Aleppo On The Verge Of Full-Scale Battle As UN Vote On Syria Looms -- Christian Science Monitor
The UN warned that the long-building battle for Aleppo is 'about to start' in earnest. Kofi Annan blasted UN Security Council inaction on Syria as he stepped down as peace envoy yesterday.
The United Nations peacekeeping chief yesterday announced that the big showdown in Aleppo between the Syrian Army and rebel forces is imminent, as hopes for international mediation in Syria sank to their lowest level yet with the resignation of the diplomat charged with implementing a peace plan.
The Army and rebels have been fighting fierce, small-scale clashes in Aleppo for three weeks as both sides ramp up for an all-out battle for the city.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syria rebels 'strengthen hold' on Aleppo. 'Main battle' about to begin in Aleppo, UN peacekeeping chief says.
Kurdish rebels step up attacks in Turkey.
Ashton, Jalili fail to set date for new Iran nuclear talks.
Iran scraps birth control programme in baby boom bid.
Kurds to stop oil exports in month unless Baghdad pays. Iraq boosts oil output but trouble brews.
ASIA
Pakistan jails Brig Ali Khan and four other top officers.
Mongolia ex-president jailed for corruption.
North Korea's Kim tells China, economy a priority.
It was British diplomat enjoying amusement park ride with Kim Jong-un.
China's next leader takes swipe at Bo Xilai.
Bo Xilai's wife on trial for murder of Neil Heywood next week.
Papua New Guinea elects new PM, ending chaos.
AFRICA
Sudan, S. Sudan fail to reach agreement.
Somali pirates offered amnesty if they agree to stop terrorising east African seas.
Islamists sidelined in new Egypt cabinet.
Attacks on Egypt's Christians are rising: bishop.
Fourah Bay: Sierra Leone university closed by riots.
EUROPE
Eurozone companies 'weak in July'.
ECB confident in Euro, no new measures for now.
Court decides not to certify ouster vote in Romania.
Tymoshenko’s trials cloud Ukraine’s democratic future.
Mixed Russian feelings on jailed punk rock band.
AMERICAS
US economy creates 163,000 new jobs but rate rises to 8.3%. 'Real' unemployment rate shows far more jobless.
Brazil corruption trial from Lula era starts.
Honduras bans guns in violence-hit Colon region.
US-bound Cubans pour into Panama through Colombia.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Judge quizzes 'al-Qaeda men’ who may have targeted Gibraltar.
CIA drone strikes violate Pakistan's sovereignty, says senior diplomat.
Hamas frees Qaeda-tied leader of militant group in Gaza-source.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
European financial crisis has ripple effect on U.S. businesses.
US resists control of internet passing to UN agency.
Heineken seal Tiger Beer purchase.