Wednesday, May 21, 2014

World News Briefs -- May 21, 2014 (Evening Edition)



Libyan Renegade General Challenges Government As Clashes Rock Tripoli -- Reuters

(Reuters) - A Libyan renegade general called on the government to hand over power to the country's top judges, mounting a challenge against Tripoli as heavy fighting erupted in the capital on Wednesday.

Western powers fear a call by General Khalifa Haftar for army units to join his campaign will split the nascent military and trigger more turmoil in the oil producing country which is struggling to restore order three years after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

The government is unable to control the militias who helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed 2011 uprising but are now defindefyingg authority.

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MIDDLE EAST

Dozens dead in Yemen clashes.

Syria government allows first large food aid distribution in Aleppo.

Lebanon’s medical services unable to cope with influx of Syrians.

Forced to flee Syria, young adult refugees stall out.

Jihadists trying to establish Islamic state on border of Syria and Iraq.

Syrian fighting gives Hezbollah new but diffuse purpose.

U.N. nuclear agency says Iran agrees to address bomb probe issues.

Iraq elections: Maliki's State of Law 'wins most seats'.

Mers virus: Saudi health minister promises to do more.

Iran arrests 6 young people for video of them dancing to Pharrell Williams' "Happy".

ASIA

Afghanistan's government split as Karzai suspends special forces chiefs.

Dozens of militants killed in Pakistan air strikes, military says. Pakistani military carries out airstrikes targeting militants in North Waziristan.

Thai military holds meeting with key parties after declaring martial law. Talks to end Thai crisis inconclusive, new round called.

Martial law in Thailand: Day 2 stirs confusion, questions.

Vietnam: China oil rig 'seriously threatens' peace.

Vietnam, Philippines jointly denounce China's maritime moves.

India's Modi extends olive branch to Pakistan, invites Sharif to inauguration.

Afghan election body sacks thousands over fraud ahead of runoff.

Eight policemen beheaded in Afghanistan.

Two killed in clashes with police in Tajikistan's east.

China jails 39 on terrorism-related charges in Xinjiang.

Report says corruption rampant in South Asia.

AFRICA

Obama: 80 US troops in Chad seeking abducted girls.

Libyan capital rocked by gunfire, explosions; two killed. Top Libyan commander joins rebel forces. Libyan interior minister denies joining forces with renegade general.

Deadly attack follows Nigeria twin blasts.

Boko Haram's car bombs signal new escalation of terror in Nigeria.

Mali: Tuareg rebels 'defeat government army in Kidal'. Mali army, rebels clash in flashpoint northern town. Mali army launches offensive against separatist northern town.

Army deployed as riots mar Malawi election.

South Sudan donors pledge $600m to avert famine as clashes continue.

Egyptian court sentences ousted leader Mubarak to three years jail. Mubarak convicted of embezzlement.

EUROPE

Pentagon deploys another warship to Black Sea.

Russia says troops pulling back from Ukraine border. Russia withdraws troops from Ukraine border to create ‘benign conditions’ ahead of elections.

In Ukraine, chaos meets self-declared independence.

U.S. VP Biden visits divided Cyprus, urges a peace deal.

Bosnia and Serbia floods: EU promises fast delivery of aid.

Prince Charles compares Putin's actions in Ukraine to 'things Hitler was doing'.

Rail fail: French company orders $20bn worth of trains too wide for platforms.

Spokesman denies German leader bidding to head UN.

Swiss court: Nazi salute 'not always punishable'.

AMERICAS

Obama vows action on any VA 'misconduct'.

Venezuela's efforts to resolve crisis 'total failure': Kerry.

US: Up to Chinese how cyber espionage charges impact relations.

Cuba blocks Yoani Sanchez's dissident newspaper. Cuban blogger's news site hacked after going live.

Brazil bus strike sparks Sao Paulo chaos.

Brazilian police go on strike ahead of football World Cup.

Venezuela suspends international mail deliveries in currency row.

U.S. poll: 47% of unemployed have 'completely given up' looking for a job.

Fidel Castro lived like a king in Cuba, book claims.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US forced to acknowledge secret tapes of Guantánamo force-feedings.

Al Qaeda’s American fighters are coming home—and U.S. intelligence can’t find them.

Obama backs off on release of drone memo.

State of Jihad: The reality of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Analysis).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed begins policy exit talks, split on view of U.S. job market.

Russia and China seal historic $400bn gas deal.

eBay tells users to change passwords. EBay asks 145 million users to change passwords after cyber attack.

General Motors recalls more cars over fire safety fears.

Gold bar and coin demand slumps to 4-year low.

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