KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda killed 50 civilians in the east of DRC.
• AMERICAS: Chilean police arrested 70 students protesting for education reform.
• ASIA: 29 Chinese fishermen were kidnapped by North Koreans, demanding ransom for their return.
• EUROPE: The Turkish government claimed Israel violated its airspace in northern Cyprus.
• MIDDLE EAST AND IRAN: Syrian President Bashar Assad blamed unrest on foreign terrorists in an interview with Russia24.
• TECHNOLOGY: Iran warned Google it would sue if it did not restore its label of the Persian Gulf on Google Maps.

TOP STORY

• Afghanistan: A suicide attack targeted the compound of the governor of Farah province.
• Reports were initially conflicted over the civilian and police death toll; however it appeared that seven people were killed, along with the four attackers.
• The attackers were met with resistance and forced to detonate their vests before reaching the governor’s office.
• No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Coverage: AFP, AP, CNN

AFRICA

• Region: US Army leaders said a combat brigade will be assigned to the Pentagon’s Africa Command next year in a pilot program that will send small teams of soldiers to countries around the continent to do training and participate in military exercises. (AP)
• DR Congo: The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda killed 50 civilians in the DRC’s east. (AFP)
• Libya: Clashes in the city of Ghadames resulted in seven deaths. (AFP)
• Mauritania: Hundreds of youth protested against President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz; police fired tear gas in return. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Region: A total of 1,000 naval officers from Peru, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and the US took part in the launch of the 53rd annual Unitas Multinational naval exercise in the Pacific Ocean waters off the coast of Peru. (Xinhua)
• Chile: Police arrested 70 students protesting for education reform. (AFP)
• Colombia: Security in Bogota was tightened after yesterday’s attack against former Interior Minister Londono. (AFP)
• Haiti: PM Laurent Lamothe and his Cabinet took office. (AP)

ASIA

• Region: Twenty nine Chinese fishermen were kidnapped by North Koreans, demanding ransom for their return. (AFP)
• Region: South Korea, the US and Japan will hold high-level talks in Seoul next week about developments in North Korea. (AFP)
• Bangladesh: Two small bombs exploded during a strike in Dhaka protesting the imprisonment of opposition leaders. (The Independent)
• Korea, North: The website 38North reported the DPRK had restarted construction on an experimental light water reactor. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: Four pilots were killed after a mid-air collision during training. (AFP)
• Pakistan: It was officially confirmed that President Zardari will attend the NATO summit. (CNN)

EUROPE

• Turkey: Clashes with the PKK resulted in the deaths of three Turkish soldiers. (Reuters)
• Turkey: The government claimed Israel violated its airspace in northern Cyprus. (AFP)
• Ukraine: Former PM Tymoshenko agreed to continue medical treatment after halting it for a day. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST AND IRAN

• Region: Two Iranian engineers, seized by the unknown Movement Against the Expansion of Shiism in Syria, were released. (AFP)
• Lebanon: Sectarian clashes continued in Tripoli, resulting in one death. (Reuters)
• Palestinian Territories: Seven Palestinians were wounded after an Israeli tank fired into the Gaza Strip. (AFP)
• Syria: In an interview with Russia24, President Assad blamed Syrian unrest on foreign terrorists. (NYT)
• Yemen: President Obama authorized sanctions on “individuals and entities” disrupting the political transition of power between Saleh and Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. (Xinhua)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Iran: The Foreign Ministry warned Google it would sue if it did not restore its label of the Persian Gulf on Google Maps. (AP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Tropical Depression Aletta
• Location: ~640 miles SSW of Manzanillo, Mexico
• Movement: WNW at 3 knots
• Maximum Winds: 30 knots
• Map
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (18MAY)

• Global: President Obama hosts a two-day meeting of G8 nations at Camp David.
• India: Anniversary of India’s first nuclear test – 1974.
• Iran: Government-sponsored rally against an alleged US plan to annex Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
• Sri Lanka: Anniversary of the end of fighting between the government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam – 2009.
• United States: Sri Lankan FM Peiris makes an official visit to Washington, DC.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: South Sudan has not yet received an invite from Sudan to resume peace negotiations.
• AMERICAS: In Mexico, the Zetas denied killing 49 people whose beheaded and mutilated bodies were discovered.
• ASIA: Pakistan’s President Zardari will attend the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago.
• EUROPE: Bosnian Ratko Mladic’s trial began in the Hague for his role during the Bosnian civil war.
• MIDDLE EAST: Iranian nuclear talks with the IAEA ended; they are scheduled to resume on 21MAY.
• TECHNOLOGY: Multiple foreign policy and human rights websites were targets of cyber espionage.

TOP STORY

• Colombia: A bomb targeted former Interior Minister Fernando Londoño.
• Londoño’s condition was stable; however his driver and bodyguard were killed and 39 others were wounded.
• President Santos indicated the culprits behind the attack were unknown.
• Bogota’s Police Chief, General Luis Eduardo Martinez, blamed the deadly bombing on the FARC.
• Coverage: Xinhua, Miami Herald, AP

AFRICA

• Region: South Sudan indicated it had yet to receive an invite from Sudan to resume negotiations as per the timeline from the UNSC resolution. (AFP)
• Mali: Amnesty International said armed Tuaregs and Islamists had carried out grave rights abuses such as rape, murder and using child soldiers. (AFP)
• Morocco: Prisoners staged hunger strikes due to their alleged mistreatment by authorities. (Reuters)
• Somalia: The UN SC said Somalia’s political process was at a critical phase, with only three months to go until the end of the transitional period on 20AUG. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: 12 politicians were arrested in Magdalena province over charges they co-operated and coordinated with right-wing paramilitaries. (EFE)
• Guyana: The US agreed to give Guyana $500 thousand to help fight drug trafficking under the 2009 Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, five times the amount it received the year before. (AP)
• Mexico: The Zetas denied killing 49 people, whose beheaded and mutilated bodies were discovered in Nuevo Leon. (AP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: Australia announced it will contribute $100 million annually for three years beginning in 2015 to support Afghan National Security Forces after they take responsibility for their country’s security. (AP)
• China: Opposition towards the CCP’s top security official Zhou Yongkang continued, as party elders issued a letter calling for his complete removal from power. (AFP)  
• Korea, North: A state newspaper strongly criticized Park Geun-Hye, leading presidential candidate in South Korea. (AFP)
• Pakistan: President Zardari will attend the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. (Reuters)

EUROPE

• Region: A CSTO statement said the organization is prepared to make joint efforts with NATO to oppose the proliferation of ballistic missiles on condition that both parties abandon attempts to ensure their own security at the expense of others. (Interfax)
• Belarus: President Lukashenko encouraged enhancing the CSTO, proposing several changes including increased cooperation between member states. (Interfax)
• Bosnia: Ratko Mladic’s trial began in The Hague for 11 counts of genocide and war crimes during the civil war. (Telegraph)
• Bosnia: The interior ministry announced it discovered a hidden cache of arms, including automatic rifles, hand grenades, rocket launchers, explosives and ammunition. (AFP)
• France: New PM Jean-Marc Ayrault took office. (AP)

MIDDLE EAST AND IRAN

• Iran: Nuclear talks with the IAEA ended; they are scheduled to resume on 21MAY. (WaPo)
• Palestinian Territories: A reshuffled Palestinian cabinet will be sworn in today. (AFP)
• Syria: UN monitors were under the Free Army’s protection after a clash between the rebels and the regime which resulted in the death of 21 people. (Reuters)
• Yemen: US troops engaged in the most direct involvement in Yemen yet, directing and coordinating the latest assault against AQAP from al Annad air base. (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Internet: Multiple foreign policy and human rights websites were targets of cyber espionage. (AFP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Tropical Storm Aletta
• Location: ~640 miles SSW of Manzanillo, Mexico
• Movement: WNW at 8 knots
• Maximum Winds: 35 knots
• Map
• Earthquakes: New Britain region, Papua New Guinea
• Magnitude: 6.0
• Depth: 154 km
• Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (17MAY)

• Global: World Information Society Day celebrated.
• Algeria: Parliamentary elections take place.
• DR Congo: Anniversary of the renaming of Zaire to DR Congo – 1997.
• Peru: Shining Path launched its uprising – 1980.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: 11 Pakistani peacekeepers were injured after attacks in the DRC.
• AMERICAS: Former Colombian President Uribe branded Venezuelan President Chavez a “murderer”.
• ASIA: Pakistani officials considered ending its blockade of NATO supplies through its border.
• EUROPE: Former Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko’s appeal against her seven-year jail term was postponed.
• MIDDLE EAST AND IRAN: Iran hanged Majid Jamali Fashi, accused of killing an Iranian nuclear scientist.
• TECHNOLOGY: The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) service will be launched this month to alert consumers to extreme weather conditions.

TOP STORY

• France: Francois Hollande was sworn in as the president for a five-year term.

• He is the first Socialist leader in France in over 17 years.
• In his first speech as president, he delivered a “message of confidence”, pledging to overcome France’s challenges.
• Hollande also said he would propose a “new pact” to his European partners emphasizing economic stimulus in addition to the fiscal discipline imposed by Germany.
• Coverage: BBC, AFP, WaPo

AFRICA

• Region: The Economic Community of West African States said it will deploy a 600- strong military and police contingent to Guinea-Bissau to address the political crisis. (Reuters)
• DR Congo: 11 Pakistani peacekeepers were injured after villagers protested the lack of protection they received from the UN base from militia attacks. (AFP)
• Libya: Abdel Hakim Belhadj, a prominent fighter and leader, left his militia to compete in elections. (Reuters)
• Somalia: The EU launched its first naval mission on the Somali coastland to combat piracy. (AFP)
• Uganda: A senior LRA commander was captured by the Ugandan military. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Region: Former Colombian President Uribe branded Venezuelan president Chavez a “murderer”, leading the Venezuelan parliament to level the same insult against Uribe. (DPA)
• Colombia: Seven FARC rebels surrendered to the government. (EFE)
• Colombia: A free trade agreement with the US came into force. (BBC)
• Mexico: A total of 136 tons of drug precursors were seized at the Pacific coast port of Lazaro Cardenas, where the substances arrived from China. (EFE)

ASIA

• Korean Peninsula: According to an ROK source, North Korea has ceased jamming the ROK’s GPS signals. (AFP)
• Korea, North: The US said it has no plan to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea.
• Pakistan: Officials considered ending its blockade of NATO supplies through its border. (AFP)
• Taiwan: The navy announced it would build 12 “stealth” warships. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Russia: Three astronauts were launched to the ISS on a Soyuz TMA-04M capsule. (AFP)
• Ukraine: Former PM Tymoshenko’s appeal against her seven-year jail term was postponed. (RIA Novosti)
• United Kingdom: A “viable explosive device” was discovered at the regional St Angelo airport in Northern Ireland. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST AND IRAN

• Region: On the 64th anniversary of Nakba, thousands of Palestinians held a march in Ramallah. Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners in an Israeli jail ended their hunger strike. (AP)
• Iran: India indicated it would cut its imports of Iranian oil by 11% following urging from the US. (AFP)  
• Iran: Majid Jamali Fashi, accused of killing an Iranian nuclear scientist, was hanged. (Reuters)
• Iraq: Human Rights Watch said a prison in Baghdad that was accused of carrying out human rights abuses remained open. (AP)
• Lebanon: The army was deployed to Tripoli amid three days of sectarian violence. (AP)
• Syria: The turnout for parliamentary elections stood at over 50%, according to an official from the election commission. (AFP)
• Yemen: Air strikes killed 8 civilians and two AQAP militants in Jaar. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• United States: The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) service will be launched this month to alert consumers to extreme weather conditions. (USA Today)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Tropical Storm Aletta
• Location: ~640 miles SSW of Manzanillo, Mexico
• Movement: WNW at 9mph
• Maximum Winds: 40mph
• Map
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (16MAY)

• Sudan: Anniversary of the beginning of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army rebellion – 1983.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Libyan civilian casualties from air strikes downplayed by NATO, according to the Human Rights Watch.
• AMERICAS: Mexican authorities discovered the mutilated bodies of 49 people in San Juan, near the US border.
• ASIA: India’s left-wing Naxal rebels killed six paramilitary security personnel in Chattisgarh
• EUROPE: In Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, a state election resulted in defeat for Chancellor Merkel’s conservative party.
• MIDDLE EAST:  Syrian activists reported clashes with security forces killed at least 23 soldiers in Rastan.
• TECHNOLOGY: Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson stepped down after allegations he falsified his credentials.

TOP STORY

• Greece: Political talks close to failure
• The leader of the leftist party SYRIZA rejected attending talks to form a governing coalition, making another round of elections almost certain.
• SYRIZA stated it would attend talks if more political groups were present.
• Talks between the President and political parties will continue on Monday in a continued effort to form a government coalition.
• Coverage: Reuters-1, AFP, Al Jazeera, Reuters-2, CNN, NYT

AFRICA

• Egypt: A senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood stated he predicts years of serious political friction between reformers and the military. (Reuters)
• Libya: Human Rights Watch reported NATO downplayed the number of civilian casualties inflicted by its airstrike campaign against the Gaddafi regime. (Reuters)
• Nigeria: Suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least seven police officers in and around Maidaguri. (AP)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: The Red Cross reported the FARC stated it intended to release captive French reporter Romeo Langlois. (Reuters)
• Mexico: Authorities discovered the mutilated bodies of 49 people in San Juan, near the US border.  They are likely victims of conflict between the Zetas and Sinaloa drug cartels. (AP)
• Mexico: Leading presidential PRI party candidate Enrique Nieto’s policies are largely unknown to Mexican voters and US observers. (WaPo)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: A bombing in a Faryab market killed at least nine. (Reuters)
• India: Left-wing Naxal rebels killed six paramilitary security personnel in Chattisgarh. (Xinhua)
• Pakistan: US officials stated they were in intense negotiations with the government on the issue of reopening NATO supply lines to Afghanistan. (AP)
• Thailand: A roadside bomb in the southern part of the country injured 17. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Region: NATO Secretary General Rasmussen stated the first comprehensive test of the missile defense system had been completed successfully. (RFE/RL)
• Germany: A state election in North Rhine-Westphalia resulted in defeat for Chancellor Merkel’s conservative party, a likely sign of widening rejection of the dominant austerity doctrine in German politics. (Reuters)
• Russia: Zamir Kabulov, the presidential envoy to Afghanistan who also heads a Foreign Ministry department in charge of Afghanistan, will most likely fly to Chicago, according to the Kommersant newspaper. (RIA Novosti)
• United Kingdom: Defense Secretary Hammond stated the country’s military would not require equipment or troop cutbacks greater than already announced. (AP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a closer political partnership at a GCC meeting on Monday. (Reuters)
• Iran: The government was reported to be switching off the satellite-tracking systems on the country’s oil tankers in an effort to dodge sanction enforcement. (WaPo)
• Iran: The government began talks in Vienna with the IAEA over its nuclear program. (VoA)
• Iraq: Five were killed and 18 wounded in three bomb attacks in Fallujah while a bombing in Kirkuk killed a member of the Kurdish intelligence service. (DPA)
• Syria: Activists reported clashes with security forces killed at least 23 soldiers in Rastan. (BBC)
• Syria: EU officials announced new sanctions against the Assad government. (AP)
• Yemen: Suspected Islamist militants bombed a natural gas pipeline in the east. (Reuters)
• Yemen: Military officials reported raids against al Qaeda linked militants killed at least 16 in Abyan. (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Internet: Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson stepped down after allegations he falsified his credentials. (WSJ)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: 20% chance of tropical cyclone formation
• Location: 460 miles SW of the Southern Azores
• Movement: None
• Map
• Hurricanes: 60% chance of tropical cyclone formation
• Location: 600 miles SSW of Mananzillo, Mexico
• Movement: Slowly NW or WNW
• Map
• Earthquakes: Tarapaca, Chile
• Magnitude: 6.2
• Depth: 98.3 km
• Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (15MAY)

• Global: Celebration of International Day of Families.
• Global: CSTO gathers for a jubilee summit marking the 20th anniversary of signing the CSTO treaty.
• Europe: Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo visits the Netherlands, Croatia, Luxembourg, and Spain until 30MAY.
• Afghanistan: Anniversary of the start of Soviet troop withdrawal – 1988.
• Colombia: Free Trade Agreement with the US is fully implemented.
• France: President Sarkozy hands power over to President-elect Hollande.
• Japan: Anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japanese sovereignty – 1972.
• Palestinian Territories: Anniversary of the Day of Al-Nakba, or “the catastrophe” – 1948.
• Russia: Moscow launches manned mission to the International Space Station.
• Ukraine: EU begins negotiations with Kiev over Schengen visas.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Egypt held the first televised presidential debate in its history.
• AMERICAS: US Defense Secretary Panetta criticized a House of Representatives panel that added billions to the defense budget, calling the additions “unnecessary.”
• ASIA: Pakistani officials announced the cabinet will discuss ending the NATO supply blockade in a meeting next week
• EUROPE: The Spanish government is expected to approve a financial reform package for its troubled banking sector on Friday.
• MIDDLE EAST: Syrian chief of the opposition national council blamed al Qaeda in Iraq for bombings that killed at least 55 in Damascus and alleged a link to the government.
• TECHNOLOGY: Microsoft unveiled a redesigned Bing intended to reduce information overload disrupting search results and better organize results from social media.

TOP STORY

• Greece: Leadership struggling to form government
• Talks continued between the socialist and conservative party leadership to form a coalition government and avoid another round of elections.
• Even if an agreement is reached, a third party would have to join the coalition to form a government.
• EU officials stated they might allow Greece additional time to form a government before demanding it comply with the agreed-upon timetable for austerity measures.
• Germany warned the country that straying from austerity policies might endanger its bailout.
• AP, Al Jazeera, NYT, WaPo, BBC, Reuters

AFRICA

• Algeria: Low turnout was reported in parliamentary elections touted by authorities as free and fair. (AP)
• Egypt: The country held the first televised presidential debate in its history. (LA Times)
• DR Congo: The army continued fighting with mutinous soldiers in Nord-Kivu province. (AFP)
• Guinea Bissau: Security forces clashed with protesters opposed to how the government is handling upcoming elections. (Reuters)
• Libya: Ian Martin, head of the UN mission to Libya, said there are around 4,000 people being held in militia detention centers, often in secret and many are tortured. (AFP)
• Nigeria: Explosions and gunfire were reported in Maiduguri, but casualties are unknown. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Argentina: Authorities seized over a half ton of cocaine in Pergamino. (Xinhua)
• Guatemala: Authorities seized 80 tons of drug precursor chemicals in two operations across the country. (EFE)
• Mexico: Drug gang violence has increasingly suppressed journalism across the country over the last five years. (AFP)
• Peru: The defense and interior ministers resigned as Congress prepared a motion to censure the government for a military operation resulting in the deaths of 10 soldiers and police. (EFE)
• United States: Defense Secretary Panetta criticized a House of Representatives panel that added billions to the defense budget, calling the additions “unnecessary.” (AP)

ASIA

• Region: Pakistan and India will renew talks on the border dispute over the Siachen glacier in Islamabad on June 11-12. (Xinhua)
• Afghanistan: An attacker wearing an Afghan army uniform killed a NATO soldier in the eastern part of the country. (AP)
• Pakistan: Officials announced the defense committee of the cabinet will discuss ending the NATO supply blockade in a meeting next week. (AFP)
• Philippines: An anti-China protest outside the Chinese embassy in Manila was organized in response to the ongoing territorial dispute over the South China Sea. (Reuters, VoA)
• Singapore: The first in a new class of US Navy combat ships will be sent to Singapore next year for a 10-month deployment. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Russia: Two soldiers were killed and seven wounded in a shootout with militants in Dagestan. (AFP)
• Spain: The government is expected to approve a financial reform package for its troubled banking sector on Friday. (AP)
• Turkey: PM Erdogan called for a “new era” in relations with France, during a telephone conversation with President Hollande. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: Officials stated a meeting on nuclear nonproliferation planned for December in Helsinki was increasingly in doubt due to regional unrest. (WSJ)
• Bahrain: Protesters demanding the release of human rights activist Nabeel Rajab clashed with police in Shiite villages outside Manama. (AFP)
• Iran: Oil exports fell sharply ahead of sanctions scheduled to go into effect on 01JUL. (WSJ)
• Lebanon: The US is urging Lebanese banks to take extra caution in handling financial transactions with Syria, to prevent the Assad regime and its supporters from stashing money abroad. (AFP)
• Syria: The chief of the opposition national council blamed al Qaeda in Iraq for the bombings that killed at least 55 in Damascus and alleged a link to the government. (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Search Engines: Microsoft unveiled a redesigned Bing intended to reduce information overload disrupting search results and better organize results from social media sources. (Telegraph)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Puebla Volcano, Mexico
• Ash cloud forced closure of airport. (Reuters)

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (12MAY)

• Asia: Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony marks the beginning of rice-growing season.
• Cambodia: King Sihamoni’s Birthday is celebrated – 1953.
• China: Celebration of “Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day” – 2009.
• South Korea: Expo 2012 (World’s Fair) begins in Yeosu.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Algerian parliamentary elections began under strict police surveillance.
• AMERICAS: In Mexico, 12 decapitated bodies were discovered near Guadalajara.
• ASIA: In Pakistan, the Red Cross announced it would no longer continue operations in two cities due to safety concerns.
• EUROPE: Russian President Putin announced he would not attend the upcoming G8 summit in Camp David.
• MIDDLE EAST: In Yemen, drones killed eight militants in the southwest town of Ja’ar.
• TECHNOLOGY: An FBI report expressed concern over the possible use of Bitcoin as a money-laundering device.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Twin explosions in Damascus killed at least 50, and wounded 170.
• At least one blast appeared to target the regime intelligence services building.
• The opposition blamed the attack on the regime, while state television blamed the attack on ‘terrorists’.
• Major General Robert Mood, chief of the UN observer mission, surveyed the wreckage after the blasts.
• Coverage: CBS, AFP, AP

AFRICA

• Algeria: Voting for parliamentary elections began under strict police surveillance. (AP)
• Mali: Interim president Dioncounda Traore began his first Cabinet meeting, adopting an amnesty law for those involved in the 2012 mutiny and coup d’etat. (ANI)
• South Africa: Authorities may appeal against a ruling compelling South Africa to investigate Zimbabweans suspected of torture and human rights abuses. (VOA)

AMERICAS

• Region: U.S. Navy ships assisted Colombia in seizing more than 4,800 pounds of cocaine in the western Caribbean Sea. (AP)
• Mexico: Twelve decapitated bodies were discovered near Guadalajara. (Reuters)
• Panama: Former dictator Noriega was transferred to a hospital from prison for treatment. (AFP)
• United States: A House panel moved to reduce the foreign aid budget by 9% and cut $800 million in aid to Pakistan. (AP)

ASIA

• Region: Four suspected militants were shot by the Indian Army in Kashmir. (AP)
• Afghanistan: Six Taliban suicide bombers died in an attempt to storm a government building in an eastern town in Paktika province that killed at least one policeman. (AFP)
• China: A female suicide bomber detonated explosives in protest of the seizure of her home, killing two. (AFP)
• Indonesia: No survivors were found at the Mount Salak wreckage site of a missing Russian airliner. (AP)
• Pakistan: The Red Cross announced it would no longer continue operations in two Pakistani cities due to safety concerns. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Russia: President Putin announced he would not attend the upcoming G8 summit in Camp David. (AP)
• Russia: Hackers, originating from Russia, forced the closure of UStream, a video-streaming site hosting live footage of protests in Moscow.  (The Lede)
• Turkey: Parliament began its work to draft a new constitution amid speculation that PM Erdogan aimed to replace a parliamentary system with a presidential one. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: Israeli territory was hit by a Gaza rocket; however there were no casualties or injuries. (AFP)
• Egypt: Four members of the Cabinet were expected to be replaced later in the day. (Reuters)
• Yemen: Drones killed eight militants in the southwest town of Ja’ar. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• United States: An FBI report expressed concern over the possible use of Bitcoin as a money-laundering device. (Threat Level)

WORLD

• Cyclone: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Popocatepetl, Mexico
• Ash forced the nearby Puebla International Airport to temporarily close.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (10MAY)

• Egypt: Overseas Egyptians begin the first round of voting.
• Ukraine: Nine European presidents are boycotting the Yalta Conference in Kiev due to the status of former PM Tymoshenko.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: South Sudan claimed that Sudan had launched air strikes against its territory.
• AMERICAS: The US Border Patrol issued new guidelines and a new strategy to combat illegal immigration and trafficking.
• ASIA: South Korea sent a formal protest to North Korea, calling for a halt to the DPRK’s current GPS jamming.
• EUROPE: Former Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko was moved to a hospital where she will receive treatment.
• MIDDLE EAST: In Syria, a blast hit the convoy of the head of the UN observer mission, wounding six Syrian soldiers.
• TECHNOLOGY: Twitter blocked a subpoena from Manhattan district attorney’s office to access Malcolm Harris’ tweets.

TOP STORY

• United States: Reports around the foiled AQAP terrorist plot continue to circulate.
• It appears that AQAP’s designed suicide bomber was an intelligence agent for Saudi Arabia.
• Ibrahim Hassan al Asiri is believed to be the key bomb maker behind the attempted operation.
• Al Asiri also obtained information that led to a successful airstrike Sunday against al-Qaida leader Fahd Mohammed Ahmed al-Quso in Yemen.
• Coverage: NYT, Reuters, VOA

AFRICA

• Region: South Sudan claimed Sudan launched air strikes against its territory. (AFP)
• Region: Terror group Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa warned that the abducted Algerian diplomats in its custody would be in “great danger” if Algeria failed to meet its demands. (Telegraph)
• DR Congo: Army deserters and current soldiers battled with each other in Kibumba. (AFP)
• Libya: Demonstrators attacked government headquarters in Tripoli, killing one. (AFP)
• Sudan: The rebel Sudan Liberation Army claimed it had successfully taken control of the town of Girayda from government forces. (Reuters)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: Three soldiers were killed by landmines near the southwestern city of Argelia. (EFE)
• Ecuador: The military captured and jailed Wilson Tapiero, a FARC leader. (LAT)  
• United States: The Border Patrol issued new guidelines and a new strategy to combat illegal immigration and trafficking. (AP)
• United States: Two Southwest Airlines flights were grounded after a potential bomb threat, although the flights were later cleared (AP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: According to a new poll commissioned by AP and GfK, support for the Afghan war among the American public is at its lowest thus far. (AP)
• China: The United States expressed its disappointment with China’s expulsion of al Jazeera correspondent Melissa Chan. (AFP)
• Korean Peninsula: South Korea sent a formal protest to North Korea, calling for a halt to the DPRK’s current GPS jamming. (Yonhap)

EUROPE

• Armenia: A leading opposition group, Armenian National Congress, said the parliamentary election won by the president’s party was marred by fraud, and vowed to ask a top court to overturn the results. (Reuters)
• Russia: 14,000 troops marched in the Victory Day parade in the Red Square, presided by Putin and Medvedev. (AFP)
• Turkey: A parliamentary committee will begin to write a new constitution from 10MAY, after collecting opinions across civil society. (AFP)
• Ukraine: Former PM Tymoshenko was moved to a hospital where she will receive treatment for chronic back pain. (Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: The UN has information that arms are being smuggled in both directions between Lebanon and Syria. (AFP)
• Bahrain: Rights activists convicted of trying to overthrow the state claimed they were forced to sign confessions and faced abuse in custody. (AP)
• Iraq: Insurgents killed four people in Diyala province. (AFP)
• Syria: The commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army threatened to resume fighting, as there were reports of continued violence against civilians. (Reuters)
• Syria: A blast hit the convoy of the head of the UN observer mission to Syria, wounding six Syrian soldiers. (BBC)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• United States: Twitter blocked a subpoena from Manhattan district attorney’s office to access Malcolm Harris’ tweets, who was arrested during Occupy Wall Street protests. (Huffington Post)

WORLD

• Cyclone: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (10MAY)

• Algeria: Parliamentary elections held.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: In Somalia, a mortar shell, fired into a crowd in Mogadishu, killed seven.
• AMERICAS: Colombian drug trafficker Javier Calle Serna surrendered to US DEA agents.
• ASIA: US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter will reportedly step down from his post in the summer.
• EUROPE: Belarusian President Lukashenko promised to solve economic problems with a “great leap forward.”
• MIDDLE EAST: Israeli PM Netanyahu formed a national unity government with the Kadima opposition party, cancelling early elections
• TECHNOLOGY: Twitter remains a key influencer in US presidential elections.

TOP STORY

• United States: An AQAP terrorist plot targeting an US-bound airliner was foiled.
• Intelligence to thwart the plot was reportedly provided by Saudi authorities.
• Secretary Clinton said the plot highlighted the need to remain “vigilant.”
• Coverage: CNN, Telegraph

AFRICA

• Algeria: AQIM released a list of 58 attacks and ambushes it carried out over the last month, claiming it had killed at least 53 Algerian soldiers and civilians. (AP)
• Somalia: A mortar shell, fired into a crowd in Mogadishu, killed seven. (AFP)
• Sudan: According to the AU-UN peacekeeping mission, Sudan suspended UNAMID flights to Uganda, a charge the Sudanese government denies. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Bahamas: The opposition Progressive Liberal Party won parliamentary elections. (AP)
• Colombia: Drug trafficker Javier Calle Serna surrendered to US DEA agents. (BBC)
• Mexico: Eighteen migrants, as well as two suspected Los Zetas members, were arrested in Coahuila. (EFE)

ASIA

• Region: China warned the Philippines it was prepared for “any escalation,” prompting the Philippines to undertake a “new diplomatic initiative.” (AFP)
• China: Authorities denied the visa for an Al Jazeera reporter, leading the network to shut down its bureau in the country. (AFP)
• Pakistan: US Ambassador Cameron Munter will reportedly step down from his post in the summer. (CBS)

EUROPE

• Belarus: President Lukashenko held an annual address to the nation, and promised to solve economic problems with a “great leap forward.” (AFP)
• Armenia: The governing Republican party officially won parliamentary elections with 44 percent of the vote. (AFP)
• Russia: President Putin signed a decree to find “guarantees” the proposed missile defense shield was not targeting Russia. (Xinhua)

MIDDLE EAST

• Israel: PM Netanyahu formed a national unity government with the Kadima opposition party, cancelling early elections. (Bloomberg, Haaretz)
• Iraq: Interpol issued a “Red Notice” for Iraqi VP Tariq al-Hashemi. (Reuters)
• Syria: Security forces shelled Hama and Homs, killing five. (DPA)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• United States: Despite the fact that only 13 percent of adults have a Twitter account, the service remains a significant influencer in the presidential electoral race. (AP)

WORLD

• Cyclone: Tropical Cyclone 19S
• Location: 270 nautical miles NNW of Darwin, Australia
• Maximum Winds: 30 knots
• Movement: SSE at 13 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (09MAY)

• Global: Foreign ministers meet in Sharm El-Sheikh to discuss New Zealand’s UNSC bid.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The DRC’s military suspended its offensive against the opposition.
• AMERICAS: In Colombia, the FARC confirmed it was holding French journalist Romeo Langlois hostage.
• ASIA: Secretary Clinton indicated Pakistan had not taken appropriate steps to capture Hafiz Saeed.
• EUROPE: In Russia, Putin was sworn in as President.
• MIDDLE EAST: An air strike in Yemen killed Fahd al-Quso, wanted for his role in the USS Cole bombings.
• TECHNOLOGY: The website of radio station Echo of Moscow was taken offline by a cyberattack.

TOP STORY

• France: Hollande defeated Sarkozy to become French President
• The official tally confirmed Hollande received 51.62 percent of the vote to Sarkozy’s 48.38 percent.
• In his victory speech, Hollande vowed that austerity would not be the only option for France.
• Sarkozy will transfer power to Hollande on 15MAY.
• Coverage: Reuters, BBC

AFRICA

• Democratic Republic of Congo: The military said it secured control in North Kivu, and suspended military operations against the “undisciplined”. (AP, AFP)
• Mali: The Defence Ministry said 100 North Africans from Libya, Algeria and Tunisia had joined AQIM. (AFP)
• Sudan: President Omar al-Bashir affirmed the close ties between the people of Sudan and South Sudan. (AP)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: The FARC confirmed it was holding French journalist Romeo Langlois hostage. (NYT)
• Colombia: Presumed FARC guerrillas torched three vehicles on a highway linking three southern cities. (EFE)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: The Washington Post reported the US had been releasing high-level detainees in Afghanistan amid negotiations with Taliban insurgents. (Washington Post)
• Afghanistan: An ANA soldier shot and killed a US Marine and wounded two others. (AP)
• Pakistan: Al Qaeda released a video of Warren Weinstein, an American abducted in Pakistan, appealing to President Obama to accept Al Qaeda demands. (CNN)
• Pakistan: Secretary Clinton indicated Pakistan had not taken appropriate steps to capture Hafiz Saeed, and speculated that Zawahiri was in Pakistan. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: Two Pakistani soldiers and nine other soldiers were ambushed in North Waziristan. (Washington Post)

EUROPE

• Armenia: The ruling Republican party was projected to win parliamentary elections, with 90 percent of the vote counted. (AFP)
• Greece: No political party was able to secure enough votes to form a government in parliamentary elections. (MSNBC)
• Russia: Putin was sworn in as President for his third term. (Telegraph)

MIDDLE EAST

• Israel: President Netanyahu proposed holding elections on 04SEP. (AP)
• Iraq: A bomb on a minibus exploded in Baghdad, killing two. (AP)
• Syria: The opposition boycotted the multiparty parliamentary elections. (AP)
• Yemen: An air strike killed Fahd al-Quso, wanted for his role in the USS Cole bombings. (Independent)
• Yemen: Al Qaeda killed more than 30 Yemeni soldiers in an attack on a military outpost in the south. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Russia: The website of radio station Echo of Moscow was taken offline by a cyberattack. (Itar Tass)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (08MAY)

• United Kingdom: Pakistani PM Gilani visits the UK for the first Annual Review Meeting of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: ECOWAS warned the military juntas in control of Mali and Guinea Bissau that it would not tolerate further defiance of its directives.
• AMERICAS: Mexican authorities found the bodies of three photojournalists in Veracruz.
• ASIA: In Pakistan, a suicide bomber struck Khar, killing at least 20.
• EUROPE: In Russia, two bombings in Dagestan killed 12 and wounded at least 100.
• MIDDLE EAST: In Syria, Kofi Annan’s plan is “on track”; though progress in implementing the ceasefire is slow.
• TECHNOLOGY: The UK military’s head of cyber-security stated hackers have managed to breach the security of the Ministry of Defense.

TOP STORY

• China: Possible solution reached over Chinese activist
• The government stated dissident Chen Guangcheng could “apply to go abroad”, indicating a softening of its position on the activist.
• Chen told US lawmakers his situation was “very dangerous” and that American diplomats were not being allowed to see him.
• Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell was negotiating with Chinese officials Thursday, said a senior State Department official. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
• Coverage: VoA, CNN, NYT, WSJ, WaPo, AP

AFRICA

• Region: ECOWAS warned the military juntas in control of Mali and Guinea Bissau that it would not tolerate further defiance of its directives. (Reuters)
• Region: Kenyan troops launched an attack on Al Shabab insurgents in southern Somalia. (UPI)
• Region: South Sudan accused Sudan of launching an air strike against one of its oil producing regions. (Reuters)
• DR Congo: The military reported it had advanced toward the stronghold of rogue General Ntaganda. (AFP)
• Ivory Coast: Archbishop Tutu’s peace and human rights group urged Ivory Coast to make more decisive efforts at reconciliation; more than a year after a political crisis left thousands dead. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Brazil: The government announced it would deploy 8,500 additional soldiers to defend Amazon border regions. (NYT)
• Guatemala: Authorities arrested nine suspected of involvement in violent protests that killed one. (EFE)
• Mexico: The bodies of three photojournalists were found murdered in Veracruz. (AP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: Two NATO soldiers were killed in an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan. (Xinhua)
• Myanmar: State media reported rebel forces suffered heavy losses in clashes that also left two soldiers dead. (AFP)
• Nepal: PM Bhattarai worked to establish a unity government following the resignation of his cabinet in a bid to avoid political turmoil. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: A suicide bomber struck Khar, killing at least 20. (Al Jazeera)

EUROPE

• Region: The US National Academy of Sciences sent a letter to lawmakers expressing skepticism that the planned European missile defense system would protect the US. (AP)
• Kosovo: NATO SG Rasmussen stated he was confident the alliance could prevent tension from escalating due to elections in Serbia. (AP)
• Russia: Two bombings in Dagestan killed 12 and wounded at least 100. (AFP)
• Turkey: Suspected PKK militants killed three soldiers in Tunceli province. (Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: Voting began for runoff parliamentary elections. (Reuters)
• Iran: The government stated it would never suspend uranium enrichment or close the Fordow nuclear facility. (Reuters)
• Syria: Kofi Annan’s spokesman said Annan’s plan for Syria is “on track”, though progress in implementing the ceasefire is slow. (Reuters)
• Yemen: Pro-government militia killed 12 suspected militants as jihadists attacked the southern town of Loder. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• United Kingdom: The military’s head of cyber-security stated hackers have managed to breach the security of the Ministry of Defense. (Guardian)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (05MAY)

• Asia: Secretary Clinton embarks on a South Asia tour beginning with Bangladesh and India.
• Europe: Anniversary of Europe Day – 1964.
• Europe: Anniversary of the establishment of the Council of Europe – 1949.
• Ethiopia: Anniversary of Liberation Day – 1941.
• Kyrgyzstan: Celebration of Constitution Day – 1993.
• Kyrgyzstan: Anniversary of the Treaty of Bishkek – 1994.
• Mexico: Celebration of Cinco de Mayo – 1862.
• Russia: Political opposition stages “March of Millions” in Moscow.
• Thailand: Celebration of Coronation Day – 1950.
• United States: Military tribunal charges the 5 plotters of the attacks on 11SEPT01.

END