January 06 News international

Friday 06 January, 2012.

TOP STORY US military to focus on Asia-Pacific: Obama The United States has unveiled a plan for a leaner, more flexible military but the new strategy and budget cuts will not weaken its presence in the Asia-Pacific, US President Barack Obama said. HEADLINES Syria says at least 25 killed in Damascus blast An explosion ripped through a police bus in the center of Syria's capital on Friday, killing 25 people and over 46 injured in a suicide bomb blast in the Capital Damascus on Friday. 53 dead as Iraq bombs hit Shiites  A spate of attacks against Shiite pilgrims and neighbourhoods in Iraq killed at least 53 people on Thursday as the country grapples with a weeks-long political row that has stoked sectarian tensions. 25 dead, about 100 missing in Philippine landslide  At least 25 people were killed and about 100 others missing in the southern Philippines on Thursday after a landslide struck a community of gold prospectors. Obama defies Republicans recess appointments  US President Obama has defied Republican lawmakers when he bypassed Congress and invoked presidential recess appointment authority to install former Ohio attorney general Richard Cordray to head the newly formed consumer agency. AFRICA & SOUTH AMERICA ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH AMERICA SOUTH ASIA WEST ASIA

OTHER TOP STORIES US plans change in immigration rule  EU decision on Iran embargo could be by month-end: France