World News Briefs -- December 26, 2012 (Evening Edition)



US Treasury Warns Of 'Extraordinary Measures' Amid Fiscal Cliff Deadlock -- The Guardian

Barack Obama cuts short holiday to tackle budget crisis as country faces breaching its $16.4tn debt limit.

US Treasury secretary Tim Geithner warned on Wednesday he would have to take "extraordinary measures" to avoid a default on the US's legal obligations as the country is set to breach its $16.4tn (£10.16tn) debt limit.

In a letter to Congress, Geithner said the debt ceiling would be reached on 31 December and that the Treasury could raise $200bn (£124bn) to fund government spending as a stopgap measure. But he warned that the current impasse over the fiscal cliff budget crisis meant it was uncertain how long that money would last.

"Under normal circumstances, that amount of headroom would last approximately two months.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian moderates fear being edged out of uprising.

Video: Syrian military police chief defects to join 'the people's revolution'.

Shelling in Syria's Raqqa kills 20, at least eight children.

Iranian ex-president's family sue Ahmadinejad ally over corruption claim.

Blogger's death stirs political hornet's nest in Iran.

Turkey kills 13 PKK militants.

GCC states slam Iran interference in region.

Iraqis rally against government.

Israel fast-tracks plan to build settler units.

ASIA

China's claims on South China Sea grow challenge for ASEAN, world.

Asia remembers 2004 tsunami.

Three Afghans dead in new blast at U.S. base in Afghan east.

India orders inquiry into Delhi gang rape.

Thai defence chiefs tour hot spots.

UN General Assembly voices concern for Myanmar's Muslims.

Japan's Abe set for second term, to tap allies for cabinet.

China launches longest high-speed train line.

Air Bagan survivors tell of terrifying landing.

AFRICA

Central African Republic wants French help as rebels close in on capital.

Sudan's Bashir says ready to meet Kiir to try to get oil flowing.

Nelson Mandela discharged from hospital in South Africa.

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi signs constitution, reaches out to critics – but no sale. Egypt's Morsi admits mistakes and urges unity.

Egypt constitution passes, economic crunch looms. Egypt's leader signs contentious constitution into law.

Boko Haram launches attacks across northern Nigeria, 25 dead.

Fire causes massive explosion at Nigeria fireworks factory.

CAR rebels advance on another major town.

Mali: UNESCO chief deplores new destruction of Timbuktu mausoleums.

EUROPE

Berlusconi allies fire barbs at Monti, ending Christmas truce.

Spanish police bust hashish-smuggling ring.

Central African Republic protest prompts France action.

Russian parliament approves ban on American adoptions.

Merkel party rises to seven-year poll high before election year 2013.

Number of North Caucasus terrorism-linked crimes down in 2012 - Interior Ministry.

Ukraine helicopter crash in Kirovograd kills five.

Svoboda: The rise of Ukraine's ultra-nationalists.

Bleak Christmas in Greece.

AMERICAS

Bush spokesman says ex-president's fever rising.

Nicaragua volcano: Hundreds flee San Cristobal eruptions.

US storm's toll up to 6 dead; system heads east.

U.S. will hit debt limit on Dec. 31, Treasury Department says.

Obama to cut vacation short to deal with fiscal crisis.

U.S. trade deficit heading for surplus.

Venezuela’s VP says Chavez up and about, giving orders.

Good year ahead for Mexico while investors feel frustrated with ‘Brazil cost’.

The trend of fathers disappearing from households across America.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France hastens military intervention against al-Qaida-linked groups in Mali.

UAE says arrests cell planning attacks.

Interview with a newly designated terrorist: Syria’s Jabhat Al-Nusra.

Al Qaeda blames France for Sahel hostage deadlock.

Morocco busts Qaeda recruitment cell: ministry.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Toyota agrees $1bn US recall deal.

Why does Canada have a maple syrup cartel?

Netflix up and running again after Christmas Eve outage disappointed families counting on holiday movie marathon.

Toyota poised to reclaim world's biggest carmaker title.

Google apps breaking into Microsoft territory.

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