KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Niger’s government reported that 22 inmates escaped following Saturday’s raid on a prison in Niamey.
• AMERICAS: Colombian President Santos stated that threats made by the FARC were endangering the peace process.
• ASIA: A bomb attack on an American patrol in eastern Afghanistan killed at least 13, including ten children and two NATO soldiers.
• EUROPE: ECB Chief Draghi stated he expects the start of a gradual recovery later this year.
• MIDDLE EAST: British FM Hague stated that his country would decide on arming Syrian rebel groups only after peace talks between the opposition and President Assad.
• TECHNOLOGY: Apple went to trial over allegations by US federal and state authorities that it fixed e-book prices.

TOP STORY

• Turkey: Fourth day of protests; Erdogan calls for calm; country’s financial markets hit
• Demonstrations entered their fourth day as clashes between protesters and police continued Monday.
• PM Erdogan called for calm and blamed “extremists” for inciting violence.
• Turkish markets were reportedly rattled by the protests, with stocks, bonds and currency falling on Monday.
• Coverage: WSJ, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Reuters-2, NYT, AP

AFRICA

• Ethiopia: Opposition activists vowed to continue protests a day after large protests in Addis Ababa. (AFP)
• Niger: The government reported that 22 inmates escaped following Saturday’s raid on a prison in Niamey. (Reuters)
• Somalia: UNSG Ban Ki-Moon called for a swifter resolution of the country’s crisis. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: President Santos stated that threats made by the FARC against trade unions were endangering the peace process. (BBC)
• United States: Authorities reported the death toll from Friday’s storms in Oklahoma rose to 13. (AP)
• Venezuela: DM Molero stated he had never considered and would not consider ousting President Maduro. (AP)

ASIA

• Region: SIPRI reported that China, India and Pakistan all increased the size of their nuclear arsenals this year. (AFP)
• Afghanistan: A bomb attack on an American patrol in the eastern part of the country killed at least 13, including ten children and two NATO soldiers.
• Indonesia: A suicide bomber targeted a police station, killing himself and injuring one other. (AFP)
• Korean Peninsula: South Korean President Park warned the North that it would be held responsible for the safety of nine refugees returned from Laos. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Region: ECB Chief Draghi stated he expects the start of a gradual recovery later this year. (AFP)
• Greece: Three firebomb attacks in Athens injured one. (AP)
• Russia: The Black Sea Fleet will reportedly maintain its presence in the Mediterranean throughout the summer. (Interfax)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: IAEA chief Amano criticized the country for leading the agency “around in circles.” (DPA)
• Lebanon: Clashes in the eastern part of the country between Hezbollah and Syrian rebel fighters killed at least 11. (Xinhua)
• Palestinian Territories: The Palestinian Authority selected Rami Hamdallah, a university professor, as its next PM. (NYT)
• Syria: British FM Hague stated that his country would decide on arming Syrian rebel groups only after peace talks between the opposition and President Assad. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Apple: The company went to trial over allegations by US federal and state authorities that it fixed e-book prices. (Reuters)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: 20% chance of tropical cyclone formation
• Location: From the Yucatan to Florida Strait
• Movement: Drifting North
• Map
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

• Global Disease Outbreaks:
• H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
• Cases: Global Number of Cases of 30MAY: 132 (China 131, Taiwan 1)
• Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 30MAY: 37 (China)
• Sourcing: WHO, WHO-2, Xinhua
• Novel Coronavirus (SARS-MERS)
• Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 31MAY: 54 (Saudi Arabia 38, Tunisia 2, Italy 3, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
• Global Number of Deaths as of 31MAY: 30 (Saudi Arabia 24, France 1)
• Sourcing: AFP, WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (04JUN)

• Global: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
• Americas: Organization of American States Summit 2013 will begin in Antigua Guatemala (to 06JUN).
• Asia: 5th ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament will begin in Manila (to 05JUN).
• Europe: NATO defense ministers, including US Secretary of Defense Hagel will meet in Brussels to discuss NATO’s cyber defenses.
• China: Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre – 1989.
• Cuba: Cuba will expand public access to the Internet by setting up another 118 places where people on this communist-run island can surf the Web for a fee.
• Iran: Anniversary of Ali Khamenei’s election as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran – 1989.
• Mexico: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Mexico for talks with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (to 06JUN).
• Russia: A Moscow court will review an administrative case against the regional organization Golos.
• Tonga: Anniversary of Tonga’s independence from the United Kingdom – 1970.
• United States: Chilean President Sebastian Pinera will visit the White House for talks with US President Obama.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Egypt’s top constitutional court ruled that the election of the legislature and constitutional panel was illegal.
• AMERICAS: Cuba expressed support for Venezuela’s position in an ongoing diplomatic dispute with Colombia.
• ASIA: Two NATO soldiers were reported killed in separate attacks in eastern Afghanistan.
• EUROPE: Turkey reported nearly 1,000 arrested and at least 79 injured as protests entered their third day.
• MIDDLE EAST: In the eastern part of Lebanon, at least 15 were reported killed in clashes between Hezbollah and Syrian rebel fighters.
• TECHNOLOGY: Google announced it would not add facial recognition software to Google Glass, amid privacy concerns.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Siege of Qusayr continued; fierce clashes in Homs; bombing in Damascus; peace conference pushed back
  • The Red Cross called for immediate access and aid to civilians in the besieged town of Qusayr.
  • Activists reported a car bombing killed at least nine security forces in Damascus.
  • Government troops repulsed a rebel attack in central Homs, killing at least 28.
  • French FM Fabius stated that a peace conference on the crisis could take place in July, instead of June as originally planned.
  • Coverage: BBC, AFP-1, AFP-2, AFP-3

AFRICA

• Region: Japan earmarked $1 billion in aid for Northern Africa. (AP)
• Egypt: The country’s top constitutional court ruled that the election of the legislature and constitutional panel was illegal. (AP)
• Niger: Two guards were killed during a failed prison break in Niamey. (Reuters)
• Tunisia: Three soldiers were reported injured by a landmine near the Algerian border. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Region: Cuba expressed support for Venezuela’s position in an ongoing diplomatic dispute with Colombia. (Reuters)
• Nicaragua: Venezuelan President Maduro arrived in the country for bilateral talks. (AFP)
• Paraguay: The government vowed to punish rebels suspected of involvement in the murder of a rancher. (AP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: The country’s Interior Ministry reported 57 militants killed during military operations across the country. (Xinhua)
• Afghanistan: Two NATO soldiers were reported killed in separate attacks in the country’s east. (RFE\RL)
• China: The country accused the US of “political prejudice” following a call for a full accounting of deaths in Tiananmen Square in 1989. (Al Jazeera)
• China: A senior general rejected criticism of the country’s role in South China Sea disputes. (BBC)
• Vietnam: Police detained 15 anti-China protesters following protests in Hanoi. (AP)

EUROPE

• Region: NATO member state defense ministers prepared to meet Tuesday for a meeting, with cyber-defense at the top of the agenda. (AFP)
• Region: Anti-austerity protests were held across Europe. (AP)
• Turkey: The country reported nearly 1,000 arrested and at least 90 injured after protests entered their third day. (BBC, Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: An opposition website reported the government arrested seven members of a moderate candidate’s election campaign. (Xinhua)
• Lebanon: At least 15 were reported killed in clashes between Hezbollah and Syrian rebel fighters in the eastern part of the country. (Reuters)
• Syria: Russian and Iranian technology- including unmanned drones and anti-mortar systems- were reported to be aiding the government’s assault on rebel forces across the country. (WaPo)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Google: Google announced it would not add facial recognition software to Google Glass, amid privacy concerns. (AFP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: 25km SE of Buli, Taiwan
  • Magnitude: 6.5
  • Depth: 14.4 km
  • Map
• Volcanoes: Mayon Volcano, Philippines
  • Alert level raised due to reported activity. (DPA)
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Cases: Global Number of Cases of 30MAY: 132 (China 131, Taiwan 1)
    • Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 30MAY: 37 (China)
    • Sourcing: WHO, WHO-2, Xinhua
    • Novel Coronavirus (SARS-MERS)
      • Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 31MAY: 51 (Saudi Arabia 38, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 31MAY: 30 (Saudi Arabia 24, France 1)
      • Sourcing: AFP, WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (03JUN)

• Global: The UN General Assembly global arms trade treaty will open for signature.
• Global: IAEA Board of Governors meeting will begin in Vienna (to 07JUN).
• Europe: Russia-EU summit will begin in Yekaterinburg (to 04JUN).
• Cambodia: Victims Association of Democratic Kampuchea has set this date as the deadline for Kem Sokha to apologize for his denial of the existence of the Tuol Sleng prison.
• Iran: Anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Khomeini – 1989.
• Montenegro: Anniversary of independence – 2006.
• Pakistan: The General Assembly is expected to chose a speaker and a deputy.
• Somalia: UN Assistance Mission in Somalia will begin for an initial period of 12 months.
• Syria: UN panel looking into war crimes in Syria will present its next report to the UN Human Rights Council.
• Tunisia: State of emergency in force since the 2011 revolution is set to end.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Japan said it would give $14 billion in aid to Africa over five years.
• AMERICAS: Colombian President Santos dismissed as “crazy” accusations made by his Venezuelan counterpart Maduro that Santos is involved in a plot to overthrow him.
• ASIA: Newly elected members of Pakistan’s National Assembly were sworn in.
• EUROPE: Turkish protesters and riot police clashed for a second day in Istanbul.
• MIDDLE EAST:  The worst violence since 2008 hit Iraq in May, with estimates ranging from 600 fatalities according to government figures, to more than 1,000, based on UN figures.
• TECHNOLOGY: US Defense Secretary Hagel accused Beijing of involvement in cyber espionage in a speech at a Singapore security forum attended by Chinese military officials.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Russia and US deeply divided on Syria as Assad makes gains against rebels
  • Analysts reported that the regime now has the upper hand in the civil war, with army soldiers no longer defecting and elite Hezbollah fighters actively helping.
  • US Secretary Kerry raised questions about Russia’s commitment to peace in Syria, warning that delivery of Russian S-300 air defense missiles would be “not helpful.”
  • A Gallup poll indicated that majority of Americans believe the US should not use military action to attempt to end the civil war in Syria even if all economic and diplomatic efforts fail.
  • US Sen. McCain said rebels need ammunition and heavy weapons to counter the regime’s tanks and aircraft.
  • Coverage: AFP, AP, AP-2, Xinhua

AFRICA

• Region: Japan said it would give $14 billion in aid to Africa over five years. (AFP)
• Libya: Guards at a southern oil field have shut down the facility in protest over back pay and living conditions. (AP)
• Nigeria: The military released 58 detainees believed to have connections with rebel group Boko Haram. (Xinhua)
• Sudan: Rebels from the Sudan Revolutionary Front said they had shot down a Sudanese army helicopter in South Kordofan. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Region: The US designated six individuals and groups, including The Knights Templar of Mexico, Colombia’s Los Urabenos, and the Los Cachiros of Honduras for sanctions. (AFP)
• Ecuador: The government started a prevention program to avoid a possible spread of H1N1 flu from neighboring Colombia and Venezuela. (Xinhua)
• Colombia: President Santos dismissed as “crazy” accusations made by his Venezuelan counterpart Maduro that Santos is involved in a plot to overthrow him. (Reuters)
• United States: The US Treasury stopped re-investing in a retirement fund, a major step in its efforts to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling. (AFP)

ASIA

• Region: The US offered to host a meeting with Southeast Asian defense ministers in Hawaii next year. (AFP)
• Afghanistan: A new report suggests that the US risks “snatching defeat from the jaws of something that could still resemble victory” if it speeds up withdrawal from Afghanistan. (WaPo)
• Pakistan: Newly elected members of the National Assembly were sworn in. (AP)
• Philippines: The US reaffirmed its commitment to a defense treaty with the Philippines. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Greece: The IMF said it will disburse a $2.26 billion installment of a rescue loan to Greece. (AP)
• Turkey: Protesters and riot police clashed for a second day in Istanbul. (AFP)
• Ukraine: Deputy PM Vilkul said the status of an observer in the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan would help Ukraine step up cooperation. (Itar-Tass)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: US Secretary Kerry spoke by phone with Israeli PM Netanyahu and Palestinian president Abbas about settlements and the Mideast peace process. (AFP)
• Iran: US Secretary Kerry expressed fresh doubt that Iran’s presidential elections would change Tehran’s controversial nuclear policy. (AFP)
• Iraq: The worst violence since 2008 hit Iraq in May, with estimates ranging from 600 fatalities according to government figures, to more than 1,000, based on UN figures. (AFP)
• Lebanon: Rockets fired from Syria hit Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: US Defense Secretary Hagel accused Beijing of involvement in cyber espionage in a speech at a Singapore security forum attended by Chinese military officials. (AFP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report.
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Cases: Global Number of Cases of 30MAY: 132 (China 131, Taiwan 1)
    • Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 30MAY: 37 (China)
    • Sourcing: WHO, WHO-2, Xinhua
    • Novel Coronavirus (SARS-MERS)
      • Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 31MAY: 50 (Saudi Arabia 38, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 31MAY: 30 (Saudi Arabia 21, France 1)
      • Sourcing: AFP, WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (02JUN)

• Europe: Russia-EU Summit will begin in St. Petersburg (to 03JUN).
• Egypt: First anniversary of Egyptian ex-President Hosni Mubarak being sentenced to life in jail – 2012.
• Italy: Anniversary of the start of the Italian Republic – 1946.
• Pakistan: Power will be transferred to the new elected government by this date.
• Christianity: Corpus Christi, which falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, is celebrated on the following Sunday in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The Nigerian military said officials believe Islamic extremists in northeast are receiving arms and other assistance from sources outside of the country.
• AMERICAS: Venezuelan opposition leader Capriles denounced as “blackmail” a threat by Caracas to end support for Colombia’s peace process with the FARC.
• ASIA: In Afghanistan the International Committee of the Red Cross halted all staff movement across the country and closed its office in Jalalabad.
• EUROPE: The Moldovan parliament endorsed the new coalition government proposed by designated PM Leanca.
• MIDDLE EAST: The US is set to relax sanctions on Iran to allow American companies to sell mobile phones, software and other technology used for personal communications to Iranians.
• TECHNOLOGY: NATO defense ministers are to hold their first review of cyber defense next week.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Russia disputes Assad missile claims, government makes gains against rebels
  • Two Russian newspapers reported that Russia may not deliver S-300 air defense missile systems this year, rejecting claims the weapons had already arrived in the country.
  • A Russian arms manufacturer said it is signing a contract to deliver at least 10 MiG fighter jets to Syria.
  • Syrian President Assad threatened Israel with renewed fighting in the Golan Heights.
  • Government soldiers killed three Westerners, including an American woman and a British man, during fighting in the northwest Idlib province.
  • Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, AFP-3, AP, Reuters

AFRICA

• Mali: Defense Minister Camara said the Malian army was ready to retake Kidal in case of failure of the ongoing talks with the NMLA. (Xinhua)
• Niger: The Mali-based Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa claimed credit for attacks last week on a military garrison and French-operated uranium plant. (AP)
• Nigeria: The military said officials believe Islamic extremists in northeast are receiving arms and other assistance from sources outside of the country. (AP)
• Togo: Thousands of public servants began a nationwide two-day strike to demand better working conditions. (AP)

AMERICAS

• Region: The US and Canada announced for the first time they are working together on a border infrastructure investment plan. (UPI)
• Region: Venezuelan opposition leader Capriles denounced as “blackmail” a threat by Caracas to end support for Colombia’s peace process with the FARC. (AFP)
• Argentina: President Kirchner appointed new defense and security ministers. (AFP)
• Colombia: Three army soldiers were killed and two others were wounded in an attack allegedly carried out by the FARC. (XInhua)
• Venezuela: Venezuela’s government launched three surveillance drones as part of an initiative to curb drug trafficking. (AP)

ASIA

• Region: The US State Department said Pakistan and Afghanistan were among countries that bore the majority of terrorist attacks in 2012. (Xinhua)
• Afghanistan: The International Committee of the Red Cross halted all staff movement across the country and closed its office in Jalalabad. (AFP)
• Australia: The Security Intelligence Organization director general said the new intelligence headquarters were secure after reports Chinese hackers stole the building’s top secret blueprints. (AFP)
• Kyrgyzstan: President Atambayev declared a state of emergency in the area around a Canadian-owned gold mine after clashes between security forces and demonstrators. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Bosnia: Several thousand workers protested in Sarajevo against the government’s economic policies. (AFP)
• Germany: Thousands of demonstrators from the anti-capitalist Blockupy movement cut off access to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. (Reuters)
• Moldova: The parliament endorsed the new coalition government proposed by designated PM Leanca. (Xinhua)
• Russia: President Putin is to appoint Economy Minister Belousov as his chief economic adviser. (Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: The US is set to relax sanctions on Iran to allow American companies to sell mobile phones, software and other technology used for personal communications to Iranians. (Reuters)
• Iran: The government said its oil exports are down by 20 percent but asserts it is still producing the same amount of crude despite international sanctions. (AP)
• Lebanon: PM Salam said Lebanon should stay out of the Syrian conflict. (AFP)
• Syria: The UNSC agreed to add Jabhat al-Nusra, the al-Qaida linked opposition force fighting in Syria, to the UN sanctions blacklist. (AP)
• Syria: The divided opposition group officially expanded to include 43 new members after eight days of meetings. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: NATO defense ministers are to hold their first review of cyber defense next week. (Reuters)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report.
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
  • Eruption of volcanic material, ash. (AFP)
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Cases: Global Number of Cases of 30MAY: 132 (China 131, Taiwan 1)
    • Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 30MAY: 37 (China)
    • Sourcing: WHO, WHO-2, Xinhua
    • Novel Coronavirus (SARS-MERS)
      • Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 31MAY: 50 (Saudi Arabia 38, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 31MAY: 30 (Saudi Arabia 21, France 1)
      • Sourcing: AFP, WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (01JUN)

• Global: The United Kingdom will take over as president of the UNSC.
• Africa: Tokyo International Conference on African Development will begin (to 03JUN).
• Asia: Japan, the United States and South Korea will hold a meeting of defense ministers on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit in Singapore to discuss jointly dealing with North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
• Kenya: Madaraka Day; marks the day that Kenya attained internal self rule – 1963.
• Mexico: Navy Day.
• Pakistan: Pakistan’s new parliament holds its first session.
• Pakistan: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s detention extended to this day.
• Russia, Georgia: Verkhny Lars-Kazbegi border crossing point, on the border of Russia and Georgia) will begin to operate round-the-clock (to 30SEP).
• Syria: EU sanctions on Syria set to expire.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The Nigerian military said that a terrorist believed to be a close associate of Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau was found dead.
• AMERICAS: US VP Biden warned that preferred cocaine and heroin trafficking routes could shift back to the Caribbean.
• ASIA: A US drone strike killed at least six militants and the number two of the Pakistan Taliban.
• EUROPE: The OECD warned that Europe’s shrinking economy risks threatening the global recovery.
• MIDDLE EAST: Israeli PM Netanyahu ordered his cabinet to stay silent on the issue of Russian missile deliveries to Syria.
• TECHNOLOGY: The Pentagon has been working on a program called Plan X that will simplify the process of cyberwarfare.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Ongoing violence blamed for spreading regional instability
  • Syrian elite forces and fighters from the Lebanese Shiite Hezbollah movement have been sent to reinforce government troops battling rebels in Qusayr.
  • The Russian Foreign Ministry said that a new outbreak of violence in Iraq is rooted in the ongoing conflict in Syria.
  • Jordan’s FM Judeh reiterated Jordan’s call for speeding up efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
  • US Sen. McCain renewed his call for the Obama administration to move aggressively militarily to aid the opposition.
  • Four key activist groups accused Syria’s main opposition National Coalition of failing to represent the views of the grassroots.
  • Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, AP, WSJ, Xinhua, Xinhua-2

AFRICA

• Libya: A Libyan soldier was killed and three others wounded when gunmen attacked an army patrol in Benghazi. (AFP)
• Mali: OCHA said that humanitarian needs are intensifying in Gao. (Xinhua)
• Mali: French FM Fabius met with the interim government as French soldiers and rebels clashed in Kidal. (AFP)
• Nigeria: The military said that a terrorist believed to be a close associate of Boko Haram’s leader Abubakar Shekau was found dead. (Xinhua)
• Tunisia: Border guards and armed Libyan smugglers exchanged fire near the border. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Region: US VP Biden warned that preferred cocaine and heroin trafficking routes could shift back to the Caribbean. (AFP)
• Bolivia: President Morales announced that the country will face the challenge to achieve better results in the anti-drug fight without the support of the US. (Xinhua)
• Colombia: The government declared a state of emergency for prisons to mitigate the crisis of overcrowding. (Xinhua)
• Venezuela: A military attaché at the US Embassy was injured in a shooting outside a nightclub. (AP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: One policeman and six militants were killed in a Taliban suicide attack on the provincial governor office building in Panjshir. (Xinhua)
• Afghanistan: President Obama will meet with NATO SG Rasmussen on Friday to discuss Afghanistan and other security concerns. (Reuters)
• Burma: The government called for calm during a new eruption of religious violence in the east of the country. (AFP)
• Pakistan: A US drone strike killed at least six militants and the number two of the Pakistan Taliban. (Reuters)

EUROPE

• Region: The OECD warned that Europe’s shrinking economy risks threatening the global economic recovery. (AP)
• France: Police investigating the stabbing of a French soldier in Paris arrested a suspect sources described as an adherent of “radical Islam.” (AFP)
• Greece: The government said it will seek looser EU visa regulations for Russia during its 2014 EU presidency. (Interfax)
• Moldova: Representatives of Moldova and the Dniester region started talks. (Interfax)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iraq: Violence throughout the country on Tuesday killed 45 people. (AFP)
• Israel: PM Netanyahu ordered his cabinet to stay silent on the issue of Russian missile deliveries to Syria. (AFP)
• Syria: President Assad is to give an interview Thursday to Al-Manar, the television channel of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah. (AFP)
• Yemen: South African diplomats are working to secure the release of kidnapped citizens. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: The Pentagon has been working on a program called Plan X that will simplify the process of cyberwarfare. (Danger Room)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report.
• Hurricanes: Tropical Storm Barbara
  • Location: 119 NM SSW of Tehuantepec, Mexico
  • Movement: NE at 5 mph
  • Winds: 57 mph
  • Map
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Cases: Global Number of Cases of 29MAY: 133 (China 132, Taiwan 1)
    • Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 29MAY: 37 (China)
    • Sourcing: WHO, Xinhua
    • Novel Coronavirus/MERS (Sars)
      • Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 29MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 29MAY: 24 (Saudi Arabia 18, France 1)
      • Sourcing: AFP, WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (30MAY)

• Asia: 10th ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials Meeting will begin in Langkawi, Malaysia (to 31MAY).
• Middle East: US-led International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 13 will end.
• Thailand: Indian PM Manmohan Singh will pay an official visit to Thailand to elevate Thai-Indian relations to a strategic partnership (to 31MAY).
• United States: State Department’s annual terrorism report will be released.
• Christianity: Corpus Christi, Roman Catholic festival celebrating the “real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Egyptian President Morsi sent a bill that would regulate NGOs to the country’s interim parliament.
• AMERICAS: US Vice President Biden highlighted the new agenda between the US and Colombia at the start of a six-day Latin American tour.
• ASIA: Australian FM Carr insisted ties with China would not be hurt by a report that Chinese hackers have stolen top secret blueprints to Australia’s new intelligence agency headquarters.
• EUROPE: A senior Russian diplomat said Washington’s latest moves aimed at easing Moscow’s concern about NATO’s US-led missile defense plans are insufficient.
• MIDDLE EAST: Gunmen killed three Lebanese soldiers at a military checkpoint in Bekaa Valley before fleeing to the nearby Syrian border
• TECHNOLOGY: Designs for many of the US’s most sensitive advanced weapons systems have been compromised by Chinese hackers.

TOP STORY

• Syria: International community has mixed reaction to lifting of EU arms embargo
  • British Foreign Secretary Hague said the EU decided to lift the arms embargo on the Syrian opposition while maintaining all other sanctions against Assad’s regime after June 1.
  • French authorities will analyze samples brought back from Syria by two journalists after they reported the Syrian army was using chemical weapons.
  • Russia said that the EU’s decision to lift its embargo will “directly harm” the prospects of holding a peace conference on the crisis.
  • The opposition denounced as “too little, too late” the EU decision to lift an arms embargo.
  • The UN’s top human rights body agreed to hold another urgent session on the civil war in Syria.
  • Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, AFP-3, AP, AP-2, WSJ

AFRICA

• Egypt: President Morsi sent a bill that would regulate NGOs to the country’s interim parliament. (AP)
• Madagascar: President Rajoelina refused to resign on and asked for more time before complying with a deal to step down ahead of elections in July. (AFP)
• South Africa: The government attempted to play down fears of anti-immigrant violence. (AFP)
• Sudan: Government troops clashed with rebels in Southern Kordofan near the border with South Sudan. (AP)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: US Vice President Biden highlighted the new agenda between the US and Colombia at the start of a six-day Latin American tour. (AP)
• Mexico: The government unveiled a new investigative unit to track down thousands of people who have gone missing amid the drug war. (AFP)
• Panama: The National Aeronaval Service seized 2.7 tons of cocaine in an operation conducted along the Caribbean coast. (EFE)
• Venezuela: President Maduro accused US-based news network CNN en Espanol of working to promote a coup d’etat as part of a wider media war. (AFP)

ASIA

• Australia: FM Carr insisted ties with China would not be hurt by a report that Chinese hackers have stolen top secret blueprints to Australia’s new intelligence agency headquarters. (AFP)
• Burma: A senior UN envoy attended the first talks on home soil between the government and Kachin rebel. (AFP)
• Korean Peninsula: The DPRK said that ROK businessmen can enter a jointly run industrial park in the North that has been emptied since April. (AP)
• Pakistan: Gunmen shot dead a female anti-polio worker in the northwest of the country. (AFP)
• Pakistan: Attackers shot dead a lawyer and his two sons in Karachi in a suspected sectarian attack. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Region: A senior Russian diplomat said Washington’s latest moves aimed at easing Moscow’s concern about NATO’s US-led missile defense plans are insufficient. (AP)
• Region: Ukrainian FM Kozhara met with NATO SG Rasmussen during a working visit to Brussels. (Interfax)
• Armenia: Armenian forces killed an Azerbaijani soldier in the latest outbreak of border violence over the disputed Nagorny Karabakh region. (AFP)
• France: The government drew up a blacklist of 17 countries that do not help investigate foreign aid fraud, banning the use of their banks to help distribute development funds. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iraq: Violence in the country killed more than 500 people in May. (AFP)
• Lebanon: Gunmen killed three soldiers at a military checkpoint in Bekaa Valley before fleeing to the nearby Syrian border. (Reuters)
• Lebanon: Lebanese caretaker PM Miqati stressed that a deadly attack on three soldiers in the northeastern town of Arsal would not deter the authorities in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty. (Xinhua)
• Yemen: Unidentified gunmen seized two South African citizens in Taiz. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: Designs for many of the US’s most sensitive advanced weapons systems have been compromised by Chinese hackers, according to a report prepared for the Pentagon and to officials from government and the defense industry. (WaPo)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report.
• Hurricanes: 90% chance of Tropical Cyclone Formation
  • Location: 190 miles S of Salina Cruz, Mexico
  • Map
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Copahue Volcano, Chile
  • Increased activity.
  • Mandatory evacuation for residents near the volcano in Chile and Argentina. (AP)
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Cases: Global Number of Cases of 24MAY: 131 (China 130, Taiwan 1)
    • Deaths Global Number of Deaths of 24MAY: 36 (China)
    • WHO
    • Novel Coronavirus (Sars)
      • Cases: Global Number of Cases as of 23MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 27MAY: 23 (Saudi Arabia 18)
      • WHO, AFP

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (29MAY)

• Global: International Peacekeepers’ Day.
• Brazil: Vice President Joe Biden will meet with Brazilian business and community leaders and give a speech in Rio de Janeiro showcasing Brazil as a strategic US partner.
• Kazakhstan: Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia will gather for a summit in Astana to discuss the Customs Union.
• Nigeria: Second anniversary of President Jonathan Goodluck’s inauguration – 2011.
• Russia: Hearing for Russian opposition blogger Alexei Navalny and his suspected accomplice Pyotr Ofitserov will begin (to 30MAY).
• Syria: Iran will host a meeting on the Syria crisis, focusing on a political solution, in Tehran.
• Syria: UN Human Rights Council will hold a debate looking into the violence in Qusayr.
• Baha’i: Ascension of Baha’u'llah; the anniversary of Baha’u'llah’s death in 1892.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Riot police and soldiers deployed at Mozambique’s main government hospital Monday amid high tension following the arrest overnight of the leader of a week-old strike by the country’s medics.
  
• AMERICAS:  Colombian President Santos announced that the government and FARC had reached an agreement on agrarian reform and development after six months of negotiations.
• ASIA: Communist rebels in the Philippines ambushed a group of police officers in a remote rural area, killing seven officers and leaving a further seven dead.
• EUROPE: Kenyan authorities claimed that a suspect in the killing of a British soldier last week was arrested in Kenya in 2010 while attempting to train and fight with al-Qaeda linked militants in Somalia.
• MIDDLE EAST: Kuwait’s Oil Minister Hani Hussein resigned in an apparent attempt to avoid questioning over financial irregularities totaling over USD2 billion.
• TECHNOLOGY: Google announced plans to further expand internet access into emerging markets in Africa and Asia by using high-altitude blimps and balloons.

TOP STORY

• Syria: At least 79 members of Hezbollah have been killed fighting alongside regime troops in Qusayr since last week.
  • The increased presence of Hezbollah fighters in the Syrian conflict comes as crisis has deepened divisions within the main opposition group.
  • Syrian National Coalition leaders offered a western and Arab-backed liberal bloc only token representation who are now considering withdrawing from the coalition.
  • A French journalist claimed that the government was using chemical weapons against rebel forces in the suburbs of Damascus.
  • Coverage: AFP, Reuters, AFP,

AFRICA

• Libya: The incoming Interior Minister Muhammad al-Sheikh was approved by parliament and will be faced with reigning in militias while expanding the police force. (AP)
• Mozambique: Riot police and soldiers were deployed to the main government hospital following the overnight arrest of the leader of a strike by the country’s doctors and nurses. (AFP)
• South Africa: Police began guarding foreign-owned shops in an impoverished area of Johannesburg after mob attacks amid increasing anti-immigrant sentiment. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Region: Vice President Biden began a visit to South America and the Caribbean to discuss regional and global issues with key leaders. (AFP)
• Colombia: President Santos announced that the government and FARC had reached an agreement on agrarian reform and development after six months of negotiations. (Xinhua)
• Venezuela: The government and Bolivia signed an agreement aimed at consolidating the strategic alliance between the two countries. (Xinhua)
• Venezuela: Opposition leader Capriles claimed that owners of a major news channel will not permit stations to broadcast his speeches live. (AP)

ASIA

• Korea, South: The government appointed a new envoy for nuclear talks with North Korea as part of a routine jumble of senior-level diplomats. (Yonhap)
• Philippines: Communist rebels ambushed a group of police officers in a remote rural area, killing seven officers and leaving a further seven dead. (AFP)
• Thailand: A bomb placed inside a garbage bag exploded at a street market in Bangkok damaging stores and injuring seven. (AP)
• Vietnam: A prominent blogger was arrested for posting articles critical of the government, the latest in a crackdown on dissenting journalists and writers. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Azerbaijan: HRW issued a report claiming that the government is increasingly using false drug charges to arrest government critics in a move to stifle dissent. (AFP)
• Georgia: PM Ivanishvili publically denied the president’s legal immunity suggesting that there may be future legal questioning if suspicions arise. (Interfax)
• Ukraine: EU observers arrived at the medical clinic where former PM Tymoshenko is undergoing treatment for talks and will remain in the country until 28MAY for further meetings. (Interfax)
• United Kingdom: Kenyan authorities claimed that a suspect in the killing of a soldier last week was arrested in Kenya in 2010 while attempting to train and fight with al-Qaeda linked militants in Somalia. (AP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: A spokesman for a reform presidential candidate claimed that a state television station cut off the candidate’s campaign speech although the station cited technical difficulties. (AP)
• Israel: Officials denied reports from Lebanese media and security officials that a rocket had been fired into the country from southern Lebanon. (DPA)
• Kuwait:  Oil Minister Hani Hussein resigned in an apparent attempt to avoid questioning over financial irregularities totaling over USD2 billion. (Reuters)
• Kuwait: An appeals court overturned a five-year jail sentence given to a prominent opposition politician convicted of insulting the emir at a rally last year. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Communications: Google announced plans to further expand internet access into emerging markets in Africa and Asia by using high-altitude blimps and balloons. (Wired)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Global Number of Cases as of 24MAY: 131 (China 130, Taiwan 1)
    • Global Number of Deaths as of 24MAY: 36 (China)
    • WHO
    • Novel Coronavirus (Sars)
      • Global Number of Cases as of 23MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 27MAY: 23 (Saudi Arabia 18)
      • WHO, AFP

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (28MAY)

• Africa: Anniversary of the creation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – 1975.
• Asia: 8th ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism (AJCT) dialogue will begin in Bangkok (to 01JUN).
• Europe: Negotiations on the EU’s next seven-year budget will start their second round.
• Bulgaria: Bulgarian Socialist technocrat government will be put to the vote.
• Nigeria: EFCC will hear arguments of Mahmud Tukur and Alex Ochongor against the N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud charge against their company Eterna Plc.
• Pakistan: Former President Pervez Musharraf’s judicial remand extended to this date, when it will next hear the case on the murder of Benazir Bhutto.
• Pakistan: Anniversary of Pakistani nuclear tests in response to India’s tests two weeks previously – 1998.
• Palestinian Territories: Anniversary of the creation of the Palestinian Liberation Organization – 1964.
• Russia: Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) foreign ministers will visit Moscow for talks that will focus on the situation in Syria, in the Middle East and North Africa, and international efforts to fight terrorism (to 30MAY).
• Singapore: Singapore’s inquiry into US scientist Shane Todd’s death will be completed.
• United States: Guatemalan ex-president Alfonso Portillo will face his first US court hearing.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: In the DRC, the AU, UN, and World Bank agreed to work towards an expected peace deal in order to create long term regional security.
• AMERICAS: In Colombia, a FARC spokesman claimed that the leftist rebel group and the government are close to an agreement on the issue of land reform.
• ASIA:  Bangladeshi opposition activists set off a number of homemade bombs and smashed vehicles in the capital as part of a general strike calling for the resignation of the PM.
• EUROPE: In Sweden, police said that the riots in largely immigrant suburbs of Stockholm continued for a seventh day but there was a significant reduction in violence.
• MIDDLE EAST: Two rockets landed in the heart of Hezbollah territory south of Beirut wounding four and coming only hours after Nasrallah vowed victory in Syria.
• TECHNOLOGY: The purported interest of conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch in the sale of a group of prominent US newspapers has sparked protests in a number of major cities.

TOP STORY

• Lebanon: Two rockets landed in the heart of Hezbollah territory south of Beirut, coming only hours after Nasrallah vowed victory in Syria.
  • One of the rockets injured five people, including three Syrians, although the total number of casualties remains unknown.
  • The increased number of rockets falling within the country has stoked fears of a return of sectarian strife and a spillover of the conflict in Syria.
  • Hours before, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah committed fully and openly to defending the Alawite regime, escalating the group’s involvement.
  • Coverage: AFP, CNN, DPA, Independent, Reuters, NYT, BBC

AFRICA

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: The AU, UN, and World Bank agreed to work towards an expected peace deal in order to create long term regional security. (Xinhua)
• Equatorial Guinea: The country opened polls for a legislative election amidst tense opposition demonstrations against the ruling president. (AFP)
• Kenya: Gunmen killed five people, including two police officers, on the country’s border with Somalia, the latest in a string of attacks. (AFP)
• Sudan: The AU and UN-AU joint mission in Darfur signed an agreement for a number of humanitarian, development, and peace-building projects in the region. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: A FARC spokesman claimed that the leftist rebel group and the government are close to an agreement on the issue of land reform. (AFP)
• Ecuador: A Chinese special envoy said that China will seek to expand bilateral strategic ties with the country. (Xinhua)
• Venezuela: The country’s Supreme Court rejected one of six challenges to President Maduro’s win in the presidential election held on 14APR. (AFP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: The election commission began the voter registration process ahead of the general elections slated for April 5, 2014. (AFP)
• Bangladesh: Opposition activists set off a number of homemade bombs and smashed vehicles in the capital as part of a general strike calling for the resignation of the PM. (AP)
• China: Police in the central Hubei province seized 300 kg of ketamine and detained 12 suspects in connection with the production and operation of the drug ring. (Xinhua)
• Pakistan: The Taliban renewed its threat to kill former dictator Musharraf in a video message for military actions undertaken while he led the government (DPA)

EUROPE

• France: Anti-terrorist investigators are hunting a suspect in connection with an attack on a soldier in Paris, describing the man as of North African origin. (Independent)
• Italy: Voting began in local elections as the first test for major political parties three months after a general election that produced a fragile coalition cabinet. (AFP)
• Sweden: Police said that the riots in largely immigrant suburbs of Stockholm continued for a seventh day but there was a significant reduction in violence. (DPA)
• Turkey: A couple kissing in public to protest a public morality campaign was attacked by a group of Islamists stabbing one while chanting “God is Great.” (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iraq: A car bomb exploded in the northern city of Mosul, targeting a joint army-police patrol, killing three and wounding 21. (AP)
• Iraq: Syrian FM Muallem landed in Baghdad unannounced for talks with PM al-Maliki but it was not clear how long the talks would last. (AFP)
• Israel: President Peres called for a return to serious negotiations, saying that it is possible to overcome differences and failure would constitute a “great disappointment.” (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Communications: The purported interest of conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch in the sale of a group of prominent US newspapers has sparked protests in a number of major cities. (AFP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquake: 17 mi N of Bulung’ur, Uzbekistan
  • Magnitude: 6.0
  • Depth: 12 mi
  • Map
• Volcano: Popocatepetl, Mexico
  • Two eruptions, sending columns of gas and ash up to a height of 1.5 mi. (EFE)
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Global Number of Cases as of 16MAY: 131 (China 130, Taiwan 1)
    • Global Number of Deaths as of 16MAY: 36 (China)
    • WHO
    • Novel Coronavirus (Sars)
      • Global Number of Cases as of 23MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 23MAY: 22 (Saudi Arabia 16)
      • WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (27MAY)

• Global: Iran will take its place as head of the UN Conference on Disarmament (to 23JUN).
• Global: Global Conference on Democracy (to 29MAY).
• Central Asia: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov will participate in the meeting of the Foreign Minister Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Bishkek.
• China: Fiji PM Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama will visit China as a guest of Premier Li Keqiang; will attend the China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (to 30MAY).
• Colombia: Anniversary of the founding of FARC – 1964.
• Europe: EU foreign ministers meet to decide on whether to lift sanctions against Syria that would allow the delivery of “defense material” that could include arms to help protect the population.
• Japan: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit Japan accompanied by a high-level delegation including National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai (to 30MAY).
• Nigeria: 2nd Annual Electricity, Steel, Modern Homes & Offices Exhibition and Conference will begin in Abuja.
• Syria: Secretary Kerry will meet with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov in Paris to discuss peace talks in Syria.
• United States: Memorial Day.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: In Burundi, tens of thousands of youth associated with the ruling party have increasingly formed extralegal “security patrols,” targeting the opposition.
• AMERICAS: A Honduran Catholic bishop announced that the country’s two largest and most violent gangs will sign a truce next week, hoping to stem the country’s homicide rate.
• ASIA: In the southern Philippines, troops in the clashed with Abu Sayyaf, a militant group with ties to al-Qaeda, leaving seven marines and four militants dead
• EUROPE: In Russia, a female suicide bomber targeted the Interior Ministry building in the restive Dagestan province, wounding 11.
• MIDDLE EAST: Renewed clashes in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli between Alawite supporters and Sunni opponents of the Syrian regime left at least one dead.
• TECHNOLOGY: Google has begun an effort to help develop and run wireless networks in emerging markets in hopes of connected a billion new people to the internet.

TOP STORY

• Afghanistan: An explosion at a mosque in Ghazni killed four civilians and eight suspected militants while a suicide bomber detonated prematurely in the capital.
  • The Ghazni blast targeted a mosque during evening prayers; Taliban militants carrying the explosives stopped to enter the mosque when the explosives detonated.
  • In Kabul, the suicide bomber exploded leaving a residence in the southeast, but his intended target remains unknown.
  • These suicide bombings come on the tail-end of a Taliban assault on an international aid organization in Kabul which killed four, including a child.
  • Coverage: AP-1, AP-2, WaPo

AFRICA

• Region: Leaders from across the continent met to open celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity. (AFP)
• Burundi: Tens of thousands of youth associated with the ruling party have increasingly formed extralegal “security patrols,” targeting the opposition. (AFP)
• Madagascar: Former leader Rajoelina vowed to withdraw his controversial candidacy for the presidency if his political rivals do the same. (AFP)
• Nigeria: In a visit to sub-Saharan Africa, Secretary Kerry renewed his call to authorities to ensure that the military will not target civilians in its crackdown against Islamist militants. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: Interior Minister Carrillo set a deadline of the end of the year for negotiating a peace deal with the FARC or the government will leave the negotiating table. (Xinhua)
• Cuba: Several security agencies began coordinated anti-drug drills to assess the joint preparedness of the government as President Castro vowed to increase pressure on trafficking. (Xinhua)
• Honduras: A Catholic bishop announced that the country’s two largest and most violent gangs will sign a truce next week, hoping to stem the country’s homicide rate. (AP)
• Venezuela: The attorney general’s office summoned a top opposition leader on charges of corruption stemming from his time as mayor of a neighborhood of Caracas. (AFP)

ASIA

• India: An army brigadier and two soldiers were wounded in a shootout with Pakistani soldiers along the LoC diving Kashmir. (Xinhua)
• Kyrgyzstan: Northern villagers are demanding compensation from the US government for damage caused by a military place that crashed earlier this month. (Xinhua)
• Myanmar: Authorities in the restive western Rakhine state have introduced a two-child limit on Muslim Rohingya families in an effort to ease tensions with Buddhist neighbors. (AP)
• Philippines: Troops in the country’s south clashed with Abu Sayyaf, a militant group with ties to al-Qaeda, leaving seven marines and four militants dead. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Albania: The country’s leaders unilaterally abolished visa requirements for Russians during high tourist season in an attempt to bolster tourism in the country. (Itar-Tass)
• Russia: A suicide bomber targeted the Interior Ministry building in the restive Dagestan province, wounding 11. (AFP)
• Russia: Authorities detained three in St. Petersburg in connection with an attack on migrant construction workers. (Itar-Tass)
• United Kingdom: A friend of one of those suspected in the murder of a soldier claimed that the security services had attempted to recruit him several times. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Jordan: King Abdullah claimed that the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict had allowed extremism to “grow fat” and that talks must resume on the basis of good faith. (AP)
• Lebanon: Renewed clashes in the northern city of Tripoli between Alawite supporters and Sunni opponents of the Syrian regime left at least one dead. (DPA)
• Syria: Fighting over the strategic town of Qusair continued with government forces unleashing the heaviest artillery barrage yet in an attempt to dislodge rebel fighters. (AP)
• United Arab Emirates: HRW urged the government not to deport migrant construction workers after they staged a strike demanding better pay and conditions. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Google: The search giant has begun an effort to help develop and run wireless networks in emerging markets in hopes of connected a billion new people to the internet. (WSJ)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquake: 219 mi NW of Ozernovskiy, Russia
  • Magnitude: 6.8
  • Depth: 387 mi
  • Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Global Number of Cases as of 16MAY: 131 (China 130, Taiwan 1)
    • Global Number of Deaths as of 16MAY: 36 (China)
    • WHO
    • Novel Coronavirus (Sars)
      • Global Number of Cases as of 23MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 23MAY: 22 (Saudi Arabia 16)
      • WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (26MAY)

• Americas: US Vice President Biden will begin his visits to Brazil, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Afghanistan: Humanitarian emergency directors from various UN agencies begin a six-day mission to Afghanistan and Pakistan (to 1JUN).
• China: National Security Advisor Tom Donilon will travel to Beijing to prepare for President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming meeting in June.
• Equatorial Guinea: Parliamentary elections.
• Georgia: Independence Day, military parade planned – 1918.
• Guyana: Anniversary of Guyana’s independence from the UK – 1966.
• UAE: Infrastructure Security Summit will begin in Dubai, key topics will include MENA infrastructure development, maritime security & piracy, terrorism, physical security, fire safety, crisis management and emergency response (to 29MAY).
• Ukraine: European Parliament mission of former European Parliament President Pat Cox and former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski will visit Ukraine (to 28MAY).
• Christianity: Trinity Sunday, Christians meditate on the nature of God as “three in one.”

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Ugandan President Museveni removed his top military commander from his post, apparently prompted by an ongoing row over rumors that the President will nominate his son to succeed him.
• AMERICAS: Paraguayan anti-drug police seized and destroyed 25.6 tons of marijuana in the eastern province of Alto Parana and arrested three, including two minors.
• ASIA: A North Korean envoy in China in an attempt to mend ties with the country’s sole ally offered to renew disarmament talks according to Chinese media.
• EUROPE: The United National Movement alleged PM Ivanishvili is attempting to eliminate the political opposition by arresting its leaders.
• MIDDLE EAST: Opposition fighters launched a counterattack on the strategic town of Qusair near the border with Lebanon which rebels use to smuggle weapons.
• TECHNOLOGY: Iranian hackers have escalated a campaign against US companies by launching infiltration and surveillance missions against energy companies’ computer networks.

TOP STORY

• Niger: Algerian Islamist leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar took responsibility for the twin suicide bombings after having been pushed out of Mali by the French intervention.
  • His group, “Signitories in Blood” threatened to continue attacks unless the Nigerien president withdraws the country’s troops from Mali.
  • Media reports suggest that Belmokhtar himself supervised the operation planning of the attacks.
  • Following the attack, a number of army recruits in the north were kidnapped and are being held hostage.
  • Coverage: AP, Xinhua, AFP

AFRICA

• Egypt: The country’s cash-strapped Islamist government has begun to make amends with business leaders in an attempt to bolster the free falling economy. (AFP)
• Mali: French President Hollande defended the French intervention in Mali and asserted the country would continue to help in the fight against terrorism. (AP)
• Rwanda: UN Secretary General Ban stated the country was ‘critical’ to ensuring peace in the volatile eastern DRC.
• Uganda: President Museveni removed his top military commander from his post, apparently prompted by an ongoing row over rumors that the President will nominate his son to succeed him. (AP)

AMERICAS

• Haiti: The head of the UN stabilization mission in Haiti confirmed the number of UN troops would be halved by 2017 as a National Police is established. (Xinhua)
• Mexico: A former official from the ruling party denied allegations from the prosecutor’s office that he is linked to more than USD7 million found in boxes on his property. (AFP)
• Paraguay: Anti-drug police seized and destroyed 25.6 tons of marijuana in the eastern province of Alto Parana and arrested three, including two minors. (Xinhua)
• Venezuela: The prosecutor’s office announced it will open an investigation into a leaked recording accusing the deputy head of the ruling party of corruption and conspiracy against President Maduro. (Reuters)

ASIA

• India: Suspected militants in Kashmir ambushed and killed three army soldiers en route to conduct a counter-terrorism operation in a nearby town. (AP)
• Korea, North: A government envoy in China, in an attempt to mend ties with the country’s sole ally, offered to renew disarmament talks according to Chinese media. (AP)
• Pakistan: Officials and analysts welcomed President Obama’s speech on the use of drones in targeting senior Islamic militants, but stopped short of their demand to end the strikes entirely. (AP)
• Thailand: A roadside bomb in the country’s majority-Muslim south targeted a group of paramilitary rangers, killing five and wounding one. (AFP)

EUROPE

• France: IMF Chief Lagarde was questioned for a second day by prosecutors to decide if she should be charged over allegations of corruption during her time as Finance Minister. (AFP)
• Georgia: The United National Movement alleged that PM Ivanishvili is attempting to eliminate the political opposition by arresting its leaders.  (Interfax)
• Serbia: The country’s fiscal watchdog warned fiscal reforms have begun to lag and that serious financial problems are looming if the budget deficit is not addressed. (DPA)

MIDDLE EAST

• Syria: Opposition fighters launched a counterattack on the strategic town of Qusair near the border with Lebanon which rebels use to smuggle weapons. (DPA)
• Syria: Rebel fighters began an attack on a prison in the northern Aleppo province, sparking intense clashes with government troops and killing a number of inmates. (Xinhua)
• Yemen: Fighters loyal to AQAP seized control of a number of villages near the port city of Mukalla in a move to take control of the province of Hadramawt. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: Iranian hackers have escalated a campaign against US companies by launching infiltration and surveillance missions against energy companies’ computer networks. (WSJ)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Nothing to report
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquake: 225 mi SW of Esso, Russia
  • Magnitude: 8.3
  • Depth: 378.4 mi
  • Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report
• Global Disease Outbreaks:
  • H7N9 (Avian Influenza)
    • Global Number of Cases as of 16MAY: 131 (China 130, Taiwan 1)
    • Global Number of Deaths as of 16MAY: 36 (China)
    • WHO
    • Novel Coronavirus (Sars)
      • Global Number of Cases as of 23MAY: 44 (Saudi Arabia 32, Tunisia 2, France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, United Kingdom)
      • Global Number of Deaths as of 23MAY: 22 (Saudi Arabia 16)
      • WHO

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (25MAY)

• Global: Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories begins (to 01JUN).
• Africa: AU leaders will meet in Addis Ababa for a special summit to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the predecessor to the AU, the Organization of African Unity, Secretary Kerry will attend.
• Middle East: Anniversary of the creation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – 1981.
• Jordan: Independence Day/Renaissance Day, commemorates the Treaty of 1946 and independence from the UK – 1946.
• Korea, North: Fourth anniversary of North Korea’s second nuclear test – 2009.
• Korea, South: South Korea has proposed trilateral summit with Japan and China (to 26MAY).
• Nigeria: Democratic People’s Party (DPP) will hold its national convention in Abuja.
• Pakistan: Re-polling date for select Pakistani seats, including NA-46, PK-71 and PK-72.
• Buddhism: Wesak, Buddha Day, celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death.

END