Tuesday, January 31, 2012

World News Briefs -- January 31, 2012 (Evening Edition)

(Left-right) FBI Director Robert Mueller, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and CIA Director David Petraeus appear before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Capitol Hill yesterday. The committee met to hear testimony on the topic of “World Wide Threats.” AFP

Iranian Attack On America And Allies Increasingly Likely – Intelligence Chief -- The Guardian

Washington openly blames Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei for first time over Saudi ambassador plot.

The head of US intelligence has warned that there is an increasing likelihood that Iran could carry out attacks in America or against US and allied targets around the world.

The warning from the director of national intelligence, James Clapper, reflects rapidly rising tensions over Iran's nuclear programme after the US and EU announced embargoes on the Iranian oil trade in the past few weeks, Israel leaked details of its preparation for a possible conflict and both the west and Iran boosted their military readiness in the Gulf.

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MIDDLE EAST

UN resolution could spur Syria civil war, Russia warns. Russia says West's UN effort over Syria 'path to civil war'. Arab League head to address U.N. on Syria.

Gulf Arabs have plans against Hormuz closure: official.

Mossad chief in Washington for Iran talks: media.

UN leader presses Mideast rivals back to talks.

Hamas leader embarks on visit to Iran, Gulf states.

Israel says it will deport South Sudanese.

ASIA

Pakistan: more than 60 killed in fighting between military and Taliban.

Parties campaign in Pakistan's tribal areas despite fears of Taliban.

Afghan officials consider own talks with Taliban.

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,766.

China boosts security in Tibet following protests.

Khmer Rouge court unable to pay Cambodian salaries.

Senior US diplomat for Asia says military deterrence will back up diplomacy with NKorea.

AFRICA

African Union summit, food crisis in the Sahel and global hunger figures.

Tuareg rebels attack 6th town in Mali.

Chinese workers seized in Egypt's Sinai peninsula.

Anti-government protests in Senegal continue this week, are peaceful a day after deaths. More election protests expected in Senegal. 2 shot dead in Senegal election protest.

US weighs response as extremist group expands reach across Nigeria.

Chinese workers held by Sudan rebels.

In South Sudan, a wave of tribal killings tests fragile independence.

EUROPE

Spanish judge defends investigation into civil war-era crimes.

French lawmakers seek rejection of genocide law.

Britain to shiver in temperatures 'colder than the South Pole' as health chiefs say more than 1,500 people a week could die in the big freeze. Dozens freeze to death as 'extreme cold' grips Europe. Siberian cold front sweeps across Europe, bringing record low temperatures (Photo Gallery).

Cameron and Sarkozy war of words over financial transaction tax.

Search for Costa Concordia missing called off.

Hungary grows weary of European Union.

Eurozone unemployment hits new record.

AMERICAS

U.S. Congressional Budget Office reports another $1 trillion deficit.

Mexican ambassador briefly held hostage in Venezuela.

U.S. home values continue to decline.

62 below: Deep freeze grips much of Alaska.

Police catch suspect in 75 drug cartel killings.

The Falkland Islands await the Duke of Cambridge as British commander says they are safe from Argentina.

Brazil's Rousseff visits communist Cuba.

Bolivia march revives Tipnis Amazon road dispute.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US senators agree new sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Witnesses: Drone attack kills 11 in Yemen. At least 12 militants killed in Yemen air strike.

Pakistan concedes advantages to US drone strikes.

Libyan militia leader sues former UK spy chief.

Strategic retreat (commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Investors face more than 70 pct loss in Greek deal.

European Commission turns antitrust lens on Samsung.

A new page opens for Facebook. Facebook’s IPO: Putting it in context.

China loses WTO appeal over raw materials exports.

Exxon profits beat street, as $100 oil cures many ills.

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