Residents hold a banner during a protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Kafranbel near Idlib October 19, 2012.
Hopes Dim for Syrian Cease-Fire -- Voice of America
A Syrian rights group says government warplanes have attacked a strategic rebel-held northern town in the latest setback to international efforts to secure a cease-fire during a Muslim holiday that begins this week.
The opposition Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday's air strikes targeted Maaret al-Numan, a town that rebels seized earlier this month, effectively cutting a highway linking the capital Damascus with Syria's northern financial hub of Aleppo.
The Observatory also said Syrian rebels battled government forces holed up in a nearby military base that has been under a rebel siege for days.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian warplanes strike strategic town as opposition leader voices doubt in proposed truce. Rebels battle Assad's forces for gateway to north Syria. Shell from Syria hits Turkish health centre: CNN Turk.
Kofi Annan says military intervention in Syria won’t work and could worsen the situation.
Iran’s political infighting erupts in full view.
Baha'is most persecuted religion in Iran: U.N. investigator.
Lebanese intelligence chief aware of threat before death.
Iraqi Kurds conditionally agree to boost oil exports, signaling easing tensions with Baghdad.
Car bombs, mortars kill nine in Baghdad Shi'ite districts.
Obama opens door to bilateral negotiations with Iran.
Qatar visit breaks Gaza ice, delights Hamas. Israel slams Qatari ruler's Gaza visit.
Israelis favour discrimination against Arabs - poll.
Blow to Fatah in West Bank local elections.
US has 'zero' influence over Israel, Palestinians: Carter.
CPJ: Turkey is leading jailer of journalists.
ASIA
Second Pakistani girl fears for her life after being threatened by extremists.
As China tensions simmer, Japan pulls back from "world's factory".
China’s doldrums put pressure on U.S. exporters.
Insurgent ambush kills 10 soldiers, policemen in western Afghanistan.
Myanmar: Fresh clashes between Muslims, Buddhists. Burma Rakhine violence: Three killed in clashes.
China hints at reform by dropping Mao wording.
Chinese villagers clash with police in protests over environmental issues.
South Korean activists float leaflets into NKorea.
AFRICA
DRC's M23 rebels under pressure.
Britain to support African force in bid to recapture northern Mali.
Second Darfur rebel group joins peace talks with Sudan.
Tunisia marks turbulent, tense year since vote.
Army pushes into Bani Walid as Libya marks anniversary. Gadhafi partisans in Libya express anger as Bani Walid siege continues.
Sudanese military: Rebels near border with South Sudan shell town, killing 2 children.
Officials see delay before northern Mali offensive. More Islamist fighters deploy in northern Mali.
Benin President Boni Yayi 'poison plot': Three charged.
Bissau accuses Portugal of backing coup attempt.
Somali pirates hijacking fewer merchant ships.
EUROPE
Eurozone crisis live: Greek leaders meet over austerity package as markets slide.
Financial transaction tax for 10 EU states.
EU 'sucks up decision-making:' UK's Foreign Secretary.
Ukraine: Tymoshenko helps unite opposition ahead of vote.
Polish president exhumed over fears of misidentication.
Clashes in Kosovo over launch of Serbia dialogue.
Unease about Germany's unchecked gold reserves.
Welcome to Berlin, Europe’s new capital.
Italy disaster head Luciano Maiani quits over L'Aquila.
AMERICAS
Colombia's ailing vice president says he has prostate cancer.
Navy has become Mexico’s most important crime-fighting force.
Clintons open Haiti industry park.
Obama and Romney in final push.
U.S. government's foreign debt now $47,495 per household.
Venezuela opposition seeks to brake Chavez in new elections.
Archaic defamation laws threaten Caribbean media.
Capo's relative's body dug up to prove ID.
Seized Argentine tall ship's crew to start leaving Ghana.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Somalian al-Shabaab group in new attack threat to Britain.
Pentagon: Alleged 9/11 mastermind dyed his beard with berry juice at Guantánamo.
At Guantanamo, Marines grow scarce but base is more lively.
Pentagon will not label Fort Hood shootings as terrorist attack.
Accused Cole bomber seeks to halt Guantanamo trial.
Salafi-Jihadists in Gaza to continue efforts to establish Islamic Emirate.
Guantanamo defense: No war crimes if no war.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Apple announces fourth generation iPad, iPad Mini.Rosneft deal gives Russia control of world's largest oil company.
US may soon become world's top oil producer.
BBC boss: Corporate culture aided abuser Savile.
Rosneft deal makes Viktor Vekselberg Russia's richest man.