| Hard News
21 killed in clashes with militants in Mali:
A French soldier and more than 20 Islamist rebels were killed during what appeared to be the first clashes in north Mali's Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range, where militants have taken refuge.
French nationals kidnapped in northern Cameroon:
Seven French nationals, including four children, have been abducted in Cameroon, French President François Hollande confirmed on Tuesday. Radio France International (RFI) earlier reported that the kidnapped French nationals were taken by armed men on motorbikes toward the border with Nigeria.
Libya's guns, gangs and the liberation of a masculine sickness: Op-Ed:
In Benghazi or a US suburb, the gun is a devil whispering to masculine hearts. This picture is less about freedom than power
Libya's displaced Tawergha threaten unilateral return:
Tawergha community leaders say they are fed up waiting for reconciliation to start, and in June this year say they will leave their 20-odd camps - mainly in Tripoli and Benghazi - to return home.
Syria children among 19 killed in Aleppo missile strike: NGO:
Six children and three women were among at least 19 people killed and "the death toll is likely to rise as bodies are being rescued from under the rubble," the Britain-based Observatory said.
Troops pour into Syria's Aleppo:
A large number of government troops are approaching Aleppo from the east, as a battle rages for control of Syria's second-largest airport.
Britain could ramp up scale of security to Syria rebels:
Britain could dramatically widen the scale of its security support for the Syrian rebels, William Hague has said despite failing to scrap the EU arms embargo at talks in Brussels.
Qatar criticises EU over Syria arms embargo:
Key supporter of Syrian rebels says decision to extend blanket arms embargo will only prolong war
'People want Assad to stay':
Life has become difficult for the residents of Damascus, in Syria, but little is reported of the lives of those in Damascus who support the Assad regime. BBC reporter Zubeida Malik spoke on the Today programme to some of the government supporters in Syria's capital city.
In a small corner of Syria, rebels attempt to reconcile:
Rebels and pro-government militias have agreed to stop shooting in Talkalakh, thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Habib
Deadly blasts hit Iraq's Kirkuk : Video -
A series of blasts in Iraq's city of Kirkuk kill at least one person and damage a mosque. Sarah Sheffer reports.
Iraq approves plan to pipe Iranian gas to Syria: Report:
Iraq's oil minister will approve a plan for a new pipeline channeling Iranian gas to Syria and possibly on into Europe by way of Iraqi territory, according to Middle East Online.
Iran says it is willing to make nuke deal with West:
Tehran indicates it can ease concerns over enrichment work in exchange for 'show of goodwill' from US and others at upcoming talks
Indian pays for Iran oil in rupees, Turkey route halted: sources;
India is now paying Iran only in rupees for its oil after it lost another payment route in euros due to tougher sanctions from February 6, sources at local refiners said, leaving Tehran struggling to use the tightly-restricted Indian currency.
Whitewash?
'Zygier hanged himself with bed sheet in bathroom':
Jailed spy was not on suicide watch, Maariv report claims; former Australian FM says agent's offense was likely more serious than passing info to Aussie spooks
Zygier arrested after leaking Mossad work to ASIO: sources:
Zygier was one of three Australian Jews who changed their names several times, taking out new passports for travel in the Middle East and Europe in their work for Mossad.
Account of 2007 Speech Prompts Letter from Senators to Hagel:
Sens. Graham, Ayotte ask Hagel if he said Israel controls U.S. State Dept.
7 Taliban killed, 10 wounded during clash:
At least seven Taliban were killed and 10 more wounded during a clash with security forces in Darzaab district of northern Jowzjan province yesterday, an official said Monday.
4 Militants Killed in Search Operation in Pakistan:
Pakistani security forces have killed four militants suspected of involvement in a bombing that killed 89 Shi'ites in the southwestern city of Quetta.
UAE to acquire $200 million worth of US drones:
A defense official in the United Arab Emirates said the Gulf nation has signed $1.4 billion in military contracts that include purchases of US-made drones.
German Cabinet approves Mali mission:
Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet has approved a plan to send up to 330 German military personnel to Mali to help train the country's soldiers and provide logistical support.
Spanish woman set herself on fire in bank:
Upon being rescued the woman reportedly cried "Look what you've done, you've ripped me of everything," which led local media to suggest the 47-year-old had debt in the bank she was unable to pay.
The impact of Bolivia's nationalisation: Video -
As Bolivia takes control of a Spanish-owned airports operator, we examine President Morales' economic policies.
Meet 6 Politicians Getting Rich from America's Endless Wars:
The defense industry is a powerful and influential lobby.
'Robocop' headset lets police see through walls and identify suspects just by LOOKING at them:
The system can also identify suspects using facial recognition, receive alerts from motion sensors, scan licence plates instantly, monitor basic vital signs and call up floor plans and GPS coordinates.
Dems Sponsor Bill To Allow Police Search Gun Owners Homes: :
Washington State Democrats have sponsored Senate Bill 5737, which has a little provision that apparently was to go unnoticed that would have said that police have a right to search a private citizen's home once per year if they own certain types of firearms.
Death of Texas toddler fuels Russian government's anti-adoption stance:
Russian authorities have blamed "inhuman treatment" for the death of a 3-year-old boy adopted by an American family, but Texas officials say they are still investigating claims that the child was abused before his death.
New York city mentally ill roundup plan:
Cops in the NYPD's Real Time Crime Center are using high-tech methods to first track down the individuals, and detectives on the street have been assigned to then go after them and take them to hospitals, law-enforcement sources said.
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"Let us be peace and joy"
Tom Feeley
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