Monday, June 30, 2014

World News Briefs -- June 30, 2014


ISIS Declares 'Caliphate' Stretching Across Iraq And Syria -- CNN

Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- Emboldened by a weakened Iraqi government that is struggling to stop their murderous advance, the extremists of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria declared over the weekend that they have set up a caliphate spanning large areas of the two countries.

In a newly released audio message and written statement, purportedly from the official spokesman of ISIS, the group called on Muslims to swear allegiance to the caliphate, which means Islamic state.

The group said in the message Sunday, which CNN couldn't independently confirm, that its flag now flies from Aleppo province in northwestern Syria to Diyala province in eastern Iraq. It announced that it was changing its name to just the "Islamic State."

The ISIS statement was just one of the many developments in the fast-moving situation in Iraq over the weekend.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Isis rebels declare 'Islamic state' in Iraq and Syria.

Iraq strikes back with helicopter gunship attack on ISIS positions in Tikrit as Prime Minister Maliki says hundreds of soldiers have died in uprising.

Hanging onto oil-rich Kirkuk may prove a challenge for Iraq’s Kurds.

Syria activists: 7,000 killed in rebel infighting.

Israel launches airstrikes on a dozen Hamas sites in Gaza after factory is destroyed by Palestinian bombs.

6 Palestinians arrested in Israeli search for abducted teens.

Increasing drug use strains Yemen’s services.

ASIA

Pakistan troops launch ground offensive against Taliban. Pakistan launches ground war in Waziristan.

Dozens killed as Taliban makes major bid for former Afghan stronghold of Helmand.

Karzai: 'Foreigners' behind Taliban offensive.

North Korea fires missiles ahead of Xi's Seoul visit.

N. Korea preparing to indict 2 American tourists.

N.Korea proposes suspension of military hostilities.

Thousands denounce Japanese PM Abe's security shift.

Top China military official Gen Xu Caihou accused.

Hong Kong prepares for mass protest against Beijing control.

Indonesia surpasses Brazil in deforestation rate.

AFRICA

Suspected Islamist militants kill 24 in NE Nigeria. Dozens feared killed as Islamist militants attack several churches in Nigeria.

Market blast kills two in Somali capital.

50 rebels killed in Sudan’s Kordofan.

African economies expected to continue to grow.

WHO warns West Africa countries of Ebola spread.

Cairo hit by bombings on first anniversary of anti-Morsi protests.

Psych evaluation: Oscar Pistorius not mentally incapacitated during shooting.

EUROPE

Ukraine's president faces decision on cease-fire.

Ukraine crisis: Leaders to hold more talks amid clashes.

Cameraman for Russia's top broadcaster killed in E. Ukraine. 5 Ukraine soldiers are killed as rebels defy extended cease-fire.

Russia: US pushing for Ukraine confrontation.

European Commission steps in to help Bulgarian banks.

Juncker is new EU leader despite British wishes. Cameron comes under attack after defeat in EU row.

Thirty dead bodies found on Italy-bound migrant boat. Italian navy picks up thousands of migrants.

Pope says communists are closet Christians.

AMERICAS

Obama connects ISIL, terror threats at home.

Pelosi: Border breach is ‘opportunity’ to serve ‘God’s children’.

Poverty, violence drive Central American exodus to U.S..

U.S. Supreme Court to rule in mandatory union dues case. Court: Public union can't make nonmembers pay fees.

Facing deadline, Argentina slams US court decision on debt payments. Holdout investors says Argentina not at negotiating table.

U.S. soldier suspected of murder in Panama likely to face military justice.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Airport security to be tightened over intelligence reports that Syrian terrorists are making 'creative' new bombs to target commercial flights.

Controversy swirls over handling of Benghazi suspect Abu Khatallah. Benghazi suspect pleads not guilty.

Obama: US under threat entire term. Obama: Battle-hardened militants pose threat to US.

China jails 113 in Xinjiang for terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World Cup boosting profits for US businesses.

BNP Paribas to be 'punished severely', says boss.

Facebook emotion experiment sparks criticism.

Exclusive: Facebook scores record 1 billion interactions for World Cup.

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