Qaeda-Aligned Militants Press Fight Over Key Iraqi Cities -- New York Times
BAGHDAD — Radical Sunni militants aligned with Al Qaeda fought for control of Falluja and Ramadi on Friday, escalating a battle over the two cities that have increasingly become centers of Sunni extremism since American forces withdrew from the country at the end of 2011.
Over the past several days, the Iraqi government has rushed troop reinforcements to the areas in the western province of Anbar, where the militants, dressed in black and waving the flag of Al Qaeda, have commandeered mosque loudspeakers to call for supporters to join their struggle. On Thursday, they set fire to police stations, freed prisoners from jail and occupied mosques.
The fighting picked up again on Friday after what appeared to be a morning lull.
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MIDDLE EAST
Hezbollah moving missile systems to Lebanon through Syria. Hezbollah upgrades missile threat to Israel.
Al Qaeda gaining control of Iraqi cities.
Iraqi tribesmen and troops attack Islamist militants in Ramadi.
Yemen army fights tribesmen for blocking oil pipeline repairs.
Saudi Arabia's aid to Lebanon presents challenge for Iran.
Bahrain accuses Iran of training opposition militants.
Israel ex-PM Ariel Sharon 'deteriorates further'.
ASIA
Cambodian military open fire on protesters killing at least three. 4 dead after Cambodian police fire on protesters.
Kim Jong Un's executed uncle was eaten alive by 120 hungry dogs: report.
As Russia, US joust over Central Asia politics, Afghan drug trade thrives.
India's Manmohan Singh to step down as PM.
Thai economy at risk as political rivals vow mass rallies.
Australia swelters after record hot 2013; farmers slaughter cattle, bushfire warning.
AFRICA
South Sudan rivals open ceasefire talks.
Military: South Sudan rebels set eyes on capital.
US evacuates more South Sudan embassy staff as fighting continues.
Violence in Central African Republic displaces nearly 1 million: U.N..
Children beheaded, as violence rages in Central African Republic.
Egypt protesters killed as state crackdown widens. Several dead as Egypt protests turn violent.
Roadside explosions strike convoy of military, police vehicles in northern Egypt.
Madagascar election: Hery Rajaonarimampianina wins. Ex-finance minister wins disputed Madagascar election.
EUROPE
Putin tries out Olympic slopes in ski trip to Sochi.
Minister: C. Africa won't sap France's military.
1,000 migrants rescued off Italian coast in 24 hours.
Prague locals want to oust Palestinian embassy.
Builder dies after war-era bomb explodes in Germany.
Schumacher fans hold birthday vigil for injured driver.
AMERICAS
US and Canada snowstorm causes travel chaos.
Toronto deputy mayor considering having army help with ice storm cleanup.
Brazil creates special riot force for World Cup.
Vacation list spurs New Year political fight in Venezuela.
Israel killed majority of those behind Buenos Aires blasts: ex-envoy.
Chinese icebreaker stuck after helping in Antarctic rescue.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda threatens to assassinate Iranian military leader.
U.S. seeking al Qaeda terrorist linked to Benghazi attack.
Qaeda leader held in Lebanon raised funds for anti-Assad militants -experts.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Billionaires dumping stocks, economist knows why.
Macau hits the jackpot with £28bn casino takings.
The most generous philanthropists of 2013: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg tops the list after giving away a BILLION dollars.
Soaring Microsoft shares boosted Bill Gates's fortune by $15.8bn in 2013.
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