KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Ethiopian and Somali forces closed in on the Shebab-held Baidoa.
• AMERICAS: Venezuelan President Chavez revealed he will return to Cuba for cancer treatment.
• ASIA: South Korean President Lee accused North Korea of inciting division in South Korea.
• EUROPE: Abkhaz leader Ankvab was the target of an attempted assassination.
• MIDDLE EAST: Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran does not seek an atomic weapon.
• TECHNOLOGY: Major retailers abandoned Facebook shops – many within the first year.

TOP STORY

• Afghanistan: Anti-US protests continued for second day
• Five were killed, eleven wounded in a protest in Kabul.
• Protesters set fire to a housing complex where foreign contractors live.
• Demonstrations took place in Kabul and Jalalabad.
• Protesters chanted, “Death to America!”
• US Embassy in Kabul ordered a lock-down and suspended all travel.
• Coverage: AFP, Reuters, BBC, NYT

AFRICA

• Region: Ethiopian soldiers and Somali government forces closed in on the major Shebab-held stronghold of Baidoa. (AFP)
• Libya: Three people were killed and 25 injured in clashes between rival tribes in the far southeast of Libya. (Reuters)
• Nigeria: Gunshots and explosions rang out in Kano. (Reuters)

AMERICAS

• Region: Chile’s government said it will reopen the border with Peru following heavy rains. (AP)
• Haiti: Foreign diplomats, business leaders and top politicians scrambled to prevent a crisis between PM Conille and President Martelly. (Miami Herald)
• Venezuela: President Chavez revealed he will return to Cuba to remove a lesion, raising doubts about his viability for reelection. (AP)

ASIA

• Region: Indian security forces killed a high-ranking commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) separatist group in India-controlled Kashmir. (DPA)
• Australia: FM Rudd resigned amid speculation that he would challenge PM Gillard for her position. (AFP)
• Korea, Peninsula: South Korean President Lee said North Korea is inciting divisions within South Korea to influence elections. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Georgia: Gunmen shot at the vehicle of Abkhaz leader Ankvab in an apparent assassination attempt. (AFP)
• Hungary: The EU planned to withhold 495 million euros in development funds after the country failed to reduce its deficit. (AFP)
• Russia: The Federal Drug Control Service estimated there are five million drug addicts present in the country, 80% of whom are between 18-34. (Itar-Tass)
• Sweden: Wikileaks shifted its aim to releasing documents that focus on FM Bildt as a US informant, calling him a US spy. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: Ayatollah Khamenei said his government is not seeking an atomic weapon. (AFP)
• Jordan: Two opposition groups called for constitutional reform in their country during a visit to Washington. (AFP)
• Syria: Two Western journalists were killed in shelling by Syrian regime forces in Homs. (AFP)
• Yemen: US Secretary Clinton praised Yemenis for the “important step” of voting. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Analytics: WhyIsFacebookInsightsNotWorking.com tracks the slowing pace of Facebook’s in-house analytic tools. (TechCrunch)
• Technology: Many of the large companies that began to operate on Facebook last year, have begun to close their operations on Facebook due to lack of revenue. (Mashable)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Hilwa)
• Location: 350 NM E of Port Louis, Mauritius
• Movement: SSW at 04 knots
• Winds: 40 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (23FEB)

• China: US envoy to North Korea, Glyn Davies, holds talks in Beijing and meets with North Korean First vice FM Gwan.
• Colombia: Anniversary of Ingrid Betancourt captured by the FARC – 2002.
• Japan: Colombian FM Holguin visits Japan to visit with FM Gemba.
• Pakistan: Deadline to finalize electoral rolls for March elections.
• United Kingdom: PM Cameron hosts anti-piracy conference in London.
• United States: Army PFC Manning to be arraigned at Fort Meade for WikiLeaks charges.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The Darfur rebel movement JEM released 49 members of UNAMID.
• AMERICAS: The Colombian National Liberation Army agreed to stop attacks if the government consents to talks.
• ASIA: Afghan ISAF commander apologized for US soldiers’ burning of Korans.
• EUROPE: UN special envoy urged Macedonia and Greece to solve their name disagreement.
• MIDDLE EAST: Yemen headed to the polls in an effort to replace President Saleh.
• TECHNOLOGY: Twitter paired up with Yandex for real-time search results.

TOP STORY

• Europe: Agreement reached on Greek bailout
• EU countries agreed to hand over 130 billion euros to Greece.
• The talks lasted over 12 hours.
• The markets climbed 0.7 percent within minutes of the news.
• Coverage: AP, Reuters, BBC, The Guardian

AFRICA

• Libya: The military chief said government forces will intervene if clashes between tribes persists. (Reuters)
• Sudan: The rebel Justice and Equality Movement released 49 members of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur. (Reuters)
• Tunisia: The third-largest party proposed a constitutional draft based on Islamic law, which is likely to alarm secularists. (Reuters)

AMERICAS

• Region: US Secretary Clinton pledged US cooperation in Mexico’s fight against transnational crime. (Xinhua)
• Colombia: The National Liberation Army offered to cease attacks if the government agrees to talks. (AP)
• Cuba: Deputy FM Barrera condemned Spanish FM Garcia-Margallo’s criticism of human rights in Cuba, calling it a “disrespectful interference.” (Xinhua)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: GEN Allen apologized for US troops’ burning of the Koran as a method of disposal and ordered an official investigation of the incident. (AFP, AP)
• Afghanistan: Taliban militants killed four civilians for spying for the government in Helmand. (Xinhua)
• Myanmar: The government promised to “seriously consider” allowing ASEAN poll observers for upcoming by-elections. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Region: The UN special envoy urged Macedonia and Greece to solve the disagreement over Macedonia’s name. (Xinhua)
• Belarus: President Lukashenko appointed MAJ GEN Pakhmelkin as commander of the Air Force and Troops of the Belarusian Armed Forces’ Air Defenses. (Interfax)
• United Kingdom: The Interior Ministry said Britain’s border agency will split in half following a security row where hundreds of thousands entered the country without proper checks. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: Japan reduced its reliance on Iranian crude imports in an attempt to be exempt from US sanctions. (Reuters)
• Syria: German FM Westerwelle said the EU will probably adopt new sanctions against President Assad’s government. (Reuters)
• Yemen: Citizens headed for the polls to vote for President Saleh’s successor. (Xinhua)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Technology: Twitter and Russian search engine Yandex agreed to a partnership that will allow Yandex to show new tweets in its search results almost instantly. (Reuters)
• Technology: Engagement Media Technologies provides backend services for citizen journalism, retail brand management, and intelligence and security operations. (Epicenter)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 410 NM SE of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: NNW at 07 knots
• Winds: 30 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Hilwa)
• Location: 410 NM E of Port Louis, Mauritius
• Movement: WSW at 08 knots
• Winds: 35 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (22FEB)

• China: Tibetan New Year celebrated.
• Egypt: Shura council elections held.
• St. Lucia: Independence day celebrated – 1979.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: The Senegalese opposition M23 movement called for fresh protests in Dakar after a week of urban clashes.
• AMERICAS: A Mexican prison riot caused by fighting between two warring drug cartels left 44 inmates dead.
• ASIA: ROK Troops staged a live-fire artillery exercise near the disputed border despite DPRK threats.   
• EUROPE: The German government and opposition agreed on Joachim Gauck as the candidate for the presidency.
• MIDDLE EAST: Two Iranian naval ships docked at the Syrian port of Tartous to provide naval training.
• TECHNOLOGY: The FTC rejected the Electronic Privacy Information Center’s call for an investigation of Google.

TOP STORY

• Syria: Government increased forces amid rise in protests
• The military deployed heavily in Damascus to prevent activists from holding protests.
• CJCS GEN Dempsey said it would be ‘premature’ to arm the opposition movement.
• Activists reported three columns of army reinforcements were headed toward Homs.
• A referendum on a new constitution is scheduled for 26FEB.
• Coverage: AFP, DPA, AP, Reuters

AFRICA

• Egypt: US Sen. McCain said the partnership with Egypt is changing but stressed the two countries “must remain friends.” (AP)
• Senegal: The opposition M23 movement called for fresh protests against the president in Dakar after a week of urban clashes. (AFP)
• Sudan: Islamist opposition leader al-Turabi accused government intelligence agents of bugging his offices. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Mexico: A federal prosecutor in Coahuila was arrested for allegedly providing protection to the Los Zetas. (EFE)
• Mexico: A prison riot in Nuevo Leon caused by fighting between two warring drug cartels left 44 inmates dead. (WSJ)
• Peru: Seventeen prisoners escaped from the Challapalca prison after allegedly taking some of their guards hostage. (EFE)

ASIA

• Burma: Election authorities lifted some restrictions on political campaigning after the party of Aung San Suu Kyi complained. (AP)
• Korea, North: The ruling Workers’ Party will hold a key conference in April with expectations to make the transfer of power official. (Reuters)
• Korea, South: Troops staged a live-fire artillery exercise near the border despite threats from the DPRK of “merciless” retaliation. (AFP)
• Pakistan: Hundreds of protesters gathered in Islamabad to take part in an anti-US demonstration. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Georgia: Police arrested former lawmaker Gelbakhiani on charges of plotting a coup amid crisis four years ago. (AFP)
• Germany: The government and opposition agreed on Joachim Gauck as the candidate for the presidency. (AP)
• Greece: US Treasury Secretary Geithner said the US backed the idea of a new IMF loan for Athens. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: Two Iranian naval ships docked at the Syrian port of Tartous in preparation for providing training for Syrian naval forces. (Reuters)
• Israel: CJCS GEN Dempsey warned Israel that attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be “premature” and “destabilizing.” (AFP)
• Yemen: Security forces and armed separatists clashed in Aden amid rising tensions ahead of Tuesday’s presidential vote. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Data security: The FTC rejected watchdog group Electronic Privacy Information Center’s call for an investigation of Google’s privacy policy changes. (NYT)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 455 NM SSE of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: E at 16 mph
• Winds: 74 mph
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Thirteen)
• Location: 480 NM E of Port Louis, Mauritius
• Movement: W at 12 mph
• Winds: 40 mph
• Map

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

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (21FEB)

• Global: International Mother Language Day.
• Africa: Energy Indaba opens at Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Europe: EU-brokered talks between Kosovo and Serbia continue in Brussels.
• China: Anniversary of President Nixon’s visit to China – 1972.
• United States: Secretary of State Clinton hosts a global business conference with over 100 countries attending.
• Yemen: Presidential elections held.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Libyan authorities seized rockets that may have been intended for attacks.
• AMERICAS: Honduras received a US ATF team to help probe the prison fire.
• ASIA: Pakistani President Zardari pledged support for Iran if it is invaded by foreign forces.
• EUROPE: German President Wulff resigned amid allegations of a fiscal scandal.
• MIDDLE EAST: Israel said Iran and Hezbollah are planning new attacks on Israelis overseas.
• TECHNOLOGY: Sen. McCain said the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 would be ineffective without assigning infrastructure security to the NSA.

TOP STORY

• Syria: UN General Assembly approves resolution on Syria
• The resolution backed an Arab League plan calling for Assad to step down, and condemned the regime.
• The vote was 137-12, with 17 abstentions.
• Russian Ambassador to the UN Churkin said the resolution “reflects the worrying trend.”
• Syrian security forces carried out heavy attacks on Homs and Daraa in the wake of the vote.
• Coverage: AP, Reuters, AFP, Washington Post

AFRICA

• Libya: Authorities in Benghazi seized rockets believed to have been prepared for attacks on the first anniversary of the revolt. (DPA)
• Nigeria: Gunmen killed two police offers and wounded one at a checkpoint in Minna. (AP)
• South Africa: Police used water cannons and tear gas on hundreds of protesters trying to disrupt work at a platinum mine. (AP)
• Zimbabwe: The EU lifted sanctions on 51 people and 20 entities in Zimbabwe, including the justice and foreign ministers. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Colombia: Police arrested nine alleged guerrillas that were guarding the FARC’s hostages. (EFE)
• Haiti: US Ambassador to the UN Rice called on Haiti’s political leaders to put aside their differences and work together. (AP)
• Honduras: The US sent a team of ATF experts to probe the fire at the Comayaguase prison. (AFP)

ASIA

• Region: Pakistani President Zardari pledged support for Iran if it is invaded by foreign forces. (Xinhua)
• Afghanistan: President Karzai said the Taliban cannot open an office in Qatar. (Xinhua)
• Maldives: Ousted President Nasheed welcomed early elections, but will go forth with today’s planned rallies. (AFP)
• Pakistan: FM Khar warned Afghanistan that it would be “preposterous” to expect Islamabad to deliver Taliban leader Mullah Omar for peace talks. (AP)
• Pakistan: A suicide blast in a market in Kurram killed fifteen people and injured ten others. (Xinhua)

EUROPE

• Region: US military will withdraw more than 11,000 troops from Germany and Italy. (AFP)
• Germany: President Wulff resigned amid allegations of a fiscal scandal. (AFP)
• Russia: Thirteen troops were killed and at least 17 others wounded in five days of clashes with Islamic insurgents in Chechnya and Dagestan. (AFP)
• Turkey: The parliament passed a controversial bill requiring the PM to authorize any court cases against intelligence officials. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: An Israeli counter-terrorism official said Iran and Hezbollah are planning new attacks on Israelis overseas. (AP)
• Iraq: The EU called on Iraqi authorities to guarantee the security of National Council of Resistance in its transfer from Ashraf to Camp Liberty near Baghdad. (AFP)
• Israel: PM Netanyahu said sanctions are not halting Iran’s nuclear development. (UPI)
• Yemen: Clashes between a Shiite rebel group and Sunni fundamentalists in Saada left 15 dead. (Xinhua)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: Adobe resolved a universal XSS vulnerability in its Flash media player that attackers exploited to control webmail. (Ars Technica)
• Cybersecurity: Sen. McCain said the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 would be ineffective without assigning infrastructure security to the NSA rather than DHS. (Threat Level)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 465 nm SSW of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: ESE at 5 mph
• Winds: 57 mph
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Thirteen)
• Location: 660 nm SE of Diego Garcia
• Movement: WSW at 4 mph
• Winds: 40 mph
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (18FEB)

• Niger: Anniversary of coup – 2010.
• Palestinian Territories: Fatah and Hamas to announce unity government.
• Russia: Third pro-Putin rally scheduled by All Russian Popular Front.
• The Gambia: Independence day celebrated – 1965.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Libyan militias committed widespread human rights abuses, according to Amnesty International.
• AMERICAS: UNASUR representatives planned a meeting in Bogotá to design a proposal to mitigate transnational crime.
• ASIA: Malaysian authorities arrested an Iranian man suspected of involvement in the Thai bombing.
• EUROPE: Serbs in North Kosovo rejected Albanian rule in a referendum.
• MIDDLE EAST: Over 120 Bahraini protesters were wounded in clashes with the police.
• TECHNOLOGY: Microsoft released plans for msnNOW, a social reader that tracks trending topics across social platforms.

TOP STORY

• Honduras: Prison fire kills hundreds
• A massive fire swept through the Comayaguase Prison Farm.
• The prison was overcrowded, housing 853 inmates.
• Over 350 inmates were assumed dead when they failed to report for roll call.
• Coverage: USA Today, BBC, AP, CNN

,
AFRICA

• Libya: Amnesty International alleged militias are committing widespread human rights abuses, creating instability and obstructing efforts to rebuild the country. (CNN)
• Madagascar: Cyclone Giovanna killed 16 as it struck the island’s coast. (AFP)
• Nigeria: Members of Boko Haram stormed a prison, killing a guard and releasing inmates. (DPA)
• Sudan: The AU urged the recognition of the Memorandum of Understanding on non-aggression and cooperation signed by Sudan and South Sudan. (Xinhua)

AMERICAS

• Region: UNASUR representatives planned a meeting in Bogotá to design a proposal to mitigate transnational crime. (EFE)
• Mexico: A top army commander suggested the military may have committed serious human rights abuses. (WSJ)
• United States: Separate investigations in Wilson, NC and Phoenix, AZ led to the discovery of 103 and 24 pounds of cocaine respectively. (AP, AP)

ASIA

• Region: Malaysian authorities arrested an Iranian man suspected of involvement in bomb blasts in Thailand. (AP)
• Region: Washington, Kabul and the Taliban began three-way talks that could lead to full-fledged peace negotiations. (WSJ)
• Pakistan: A drone struck a compound, killing five insurgents. (AFP)
• Pakistan: The US Embassy emphasized the Afghan border remained closed to NATO despite DM Mukhtar’s comments that the route was open to transport food. (AP)

EUROPE

• Region: France and Britain planned to launch a joint project to build air combat drones. (AFP)
• Region: Serbs in North Kosovo rejected Albanian rule in a referendum. (AFP)
• Region: The Russian Foreign Ministry said Georgia is far from being an “outpost of democracy and human rights.” (Itar-Tass)

MIDDLE EAST

• Bahrain: Over 120 protesters were wounded in clashes with the police. (Reuters)
• Iran: Iran postponed plans to cut off oil supplies to Europe. (Itar-Tass)
• Syria: Armed forces attacked Deraa in an attempt to root out Free Syrian Army rebels. (Reuters)
• Yemen: An al-Qaeda leader was killed by his half-brother in an armed attack in the southeast of Sanaa. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Social Media: Microsoft planned to unleash msnNOW to track trending topics across social platforms and BreakingNews.com. (Mashable)
• Technology: The Stealth search engine debuted, allowing users to search without being trailed by cookies and other tracking devices. (Mashable)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 450 NM E of Maputo, Mozambique
• Movement: SSW at 04 knots
• Winds: 50 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Thirteen)
• Location: 805 NM SE of Diego Garcia
• Movement: WSW at 07 knots
• Winds: 45 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 10P (Jasmine)
• Location: 150 NM SW of Tonga
• Movement: S at 07 knots
• Winds: 35 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report.
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (17FEB)

• Asia: Anniversary of China invading Vietnam – 1979.
• Kosovo: Independence day celebrated – 2008.
• Libya: Anniversary of uprising beginning against former leader Gaddafi – 2011.
  ANALYST NOTE: Pro-Gaddafi loyalists might launch attacks.

• United States: Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau chief Joel Gurin steps down.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: UNICEF pre-positioned emergency supplies to assist 100,000 people as a Cyclone Giovanna struck.
• AMERICAS: Haitian President Martelly dismissed claims that he holds double nationalities.
• ASIA: The Pakistani Parliament passed a constitutional amendment establishing an independent election commission.
• EUROPE: Serbs in Nothern Kosovo started the last day of voting in a referendum on the Kosovo government.
• MIDDLE EAST: Syrian stockpiles of chemical weapons continued to be monitored by the international community.
• TECHNOLOGY: Mathematicians and cryptographers discovered a weakness in an encryption code used for online purchasing.

TOP STORY

• Thailand: Details of the terror plot emerged
• Thai officials said Iranians aimed to assassinate Israeli diplomats in Bangkok.
• Iran denied any link to the explosions, and instead blamed Israel.
• Israeli security forces Mossad and Shin Bet failed to identify the plots in advance.
• Thai officials continued the search for two suspects following the arrest of the two Iranians responsible for the bombings.
• Thai authorities also found a cache of bombs in the suspects’ rental house in Bangkok.
• The bombs used in India, Thailand, and Georgia were all similar, homemade “sticky” bombs.
• Coverage: AFP, AFP-2, Haaretz, Bloomberg, NYT, AP

AFRICA

• Region: A Chadian rebel group based in the Central African Republic claimed its forces were preparing an offensive that would position them within striking distance of N’Djamena. (AFP)
• Madagascar: UNICEF pre-positioned emergency supplies to assist 100,000 people as a tropical cyclone hit land. (UN)
• Sudan: Sudan violated the non-aggression agreement with South Sudan by bombarding the town of Jau. (UPI)

AMERICAS

• Argentina: Members of the British Defense Select Committee plan to visit the Falkland Islands next month. (AFP)
• Colombia: The navy, air force and police collaborated in an operation to confiscate 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. (EFE)
• Haiti: President Martelly dismissed allegations he holds double nationalities, which would preclude him from serving as head of state. (Xinhua)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: NATO expressed regret over killing eight children in an air-strike this month in eastern Afghanistan. (AP)
• Pakistan: The Parliament passed a constitutional amendment setting up an independent election commission. (Kyodo)
• Pakistan: The government continued to detain the bin Laden family nine months after Osama’s death. (USA Today)
• Pakistan: US prosecutors charged Majid Khan, a Pakistani living in Baltimore, for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Musharraf. (Reuters)

EUROPE

• Region: Serbs in Northern Kosovo started voting in the last day of a referendum predicted to reject the Kosovo government’s authority. (AFP)
• Sweden: The government announced a comprehensive three-part strategy to mitigate and prevent terrorism. (Xinhua)
• Turkey: The opposition accused the PM of supporting a law that would prevent the judiciary from investigating intelligence officials. (Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Bahrain: Authorities deported six US citizens and arrested dozens for joining pro-democracy demonstrations. (AFP)
• Egypt: State-run newspapers accused US NGOs of spreading “anarchy.” (Reuters)
• Iran: Deputy nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri said the first home-made nuclear fuel rods would be placed into the Tehran research reactor. (Xinhua)
• Syria: The US and its allies continued to monitor stockpiles of chemical arms and portable anti-aircraft missiles. (AP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: A team of European and American mathematicians and cryptographers discovered a weakness in the encryption system used for online shopping, banking, and other services. (NYT)
• Technology: In a change of precedent, Mark Zuckerburg announced he will retain ownership of 57% of Facebook following its IPO in order to steer the company towards  long-term profitability. (TechCrunch)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 250 NM WSW of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: WSW at 13 knots
• Winds: 40 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 13S (Thirteen)
• Location: 1000 NM ESE of Diego Garcia
• Movement: W at 12 knots
• Winds: 40 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 10P (Jasmine)
• Location: 65 NM W of Tonga
• Movement: W at 04 knots
• Winds: 35 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Off Coast of Oregon, USA
• Magnitude: 6.0
• Depth: 10 km
• Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (16FEB)

• Africa: ECOWAS countries’ presidents meet in Abuja, Nigeria to discuss piracy and al Qaeda.
• Asia: Iranian and Afghan presidents travel to Pakistan to bolster regional peace and stability.
• Algeria: Holds talks with the EU on accession to the WTO.
• Austria: Third Conference on Combating Afghan Drug Trafficking held in Vienna.
• Cuba: Anniversary of Fidel Castro sworn in as PM – 1959.
• Cyprus: Israeli PM Netanyahu visits Cyprus for talks on offshore gas fields.
• Lithuania: Independence day celebrated – 1918.
• North Korea: Kim Jong-Il’s birthday – 1942.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Somalia’s Al Shebab accused Britain of “colonizing” the country.
• AMERICAS: The Colombian army deactivated 14 explosive devices planted by the FARC.
• ASIA: Pakistani officials detained and released a US consulate employee at the Peshawar airport.
• EUROPE: Serbs in Kosovo voted in a referendum on whether to recognize the government in Pristina.
• MIDDLE EAST: Syrian forces battered Homs in the heaviest shelling in days.
• TECHNOLOGY: US and EU regulators approved Google Inc’s purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.

TOP STORY

• Israel: Bombs targeted Israeli diplomats in Georgia and India
• A motorcyclist attached a bomb to the car of an Israeli diplomat in New Delhi.
• In Tbilisi, Georgia, police defused a bomb planted in the car of an Israeli embassy employee.
• Israeli PM Netanyahu accused Iran of being behind the twin attacks.
• The attack methodology mirrored that of recent attacks against Iranian scientists.
• The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected Israel’s accusation, alleging Israel bombed its own embassies.
• An Iranian man tossed two grenades in downtown Bangkok.
• Thai police believed this was part of a string attacks against Israeli interests abroad.
• Coverage: NYT, WSJ, WaPo, AP, Bloomberg, DPA

AFRICA

• Region: A spokesman for Boko Haram threatened attacks on mobile telephone firms citing their complicity with security agents. (AFP)
• Sierra Leone: President Koroma pressured the UN to cut mission chief von der Schulenburg’s visit short. (Reuters)
• Somalia: Al Shebab claimed Britain is trying to colonize Somalia in addressing crises in the Horn of Africa. (AFP)
• Sudan: Warplanes dropped several bombs on South Sudanese territory, nullifying a non-aggression agreement signed two days ago with the country. (AFP)

AMERICAS

• Region: Brazilian FM Patriota and visiting German counterpart Westerwelle called for the signing of a free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur. (AFP)
• Colombia: The army deactivated two car bombs and over 12 explosive devices planted by alleged FARC members across the country. (DPA)
• Haiti: A UN Security Council delegation arrived for a four-day visit to assess security needs before reducing the peace-keeping force. (Reuters)
• United States: NYPD Intelligence Director warned NYC may be the target of an Iranian attack in a possible response to Iranian sanctions,. (WSJ)

ASIA

• Korean Peninsula: The ROK proposed holding a Red Cross meeting with the DPRK to discuss further rounds of cross-border family reunions for families separated by the Korean War. (AP)
• Pakistan: An American consulate employee was detained and released in Peshawar’s airport for carrying bullets. (AP)
• Pakistan: The cabinet expressed “full confidence” in PM Gilani as he prepares to go on trial for contempt of court. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Region: Macedonia joined the regional civil protection mechanism that facilitates European cooperation in disaster response. (Xinhua)
• Kosovo: Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo voted in a referendum on whether to recognize the government in Pristina. (Reuters)
• Russia: The government signed contracts to sell 120 T-90C tanks to Algeria and 30 tanks to Turkmenistan. (Bloomberg)

MIDDLE EAST

• Syria: Forces loyal to President Assad battered Homs in the heaviest shelling in recent days. (AFP)
• United Arab Emirates: Suspected drug dealers shot and killed two undercover police officers during an operation in Bani Yas. (AFP)
• Yemen: While planting a bomb in a polling booth in Aden, an unknown man was killed when the bomb exploded. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: Cryptome.org, a free speech and anti-surveillance site, reported that a PHP file logged the IP addresses of 3,000 users. (CNET)
• Technology: US and EU regulators approved Google Inc’s $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (Reuters)
• Technology: Pinterest began to monetize its service by appending affiliate links to certain goods found at Amazon, eBay, Target, and thousands of other merchants. (ReadWriteWeb)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 12S (Giovanna)
• Location: 95 NM E of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: W at 15 knots
• Winds: 95 knots
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone 10P (Jasmine)
• Location: 50 NM W of Tonga
• Movement: NNE at 07 knots
• Winds: 35 knots
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report.
• Earthquakes: Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan
• Magnitude: 6.0
• Depth: 10 km
• Map
• Earthquakes: Solomon Islands
• Magnitude: 6.5
• Depth: 54.7 km
• Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report.

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (15FEB)

• Africa: ECOWAS countries’ foreign ministers meet in Abuja, Nigeria.
• Afghanistan: Anniversary of Liberation Day/Total Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan – 1989
• Serbia: National day celebrated – 1804.

END

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA:  Tribal clashes in Libya killed six
• AMERICAS: Peru captured leader of Shining Path
• ASIA: Pakistani Supreme Court indicted PM Gilani for contempt
• EUROPE: Greek parliament approved austerity measures
• MIDDLE EAST: China urged Iran to cooperate on the nuclear issue
• TECHNOLOGY: Hackers took down Microsoft’s Indian retail website

TOP STORY

• Syria: UN mission proposed
• The Arab League proposed a UN peacekeeping mission for Syria, a proposal rejected by the government.
• Russian FM Lavrov declared that violence must cease before a peacekeeping mission would be acceptable.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed support for an Arab League mediation but not a UN peacekeeping mission.
• Coverage: BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters

AFRICA

• Region: Sudan and South Sudan agreed to cooperate in the transfer of nearly 300,000 people to the South. (AFP)
• DR Congo: A top advisor to President Kabila was killed in a plane crash near Bukavu. (Reuters)
• Libya: The NTC announced Saif Gaddafi will be transferred to Tripoli within two months to be tried. (Reuters)
• Libya: Six were killed in tribal clashes in the southeastern part of the country. (Reuters)

AMERICAS

• Mexico: The former governor of Tamaulipas state is being scrutinized for ties to drug cartels. (WSJ)
• Peru: Authorities captured “Comrade Artemio,” leader of the remaining Shining Path forces. (AP)
• Venezuela: Opposition voters selected Henrique Capriles to challenge President Chavez in upcoming elections. (NYT)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: NATO officials admitted an airstrike killed eight children last Wednesday. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: The Supreme Court formally indicted PM Gilani for contempt. (WaPo)
• Turkmenistan: Incumbent President Berdymukhamedov won re-election. (BBC)

EUROPE

• Greece: The parliament approved austerity measures amid violent protests across the country. (Al Jazeera)
• Russia: Military officials announced that Russia will field a 5th generation stealth fighter in 2013. (DPA)
• Turkey: Authorities arrested 100 on suspicion of ties to Kurdish rebels. (AFP, AP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Bahrain: Riot police clashed with protesters across the country as King Hamad warned against disunity. (Reuters)
• Iran: A Chinese envoy urged Iran to cooperate with the IAEA and resume talks on its nuclear program. (Reuters)
• Iran: The US Navy stated Iran expanded its naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz and has prepared boats for suicide attacks. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Cybersecurity: Chinese hacker group “Evil Shadow Team” shut down Microsoft’s retail website in India. (AFP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone Giovanna
• Location: 400 NM E of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Movement: WSW at 16 mph
• Winds: 140 mph
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone Jasmine
• Location: 65 NM SW of Tonga
• Movement: NE at 12 mph
• Winds: 40 mph
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Costa Rica
• Magnitude: 6.1
• Depth: 33.6 km
• Map
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (14FEB)

• Bahrain: Anniversary of Bahrain protests beginning – 2011.
• Lebanon: Anniversary of Rafik Hariri assassination – 2005.
• Mexico: International conference on drug criminalization and legalization.
• The Netherlands: Russian FM Lavrov meets with Dutch PM Rutte.
• United States: President Obama hosts Chinese Vice President Xi.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Somalia’s Al Shabab joined Al Qaeda
• AMERICAS: Mexican army rescued 73 kidnapped migrants near the US border
• ASIA: The Pakistani Supreme Court rejected PM Gilani’s appeal against contempt charges
• EUROPE: Greek government coalition reached an agreement on austerity cuts
• MIDDLE EAST: China will send a senior official to Iran for nuclear talks
• TECHNOLOGY: Apple is reportedly in the final stages of developing the iPad 3

TOP STORY

• Syria: Siege of Homs intensified
• Two explosions struck Aleppo, killing at least 25 and wounding 176.
• Security forces continued their bombardment of Homs for the fifth day, and stormed parts of the city with tanks.
• Turkey’s ambassador to the EU warned Syria was at risk of civil war and that sanctions would be ineffective.
• Coverage: VoA, Reuters-1, Al Jazeera, Reuters-2

AFRICA

• Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood called for the ruling military government to cede power. (NYT)
• Nigeria: Bokom Haram is increasingly placing pressure on Nigeria’s economy. (Reuters)
• Somalia: Somaliland forces clashed with Khaatumo secessionists. (Reuters)
• Somalia: Islamist group Al Shabab joined Al Qaeda, according to a joint video released on Jihadist websites. (Al Jazeera, BBC)
• South Africa: President Zuma ruled out the possibility of nationalizing the mining industry. (Reuters)

AMERICAS

• Region: The US military announced it was participating in an international operation to interdict drug smuggling off the coast of Central America. (AFP)
• Region: Bolivian President Morales accused the US of spying on Latin American nations through USAID and other organizations. (Xinhua)
• Colombia: An arrest warrant was issued for Luis Restrepo, who is accused of faking the demobilization of a group of FARC rebels in 2006. (BBC)
• Mexico: The army rescued 73 kidnapped migrants held near the US border. (AFP)

ASIA

• Afghanistan: Private security companies reported corruption and other problems interfere with President Karzai’s plan to nationalize the private security industry. (AP)
• China: Security forces killed two Tibetan protesters as a regional clampdown continued. (AFP)
• Maldives: Ousted President Nasheed remained at liberty despite an arrest warrant, as UN officials attempted to prevent further violence. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: Military forces killed 11 militants and wounded 19 during operations in Kurram. (Reuters)
• Pakistan: The Supreme Court rejected PM Gilani’s appeal against contempt charges. (CNN)

EUROPE

• Greece: PM Papadermos announced an agreement had been reached over austerity cuts. (Al Jazeera, NYT)
• Greece: Opponents to austerity measures launched widespread strikes across the country. (Reuters)
• Russia: The leader of South Ossetia’s main opposition party was hospitalized after a police raid on her headquarters. (AP)
• Turkey: A suspected PKK suicide bomber was killed in an explosion in Istanbul. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

• Iran: China’s Foreign Ministry announced a senior official would visit Iran to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program. (Reuters)
• Palestinian Territories: Relations between Hamas and Iran are becoming increasingly strained due to the Arab Spring, according to reports. (AP)
• Saudi Arabia: Security forces killed a Shiite protester in Qatif. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Tablet Computing: Apple was reported to be in the final stages of iPad 3 development and application selection. (SlashGear)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone Giovanna
• Location: 610 NM NW of La Reunion
• Movement: SW at 13 mph
• Winds: 60 mph
• Map
• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone Jasmine
• Location: 550 NM SSW of Nadi, Fiji
• Movement: SE at 10 mph
• Winds: 90 mph
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Mount Lokon, Indonesia
• Ash cloud, 2.5km exclusion zone established. (CNN)

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (11FEB)

• Egypt: Anniversary of Hosni Mubarak stepping down – 2011.
• Iran: Revolution day celebrated – 1979.
• Russia: Second pro-Putin rally scheduled across the country.

KEY STORYLINES

• AFRICA: Somalia’s Al Shabab killed 17 in Mogadishu
• AMERICAS: Mexican military seized 15 tons of methamphetamine
• ASIA: US drone strike in Pakistan killed senior Al Qaeda leader Badar Mansoor
• EUROPE:  Greek government failed to reach a bailout agreement
• MIDDLE EAST:  Yemeni security forces killed two activists in Daleh
• TECHNOLOGY: Privacy watchdog sued FTC to stop Google’s new privacy policy

TOP STORY

• Syria: Violence continued in the face of international uproar
• Activists reported security forces intensified a week-long assault on Homs, killing at least 24.
• UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon condemned the “appalling brutality” and said he would consider a joint UN-Arab League observer mission.
• Russian FM Lavrov defended his country’s efforts to negotiate with President Assad.
• Coverage: Al Jazeera, AP, Reuters, VoA

AFRICA

• Egypt: Military officials announced the deployment of armed forces in anticipation of an upcoming national strike. (Reuters)
• Mali: Rebels seized the town of Tinzawatene after driving government forces into Algeria. (Reuters)
• Somalia: Al Shabab claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Mogadishu that killed at least 17. (Al Jazeera)

AMERICAS

• Honduras: The military admitted that 22 RPG-7 grenade launchers were stolen from an armory in 2010. (EFE)
• Mexico: The Mexican army seized 15 tons of methamphetamine in Jalisco. (AP)
• Mexico: Marines discovered two mass graves in Veracruz containing at least 15 bodies. (BBC)

ASIA

• Region: The Japanese Self-Defense Force scrambled aircraft to intercept a group of Russian warplanes that strayed near Japanese airspace. (RIA Novosti)
• Maldives: The Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for former President Nasheed. (NYT)
• Pakistan: A US drone strike killed four militants in North Waziristan, including Al Qaeda chief Badar Mansoor. (AFP)

EUROPE

• Germany: The government expelled four Syrian diplomats for ties to espionage activity against Syrian opposition groups in Germany. (AP)
• Greece: The government failed to reach an agreement necessary for a $173 billion bailout from the EU. (AP)
• Turkey: 14 were killed in clashes between security forces and PKK militants in Eastern Turkey. (Reuters)

MIDDLE EAST

• Region: US and Israeli officials are divided over the rate of Iran’s nuclear development. (NYT)
• Iraq: The US State Department started to investigate how to reduce its embassy presence in Baghdad. (WaPo)
• Yemen: Security forces killed two anti-election activists in Daleh. (AFP)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Privacy: The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) sued the FTC to prevent Google’s upcoming change to its privacy policies. (AP)

WORLD

• Cyclones: Tropical Cyclone Jasmine
• Location: 275 NM ESE of Noumea, New Caledonia
• Movement: SSE at 12 mph
• Winds: 125 mph
• Map
• Hurricanes: Nothing to report
• Earthquakes: Nothing to report
• Volcanoes: Nothing to report

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (10FEB)

• India: EU-Indian summit held in New Delhi.
• Pakistan: Memogate Commission’s deadline for Mansoor Ijaz to appear.