Monday, December 30, 2013

World News Briefs -- December 30, 2013

Second Blast in Russia Stokes Olympic Security Fears -- Wall Street Journal

Blast Is Volgograd's Second in 24 Hours

OSCOW—A suicide bomber struck in the southwest Russian city of Volgograd on Monday morning, killing at least 14 people aboard a crowded trolley bus in the city's second terrorist attack in less than 24 hours, stoking security fears in the country ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered security to be tightened around the country following the second attack, which comes less than six weeks before the games are set to start in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, raising questions whether the violence could threaten to tarnish an event on which Mr. Putin has staked his personal pride and spent $50 billion to stage.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian government evacuates embattled town.

Lebanese troops fire at Syrian warplanes.

Clashes erupt as Iraq police move on Sunni protest camp.

Eight killed in attack on south Yemen army base.

Bahrain says foils 'terror' attempts, seizes explosives, weapons.

Israel warns Lebanon to constrain cross-border fire.

Erdogan vows Turkish graft affair will fail to topple him.

Iran hopes to implement nuclear deal within month.

Saudi royal faces death penalty for murder: newspaper.

ASIA

Afghanistan rejects grim U.S. intelligence forecast as baseless.

Chinese police shoot dead eight after Xinjiang 'terrorist attack'.

China says Japan PM 'shuts door' on talks with war shrine visit.

China formally eases one-child policy, abolishes labor camps.

Thailand's army moves to allay coup fears.

Bangladesh activists clash with police at polls protest.

Facing treason charges, Pakistan's former Presdient Musharraf is defiant.

AFRICA

Heavy weapons fire breaks out in Central African Republic's capital.

South Sudan: White Army advances, Uganda troops deepen conflict. Uganda says region ready to take on, defeat S. Sudan rebel leader.

DR Congo 'repulses' TV, airport and army base attacks.

Nigeria: Military bombards insurgents in Borno village.

Egyptian military injured in bomb attack.

Libyan oil guards threaten to block gas pipeline to Tripoli: sources.

African Union to sign troop agreement with Rwanda.

South Sudan conflict: Fears for isolated children.

U.S., Libyan forces capture Tunisian militant leader: media.

EUROPE

Second deadly blast hits Russian city of Volgograd ahead of 2014 Sochi Olympics.

US condemns Russian suicide bombing.

Suicide bombings send shivers through Russia as Sochi Olympics near.

Fresh Ukraine protests draw thousands onto Kiev streets.

France's 75% tax rate gains approval by top court.

Shots fired at German ambassador's home in Athens.

Greek prison system collapsing.

AMERICAS

CNN Poll: Afghanistan war arguably most unpopular in U.S. history.

US Feds announce test sites for drone aircraft.

El Salvador volcano erupts, evacuations ordered.

A civil servant in Mexico tests U.S. on asylum.

Buenos Aires power supply disrupted in heatwave.

U.S. population growth slows.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russia terrorist attack highlights increase in female suicide bombers.

FBI: Homegrown terrorists don’t fit just one profile.

The thrifty terrorists: Receipts reveal how al-Qaida records every expense down to 60 cents for cake and a $1.60 pot of mustard.

Issa: Benghazi 'is not about al Qaeda'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World shares hover near 6-year high, euro gains.

US public finance: Day of reckoning.

The biggest financial news stories of 2013.

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