Wednesday, January 8, 2014

World News Briefs -- January 8, 2014 (Evening Edition)



Deal Struck To Drive Out Fighters In Iraq -- Al Jazeera

As humanitarian conditions in Anbar worsen, military and tribesmen map out plan to drive out al-Qaeda-linked group.

Iraq's military and some tribal leaders have struck a deal to drive out al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Anbar amid continued clashes and shelling in the predominantly Sunni Arab western province.

Pro-government Sunni tribes have asked the Iraqi military to withdraw from Anbar, and together with local police tribal fighters have begun to retake checkpoints and other vital government installations.

Fallujah and parts of the Anbar provincial capital, Ramadi, farther west have been outside government control for days - the first time al-Qaeda-linked fighters have exercised such open control in major Iraqi cities since the height of the insurgency that followed the US-led invasion of 2003.

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MIDDLE EAST

Nouri al-Maliki vows to eradicate al-Qaida and its allies in Iraq.

Iraqi prime minister says victory certain as Falluja assault looms.

Iraq forges new strategy to defeat fighters.

Biden enters Iraq fray, but McCain says he lacks al-Maliki's 'confidence'.

UN warns of humanitarian threat in western Iraq.

Syria rebels 'seize' ISIS headquarters in Aleppo.

Al Qaeda group vows to attack Syrian rebels, opposition leaders.

First transport ship leaves Syria loaded with chemical arms.

Iran, big power nuclear talks hit snag on centrifuge research.

Turkish police purge reaches top ranks amid graft scandal. Police purge in Turkey spreads to regions.

Israeli parliament shuts its doors on protesting African refugees.

Israel casts doubt on April target for Palestinian deal.

Iran-sanctions bill gains steam in U.S. Senate.

ASIA

US lists crimes of alleged insurgents slated for release in Afghanistan.

Afghan girl, 10, says Taliban brother forced her into suicide bomb plot.

Thousands flee tribal clashes in India's Assam state.

Kerry: US will not accept North Korea as a nuclear state.

U.S., South Korea hold high-level talks in wake of Pyongyang purge.

South Korea pulled strings as Cambodia’s military cracked down on protesters.

Indonesian FM: Relations with Australia in 'difficult phase'.

India targets American expatriate club as diplomatic fight escalates.

AFRICA

Reports: CAR leader preparing to step down. Central Africa interim leader to step down Thursday: sources.

Libya's PM warns may sink oil tankers nearing east ports.

South Sudan army closes in on rebel-held town.

South Sudan government ready to sign cease-fire 'soon'.

Nigerian mosque attacked in Kano village of Kwankwaso.

Strike, protest in Tunisia town as social unrest mounts.

Somalia's Puntland appoints new president.

Russian Fishing Agency accuses Greenpeace of pulling strings in Senegal to stall trawler seizure.

Morsi trial delayed due to 'bad weather'.

EUROPE

Greece begins EU presidency by saying austerity policies are intolerable.

Former SS soldier, 88, charged over 1944 village massacre in France.

French court convicts Islamic veil-wearing woman.

Eurozone unemployment steady but retail sales rebound.

Russia ramps up security in Sochi.

Germany looks into fears over EU migration 'abuse'.

Croatia court approves ex-spy chief's extradition to Germany.

Greek police hunt for convicted terrorist who disappeared on furlough.

Gallic uproar over 'Fall of France' Newsweek article.

AMERICAS

Obama nears decision on NSA reforms as spy leaders meet at White House. Obama to consult intelligence leaders, Congress on NSA review.

US and Cuba to hold fresh round of diplomatic talks in Havana.

Panama Canal rejects call for $1 billion payment, has contingency.

Record freeze extends to eastern United States, at least nine dead. Big freeze shatters North America temperature records.

White House downplays Robert Gates memoir's allegations of infighting. White House defends Biden as ex-Pentagon chief Gates unloads.

Argentina appoints Malvinas Secretary to push Falkland Islands issue.

Haiti, Dominican Republic meet to discuss disputes.

Did thieves snare Miss Venezuela and husband with booby-trapped highway? Gang of five arrested for robbing and shooting dead couple in front of their daughter, 5, 'after puncturing their car tires'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two suspected Qaeda militants killed in Yemen drone strike: residents.

Former Guantanamo detainee implicated in Benghazi attack.

Nuclear panel sees minimal terror risk in spent-fuel pools.

US launches probe into deadly ‘wedding party’ drone strike.

Costs could climb for $1.5 billion terrorist-tracking system.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi billionaire sees a world awash in oil.

France fines Google over data privacy.

Microsoft close to naming CEO, Ford's Mulally stays put.

Smoker numbers edge close to one billion.

The biggest bet ever: Soros, Paulson and Cooperman take on Adelson over the future of gambling in America.

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