Tunisia Riots: President Ben Ali Flees As Chaos Hits Country -- The Telegraph
President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali, the pro-American leader of Tunisia, fell to a wave of student protest on Friday, fleeing into exile from a country that had descended into blood-soaked chaos.
Mohammed Ghannouchi, the prime minister, announced he was taking over as acting president as the army moved in to seize control of the main airport in the capital Tunis.
The collapse of the 23-year dictatorship, the first ever collapse of an Arab leader to a "people power" uprising, was met nervously by Tunisia's allies.
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MIDDLE EAST
Lebanon set for showdown over P.M. post. Lebanon in turmoil as caretaker govt steps in. What Hezbollah wants from Lebanon's next government.
Hamas deploys forces near Israel-Gaza border to enforce truce.
Iran's nuke tour without major powers, key allies. China failing to enforce nuclear sanctions against Iran, expert says.
Clinton pushes for economic and political reforms in tour of Middle East. Clinton tells Mideast leaders to open up political, economic systems.
ASIA
U.S. is not trying to contain China, Clinton says.
Obama, Pakistan's Zardari to meet amid growing distrust.
100 pilgrims killed in stampede at Indian festival.
Japan PM Naoto Kan reshuffles cabinet to tackle economy.
Rains worsen Sri Lanka flood havoc.
US Defense Secretary says talks with North Korea possible.
U.S. will defer to Japan on moving Okinawa base.
Australian city digs out from icky, sticky muck. Australians clean up muddy sludge after floods; 16 killed.
AFRICA
Tunisian leader flees amid protests, PM takes over. Tunisian president quits after violent protests.
Mobs in Ivory Coast attack United Nations vehicles. Ivory Coast: Mobs, security forces attack UN cars.
Nigerian president wins primary election.
Sudan’s Bashir may face threat if south chooses independence. After Sudan vote, U.S. to face fresh challenges.
EUROPE
U.K. petrol prices may kill the economy and the coalition.
Belarus accuses Germany, Poland of overthrow bid.
Thousands attend media law protest in Hungary.
Red sky at night... Sicily looks on as Mount Etna erupts in spectacular fashion.
Berlusconi targeted in prostitution probe after immunity curbed.
Greece nab four suspected terrorists, investigate hideout.
EU sends out £4.4m diaries to schools which list Muslim, Chinese and Hindu holidays... but miss out Christmas and Easter.
Crash report angers Poles and shakes ties with Russia.
Belarus boy faces orphanage after parents jailed.
Pope John Paul to be beatified May 1.
AMERICAS
Rains to continue in Brazil as floods kill 538 people. Brazil landslides: president visits scene as death toll continues to rise. Nearly 500 are dead in Brazil flooding.
Haiti president unhappily receives election report.
Colombia police nab go-between with Mexican cartel.
Mayor shot to death in southern Mexico. Amid drug violence, Acapulco watches tourism recede.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
7/7 inquests: up to 50 people got off bus moments before Tavistock Square explosion.
Al-Qaeda to unleash Western jihadis.
Turkistan Islamic Party identifies senior leader killed in Afghanistan.
Al Qaeda claims kidnap of French hostages in Niger.
Al Qaeda's tentacles (a commentary).
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Happy days! Big banks set to restore dividends.
U.S.-Chinese currency link creates spiral in global food costs.
Carmakers slicing into bailout debt, panel reports.
Oil off on U.S. data but OPEC eyed as $100 in sight. OPEC ministers say world can handle $100 oil.
Could the U.S. central bank go broke?
China raises banks' required reserves again.