ONS: 17 August 2011

By TRG Alerts Admin

KEY STORYLINES

AFRICA: World Bank released statement that famine in E. Africa is man-made
AMERICAS: Chile, Colombia signed agreement, boosted bilateral dialogue
ASIA: South Korea is reported to be developing supersonic cruise missile
EUROPE: Police engaged militants in a shootout in North Caucasus
MIDDLE EAST: Syrian forces ended four-day crackdown in Latakia
TECHNOLOGY: For Americans, report indicated that cell phones are helpful for emergency information

TOP STORIES

According to government spokesman, Brega and Zawiyah remained under Gaddafi control.
Commander Abdulhafiz, longtime ally of Gaddafi, defected and fled to Egypt.
TNC claimed that a victory in the south of Libya may be at the end of August.
Chavez and Ahmadinejad criticized NATO for “aggression” in Libya.
Xinhua, Denver Post, LaDepeche, EuroNews, AFP

After four-day “crackdown” and 35 deaths, Syrian state media claimed that forces were moving out of Latakia.
SANA, the state news agency, blamed the unrest on “terrorist groups.”
Secretaries Clinton and Hague both noted increased disapproval of President Assad’s oppression of his citizens.
Al Jazeera, DPA, Haaretz, VOA

AFRICA

Region: World Bank issued statement attributing famine in the Horn of Africa to man-made crisis of artificially high food prices. Reuters, Guardian
Sudan: Sudan revealed plans to form its own committee to explore the human rights situation in the South Kordofan region. Reuters
Tunisia: According to UN estimates, approximately 900,000 fled Libya while 4,000 refugees remain in tents on Tunisia-Libya border. Reuters

AMERICAS

Region: Chilean and Colombian presidents signed agreement to strengthen bilateral ties focused on drug trafficking and organized crime. Xinhua
Ecuador: In anti-corruption measure, President Correa ordered police to take polygraph test. BBC
Mexico: Gunfights in the towns of Acapulco and Tacambaro resulted in eight dead, one of which was dismembered. AFP, Telegraph
Venezuela: After second round of chemotherapy, Chavez reported feeling better, condition “not serious.” AP

ASIA

Afghanistan: Near the presidential palace in Kabul, a rocket was fired causing no damage. AP
Japan: Hokkaido Electric Power Company fully reinstated the function of the first reactor since March 2011 earthquake. Xinhua, AFP
Korea, South: Chosun Ilbo, a Korean daily, said that the ROK military is developing anti-ship cruise missiles to be completed in three or four years. AFP, Kyodo
Pakistan: USAID specified that as much as 50% of $1bn was given directly to the Pakistani government last year. Express Tribune
Philippines: Leadership of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Islamist group) will issue a resolution that Ameril Umbra Kato will no longer be a member due to land disputes in southern Philippines. AP, Philippine Daily Inquirer

EUROPE

Russia: In an effort to detain an armed man, law enforcement shot the man in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic. RIA Novosti
Turkey: Facing increased attacks by Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK), Turkey planned military operations on PKK bases beginning after Ramadan. Today’s Zaman, Hurriyet Daily News

MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Making use of diplomats globally, Assad targeted his sights on expatriates who speak ill of Damascus, labeling them “Zionists” and “traitors.” WSJ, AFP
Yemen: President Saleh vowed to return to Yemen soon, called for presidential elections. WSJ, Bloomberg

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

USA: According to Pew Internet and American Life Project, 51% of Americans have used their cell phone to retrieve information they needed right away. A higher percentage of cell users made use of mobile email as compared to on-the-go social media. CNN

WORLD

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (18AUG)

END