The US Federal Reserve Building
Central Banks Take Joint Action to Ease Debt Crisis -- New York Times
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve moved Wednesday with other major central banks to buttress financial markets by increasing the availability of dollars outside the United States, reflecting growing concern about the fallout of the European debt crisis.
The central banks announced that they would slash by roughly half the cost of an existing program under which banks in foreign countries can borrow dollars from their own central banks, which in turn get those dollars from the Fed. The banks also said that loans will be available until February 2013, extending a previous endpoint of August 2012.
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MIDDLE EAST
Pressure mounts on Syria, government raids continue.
Northern battle flares as Yemen seeks interim government.
Biden: US troop exit marks new beginning with Iraq.
First suicide blast since '07 hit Iraq's restricted Green Zone.
Turkey imposes sanctions on Assad's Syria.
ASIA
Afghan President urges Pakistan to attend Bonn conference. Afghan officials voice scant remorse to Pakistan.
North Korea supplying Syria, Iran with prohibited nuclear technology, report says.
NKorea claims progress in uranium enrichment, light-water reactor, raising nuclear bomb worry.
Clinton in Myanmar to urge reform.
Internet freedom in Central Asia worsens say human rights groups.
AFRICA
Egypt’s Brotherhood claims lead in polls, challenges military rule.
Egypt: Tahrir Square violence marrs closing of polls.
Ivory Coast: Gbagbo faces murder and rape charges. Plane believed carrying ex-Ivory Coast President Gbagbo arrives in Netherlands.
DR Congo's Vital Kamerhe leads calls to annul vote.
EUROPE
EU monetary chief sees 10 days to rescue euro zone.
EU Defense Ministers may endorse pooling resources.
Britain withdraws diplomats from Iran after embassy attack. UK to expel all Iranian diplomats over embassy attack.
Norway closes embassy in Iran after Brits attacked.
UK Strikes hit services as millions heed unions' call to fight pension cuts.
AMERICAS
Honduras turns to army to battle drug gangs.
Police arrest more than 200 in raid of 'Occupy L.A.' camp.
Chile seeks extradition of ex-U.S. military officer in 1973 death.
Latin America poverty level lowest in 20 years, says UN.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Indefinite military detention of citizens on US soil still in Pentagon spending bill.
Obama orders government to clean up terror training.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Fed, ECB offer aid for global financial system.
S&P downgrades dozens of global banks.
Study: Cyber Monday was biggest online shopping day ever in U.S.
American Airlines' Boeing and Airbus order is 'rock solid' despite bankruptcy.