Gaddafi Troops Fight To Maintain Positions In Strategic City Of Zawiyah -- The Guardian
Tripoli under threat as regime forces struggle to hold on and rebels claim they have cut oil supply to capital
Libyan rebels launched an assault on the only functioning oil refinery in Zawiyah on Wednesday, with reports of heavy clashes in the key city, which is only 30 miles from the capital, Tripoli.
While rebel commanders elsewhere in Libya reported significant advances, in Zawiyah the opposition's struggle for control was hampered by resistance from troops loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, including snipers and rocket and artillery positions located outside the city.
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MIDDLE EAST
Besieged city of Hama has long been in Syrian regime's sights.
U.S. officials: Syria using diplomats to threaten opposition around the world.
Turkish warplanes attack PKK targets in Iraq.
Hamas bans Gaza students studying abroad.
Attacks in Iraq heighten political tensions. Iraq's bloodiest day revives Al Qaeda fears.
Biggest threat to Iraq? Iran-backed militias, not Al Qaeda, US official says.
Yemen's Ali Abdullah Saleh to return home 'soon'.
Iran's hard-liners seek payback in next election.
ASIA
Bombings in southern Philippines draw attention to peace talks.
China's likely next premier emerges from shadows in Hong Kong.
China starts two-month security crackdown in western region.
Anna Hazare refuses to leave Indian prison. Standoff deepens between New Delhi and jailed protest leader.
China rejects report of Bin Laden raid copter access.
AFRICA
Pentagon: Libyan rebel gains are 'significant developments'. Libyan rebels’ advance stalls in Zawiyah as refugees stream west. Libya rebels cut all fuel pipelines to Tripoli: reports.Libyan rebels battle Gadhafi forces for control of key oil refinery in Zawiya, near Tripoli.
Eritrean leader Afewerki in 'peace trip' to Uganda.
Ivory Coast to disarm, demobilize 10,000 fighters.
'Egypt nabs terrorists trying to blow up Sinai pipeline'.
Ten children die each day in Ethiopia refugee camp, says UN. UK: 400k Somali children to die without more aid.
Contractors are accused in large-scale theft of food aid in Somalia.
Zimbabwe General's death may prompt power struggle.
Nigeria and Benin to fight pirates together.
EUROPE
Ukraine ex-president testifies against Tymoshenko.
Analysis: Russia still lags on democracy 20 years after coup.
Paris and Berlin launch a coup to control eurozone, demanding rights to dictate economic policy.
Markets fall as Merkel-Sarkozy debt talks disappoint.
Germans recoil as Europe seeks more handouts amid debt crisis.
London riots: More than 1,000 people charged. Riots thwarted by Blackberry and Twitter chat - police.
Gorbachev says Russia needs fresh leadership, free elections.
Pope arrives in Spain in time of economic turmoil.
AMERICAS
Authorities: 5 Colombian police killed in ambush.
Violence threatens Venezuela vote outcome-report.
Walmart warns on US weakness.
Mexico’s youth slips into drug violence.
Mexican drug traffickers taunt police with body parts in Acapulco.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Napolitano: 'Lone Wolf' terrorists on the rise, most difficult to intercept.
Obama frets over 'lone wolf' attack as Sept 11 looms.
Terror suspect linked to Al-Shabaab appears in US court.
Across the globe, families of 9/11 victims mourn.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Fed dissenters speak out.
Asia's wealthy park cash in cars, homes, art and wine.
China appeals to US to focus on economic recovery.
SABMiller in hostile $10 billion bid for Foster's.
Putin sets sights on Eurasian economic union.