http://www.wrhl.net/pages/index.cfm?id=505 World News 2013-06-18T07:40:48Z

Optimism fading, Brazil protests put leaders on alert By Paulo Prada RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - When more than 200,000 protesters took to the streets across Brazil on Monday night, they demanded a dizzying array of improvements - from halting the fast rise of prices to cleaning up government corruption. If one message stood out, it was that Brazilians are no longer willing to accept the rosy outlook that politicians in Latin America's biggest country have been painting for years. Until recently, Brazil was one of the world's most envied economies. ... Four from U.S. forces killed in attack in Afghanistan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Four from U.S. forces were killed in an attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, a U.S. official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity, just as the United States prepares for talks this week with the Taliban. The official said insurgents attacked the base with some kind of indirect fire, leaving open the possibility it was hit by rockets or mortar rounds. No further details were immediately available. (Reporting by David Alexander, writing by Phil Stewart) Argentine court throws out key part of judicial reform law BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a key part of a judicial reform law championed by President Cristina Fernandez that would have mandated the election of members of the board that chooses federal judges. The reform - which Fernandez said was needed to "democratize the judiciary" - passed Congress last month and has been a lightning rod for criticism of the president as talk swirls of a possible bid by her supporters to seek a constitutional change to allow her to seek a third term. ... Montreal mayor resigns, says will fight corruption charges By David Ljunggren (Reuters) - Montreal Mayor Michael Applebaum resigned on Tuesday, a day after he was charged with fraud and corruption in the latest major Canadian municipal scandal. "I am going to put my energies into my defense and into my family," said Applebaum, who had promised to clean up Canada's second-largest city when he was named to the post in November. Declaring his innocence, he added in a statement to reporters: "This is why I am resigning as mayor of Montreal - it is the responsible thing to do. ... Russia's Putin torpedoes G8 efforts to oust Assad By Andrew Osborn and Maria Golovnina ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Russia's Vladimir Putin derailed Barack Obama's efforts to win backing for the downfall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad at a G8 summit on Tuesday, warning the West that arms supplied to the rebels could be used for attacks on European soil. After two days of intense talks that fell far short of what Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron had been hoping for, Putin fumed against Western moves to supply weapons to rebels while defending his own supplies of arms for Assad. ... Nigeria Islamists kill 9 students in school attack: medic MAIDUGURI (Reuters) - Suspected Islamist militants opened fire on a school in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri on Tuesday, killing nine students, witnesses and a medical worker said, the second deadly attack on schools in three days. Witness Ibrahim Mohammed said he was taking exams in a classroom at Ansarudeen School when gunmen stormed the building, opening fire at random. "I saw five students sitting the exams killed on the spot. Four others were killed as they were entering the school premises," he said by telephone, still shaking with fear. ... Taliban peace talks hold glimmer of hope, but also unanswerable questions The announcement by US officials Tuesday of imminent peace talks between the Afghan government and representatives of the Taliban adds an additional hopeful note to a day when NATO formally announced the full turnover of security leadership to Afghan forces. Whitey Bulger defense: Star witness lied before, could be lying now A gangster’s warped code of honor came to the forefront Tuesday at the trial of crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger. Is NSA exaggerating its surveillance successes? Has the National Security Agency exaggerated the importance of some of its sweeping surveillance programs? That’s what agency critics are charging after top US security officials defended recently disclosed NSA activities at an extraordinary House Intelligence Committee hearing on Tuesday. The G-8 Clamps Down on Tax Evasion, But Critics Say Plan Falls Short Leaders of the G-8 nations have agreed on a series of measures designed to clamp down on tax evasion and tax avoidance. A communiqué released from the summit of eight of the world’s largest economies sets out 10 points aimed at promoting “fair taxes” and “increased transparency,” including that shell companies (companies which serve as a vehicle for business transactions without having any significant assets or operations themselves, and are often used to exploit tax loopholes and invest money anonymously) should identify their effective owners. US, Taliban to start talks on ending Afghan war KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban and the U.S. said Tuesday they will hold talks on finding a political solution to ending nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan, as the international coalition formally handed over control of the country's security to the Afghan army and police. AP EXCLUSIVE: US war games send signal to Assad ZARQA, Jordan (AP) — Under the watchful eye of stern-faced American advisers, hundreds of U.S.-trained Jordanian commandos fanned across this dusty desert plain, holding war games that could eventually form the basis of an assault in Syria. Brazil protesters clash with police in Sao Paulo SAO PAULO (AP) — Protesters surrounding the city hall of Brazil's biggest city have clashed with police when a small group of demonstrators tried to force their way into the building. Cuban dissident: Repression forced family to flee MIAMI (AP) — One of several Cuban dissidents recently allowed to visit Europe and the U.S. after Cuba changed its travel laws said Tuesday she decided to seek refuge in Miami after facing continued repression on the island. Syrian pound tumbles on US plans to arm rebels DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Many exchange shops closed in Damascus on Tuesday, fearing more chaos a day after the Syrian currency plunged to a new record low, reflecting growing fears in the capital following a U.S. decision to arm rebel groups fighting to topple President Bashar Assad's regime. A look at US-Taliban relations Word that the Taliban and U.S. will hold formal talks to find a political solution to end nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan comes after years of failed efforts at peace talks. A look at the evolution of U.S. relations with the Taliban: Military plans would put women in most combat jobs WASHINGTON (AP) — Declaring "the days of Rambo are over," a top general said Tuesday that cultural, social and behavioral concerns may be bigger hurdles than tough physical fitness requirements for women looking to join the military's special operations units. Rousseff salutes Brazil protests, cities cut bus fares By Todd Benson SAO PAULO (Reuters) - President Dilma Rousseff on Tuesday sought to defuse a massive protest movement sweeping Brazil, acknowledging the need for better public services and more responsive governance as demonstrations continued in some cities around the country. Speaking the morning after more than 200,000 Brazilians marched in over a half-dozen cities, Rousseff said her government remains committed to social change and is listening attentively to the many grievances expressed at the demonstrations. "Brazil woke up stronger today," Rousseff said in a televised speech in ... Star-studded party for Israeli president's 90th JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli and global leaders, local celebrities and Hollywood superstars celebrated under one roof Tuesday to honor Israeli President Shimon Peres for his upcoming 90th birthday, reflecting world respect for one of the country's peace pioneers. Ammunition fire rages at Russian military base MOSCOW (AP) — Exploding shells set off a fire that was triggering explosions Wednesday at a military depot in southern Russia, injuring about 30 people and causing the evacuation of more than 6,000 from a nearby village, investigators and emergency workers said. Clashes erupt in Egypt over Islamist governors CAIRO (AP) — Clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of Egypt's president and his Muslim Brotherhood Tuesday over his appointment of new Islamist governors, some in areas where opponents are strong. Fears of violence as Egypt nears June 30 protests CAIRO (AP) — Massive nationwide protests that Egypt's opposition plans for June 30 are taking on a dangerous edge. Syrian warplanes strike rebel posts in Aleppo BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian warplanes struck rebel positions near a besieged military air base and other rebel-held areas in the country's north Tuesday as regime forces stepped up attacks against opposition fighters in the key province of Aleppo, activists said. G-8 seeks unity on Syrian peace talks, tax evasion ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (AP) — President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other G-8 leaders attempted to speak with one voice Tuesday on seeking a negotiated Syrian peace settlement — yet couldn't publicly agree on whether this means President Bashar Assad must go. Red Cross' Guantanamo reports sought in 9/11 case GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba (AP) — The International Committee of the Red Cross urged a military judge Tuesday to refuse a request to open its confidential communications with U.S. officials about conditions at Guantanamo Bay to the lawyers for the prisoners charged in the Sept. 11 terror attack. G-8 NOTEBOOK: Cameron Tweets WWII bomb at G-8 site ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (AP) — Well, that was close. Or was it? Shortly after wrapping up one of the most peaceful Group of Eight summits in recent memory, Prime Minister David Cameron let a cat out of the bag. Brazil protesters keep up pressure on government SAO PAULO (AP) — Protest leaders called for another huge demonstration in Brazil's largest city Tuesday, building on historic turnouts spawned by widespread frustration over decades of government red tape, high prices and shoddy services even as the nation's economic fortunes have risen. G-8 advances on Syrian peace talks, tax evasion ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (AP) — President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other G-8 leaders attempted to speak with one voice Tuesday on seeking a negotiated Syrian peace settlement — yet couldn't publicly agree whether this means President Bashar Assad must go. Italy top court faults Amanda Knox acquittal ROME (AP) — Italy's high court on Tuesday harshly faulted the appeals court that acquitted American student Amanda Knox of murdering her roommate, saying its ruling was full of "deficiencies, contradictions and illogical" conclusions. It ordered a new appeals court to consider all the evidence to determine whether Knox helped kill the young woman.

WRHL 2013-06-19T00:40:48Z http://www.wrhl.net/pages/index.cfm?id=505