- Overnight News Summaries ,
- Tags: Africa, Ahmadinejad, Caribbean, Colombia, earthquake, Egypt, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Middle East, mobile, Rendon, Rendon Group, Russia, Social media, Tunisia, World Bank, Yemen
- 17 Aug
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
- Libya: Gaddafi forces claimed to regain control of oil towns
- 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
- Syria: Troops ended crackdown in Latakia
- 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
- Cyclones: Nothing to report
- Hurricanes (A): 30% chance of tropical cyclone formation
- Location: Over Caribbean Sea
- Movement: 15-20 mph
- Winds: Stationary
- Map
- Hurricanes (P): 10% chance of tropical cyclone formation
- Location: 700 SSW of Baja, CA
- Movement: Slowly, WNW
- Winds: Upper-level
- Map
- Hurricanes (P): Tropical Storm Fernanda
- Location: SE tip of Hawaii
- Movement: W at 7 mph
- Winds: 50 mph
- Map
- Hurricanes (P): Tropical Storm Greg
- Location: Off SW coast of Mexico
- Movement: WNW at 16 mph
- Winds: 40 mph
- Map
- Earthquakes: Nothing to report
- Volcanoes: Nothing to report
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (18AUG)
- Pakistan: Anniversary of former President Musharraf’s resignation – 2008.
- Somalia: Turkish PM Erdogan visits on aid mission.
END