Tuesday, January 6, 2015

World News Briefs -- January 5, 2015



Top Story: Retreat: Oil sinks further below $50 (CNN)

MIDDLE EAST

Iran, top general saved Baghdad from falling to IS: Iraq MP.

Militant clashes in Iraq's Anbar kill 23 troops.

Kobani remains key battleground for ISIL as Kurds push the militants out.

Iraq says rebuilding of army still in early stages.

Yemen's al-Qaida thrives on Sunni backlash to Shiite rebels.

Saudi Arabia pledges stability for nation as oil declines.

Saudi Arabia suicide bombing puts country on alert for jihadi attacks.

Hamas denies reports its leader was expelled from Qatar.

ASIA

Divers join AirAsia wreck hunt, but no sign of black box.

Thousands flee intensifying India-Pakistan clashes.

Pakistan's parliament votes for military courts to try insurgents.

U.S. stands by plan to pull troops from Afghanistan.

S. Korea notes Pyongyang's improved nuclear capability. N.Korea has 'significant' tech to build mini nuclear device: South.

Monitors fear military presence may deter Sri Lankan voters.

Powerful quake jolts Christchurch, but no damage or injuries.

AFRICA

Thousands flee as Boko Haram seizes military base on Nigeria border. Boko Haram overruns Nigerian military base.

UN, Congo prepare offensive against FDLR rebels.

France 'ready' to bomb rebels on Libya border.

Mozambique's opposition Renamo spokesman arrested.

Libya's official government bans Palestinians, Syrians and Sudanese from entry.

U.N. wants fewer but better performing troops in Congo.

Egyptian Christians held in Libya ‘freed’.

EUROPE

At least 12 Ukrainian servicemen killed in road accident.

HRW calls on Germany to pressure Ukraine on civilian casualties.

NATO is setting up an ultra-rapid-reaction force to deter Russia.

Armenia picks Russian economic ties, but tries to keep foot in the West.

Germany Pegida protests: Rallies over 'Islamisation'.

Greek opposition party Syriza’s lead narrows, poll shows.

Eurozone's big economies increasingly drag on the region.

Euro touches a nine-year low against US dollar.

AMERICAS

Colombia's Santos calls on ELN rebels to declare ceasefire.

In fight against drugs, Cuba and U.S. on same team.

Cuban human rights group says short detentions on the rise.

Mexico charges mayor's wife over missing case.

US Coast Guard reports surge of Cuban immigrants.

Manhunt on for 2 suspected of shooting NYPD cops responding to robbery.

Arctic clipper system expected to bring snow, rain and chill to much of US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

West's Islamic State focus neglects human tragedy in Syria, doctors say.

Al-Qaida militants claim responsibility for attack in Mali.

Syria: Isis chief executioner found beheaded with cigarette in his mouth.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil extends crash into New Year as glut fear deepens.

Rolls-Royce breaks sales record again in 2014.

20th Century Fox sets global box-office record.

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