Morning Brief: Syria-related violence spills into Lebanon

Posted By Joshua Keating Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - 8:35 AM

Top news: Sectarian violence sparked by the conflict in neighboring Syria has erupted in the Lebanese city of Tripoli, with at least eight killed and 75 wounded in clashes between Sunnis and Alawites. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on both sides to end the "absurd battle." Despite the government's efforts to disassociate Lebanon from the conflict in Syria, recent days have seen dozens of kidnappings by Shiite tribes in the country in retaliation for kidnappings by the mostly Sunni rebels in Syria.

A former Lebanese government minister allied with Bashar al-Assad's Syrian government was recently arrested on charges of planning bombings and assassinations, further raising fears that Assad's government is trying exploit Lebanon's ethnic rifts to internationalize the conflict.

Meanwhile, Assad's forces continued to shell Southern Damascus and attack it from helicopters today in what opposition groups call the heaviest bombardment this month.

Zenawi: Ethiopia's acting prime minister will remain in power until 2015 following the death of Meles Zenawi. The government has pledged to continue Zenawi's harsh policies against Islamist militants. Meles's body is currently lying in state.

Asia

Analysts say North Korea has been making significant progress on a new nuclear reactor.
Afghanistan's government says it is launching a new effort to monitor its own security forces in the wake of several "insider" attacks.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with anti-nuclear activists and may be moving toward a decision to eliminate nuclear power in the country.

Middle East

Israel has asked Egypt to remove its tanks from Sinai.
Iran has unveiled several new defense projects.
Syrian rebels say aid from the United States has been slow to arrive.

Africa

48 people were killed in ethnic clashes in Southern Kenya.
Three European hostages captured in Mali urged their governments to negotiate for their release in a video.
A farmhand was jailed for life for the killing of a prominent South African white supremacist.

Americas

Ecuador says it is prepared to negotiate with Britain over the fate of Julian Assange.
Cuba has sentenced 12 public officials to jail time on corruption charges.
Experts say Mexico's largest crime group, Los Zetas, is splitting in two.

Europe

Floods have killed four and forced 1,500 to evacuate in Southern Russia.
Greece's prime minister has asked for more time to make spending cuts ahead of bailout talks.
A Romanian court ruled that an impeachment bid against President Traian Basescu is invalid.

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Morning Brief: Obama: Chemical weapons in Syria would "change my calculus"

Posted By Ty McCormick Tuesday, August 21, 2012 - 8:38 AM

Top news: President Barack Obama warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that the use or preparation for use of chemical or biological weapons could provoke U.S. intervention in the ongoing conflict there. Until now, Obama has rebuffed calls to intervene militarily in Syria, but the introduction of unconventional weapons "would change my calculus," the president said.

Syria is believed to have the largest chemical weapons stockpile in the Middle East and the fourth largest in the world. To date, there is no evidence that such weapons have been used in the conflict, but there were unconfirmed reports that Assad's forces had moved some of the stockpiles recently.

Meanwhile, former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi is set to replace Kofi Annan as the UN's special envoy to Syria. He has yet to specify whether or not Assad should step down.

Ethiopia: Longtime Prime Minister Meles Zenawi died in the hospital of an infection on Monday. He was a strong ally of the U.S. in the war on terror, but his iron-fisted policies at home made him a controversial figure.

Middle East

Seven Israeli youths were arrested in connection with an assault on Palestinians in Jerusalem.
A bombing near the Turkish border with Syria was blamed on Kurdish separatists.
The Vatican said that Pope Benedict will visit Lebanon next month as planned.

Asia

A Christian girl, possibly as young as 11-years-old, was arrested on blasphemy charges in Pakistan.
U.S. President Barack Obama expressed concern over so-called "green-on-blue" attacks that have left 10 American troops dead in recent weeks.
A rocket struck the plane Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was travelling on in Afghanistan, but the U.S.'s top military officer was not onboard.

Africa

Mali formed a new unity government even as the northern half of the country remains in militant Islamist hands.
Somalia swore in 215 out of 275 members of its new parliament, but failed to vote in a president.
A cholera outbreak in West Africa has killed at least 258 people in Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Europe

Russian authorities are searching for additional members of the punk band Pussy Riot, members of which were recently sentenced to two years in prison.
A Romanian court is expected to rule on an impeachment referendum on Tuesday, possibly returning suspended President Traian Basescu to office.
Ukraine postponed the extradition to Russia of Adam Osmayev, a Chechen man accused of plotting to assassinate Vladimir Putin.

Americas

Mauricio Santoyo, a retired Colombian police general, pleaded guilty to supporting a right-wing paramilitary group.
Twenty-five people were killed in a prison riot in the coastal Venezuelan state of Miranda.
Hundreds rallied in Ecuador in support of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

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Morning Brief: China's Gu Kailai receives suspended death sentence

Posted By Uri Friedman Monday, August 20, 2012 - 8:34 AM

Top news: A Chinese court in the eastern city of Hefei has sentenced Gu Kailai, the wife of disgraced Chinese politician Bo Xilai, to death for the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood but suspended her execution. Experts say the verdict likely means that Gu, who has not contested the charges against her, will face life in prison, though the sentence could be reduced further to reward good behavior.

"I feel the verdict is just and fully reflects the court's special respect for the law, its special respect for reality, and, in particular, its special respect for life," Gui said in footage aired on state television.

The court also sentenced Gu's assistant, Zhang Xiaojun, to nine years in jail for his role in the poisoning of Heywood. Bo Xilai, meanwhile, has not been seen in public since March.

Syria: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made a rare public appearance at a mosque in Damascus on Sunday during the Eid al-Fitr holiday following Ramadan. On Monday, U.N. observers pulled out of Syria after a failed four-month mission as fighting raged in Aleppo, Daraa, and a suburb of Damascus.

Asia

Japanese activists swam to a disputed island as protests erupted across China over Japan's treatment of Chinese activists who had performed a similar act.

Myanmar's Information Ministry announced the end of direct media censorship in the country.

New Zealand's prime minister suggested that his government might withdraw troops from Afghanistan earlier than expected as U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey travels to Kabul for talks.

Middle East

Libyan authorities arrested 32 alleged supporters of former leader Muammar al-Qaddafi over a series of bombings in Tripoli that killed two people.

The Sunni cleric Sheik Mahdi al-Sumaidaie was injured in a deadly bombing in Baghdad.

A gunman killed nine people outside a mosque in southern Yemen a day after an attack on an intelligence headquarters in the southern city of Aden.

Europe

In a speech from a balcony of Ecuador's embassy in London, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange demanded that the United States end its "witch hunt" against his organization.

A suicide bomber killed seven police officers in the Russian republic of Ingushetia.

Prince Philip was released from the hospital after receiving treatment for a bladder infection.

Africa

An airplane crash in Sudan killed 32 people, including a Sudanese cabinet minister.

Some workers have returned to a South African platinum mine after clashes between miners and police left dozens of people dead.

Somalia will swear in its first formal parliament in more than two decades.

Americas

South American foreign ministers expressed support for Ecuador over the "threat" posed to its London embassy, which is housing Julian Assange.

Authorities in Mexico City replaced all the police officers at the capital's international airport after a deadly shooting.

Colombian officials blamed the destruction of an oil pipeline on FARC rebels.

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Morning Brief: Police kill 34 at South African mine strike

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, August 17, 2012 - 8:37 AM

Top news: In one of the bloodiest police operations since the end of apartheid, heavily armed South African police officers shot and killed 34 miners at a wildcat strike about 62 miles north of Johannesburg. At least 78 people were killed in the confrontation, which was sparked after nearly 3,000 workers -- some armed with clubs and machetes -- walked off the job at a platinum mine owned by Britain's Lonmin to demand an increase in pay.

South African President Jacob Zuma has cut short a trip to a regional summit in Mozambique to rush to the site of the incident. South Africa's police chief defended the officers response, much of which was caught on video, saying they only fired after they were charged by machete wielding protesters.

Tension has been growing for some time between the country's largest mining union -- the National Union of Mineworkers -- which is closely allied with the ruling African National Congress and seen by many workers as too cozy with business, and the more radical splinter union, the Association of Mine Workers and Construction Union.

Before Thursday, 10 people, including two police officers, had already been killed in violence associated with the strike, which began on Aug. 10.

Russia: Three members of the band Pussy Riot were found guilty of hooliganism for their "punk prayer" at a Moscow cathedral. They will be sentenced later today and face a maximum seven years in prison.

Europe

Britian will not offer safe passage out of the country to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who has been granted asylum in Ecuador.
Norway's police chief is stepping down over criticism of the handling of last year's summer camp massacre.
Moscow's top court has banned gay pride marches in the city for the next hundred years.

Middle East

Syrian opposition activists say at least 60 bodies have been found in a Damascus suburb.
Dozens were killed by bombings in northern Iraq and Baghdad.
The U.S. is increasing its reliance on Saudi oil.

Asia

The uncle of Kim Jong Un met with Chinese leaders in Beijing.
Pakistani Taliban militants killed 22 Shiite pilgrims.
An Afghan police officer killed two U.S. troops.

Americas

Five Peruvian army officers were killed by Shining Path rebels.
Danilo Medina was sworn in as the new president of the Dominican Republic.
Three dissidents were arrested in Havana for handing out leaflets.

Africa

Gunmen attacked an opposition TV station after a rally in Gabon.
More than 100 inmates were freed after an attack on a prison in Ivory Coast.
The head of the Ethiopian Orthodox church has died.

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Morning Brief: Syrian violence spills over into Lebanon

Posted By Ty McCormick Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 8:48 AM

Top news: The violence in Syria spilled over into neighboring Lebanon on Wednesday as Lebanese Shi'ites kidnapped more than 30 people in an area of Beirut controlled by Hezbollah. The abductions were aimed at securing the release of a family member who was detained by the Free Syrian Army in Damascus. Among the hostages, though, are Turkish and Saudi Arabian nationals, sparking fears that foreigners from countries backing the Syrian rebels could be at risk in Lebanon.

In response, the governments of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait all advised their citizens to leave Lebanon. Air France also diverted a flight from Paris because protesters were blocking the road to the airport in Beirut.

Tensions mounted further when Lebanese television reported that shelling and airstrikes by Syrian forces north of Aleppo had killed some of the 11 Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped by rebels earlier this year. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have increasinly deployed airpower against rebel forces as they attempt to take back Aleppo, the country's financial hub.

Israel: Michael Oren, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, said that the Jewish state would be willing to launch airstrikes against Iran even if the attack would only temporarily delay its ability to produce nuclear weapons. "Diplomacy hasn't succeeded," Oren said on Wednesday. "We've come to a very critical juncture where important decisions have to be made."

Middle East

A UN report said that both the Syrian government and rebel forces have committed war crimes.
U.S. authorities said they had intelligence suggesting the Iranians detained by Syrian rebels are members of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Authorities detained a prominent South Yemen secessionist leader when he flew into the southern city of Aden.

Asia

Gunmen attacked a Pakistani air base in Kamra, sparking a firefight that left two soldiers and six militants dead.
Japanese officials will deport the 14 pro-China activists who were arrested on disputed islands, easing tensions between the two countries.
More than 250 Hindus have fled Pakistan in the last two weeks because of religious persecution.

Africa

A festival was cancelled in northern Nigeria, possibly because of security concerns related to Boko Haram.
South African President Jacob Zuma called for Zimbabwe to speed up political reforms.
Roughly 60 people died in a mining accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Europe

The UK threatened to arrest Wikileaks founder Julian Assange while he takes refuge in Ecuador's embassy.
Prince Philip, the 91-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, is in the hospital because of a bladder infection.
A study linked the economic downturn to 1,000 suicides in Britain.

Americas

Brazil announced a major economic stimulus package.
Suspected members of a criminal cell admitted to killing five journalists in Mexico.
Squatters, some raising livestock, have begun to encroach on Peru's historical Nazca lines.

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Morning Brief: Explosion rocks central Damascus

Posted By Uri Friedman Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 8:50 AM

Top news: A bomb exploded near military buildings and a hotel used by U.N. observers in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Wednesday, reportedly wounding three people but not harming any U.N. staff. According to AFP, the rebel Free Syrian Army may have been targeting a military meeting. The violence comes as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation prepares to suspend Syria over the bloodshed in the country.

In Damascus, Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told reporters that the bombing demonstrated the "criminal and barbaric nature of those who carry out these attacks -- and their backers in Syria and abroad."

On Tuesday, the United States suggested that the Syrian government has its own foreign backer: Iran. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta cited evidence that Iran's Revolutionary Guards are "trying to train a militia within Syria to be able to fight on behalf of the regime."

Afghanistan: A series of bombings and shootings across Afghanistan on Tuesday killed more than 40 Afghans in the deadliest day for civilians in the country this year. The attacks came ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Asia

Australia's lower house of parliament passed legislation that would reopen offshore detention centers for asylum seekers.

Japanese police arrested five Chinese activists who landed on disputed islands as China vowed to lodge a complaint.

The Australian High Court ruled against the extradition of suspected Nazi war criminal Charles Zentai to Hungary.

Europe

The British bank Standard Chartered reached a settlement with New York's top banking regulator over charges that it laundered $250 billion for Iran.

French President Francois Hollande dispatched police reinforcements to Amiens after two nights of unrest in the northern city.

Olympics-related hiring may have contributed to the unemployment rate in the United Kingdom falling to 8 percent.

Americas

Brazil will announce a new stimulus plan to address sluggish growth.

Ecuador denied a report that it had granted amnesty to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Former Argentine President Fernando de la Rua appeared in court at the start of his corruption trial.

Middle East

An Egyptian court sentenced 14 militants to death for attacks in the Sinai Peninsula last year.

Republican Guard soldiers in Yemen launched a deadly attack on the Defense Ministry in the capital.

The Iranian government announced that it will accept foreign aid after deadly earthquakes in the country.

Africa

Flooding in Nigeria's Plateau state has killed at least 33 people.

The Malian military declared that West African troops would be welcome in the north of the country but not in the capital.

De Beers moved its diamond sorting operations from London to Gaborone in Botswana.

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Morning Brief: Former Syrian PM speaks out as rebels make gains

Posted By Ty McCormick Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 8:49 AM

Top news: Rebels claim to have shot down a MiG-23 jet in eastern Syria and captured the pilot, loyal to embattled President Bashar al-Assad. The jet, which was flying low for a bombing run, was apparently brought down with heavy machine gun fire. The Syrian government disputes the claim, saying the jet crashed as a result of "technical failures."

Meanwhile, former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Farid Hijab made his first public statements since defecting to Jordan last week. "Based on my experience and my position, the regime is falling apart morally, materially, economically," he said, adding that it did not control more than 30 percent of the country's territory. He further stressed that the opposition must unite in order to topple Assad.

On Monday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) agreed to suspend Syria, further isolating Assad.

United States: Three people, including the gunman, were killed in a shooting at Texas A&M University.

Middle East

Tunisians protested constitutional changes that would negatively impact women's rights.
The Palestinian Liberation Organization called on two-dozen countries to support the Palestinian Authority's bid for observer-status at the United Nations.
The Pentagon said it was unsurprised by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy's decision to send top generals into retirement over the weekend.

Africa

Clashes at a South African mine left nine people dead.
Two Ugandan helicopters sent to reinforce the African Union force in Somalia have gone missing.
Guinea's president sacked two high-ranking officials following a round of deadly protests.

Asia

A member of the Thai parliament accidentally shot and killed his secretary.
China and North Korea discussed joint industrial projects.
At least 20 militants and five soldiers were killed in a clash between militants and the Pakistani military.

Europe

An independent report concluded that Norway police took an "unacceptable" amount of time to respond to the Anders Behring Breivik shooting on July 22, 2011.
Russia criticized new sanctions on Iran, saying they could harm relations with the U.S. if Russian firms are affected.
The eurozone economy shrank by 0.2 percent last quarter.

Americas

The Olympic flag arrived in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
Mexican authorities have arrested Juan Carlos Hernandez Pulido in connection with the killing of a journalist in May.
By the end of the week, Ecuador is expected to say whether or not it will grant political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

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Morning Brief: Egyptian president reshuffles military leadership

Posted By Uri Friedman Monday, August 13, 2012 - 8:35 AM

Top news: On Sunday, just six weeks after assuming office, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy announced the retirement of his defense minister, the army chief of staff, and other top generals, in what has widely been interpreted as a bold effort to consolidate power and prevent the military from threatening civilian rule. Morsy has already sworn in a replacement for the country's powerful defense minister, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, while also appointing a new vice president and annulling a constitutional decree by the military that had limited the president's powers.

So far, the military has not challenged Morsy's moves. One military official, General Mohamed el-Assar, told Reuters that Morsy acted in "consultation" with Tantawi and the country's military council. In a speech on Sunday, Morsy insisted that he was not trying to "target certain persons" or "embarrass institutions."

The developments come after militants killed 16 Egyptian border guards last week in the Sinai Peninsula, in a blow to Egypt's armed forces that prompted a military crackdown in the area. On Monday, gunmen killed a tribal leader and his son near the border with Israel.

Syria: The Syrian military continued an aerial assault on rebels in Aleppo as the government reported bombings in Damascus and Turkey and the United States discussed the possibility of establishing a no-fly zone in the country.

Middle East

Israel's deputy foreign minister called for an international declaration that diplomatic efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program had failed.

A pair of earthquakes in Iran killed at least 300 people.

A U.S. Navy ship collided with an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

Asia

Indian police detained yoga guru Baba Ramdev as he led an anti-corruption march.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard expressed support for the deportation of asylum seekers to Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

Afghan officials reportedly held secret talks with imprisoned Taliban military chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.

Europe

Nearly 1,000 people were evacuated from La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands because of a forest fire.

The London 2012 Olympic Games concluded with a music-filled closing ceremony and a handoff to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city.

The Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI's former butler will stand trial over media leaks.

Africa

Three Ugandan military helicopters experienced problems en route to Somalia to battle al-Shabab militants.

The Nigerian military says it killed 20 suspected members of the militant group Boko Haram in a gun battle.

Gunmen killed an international peacekeeper in a refugee camp in Sudan's Darfur region.

Americas

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney selected Representative Paul Ryan as his running mate.

Gunmen fatally shot the mayor-elect of the Mexican city of Matehuala.

U.S.-based Motorola Mobility announced that it will cut 4,000 jobs worldwide.

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Morning Brief: Iran convenes a meeting on Syria as fighting continues in Aleppo

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, August 10, 2012 - 8:40 AM

Top news: Government forces resumed their assault on Aleppo, with competing reports of progress from both sides. Some 6,000 Syrians fled to Turkey in the past week, bringing the total number of refugees there to more than 50,000.

The British government announced that it was committing an additional $7.8 million to the rebels. The aid will include radio and satellite equipment but not weapons.

Iran convened an emergency meeting on Syria with more than 30 countries, including China and Russia. The country has been shut out of other diplomatic meeting on the conflict.

Food: Global food prices jumped 6 percent last month, driven up by the U.S. drought.

Asia

A gunman dressed as an Afghan police officer killed three U.S. soldiers in Southern Afghanistan.
Japan withdrew its ambassador from South Korea after President Lee Myung-bak visited a set of disputed islands.
Four Chongqing policemen are on trial for covering up the alleged murder of British businessman Neil Heywood by Gu Kailai's, the wife of the region's former governor.

Middle East

The Egyptian military claims to have captured six "terrorists" in Sinai.
A senior Yemeni security official was killed by a car bomb.
Libya's national assembly picked a former opposition leader as its president.

Africa

Islamists in Northern Mali publicly amputated a man's hand for robbery.
Visiting Nigeria, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered assistance in fighting Boko Haram.
Thousands attended a state funeral for Ghanaian President John Atta Mills.

Americas

President Hugo Chavez announced that a man had been detained for plotting to destabilize Venezuela.
Colombia arrested a major gang leader wanted in the United States.
Four members of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel were arrested in Spain.

Europe

Police in France broke up two Roma camps.
Austria's former interior minister, now an MEP, has been charged with corruption.
U.S. and British authorities are at odds over the investigation of Libor.

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Morning Brief: Trial of Gu Kailai, wife of Chinese official, ends swiftly

Posted By Ty McCormick Thursday, August 9, 2012 - 9:00 AM

Top news: The murder trial of Gu Kailai, wife of deposed Chinese Communist Party official Bo Xilai, came to a swift conclusion on Wednesday when Gu declined to contest charges that she had poisoned Neil Heywood, a British national who had been in a financial dispute with the family.

An official statement read to journalists after the trial placed most of the blame on Gu, saying she gave Heywood a fatal dose of poison in a hotel room in Chongqing, but added that Heywood "should bear some responsibility" for having threatened Gu's son.

Gu's husband Bo, who was discharged from the party and stripped of government positions because of "discipline violations," has not yet been formally charged. Known for his heavy-handed populism, Bo was a deeply divisive figure within the party and there is speculation that he may face criminal charges so as to preclude a political comeback.

An official verdict from the Gu trial has yet to be issued.

Syria: A showdown between rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in Aleppo entered its second day, with both sides claiming to have made gains.

Middle East

Libya's National Transitional Council handed over power to a newly elected national assembly.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy fired top intelligence officials over the Sinai attack that left 16 soldiers dead.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy met with Iranian Vice President Hamid Baghaei on Wednesday.

Asia

The Pakistani Supreme Court issued a contempt-of-court notice against the new prime minister.
In the Philippines, heavy rainfall prompted a new danger alert as roughly 60 percent of Manila remains submerged in water.
Inflation in China dipped to a 30-month low.

Africa

African leaders failed to agree on the composition of a proposed force to tackle the insurgency in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for sanctions against Islamist rebels in northern Mali.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday and is expected to discuss the growing threat posed by Boko Haram.

Europe

The British central bank lowered its growth forecast on Wednesday, projecting an overall growth rate for the year of 0.8 percent.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he was "deeply worried" that Britain might leave the European Union.
Russia will attend talks Thursday in Tehran about the Syrian crisis.

Americas

Brazil approved an affirmative action law that reserves half the seats in federal universities for students who attended state school.
Colombian police arrested Erikson Vargas, one of the country's most notorious drug lords.
Workers at Colombia's main coal railway continue to strike, shutting off more than half of coal exports.

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Morning Brief: Egypt launches airstrikes in Sinai

Posted By Joshua Keating Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - 8:21 AM

Top news: Egyptian helicopters have reportedly launched airstrikes on militant targets in the Sinai Peninsula following an attack on Sunday that killed 16 soldiers. It is the first time Egypt has fired missiles in the area since the 1973 war with Israel. Gunmen also fired on seven government checkpoints on Tuesday night.

Security officials blame the attack on local militants who may have been joined by Palestinians who entered Egypt through the smuggling tunnels on the Gaza border. On Tuesday Israel handed Egypt six badly burned bodies it said were militants involved in the attacks. Egypt is reportedly taking steps to seal off the tunnels following the attacks.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi abruptly canceled plans to attend a funeral service for the slain soldiers on Tuesday after anti-Muslim Brotherhood protesters had chased his prime minister from an earlier prayer service. The protesters blame Egypt's Islamist ruling party for the attacks.

Legal: The military contactor formerly known as Blackwater has been ordered to pay a $7.5 million fine to settle charges of arms sales violations.

Asia

At least one third of Manila has been submerged by flooding.
Three NATO troops and an Afghan civilian were killed by a suicide bombing in Kunar province.
India named former IMF Chief Economist Raghuram Rajan as a senior advisor to the government.

Middle East

Syrian rebels have pulled back from parts of Aleppo as government troops launched a ground assault.
Iran says the group of 48 Iranians captured by rebels in Syria includes some former Revolutionary Guards.
Jordan confirmed that it is hosting Syria's defected prime minister.

Africa

Gunmen killed three in an attack on a mosque in northern Nigeria, a day after an attack on a church in the same town.
The foreign minister of Burkina Faso is in Northern Mali to meet with one of the leaders of Islamist militant group Ansar Dine.
Speaking to students, Hillary Clinton urged South Africans to live up to the example of Nelson Mandela.

Europe

The Bank of England has cut its growth forecast to near zero.
Belarus has withdrawn its remaining embassy staff from Sweden over the teddy bear drop incident.
A Russian court reduced the sentence of Mikhail Khodorkovsky's business partner Platon Lebedev.

Americas

Hurricane Ernesto has hit Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.
Brazil has deployed 9,000 troops to its borders for a two-day anti-crime operation.
Argentina is seizing control of the company that prints the country's currency.

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Morning Brief: Assad steps up offensive following high-level defection

Posted By Ty McCormick Tuesday, August 7, 2012 - 9:09 AM

Top news: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has stepped up his bombardment of Aleppo, the country's commercial hub, following the defection of Prime Minister Riyad Hijab on Monday. Tanks have entered the rebel-held neighborhood of Salaheddine, partially encircling rebel fighters who report running low on ammunition. Fighter jets have also reportedly been used against targets in eastern Aleppo.

Meanwhile, Syria's new cabinet met on Monday, headed by caretaker Prime Minister Omar Ghalawanji. A statement by Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi stressed that the government has not been affected by recent defections.

At the same time, Syrians continue to stream across the border into neighboring countries. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, more than 1,300 refugees, including one brigadier-general, fled across the Turkish border last night alone.

United States: Regulators accused Standard Chartered, a major British bank, of helping the Iranian government launder $250 billion.

Middle East

The Afghan parliament voted to remove Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak over his handling of the country's security situation.
Kuwaiti lawmakers once again failed to swear in a new cabinet, making the assembly's dissolution likely.
The Egyptian military pledged to crack down on "infidels," which it blames for the attack that killed 16 soldiers in the Sinai.

Asia

Flooding in the Philippine capital of Manila has left at least eight people dead.
Gu Kailai, wife of ousted Chinese politician Bo Xilai, will be tried this week in Hefei.
Eight civilians were killed in a roadside bombing near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Europe

Greece plans to deport 1,600 illegal immigrants that were rounded up in a recent crackdown.
Members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot could face up to three years in prison.
Italy's financial woes deepened as second quarter figures confirmed a 0.7 percent contraction in gross domestic product.

Americas

In Mexico, a federal judge ordered four high-ranking army officers to stand trial on charges of protecting a drug cartel.
A commuter train derailed in Argentina injuring 31 and adding to the chaos created by four days of labor strikes.
A Guatemalan court ordered suspected drug trafficker Waldemar Lorenzana to be extradited to the United States.

Africa

Oxfam reports that hundreds are being raped or killed in eastern Congo
Sixteen people were killed in a church attack in Nigeria's central Kogi state
Hundreds turned out to protest Islamists' plans to amputate a thief's hand in northern Mali.

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Morning Brief: Syrian prime minister defects

Posted By Joshua Keating Monday, August 6, 2012 - 8:24 AM

Top news: Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab has reportedly defected to the opposition after fleeing with his family to Jordan. Syrian state TV had reported that Hijab was fired but in a statement released by a spokesman in Amman, he announced that he had "joined the ranks of the freedom and dignity revolution." Hijab was appointed in June after parliamentary elections. He will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Omar Ghalawanji who will lead a caretaker government.

The news comes as Syrian forces appear to be preparing a final ground assault on the battered city of Aleppo. In Damascus, a bombing hit the headquarters of Syria's state broadcaster as fighter jets assaulted a rebel stronghold in the city.

A group of Syrian rebels have abducted dozens of Iranian citizens. The Iranian government claims they were pilgrims who were visiting a Shiite shrine near Damascus, but in a video message, a rebel commander described them as militiamen. Iran has appealed to Turkey and Qatar, nations with close ties to the rebels, to help secure their release. Tehran has repeatedly denied allegations that it is providing military assistance to President Bashar al-Assad to crush the rebellion.

Space: NASA's Curiosity rover landed successfully on Mars.

Middle East

Gunmen killed 15 and stole a vehicle in an attack on an Egyptian army base in Sinai.
Dozens were killed in a suicide bombing in southern Yemen on Saturday.
A major Turkish security offensive over the last two weeks may have killed more than 100 Kurdish rebels.

Asia

Afghan President Hamid Karzai approved the impeachment of two senior security officials.
In a potential diplomatic incident, Sri Lanka's navy has detained 37 Chinese fishermen.
Top Chinese leaders have convened a secret meeting to finalize plans for a handover in leadership later this year.

Africa

Gunmen launched a raid on a military camp in the Ivory Coast.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's focus is on HIV/AIDS prevention as she visits Malawi.
A suicide bombing killed six soldiers and two civilians in Northern Nigeria.

Americas

Seven people were killed in a shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin.
Jamaica marks the 50th anniversary of its independence as the country celebrates Usain Bolt's latest gold medal.
Peruvian police destroyed more than 50 tons of marijuana.

Europe

Greek police rounded up nearly 5,000 people in an operation targeting illegal immigrants.
British Prime Minister David Cameron's government will face a test with voters after a prominent conservative legislator quit parliament.
S&P has affirmed the downgrade of 15 major Italian banks and cut the ratings of 15 more.

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Morning Brief: Syria rift grows at the U.N. as Annan steps aside

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, August 3, 2012 - 8:09 AM

Top News: Kofi Annan stepped down yesterday as the U.N. Special Envoy to Syria. The former secretary general and Nobel Peace Prize winner was first appointed in February. “Without serious, purposeful and united international pressure, including from the powers of the region, it is impossible for me, or anyone, to compel the Syrian government in the first place, and also the opposition, to take the steps necessary to begin a political process,” he said.

Shelling continues in Aleppo today ahead of a U.N. General Assembly vote on whether to condemn the Security Council for inaction on Syria. Violence has also been reported in Damascus and Hama. The resolution, drafted by Saudi Arabia, would not be legally binding but is meant to further isolate China and Russia, who have blocked more aggressive Security Council action.

Russia is reportedly deploying three warships to the Syrian port of Tartus.

Olympics: Judoka Wojdan Sharkhani made history as the first Saudi woman to compete in the Olympics.

Europe

Spain is submitting budget plans to the European Commission today.
Three men suspected of links to al Qaeda were arrested in Spain.
Stocks fell after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi made remarks disappointing those hoping for immediate action on the eurozone crisis.

Asia

Kim Jong Un announced a new policy guideline for building a "prosperous country."
India is experiencing a crippling summer drought.
Mongolia's former president has been jailed for four years in corruption charges.

Middle East

Turkey's foreign minister angered Baghdad with a surprise visit to Northern Iraq.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy announced his new cabinet, with several officials left over from the Mubarak era.
Twelve people were killed in a series of attacks across Iraq.

Africa

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged reconciliation between the Sudans in her first visit to South Sudan.
Guinea and Sierra Leone have agreed to pull back troops from their disputed border.
The ICC has postponed a hearing for former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo.

Americas

The Colombian government is challenging a court decision ordering it to dismantle a military base on indigenous land.
Honduras has banned the carrying of guns in the violence-racked Colon region.
Argentina is holding public celebrations for the final payment of a bond taken out in the midst of its financial crisis in 2002.

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Morning Brief: Panetta, in Israel, urges patience with Iran sanctions

Posted By Ty McCormick Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 8:41 AM

Top news: U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday, urging the Israelis to give the new sanctions regime time to thwart Iranian nuclear ambitions. Panetta reiterated that military options were on the table as a last resort.

In recent weeks, a number of top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon, have visited Israel amid concerns that Netanyahu's government might launch a unilateral attack on Iran. The visits were also sandwiched around presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's controversial stopover in Israel.

During his visit, Romney talked tough, saying that "any and all measures" should be considered to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Syria: Fighting intensified in the Syrian city of Aleppo as U.N. observers report the use of military jets by the Syrian Army. The rebels also appear to have captured tanks and other heavy weapons.

Middle East

Hamas criticized an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for visiting an "alleged" Holocaust site in Poland.
Egyptian state television released a partial list of names in the new cabinet formed by President Mohamed Morsy.
President Barack Obama authorized the CIA to provide Syrian rebels with "non-lethal" support as they attempt to oust President Bashar al-Assad.

Asia

Electricity was restored in northern India on Wednesday.
Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng met with top U.S. lawmakers and urged the U.S. to uphold its commitment to investigate his case and protect his family.
A series of bombs exploded in the Indian city of Pune, injuring at least one person.

Africa

A government spokesman said that Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is in "good condition and recuperating," allaying fears that the president was critically ill.
Eight people were killed in a protest in the Darfur region of Sudan.
A woman convicted of adultery in Sudan has been sentenced to death by stoning.

Americas

The Venezuelan ambassador's deputy is the prime suspect in last week's embassy killing in Nairobi.
Peruvian police seized $2.3 million in counterfeit U.S. dollars.
The trial of a number of officials connected to former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to begin in Brazil.

Europe

Greece agreed to €11.5 billion in new spending cuts needed to receive the next installment of its EU/IMF bailout.
The European Central Bank held its benchmark interest rate constant at 0.75 percent.
Belarussian President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko fired two generals over the "teddy bear" invasion by a Swedish advertising firm.

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Morning Brief: Power returns to India

Posted By Joshua Keating Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - 8:28 AM

Top news: The lights are back on in India on Wednesday after the largest blackout in history left an area of about 670 million people -- 10 percent of the world's population -- without electricity. The states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Jharkhand -- which include the cities of New Delhi and Kolkata -- lost their power after a series of problems shut down three of the country's power grids.

The federal government initially blamed several northern states for overdrawing their quota of electricity, possibly because drought conditions have reduced the productivity of hydroelectric plants and raised the amount of power farmers need for irrigation. However, state governments say they are supposed to be warned if they are above their quota, which did not happen. Experts also blame inattention to the state of the country's electric grid.

Tuesday's blackout came as India's power minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, was promoted to home minister as part of a planned cabinet reshuffle. His successor, Veerappa Moily, formerly corporate affairs minister, will be left to face the political backlash.

Syria: The U.N. reports an escalation in the country's civil war with the government using warplanes to fire on Aleppo and rebel forces possessing tanks.

Middle East

Twin car bombings killed 19 people in Baghdad.
Human Rights Watch criticized Bahrain for its excessive use of tear gas.
The U.S. has imposed new economic sanctions on Iran.

Asia

The United States and Pakistan signed a pact reopening supply routes into Afghanistan until 2015.
The World Bank is offering grants and debt help to Myanmar for the first time since 1987.
The Philippines summoned Cambodia's ambassador over a dispute in the South China Sea.

Europe

Russian activist blogger Alexei Navalny was charged with embezzlement.
Belarus' president fired his air force and border security chiefs for allowing Swedish activists to drop teddy bears into the country.
Bulgarian police released a composite image of the alleged suicide bomber who killed five Israeli tourists and their Bulgarian driver on July 18.

Americas

Venezuela has officially joined the MERCOSUR trading bloc.
Cuba is holding a Spanish politician in custody over the death of dissident Oswaldo Paya.
Mexican prosecutors charged four high-ranking military officers with ties to drug gangs.

Africa

Somali leaders agreed on a new constitution.
Two suspected Boko Haram militants were killed on the Nigeria-Chad border.
ECOWAS pledged support for Mali's interim president.

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Morning Brief: Syrian rebels make gains in Aleppo, Al-Bab

Posted By Ty McCormick Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - 8:39 AM

Top news: Rebel fighters appear to have made gains in the Syrian city of Aleppo despite heavy shelling by government forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. A notable victory came in the town of Anadan, about six miles north of Aleppo, where rebels captured a Syrian Army outpost and secured a key artery to the Turkish border. In the process, they acquired two Soviet-era T-55 tanks and other munitions, which they put to work shelling a government-controlled air base outside Azaz, some 25 miles farther north.

The gains come as rebels in the country's rural northern provinces report similar progress. With the defeat of government forces in the city of al-Bab, some 20 miles east of Aleppo, rebels now control all territory northeast of the city, all the way to the Turkish border.

Meanwhile, Syria's highest ranking UK diplomat, Khaled al-Ayoubi resigned his post over his government's "violent and oppressive acts."

India: A blackout that began in northern India on Monday has spread to cover more than half the country. More than 600 million people are without power, many for the second day in a row.

Middle East

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta urged Israeli leaders to give sanctions more time to work in Iran.
As Pakistan's spy chief prepares for a U.S. visit, the Haqqani network poses a new threat to U.S.-Pakistan relations.
Turkey sent additional forces to secure the Syrian border.

Asia

U.N. officials will visit North Korea to assess the damage caused by recent flooding.
A Japanese white paper raised concern over the increasingly "complex" relationship between China's People's Liberation Army and the ruling Communist Party.
Australian police seized $500 million worth of drugs in Hong Kong.

Africa

Islamists stoned a couple to death for allegedly having premarital sex in northern Mali.
Uganda denied aiding the M23 rebels fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The U.N. Security Council expressed concern over increased drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau following the April 12 coup d'etat in that country.

Americas

Striking railway workers in Colombia remain at an impasse with their employer, Fenoco.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez travelled to Brazil for a regional trade summit.
Survivors of the car crash that killed Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya said the wreck was an accident.

Europe

U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney met former Polish President Lech Walesa in Poland, the last stop on his foreign policy trip.
President Vladimir Putin pledged that Russia will remain "one of the leading naval powers," as the country began work on a new fleet of nuclear submarines.
U.S. President Barack Obama predicted that the euro zone will remain intact.

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Morning Brief: Thousands flee Aleppo as fighting drags on

Posted By Joshua Keating Monday, July 30, 2012 - 8:26 AM

Top news: Syrian government forces shelled the Salaheddine district of Aleppo and claimed to have retaken the district area from rebel forces, though rebels claim to still be holding out in the neighborhood. The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 18 people were killed in the city on Sunday out of 150 across Syria. According to the U.N., more than 200,000 people have fled the city in two days.

The deputy police chief of Latakia has reportedly defected to Turkey with 11 other officers. France has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, but there's no indication that Russia and China will change their position of opposing further measures against President Bashar al-Assad.

While visiting Iran, Syria's foreign minister blamed Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for the escalation of violence, saying their plots to sow unrest in the country would fail.

The New York Times reports that jihadist groups are playing a much larger role in the Syrian opposition, one reason why U.S. support for the rebels has so far been limited to non-lethal items like communications equipment.

Election: Presidential contender Mitt Romney gave a hawkish speech on Iran during a campaign visit to Israel. Today, he stops in Poland.

Asia

Thousands protested in Hong Kong against the introduction of Chinese national education.
Thousands have been left homeless by floods in North Korea.
An Inspector General's report criticized U.S. construction projects in Afghanistan.

Middle East

Iran says it expects to hold more international talks on its nuclear program.
An Italian embassy officer was kidnapped in Yemen.
A Palestinian man was killed after allegedly attacking a border post near Jerusalem with his car.

Africa

An outbreak of Ebola virus has spread to Uganda's capital, Kampala.
Mali's interim president is seeking talks with Islamist militants in the country's north.
At least 18 people were killed in ethnic clashes in southern Ethiopia.

Europe

Romania's president survived an impeachment referendum.
The highly-anticipated trial of the Russian political punk band Pussy Riot has begun.
Spain and Italy's borrowing costs fell, indicating that investor fears may be easing.

Americas

Six people were arrested in Kenya over the killing of Venezuela's acting ambassador.
Colombia's FARC rebels released two abducted pilots.
The offices of a major Mexican newspaper came under attack for the third time this month.

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Morning Brief: U.S. says massacre may be imminent in Aleppo; Turkey warns Syria over PKK

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, July 27, 2012 - 8:20 AM

Top news: The U.S. says it fears a "massacre" may be imminent in the Syrian city of Aleppo, as reports indicate tank units are heading for the area. The Syrian military is currently bombarding the city with helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and mortars. The assault on Syria's biggest city follows the assassination of two of Bashar al-Assad's top security officials on July 18. 34 people were reportedly killed in the Aleppo area on Thursday.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Thursday that his government would not allow the Kurdish terrorist group PKK to operate in Northern Syria. Kurdish groups affiliated with the PKK, which has fought a decades-long insurgency in Southeastern Turkey, has reportedly established control over several northern Syrian towns as government troops have redeployed to Damascus.

Turkey has largely turned a blind eye to Syrian rebels operating on its territory and according to reports, has set up a secret "nerve center" near the border with help Qatar and Saudi Arabia to direct aid to the anti-Assad forces.

Olympics: The London games officially begin with the opening ceremonies tonight, though events are already underway and one world record has already fallen.

U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney has sparked controversy in London by saying there are "disconcerting" signs about Britain's readiness for the games.

Asia

Afghan President Hamid Karzai released a set of proposals aimed at tackling corruption.
Hong Kong has overtaken Japan in global life expectancy for the first time.
North Korea held a massive "day of victory" rally.

Middle East

Al Qaeda insurgents clashed with security forces in Iraq's Diyala province.
Turkey warned that it would not allow the PKK to operate in Northern Syria.
The Israeli Supreme Court delayed the eviction of the largest illegal settler outpost in the West Bank.

Europe

ECB chief Mario Draghi vowed to do "whatever it takes" to defend the euro.
The Ukrainian parliament is reconvening to consider a contentious bill on making Russia a second national language.
Spanish unemployment has hit its highest rate since the end of the Franco regime.

Africa

A Sudanese runner has asked for asylum in Britain ahead of the Olympic Games.
The Netherlands has suspended budget support to Rwanda over allegations of support for rebels in the DRC.
A South African white supremacist leader was convicted of a plot to kill Nelson Mandela.

Americas

At an impromptu address for Revolution Day, Raul Castro said he would be willing hold talks with the United States.
The Mexican government has fined HSBC for failing to enforce money-laundering controls.
Latin American leaders met for a two-day summit in Caracas.

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Morning Brief: Syrian rebels brace for showdown in Aleppo

Posted By Ty McCormick Thursday, July 26, 2012 - 8:33 AM

Top news: Rebels, who control much of the Syrian city of Aleppo, are bracing for a showdown with government forces. Sporadic gun battles have continued along with government shelling of the city, but Assad's forces appear to be regrouping for a heavy assault, according to several reports.

After a major offensive in Damascus last week, embattled President Bashar al-Assad has focused his attention on Aleppo, sending armored columns to reinforce Syria's second city. Rebel forces have also replenished their ranks and ammunition supplies, but most doubt that they can hold the city in the event of an all-out attack by the Syrian Army. If they do manage to hold the city, Aleppo could serve as a base for rebel forces, which already control large swaths of territory in the northern part of the country.

The conflict in Syria has claimed an estimated 19,000 lives since March 2011 and displaced more than a million people.

United States: The worst draught in nearly half a century has ruined crops in the Midwest and will likely send food prices soaring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Corn, soybean, and wheat futures are all up this week.

Asia

A South Korean democracy activist claimed that he was tortured during a three-month detention in China.
Kenichi Watanabe, chief executive of Japanese investment bank Nomura, resigned over an insider trading scandal.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed that he is married, ending speculation that his female companion might be his wife, girlfriend, or sister.

Middle East

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak called on major powers to hasten their efforts to halt the Iranian nuclear program.
A World Bank report called growth in the Palestinian territories unsustainable because of overreliance on foreign aid.
Jordan placed restrictions on Syrian opposition seeking refuge in the country over worries that the conflict will spread.

Europe

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney landed in London Wednesday for the first leg of his trip, which will also take him to Israel and Poland.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he plans to press Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Syrian situation when they meet next week at an Olympic judo match.
Ivica Dacic, leader of the Serbian Socialist Party, once led by Slobodan Milosevic, will be sworn in as prime minister on Thursday.

Americas

Cuba freed a group of dissidents that had been arrested at the funeral of activist Oswaldo Paya, who died in a car crash last Sunday.
The U.N. said the coca leaf and cocaine production in Colombia has changed little since last year.
Mexico fined HSBC $27.5 million because the bank failed to comply with money-laundering regulations.

Africa

The U.N. Security Council lifted asset freezes and travel bans on 17 Liberians, including two ex-wives of Charles Taylor.
The military junta ruling southern Mali cracked down on dissidents and journalists following the coup d'état in March.
A Kenyan court lifted a ban on a secessionist group in Mombasa.

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Morning Brief: Ghana swears in new president

Posted By Uri Friedman Wednesday, July 25, 2012 - 8:33 AM

Top news: Ghanaian Vice President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as the country's new leader on Tuesday during an emergency parliamentary session, only hours after President John Atta Mills died at a military hospital in the capital -- marking the first time that a Ghanaian president has passed away in office. The 68-year-old Atta Mills had recently returned from a trip to the United States for unspecified medical treatment.

Atta Mills, who was narrowly elected president in 2008, presided over a period of political stability and increased oil production in Ghana, and had planned to run for a second term in December. It is unclear whether Mahama will be the governing party's candidate in the upcoming elections.

"We are going to maintain the peace, unity, and stability that Ghana is noted for," Mahama declared as he took the oath of office. The opposition has praised the swift transition and temporarily suspended campaigning.

Syria: Brig. Gen. Manaf Tlass confirmed his defection from the Syrian military on Tuesday in an appearance on Al Arabiya. "Our revolution should be against corruption and oppressors but without destroying the social fabric, for Syria is bigger than individuals," he declared in a statement. Meanwhile, fighting between Syrian forces and rebels is raging in Syria's commercial hub of Aleppo and Turkey has closed its border with Syria to commercial traffic.

Asia

An International Crisis Group report concluded that the probability of conflict in the South China Sea is increasing.

Tajik forces engaged in deadly clashes with rebels after a top security official was fatally stabbed.

Continued fighting between indigenous groups and Muslim migrants in India's Assam state has left more than 30 people dead.

Europe

NASA reported massive melting in Greenland's ice sheet.

The Bulgarian prime minister announced that the suicide bomber who killed Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver last week had worked with accomplices.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange hired the Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon to lead his legal team.

Americas

President Hugo Chavez announced that Venezuela will withdraw from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights after a ruling that the country violated a prisoner's rights.

Cuban police arrested several activists at the funeral of dissident Oswaldo Paya.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney delivered a critique of President Barack Obama's foreign policy ahead of an overseas trip.

Middle East

Al Qaeda's affiliate in Iraq claimed responsibility for a wave of attacks in the country that killed more than 100 people.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei refused to alter government policies in the face of mounting Western sanctions.

The trial of Iraq's fugitive Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi was postponed.

Africa

U.N.-backed government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched an offensive against rebel fighters north of Goma.

Madagascan leader Andry Rajoelina participated in reconciliation talks with the man he overthrew in 2009.

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency will charge 12 fuel traders with oil subsidy fraud.

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Morning Brief: Fighting rocks Syrian city of Aleppo

Posted By Ty McCormick Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - 9:29 AM

Top news: Syrian rebels clashed with government forces in the country's commercial hub, Aleppo, amid reports that the rebels were running out of ammunition. At least 33 have been killed on Tuesday, including nine in a quashed prison revolt in Aleppo. Meanwhile, Syrian state television claims that much of Damascus is back in government hands.

The fighting occurs against the backdrop of increasing Western concern over Syria's chemical weapons stockpile -- believed to be the largest in the Middle East -- which Syrian officials have threatened to use in the event of foreign intervention. President Bashar al-Assad's Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi said in a televised statement that unconventional weapons would "never be used against the Syrian people," but might be used "in the event of external aggression."

United Kingdom: Eight members of the News of the World staff, including David Cameron's ex-media chief Andy Caulson, will face charges in Britain's phone-hacking scandal. The charges stem from illegally accessed phone messages that forced the paper to close in July 2011.

Middle East

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy tapped Hesham Kandil as his new prime minister and asked him to form a new cabinet.
A pair of attacks overnight in Baghdad and Baquba brought the total death toll to 116 after a string of coordinated attacks rocked Iraq yesterday.
An Israeli veteran is in serious condition after setting himself ablaze in what is the second self-immolation in recent weeks.

Asia

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak apologized for corruption scandals implicating his family and political allies.
A typhoon struck Hong Kong, leaving dozens injured and prompting a temporary suspension of trading on the stock exchange.
Scores of artillery attacks launched from Pakistan into Afghanistan raised tension between the two countries.

Europe

Moody’s changed its outlook for Germany’s AAA credit rating to negative due to possible Greek exit.
The European Union strengthened sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The former head of the Anglo Irish Bank was arrested over alleged financial wrongdoing.

Africa

A new WHO study showed signs of increased resistance to antiretroviral AIDs medications in Africa.
Heavy flooding in Nigeria’s central Plateau state left at least 35 dead and some 200 homes damaged or destroyed.
South Sudan offered additional concessions in its standoff with Khartoum over oil transit fees, but no agreement was reached.

Americas

The family of Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya Sardinas, who died Sunday in a car crash, claims the killing was intentional.
The Cuban National Assembly met to discuss economic reforms and a new tax system.
Peruvian President Ollanta Humala reshuffled his cabinet as he faces increasing pressure in his first year in office.

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Morning Brief: Iraq reels from wave of attacks

Posted By Uri Friedman Monday, July 23, 2012 - 8:18 AM

Top news: Iraqi insurgents carried out at least 29 separate attacks across the country on Monday -- the third day of Ramadan. The Associated Press is reporting that the coordinated bombings and shootings killed 93 people in the "deadliest day" in Iraq this year, while Reuters puts the death toll at 107 people.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the assaults, Reuters notes that the attackers focused on Shiite Muslim targets and cites an unnamed Iraqi security official as blaming the violence on the local wing of al Qaeda, which consists of Sunni militants who oppose Iraq's Shiite-led government.

Indeed, over the weekend, an audio message allegedly recorded by the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq warned that a new offensive called Breaking Down Walls would begin shortly.

China: The heaviest rainfall to hit Beijing in six decades has left at least 37 people dead, prompting Chinese newspapers and Internet users to criticize the country's infrastructure.

Middle East

The European Union imposed new sanctions on Syria as fighting engulfed the major Syrian cities of Aleppo and Damascus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was on alert for plots to kill Israelis overseas after a suicide bombing in Bulgaria.

Gunmen released the president of Libya's Olympic committee after kidnapping him last week.

Asia

Clashes between indigenous groups and Muslim migrants in the Indian state of Assam killed at least 17 people.

An Afghan policeman killed three foreign trainers in Herat province.

China established a military garrison on disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Europe

Spain's borrowing costs are rising sharply amid concerns about the financial health of the country and its indebted regions.

Norway marked the anniversary of Anders Behring Breivik's deadly attacks in Oslo and on Utoeya island.

Russian authorities charged three local officials with negligence for their handling of recent flooding in Krymsk.

Africa

The leader of a military mutiny in Madagascar was killed by loyalist troops.

The European Union pledged to suspend sanctions against Zimbabwe if it holds a referendum on a new constitution.

The United States trimmed its military aid to Rwanda amid allegations that Kigali is supporting rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Americas

Thousands of people marched in Mexico City to protest Enrique Pena Nieto's victory in Mexico's presidential election.

The Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya Sardinas died in a car accident in eastern Cuba.

Venezuelan police ended a 20-day prison riot in Merida state.

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Morning Brief: Israel blames Bulgaria bombing on Hezbollah

Posted By Uri Friedman Friday, July 20, 2012 - 8:04 AM

Top news: On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah with orchestrating a suicide bombing in the Bulgarian city of Burgas that killed the attacker, a Bulgarian bus driver, and five Israeli tourists. "Yesterday's attack was committed by Hezbollah -- the long arm of Iran," Netanyahu declared.

The United States appears to agree. The New York Times, citing an unnamed American official, reports that the bomber is believed to have been acting under guidance from Hezbollah and Iran to hit Israeli targets in retaliation for the assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. Iran has denied involvement in the bombing, while Hezbollah has not publicly commented on the incident.

Funerals are now underway for the Israeli victims, as investigators use DNA samples and closed-circuit video footage to try and identify the bomber.

Syria: Rebel fighters seized border crossings with Iraq and Turkey and Syrian forces retook part of Damascus in a bloody day of fighting in Syria. Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have imposed sanctions on the Syrian government for not abiding by a peace plan, while a fourth Syrian official -- national security chief Hisham Ikhtiar -- died from Wednesday's bombing in Damascus.

Europe

The German Parliament approved the Spanish bank bailout as Spanish police clashed with protesters during demonstrations against spending cuts.

Russian police detained four men over attacks against Muslim clerics in the republic of Tatarstan.

The separatist Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh held a presidential election.

Middle East

Chevron purchased a majority stake in two oil exploration blocks in Iraqi Kurdistan.

A U.S. Navy helicopter carrying five crew members crashed in Oman.

Israel released the speaker of the Palestinian parliament from detention.

Asia

A Beijing court rejected dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's lawsuit over a tax evasion fine.

North Korea claimed that it had disrupted a South Korean plot to destroy a statue of the country's founder Kim Il Sung.

A roadside bomb killed five Afghan policemen in Uruzgan province.

Africa

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is taking a leave of absence because of an unspecified health condition.

South Sudan signed the Geneva Conventions, which form the basis of the law of war.

Suspected Boko Haram militants killed six people in northern Nigeria a day after Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan lifted a state of emergency in several parts of the country.

Americas

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered Pentagon officials to monitor U.S. news outlets for disclosures of classified information.

The FBI arrested two people in connection with the disappearance of a Henri Matisse painting from Venezuela a decade ago.

Brazilian police arrested 18 people as part of an investigation into the killing of a tribal leader.

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Morning Brief: Fighting in Syria continues after Damascus bombing

Posted By Uri Friedman Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 8:30 AM

Top news: Deadly clashes between Syrian forces and opposition fighters are continuing in Damascus and elsewhere in Syria after a suicide attack in the capital on Wednesday killed the country's defense minister, deputy defense minister, and former defense minister. Anonymous opposition sources tell Reuters that Bashar al-Assad, who has not appeared in public since the incident, is in the coastal city of Latakia, while an unnamed Syrian official claims the Syrian president is still in Damascus.

As the fighting rages, the U.N. Security Council is preparing to vote on a resolution to end the 17-month-old Syrian crisis, with Russia opposing a Western effort to threaten the Syrian government with sanctions if it fails to abide by a peace plan.

The United States, meanwhile, is making its own preparations. The New York Times reports that "Obama administration officials worked on contingency plans Wednesday for a collapse of the Syrian government," with a focus on Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.

Bulgaria attack: Bulgarian authorities are trying to identify the suicide bomber who killed several Israelis and a Bulgarian bus driver in an attack on a tour bus in Burgas on Wednesday. Investigators have discovered that the bomber was carrying a fake Michigan driver's license, and Israeli officials have blamed the attack on Hezbollah and Iran. Iran has denied involvement in the incident.

Africa

Chinese President Hu Jintao announced that China will lend Africa $20 billion for agriculture and infrastructure.

At least 34 people are dead after a ferry sank off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar.

Islamist rebels in Mali released three European aid workers who had been kidnapped from a refugee camp in Algeria.

Americas

The relatives of American citizens killed by drone strikes in Yemen filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Obama administration officials.

Mexican police arrested 17 people in connection with an attack on a Christian youth camp.

Colombian police clashed with indigenous Colombians in Cauca province.

Europe

British authorities charged five people with terrorism offenses but insisted that the allegations were not linked to the Olympic Games.

A giant iceberg broke away from the Petermann Glacier in Greenland.

A top Muslim cleric was fatally shot and another wounded in a bombing in Russia's Tatarstan province.

Middle East

Omar Suleiman, Egypt's former intelligence chief under Hosni Mubarak, reportedly died in an American hospital.

Yemeni authorities arrested participants in an alleged spy ring led by a former member of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

A bombing in the southern Yemeni city of Aden killed a top security official.

Asia

Indian lawmakers are voting for a new president, with the country's former finance minister emerging as the frontrunner.

The Taliban killed eight Afghan civilians and two NATO soldiers in a series of bombings.

A French architect linked to disgraced Chinese politician Bo Xilai and his wife returned to China from Cambodia.

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Morning Brief: Suicide bombing kills Syrian defense minister

Posted By Uri Friedman Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 8:37 AM

Top news: Syrian state television is reporting that a suicide bomber attacked a meeting of top security officials in Damascus on Wednesday, killing Syrian Defense Minister Daoud Rajha and his deputy Asef Shawkat, who is also Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's brother-in-law. The first assassinations of members of Assad's inner circle in the 17-month-old conflict follow several days of heavy clashes between Syrian forces and rebel fighters in the capital.

Rajha, a Christian, had served as defense minister for less than a year. While the attack appeared to be a major blow to Assad's government, the military declared in a statement broadcast on Syrian TV that it was "more determined than ever" to combat terrorism and "criminal gangs" in the wake of the bombing.

The attack comes amid reports of more Syrian generals fleeing to Turkey. On Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council will vote on a Syria resolution that has driven a wedge between Russia and Western powers.

Libya: Libya's election commission announced on Tuesday that the National Forces Alliance, a liberal coalition led by former interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, won 39 of the 80 seats reserved for political parties in the country's first election since the fall of Muammar al-Qaddafi. The Muslim Brotherhood's Justice and Construction party gained 17 seats in the 200-seat national assembly, which will select a prime minister and cabinet before parliamentary elections next year.

Middle East

Israel's Kadima party quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's unity coalition in a dispute over military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The United States announced that it will stage an anti-mine operation in the Persian Gulf in September.

Israeli officials upgraded a college in a West Bank settlement to a university.

Asia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assumed the title of marshal after a reshuffling of top generals.

President Barack Obama selected new U.S. ambassadors for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A teenage Tibetan monk self-immolated in China's Sichuan province.

Europe

Hungarian authorities detained Nazi war crimes suspect Laszlo Csatary for questioning.

A report by a European banking watchdog called for major reforms at the Vatican bank.

The British bank HSBC apologized to U.S. lawmakers for not enforcing anti-laundering rules.

Africa

The British government acknowledged that colonial forces tortured detainees in Kenya during the Mau Mau rebellion.

The Somali government denied allegations of corruption in a leaked U.N. report.

Mauritius barred two former associates of convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout from establishing an aviation company in the country.

Americas

A Chilean judge ordered the arrest of two former military officials on charges of torturing former President Michelle Bachelet's father to death.

Indigenous Colombians drove soldiers from a military base in Cauca province.

A Human Rights Watch Report suggested that the Venezuelan government's abuse of power has escalated in the past four years.

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Morning Brief: Fighting in Syrian capital intensifies

Posted By Uri Friedman Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 8:32 AM

Top news: As U.N. and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the crisis in Syria, activists say Syrian government forces are clashing with rebel fighters in Damascus for a third straight day, with reports of the Syrian military employing helicopter gunships in what Reuters calls "the fiercest fighting to hit Syria's seat of power since the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad began 17 months ago."

Russia has resisted an effort by Western powers to pass a U.N. resolution that would impose tough sanctions on Syria if Assad's government fails to comply with Annan's peace plan. Moscow has instead drafted a resolution that would extend the U.N. observer mission in Syria, which is set to expire on Friday, without threatening sanctions. While Annan consults with Putin, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao to make the case for more aggressive action against Syria.

Meanwhile, Syria's former ambassador to Iraq, who recently defected, told the BBC that he would not rule out the possibility of Assad using chemical weapons against the opposition.

Clinton in Israel: During her first visit to Israel in nearly two years, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to restart peace talks, stressed the importance of Israel's peace treaty with Egypt, and declared that the United States will use "all elements of American power" to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Middle East

The U.S. ambassador to India reportedly promised an investigation after a U.S. Navy ship in the Persian Gulf fired on a fishing boat, killing an Indian fisherman.

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was transferred from a military hospital to prison.

Doctors are struggling to save the life of an Israeli man who self-immolated at a protest for social justice.

Asia

North Korea appointed a new vice marshal after the country's military chief was dismissed.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tokyo for Japan's largest anti-nuclear rally since last year's Fukushima disaster.

Gunmen injured a U.N. doctor who was administering polio vaccines in the Pakistani city of Karachi.

Europe

Hungary is investigating whether a Nazi war criminal has been living in Budapest.

Tunisia's president is visiting France in an effort to rebuild relations with the country's former colonial ruler.

Spain's economy minister warned that European debt markets aren't functioning properly.

Americas

The International Monetary Fund slashed its 2013 global growth forecast to 3.9 percent.

A U.S. Senate report suggests that the British bank HSBC was used for money laundering around the world.

The FBI launched an investigation after needles were discovered in sandwiches served on U.S.-bound Delta Air Lines flights.

Africa

Nigerian authorities have begun dismantling slum dwellings in Lagos.

The United Nations warned that 2.5 million people in Somalia are still at risk a year after famine struck parts of the country.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf blamed insurgencies across Africa on drug trafficking and arms proliferation.

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Morning Brief: Red Cross classifies Syrian conflict as civil war

Posted By Uri Friedman Monday, July 16, 2012 - 8:23 AM

Top news: Over the weekend, as U.N. observers investigated a reported massacre in the Syrian village of Tremseh, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that the 16-month-old crisis in Syria now constitutes a civil war -- or, as the organization put it, a "non-international armed conflict."

The ruling implies that "international humanitarian law applies throughout the country," the Associated Press explains. "[H]umanitarian law grants all parties in a conflict the right to use appropriate force to achieve their aims. The Geneva-based group's assessment is an important reference for determining how much and what type of force can be used, and it can form the basis for war crimes prosecutions."

On Monday, activists reported heavy clashes between Syrian troops and rebel fighters in the Syrian capital of Damascus. Ahead of a visit to Moscow by U.N. envoy Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of resorting to "blackmail" in an effort to persuade Russia to back a U.N. resolution involving sanctions against Syria.

North Korea: The state-run Korean Central News Agency is reporting that the politburo of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea decided to relieve North Korean military chief Ri Yong Yo of his duties because of "illness" during a meeting on Sunday. Ri was once seen as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's mentor, and analysts are greeting the explanation for the dismissal with skepticism.

Middle East

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting Israel after meeting with Egypt's president and military chief, who remain locked in a political standoff.

The president of Libya's Olympic committee was reportedly kidnapped in Tripoli.

Palestinian families from Gaza are visiting imprisoned relatives in Israel for the first time in five years.

Asia

Evacuees began returning to their homes after flooding that killed at least 27 people in Japan.

A suicide attacker killed an Afghan lawmaker and 2o others in northern Afghanistan.

Japan temporarily recalled its ambassador to China over a territorial dispute in the East China Sea.

Africa

The African Union elected Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as its first female leader.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed "in principle" to allow an international force to combat rebels in eastern Congo.

A car bomb in Somalia's capital reportedly killed a member of parliament.

Europe

Germany's Constitutional Court announced that it will not rule on a new eurozone bailout fund until September.

Athletes have begun arriving in London for the Olympic Games.

A series of tornadoes hit northern and western Poland.

Americas

Mexican police arrested the American fugitive Vincent Legrend Walters in Cancun.

More than a million Brazilian Christians held a "March for Jesus" rally in Sao Paulo.

Cuba's Health Ministry reported that it had contained a cholera outbreak.

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Morning Brief: Syrian opposition reports another massacre

Posted By Uri Friedman Friday, July 13, 2012 - 8:08 AM

Top news: Opposition activists in Syria are claiming that Syrian forces, backed by tanks and helicopters, killed more than 200 people in the Sunni Muslim village of Tremseh near the city of Hama on Thursday, in what would amount, as the BBC puts it, to the "bloodiest single event in the Syrian conflict" if confirmed. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency is also reporting bloodshed in the village, but it says "armed terrorist groups" killed more than 50 people.

U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan said he was "shocked and appalled" by the news and condemned "these atrocities," while the head of the suspended U.N. monitoring mission in the country were prepared to investigate what happened in the village "if and when there is a credible ceasefire."

Annan is slated to discuss the escalating crisis on Monday with Russia, which has resisted aggressive international action against the Syrian government during the 16-month-old conflict. A Russian ship carrying military helicopters for the Syrian government is reportedly on the move, though its destination is unclear.

China: Data released by the Chinese government on Friday indicates that the country's economy is growing at its slowest pace in three years, a reflection of slackening global demand and China's own efforts to temper growth. China's GDP growth slowed to 7.6 percent in the second quarter of 2012, down from 8.1 percent in the previous three months.

Asia

A conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ended without any resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.

Thailand's Constitutional Court rejected petitions that opposed government plans to modify the constitution.

The Pakistani Supreme Court ordered the country's new prime minister to reopen a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari.

Europe

Moody's downgraded Italy's sovereign debt rating.

British intelligence chief Sir John Sawers reportedly said Iran was two years away from nuclear weapons capability in a briefing to civil servants.

The British government deployed additional military troops to provide security for the London Olympics after a private security company admitted it was behind schedule in training guards.

Middle East

The United States blacklisted several companies and individuals as part of an effort to bolster sanctions against Iran.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi met with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah in his first foreign visit as the country's leader.

The Muslim Brotherhood's political party in Jordan says it will boycott the country's upcoming parliamentary elections.

Americas

The runner-up in Mexico's presidential election filed a lawsuit to challenge the vote, which he claims was rigged.

Two tunnels that may have been designed for drug smuggling were discovered near the border between the United States and Mexico.

The Colombian military discovered the wreckage of an Air Force plane that had been participating in an anti-FARC mission.

Africa

An Ethiopian court sentenced blogger Eskinder Nega to 18 years in prison for violating the country's anti-terrorism legislation.

The Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya is facing a $25 million funding shortfall.

A train crash in South Africa killed at least 19 people.

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Morning Brief: U.S. continues to build up forces in Persian Gulf

Posted By Joshua Keating Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 8:19 AM

Top news: The United States has continued its naval buildup in the Persian Gulf to counter an Iranian threat to international shipping routes. The New York Times reports that the Ponce, a '60s-era warship converted into a floating forward staging base, arrived in the region last week. The Ponce will serve as a launching pad for helicopters as well as a homebase for divers and minesweeper units should Iran try to mine the Strait of Hormuz. With the addition of modular barracks, the ship can also serve as a staging ground for Special Operations teams.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the Navy is rushing undersea drones to the region for use in mine-clearing operations. The German-made, 88-pound, $100,000 devices known as SeaFoxes, began arriving in recent weeks as international talks over Iran's disputed nuclear program have stalled. The Pentagon has also recently added four minesweeping ships to a contingent that already includes two aircraft carriers, an F-22 squadron, and two army brigades based in Kuwait.

If Iran were to close the Strait, as it has threatened to do in response to international sanctions, officials say that it could take 5 to 10 days to reopen, causing a major disruption to international energy markets.

Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton became the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit Laos since the end of the Vietnam War. On the sidelines of a regional forum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Clinton met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in an attempt to resolve tensions in the South China Sea.

Asia

The U.S. has formally eased sanctions on Myanmar.
Nine police officers were killed in an attack on a compound in Lahore, Pakistan.
An American convicted of insulting the king of Thailand has been pardoned.

Middle East

Syria's ambassador to Iraq appears to have defected.
Former interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril extended his lead over his Islamist rivals in Libya's election.
Israel launched two strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Africa

Guantanamo Bay prisoner Ibrahim al-Qosi was repatriated to Sudan.
A fuel tanker fire in the Niger Delta killed at least 92 people.
Aid agencies warned that tens of thousands of lives are at risk in Kenyan refugee camps near the Somali border.

Americas

110 people have now been infected with cholera in Cuba.
A Colombian Air Force plane participating in an anti-FARC mission has gone missing.
A Brazilian senator has been expelled for ties to a gambling ring.

Europe

Spain's new austerity measures were met with violent protests by miners.
War crimes defendant Ratko Mladic was rushed to the hospital after collapsing in court.
French carmaker Citroen is cutting 8,000 jobs.

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