Gun Battles Rage In Libya, U.S. Examines Options -- Yahoo News/Reuters
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi launched a fierce counter-attack on Thursday on rebels holding towns near the capital and the United States did not rule out military action in response to the Libyan crackdown.
The opposition were already in control of major centers in the east, including the regional capital Benghazi, and reports that the towns of Misrata and Zuara in the west had also fallen brought the tide of rebellion closer to Gaddafi's power base.
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MIDDLE EAST
Yemen's president orders forces to protect protesters.
Bahrain says ready to talk, activist can return.
Middle East: Uncertain horizons (an analysis).
Iranian military to 'greet' warships in Syria amid Israeli concern.
Israeli jets bomb Gaza after rocket attack.
U.S. military keeps close eye on Egypt, Bahrain.
Anti-government protesters hit Bahrain streets. Bahrain's opposition announces its demands.
Yemeni mine blast raises tension.
Iraqi PM to country: Stay away from Friday demo.
ASIA
Charities warn of food shortages in North Korea.
US admiral meets S. Korea defence chief.
U.S., Pakistan military chiefs hold secret talks in Oman.
Nervous China puts security apparatus into overdrive.
NZ police: Up to 120 bodies in quake-hit building.
AFRICA
Qaddafi blames revolt on al-Qaeda; Foes tighten hold in East. Eyewitness account: The battle for Gaddafi's capital. Fighting in Libya spreads west. Qaddafi forces attack mosque sheltering Libyan protesters.
Algeria lifts 19-year-old state of emergency.
Ivory Coast: army and ex-rebels 'breach ceasefire'. Fighting breaks out in I. Coast.
Somalia: Govt starts military operations against Al Shabaab - official.
Pirates could face trial in US over American deaths.
US lauds DRCongo for military rape convictions.
EUROPE
Irish general election set to result in Fine Gael/Labour coalition.
Putin questions Europe’s foreign and energy policies.
Judge says WikiLeaks' Assange can be extradited. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange ordered extradited in sexual assault case.
U.K. needs entire nuke sub fleet, defense chief says.
Libya replete with EU arms as Gaddafi massacres protesters.
Better ties for Norway, Russia cause NATO strains.
Spain: 5 dead, 3 injured in military academy blast.
German defence minister stripped of doctorate for plagiarism.
AMERICAS
Anti-Chavez parties to hold presidential primary.
Official: U.S. Military options for Libya being planned.
Fort Hood murderer 'could face death penalty' as U.S. Army chiefs wrangle over his fate.
Russia says S-300 deliveries to Venezuela pending.
Mexico army: Suspect says ICE agent slain in error.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Saudi student held in US over WMD charges and 'terror list'. U.S. arrests Saudi student in bomb plot.
Gaddafi blames unrest on al-Qaeda.
LIBYA: Defected justice minister claims Kadafi ordered Lockerbie bombing, says Libyan leader's days are numbered.
Pentagon looks to Africa for next bio threat.
Uprisings put al Qaeda on sidelines.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil surges to near $120, then eases on Saudi assurance.
Saudi Arabia in talks to boost oil output.
Oil shoots toward $102 on Libya supply disruption.
Troubled U.S. banks rise to highest level in 18 years.
Toyota recalls 2.17 million vehicles in US.
Florida Sen. Rubio warns of U.S. debt 'death spiral'.