Tuesday, November 19, 2013

World News Briefs -- November 19, 2013



Blasts Near Iranian Embassy Kill 23 In Beirut; Sunni Goup Claims Responsibility -- CNN

Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) -- A radical Sunni group has claimed responsibility for bombings that killed nearly two dozen people outside the Iranian Embassy in southern Beirut.

The Abdullah Azzam Brigades said the dual suicide blasts were "carried out by two heroes from the Sunni people of Lebanon." The al Qaeda-linked group is based in southern Lebanon.

"We warn Hezbollah that these attacks will continue until two objectives are met: first, the pullout of all fighters of Iran's party (Hezbollah) from Syria, and secondly, the release of all of our prisoners from the dungeons of tyranny in Lebanon," the group said.

At least 23 people were killed and 146 injured Tuesday in the twin bombings in front of the embassy, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon blasts hit Iran's embassy in Beirut.

Iranian lawmakers demand government stick to nuclear program.

Iran's Rouhani warns West against 'excessive' nuclear demands.

Syria troops seize strategic town of Qara.

Syria talks should focus on fighting 'terrorists': Russia.

Awash in oil revenue, Iraq stays on U.S. dole for reconstruction.

Turkish parliament committee gives up on new constitution.

ASIA

Challenge for the Philippine government: 4 million are displaced, and hunger grows.

Security pact meetings spark Afghan protests.

Nepalis vote to end political stalemate.

Burma turns to Japan, Thailand to kick-start stalled Dawei Project.

Spain issues arrest order for China's ex-leader.

Activists: China arrests North Korean defectors, guides in Kunming.

AFRICA

Protesters, police clash in Cairo's Tahrir Square.

Bread shortage crisis hits Sudan.

African Union monitoring Congo, rebel peace talks.

CAR communal violence spiraling out control - UN chief.

16 killed in al-Shabab attack on Somali police.

Many feared trapped in S Africa mall collapse.

EUROPE

Azerbaijan, Armenia 'agree to discuss peace settlement'.

Berlin seeks "credible and verifiable" pledges from U.S. on spying.

Sardinia hit by deadly cyclone and flooding.

Scottish independence: 'Fiscal gap would lead to spending cuts', says IFS.

EU urges Yanukovych to save Ukraine Trade Pact.

Britain to summon Spanish ambassador over Gibraltar 'incursion'.

Russian crash probe blames faulty pilot maneuvers.

AMERICAS

Obamacare consultants warned of health website failure in March.

Toronto mayor Rob Ford loses more powers.

Venezuela's Congress set to approve decree powers for Maduro.

Venezuela's dependence on US fuel grows.

Argentine president back at work after brain surgery.

Haiti clashes as protesters demand President Martelly resign.

Colombia rebel deserters face new struggle as they seek to reintegrate.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama faces crucial Guantanamo votes.

Gitmo good life: U.S. spends millions on landscaping, art classes for terror detainees.


Pentagon: Drone strikes to remain indispensable weapon against terrorists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OECD revises down global economic growth forecasts.

Treasury forced to issue $1T in new debt in first 6 weeks of FY14.

Analysis: As market bubbles form, investors may want to take cover.

US safety watchdog probes Tesla after car fires.

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