrica get 5 to 35 years. Leaders of South African 'Boer Army' plot receive long jail terms.

S. Sudan plans oil license auction by year's end.

Food security in Ethiopia, and the first global index on modern-day slavery.

EUROPE

German parliament to meet over U.S. spying scandal.

Greek ex-minister: We spied on 2 US ambassadors.

Storm death toll rises as wind, rain batters northern Europe.

EU makes new bid to reach deal on Ukraine's jailed Tymoshenko.

US reveals mass visa fraud in Ukraine.

Hollande most unpopular French President on record: Poll.

Jury being chosen in UK phone hacking case.

AMERICAS

US weighs ending spying on allied heads of state.

Top health exchange official apologizes for Obamacare website woes.

Obama administration knew millions could not keep their health insurance.

Mexican vigilantes take on drug cartels - and worry authorities.

Argentine election loss makes leader vulnerable.

Cubans traveling abroad in record numbers, officials say.

Superstorm Sandy: US marks one year anniversary.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US drone strike in Somalia kills top al-Shabaab explosives expert.

Terrorist attacks and deaths hit record high, report shows.

Ansar Jerusalem releases video of assassination attempt on Egypt's interior minister.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple profits decline despite iPhone sales boost.

Deutsche Bank and UBS see profits hit by legal costs.

Microsoft transforms, but will it leave past behind?

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