World News Briefs -- February 26, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Russia Flexes Military Muscle As Tensions Rise In Ukraine's Crimea Region -- CNN

Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- Russia ordered surprise military exercises on Ukraine's doorstep Wednesday as tensions in that country's southern Crimea region simmered, with pro-Russian demonstrators facing off against rival protesters in the city of Simferopol.

As the mood soured among the thousands rallying in front of the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol, some scuffles broke out.

One group waved Ukrainian flags and shouted "Crimea is not Russia," while the other held Russian flags aloft and shouted "Crimea is Russia," images broadcast by Crimean TV channel ATR showed. As the crowd became more agitated, a line of police moved in to divide the groups.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Islamists demand levy from Christians in Syrian city.

Russia condemns rumored Saudi plans to arm Syrian rebels with anti-air missiles.

Scores of Syrian fighters killed in army ambush near Damascus. State media says Syrian Army killed 175 rebels.

Syria al-Qaeda group gives rival jihadists ultimatum.

Exclusive: Iranian oil exports rise in February, more to ally Syria.

U.N. authorizes sanctions regime for Yemen, leaves blacklist blank.

Iraq: Sunni Arabs turn on Al Qaeda again.

Hezbollah seeking advanced weapons, says Israeli Navy.

Hezbollah vows revenge for Israeli attack on its positions. Hezbollah says no casualties in Israeli raid.

China becomes Iran’s largest trade partner.

Sinai gas pipeline struck for 4th time in 2014.

Turkey president signs judiciary control law.

Calls for Turkey PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resign in leaked tape scandal.

ASIA

Indian Navy chief resigns hours after submarine mishap off Mumbai coast.

NATO chief still hopes to salvage new Afghan mission.

Pakistan outlines new internal security policy. Pakistan draws up tough anti-Taliban strategy.

Pakistan launches military operation against militants.

Kerry says there is no let up in US Asia pivot.

Obama plans complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by year’s end.

U.S. quietly whittles down foreign detainee population at facility in Afghanistan.

Pakistani official: US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014 'means civil war'.

Pakistan court orders end to blockade on NATO supply route.

Gunfire by night becomes new norm in downtown Bangkok.

North Korea and Iran explore broadening relations.

China's toxic air pollution resembles nuclear winter, say scientists.

Fukushima radiation could reach Pacific coast by April.

AFRICA

Two humanitarian workers injured in landmine explosion in Mali.

Arab Spring will fail unless Tunisia transition succeeds: foreign minister.

Nigeria’s President, UN’s Ban condemn school massacre.

MSF reports 'disturbing' attacks on S. Sudan hospitals.

Egypt's Sisi to remain as defence minister.

Egypt sentences 26 to death for alleged Suez terror plot.

Tunisian navy rescues nearly 100 migrants off Jerba.

Uganda donors cut aid after president passes anti-gay law.

South Africa presents cautious budget despite elections.

EUROPE

Protest leaders pick candidates for new Ukraine government. Ukraine's interim leaders propose Yatsenyuk as new PM.

Vladimir Putin orders test of combat readiness, raising fears over Ukraine. Tensions high in Ukraine's Crimea as rival crowds gather.

Ukraine 'set to unveil new government'.

Ukraine disbands police unit accused of violence.

Moscow slams Ukraine’s bill on curtailing Russian.

U.S. experts in Ukraine to help tackle economic crisis: U.S.'s Burns. EU hoping that Russia can be involved in aid to Ukraine.

U.S. warns banks to watch for ousted Ukraine leader moving looted funds.

Russia to expand its worldwide military presence.

Growth forecast prompts hope for end to Euro crisis.

Swiss bank accused of helping clients evade US taxes. Credit Suisse 'cloak-and-dagger' tactics cost US taxpayers billions – senators.

Reforms, presidential vote in focus after Romania coalition splits.

Peter Robinson quit threat over IRA Hyde Park bomb case.

Germany Karlsruhe court scraps EU vote threshold.

Ex pope Benedict denies he was forced to resign.

Muslim converts who hacked British soldier to death jailed for life.

AMERICAS

US senators press to keep some US troops in Afghanistan.

Carnaval could sap Venezuela protests.

In Venezuela protests, both sides draw battle lines -- but call for peace.

Obama seeking $300 billion for roads, railways.

Mexican drug kingpin Guzman dodges U.S. extradition for now.

Mexican war on drugs: 5 drug lords still at large following the arrest of Sinaloa cartel kingpin ‘El Chapo’.

Pope pleads for 'end to violence' in Venezuela.

Quebec parties in a candidate-recruiting race as election call nears.

Saddle Ridge Hoard: Buried gold coin stash 'worth $10m'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Surge in Syria Jihadist arrests prompts security fears in Europe.

EXCLUSIVE: FBI had human source in contact with bin Laden as far back as 1993.

Stealth search: Embattled Al Qaeda hunts for a new Bin Laden.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Russia's largest banks halt new loans in Ukraine eyeing political risk.

Rolls-Royce drone ships challenge $375 billion industry: Freight.

Apple’s serious security issue: Update your iPhone or iPad immediately.

Bitcoin value drops sharply.