Wednesday, December 31, 2014

World News Briefs -- December 31, 2014



MIDDLE EAST

U.S.-led forces launch 10 air strikes in Syria, Iraq.

Syria Kurds control 70 percent of besieged Kobani: monitor.

Kurds in new Islamic State group offensive in Iraq.

Iraqi forces 'recapture Dhuluiya from Islamic State'.

Shi'ite militias expand influence, redraw map in central Iraq.

Houthis killed in Yemen suicide bombing. At least 23 killed in Yemen suicide bombing: state news agency.

Palestinians join International Criminal Court. Palestinians decide to join ICC.

Netanyahu threatens Israeli response to ICC approach.

Iran says new U.S. sanctions violate spirit of nuclear talks.

Hamas govt employees strike over expected job losses.

Saudi beheads 83 people in 2014, the most in years.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia hospitalised.

ASIA

AirAsia QZ8501: First bodies returned to airport. Weather hinders effort to recover AirAsia bodies. Bodies from crashed AirAsia plane arrive in Indonesian city.

‘Unbelievably’ steep climb recorded before AirAsia crash, report says.

2,000 “separatists” killed in ongoing Pakistan army operations.

India, Pakistan trade fire in Kashmir; 1 dead.

South Korean to drop Sony film into North by balloon.

Retired Afghan leader meets, advises successor 'almost daily'.

Myanmar enters election year with powerful military largely unchanged.

Mudslides, flash floods kill at least 53 in Philippines.

No New Year’s fun: Indonesian city bans celebrations under Sharia law.

AFRICA

Yayha Jammeh: Gambia president 'home after coup plot'.

Many killed in Burundi-DRC border clashes.

U.S. envoy urges U.N., Congolese military action against Rwandan rebels.

Libya containing Es Sider oil fire but export resumption in question.

Djibouti government reaches deal to bring opposition into parliament.

New Tunisia president pledges reconciliation.

Spain: 800 migrants storm North African border fence.

Ebola-hit Liberia lifts night curfew for New Year.

EUROPE

US, NATO unwilling to raise tensions with Russia: Pentagon.

Russia annual inflation jumps to 11.4% as rouble falls.

Putin calls annexation of Crimea a historic landmark.

Putin sends New Year greetings to Obama, recalls responsibility of Russia, US.

Pussy Riot activist arrested after pro-Alexei Navalny protests in Moscow.

Cargo ship carrying '700 migrants' docks in Italy. Almost 1,000 migrants arrive in Italy on packed cargo ship.

Italy: 98 still unaccounted for from fire-ravaged ferry.

Cyprus says Turkey must stop 'bullying' over gas.

Greece formally dissolves parliament ahead of election. Greece: Election campaign starts with clash over debt.

AMERICAS

US police shooting deaths up 56 per cent this year.

US warns of threats to media from Sony hackers.

US unemployment claims rise.

Venezuela recession confirmed as Maduro attacks US 'oil war'.

U.S. condemns Cuba's 'practice of repressing' after activists detained.

Severe flu cases on the rise in U.S..

Canada Edmonton: Eight killed in 'senseless mass murder'. Suspected killer of eight in Canada had criminal past -police.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US strike in Somalia 'killed al-Shabab intelligence chief'. U.S. confirms drone strike killed al Shabaab leader in Somalia.

Five Guantanamo Bay inmates 'resettled' in Kazakhstan.

UAV strikes to continue in Afghanistan despite mission end: Former official.

Al-Qaeda’s glossy media and how they help expand ‘Media Jihad’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil industry set for year of mergers and takeovers, says PwC.

Oil slides, Brent slated for biggest annual drop since 2008.

Bull market for stocks keeps on going in 2014.

Billionaires chasing Warhols fuel $16 billion art sales.

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