UN talks tough on Syria, but falls short of concrete action; Syrian tanks keep up bombing of Hama (+ analysis); Bank of Japan intervenes to drive down Yen; China calls Japanese criticism of its naval growth "irresponsible"; Somali famine spreads to new areas; and more
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World News Brief, Wednesday August 3
US Congress raises debt ceiling at the 11th hour, avoiding default; commentators call a victory for the Republicans, but stock markets fall regardless; Syrian forces shell Hama for a third day; Somali refugees starve as rebels block escape; Chinese police shoot Uighurs accused of attacks; Trilateral AfPak talks; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday August 2
Obama and Congress agree debt deal – plan is long-term but no new taxes; Markets respond positively, but downgrade still predicted (+ analysis); Deal a victory for smaller government; Assad storms Hama, at least 80 dead; North Korea agrees to resume six-party talks; Ethnic violence in China pre-Ramadan; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 7
Assad launches another "ferocious" attack on Hama, while Amnesty accuses him of crimes against humanity; Qaddafi forces kill five in Misurata; Reports: Russian officials say Qaddafi may be willing to step down; Bitter irony – Somalis fleeing drought drown in Red Sea; Portugal's credit rating slashed to junk status; New Thai PM focuses on economy; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 6
Pakistani troops and gunships launch operation against own Taliban in border areas (+ analysis); Syrian forces make arrests in 'liberated city'; Thai election seen as loss for urban elite and military; US sends drone in Somalia, one dead; Japan Reconstruction Minister lasts only one week; and more
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