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BEIRUT, Lebanon — An explosion at a gas station outside Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Wednesday turned a long line of cars waiting for rarely available fuel into a deadly inferno that killed at least 30 people sitting in their cars or on motorcycles, according to videos and reports from witnesses who blamed a government airstrike.

The violence came as the United Nations released a study showing that more than 60,000 people had been killed in Syria’s 22-month-old conflict, a number that is a third higher than estimates by antigovernment activist groups.

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Nusra Front reportedly leading Syrian rebels’ fight for key Damascus area.

Fighting rages for control of Syrian air base. Syria conflict: Fierce fighting near strategic airports.

Turkish villagers take in Syrian refugees that humanitarian groups don’t serve.

UN body: Around half-million Syrians now refugees.

Attacks in Iraq kill at least 32 pilgrims.

Protests engulf west Iraq as Anbar rises against Maliki.

Turkish government in talks with Kurdish rebel chief.

Iran moves Rafsanjani daughter to solitary confinement.

Israeli raid in West Bank triggers clashes with Palestinians.

Turkey arrests ex-military chief of staff.

Yemen's ex-president to seek treatment abroad before talks start.


UN warns Burma on airstrikes in Kachin.

U.S.: Time not right for Google executive's North Korea trip.

China warns Vietnam over South China Sea islands.

Myanmar says jets used against Kachin rebels.

India gang rape: Five suspects charged in Delhi. Indian rape accused charged; victim's father calls for hanging.

Taiwan undersea oil plans raise neighbors' eyebrows.

In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubt.

South: Drop in N. Korea defectors linked to tighter border security.

Video fuels rumor NKorean leader's wife gave birth.

Japan’s population falls by record in 2012 as births decrease.


Central African Republic president refuses to leave power, defying rebels. M23 rebels threaten to quit DR Congo talks over ceasefire.

Diplomats seek progress on Central African Republic crisis.

Central African Republic leader fires son after rebel threat. Central African Republic rebels agree to talks.

Presidents of Sudan, South Sudan to meet Friday.

Egypt panel implicates Mubarak, military in deaths.

Civilian armed groups fight crime, wreak havoc in Niger Delta.

Ivory Coast to investigate deadly stampede.

Mandela's recovery "on track" at home: South African government.


Russia's 2012 oil output hits post-Soviet high.

Putin orders change in election rules.

Spanish politician calls for inquiry into auto accident that killed Cuban dissident.

British government extradites al-Qaida suspect.

Three women killed after gunman's drunken rampage in Swiss village.

Putin gives tax exile Depardieu Russian citizenship.

Icelandic girl fights for right to her own name.


Fed may reduce efforts to stimulate US economy.

With Chavez ill and inauguration near, uncertainty reigns in Venezuela. Venezuela opposition seeks answers on Chavez.

Fiscal cliff: US urged to tackle budget deficit.

Argentina presses claim to Falkland Islands, accusing UK of colonialism. UK prime minister rebuffs Argentina over Falklands.

Gun checks soar 39 percent, set new record: FBI.

Mexico troops kill 12 in gun fight in Zacatecas state.

Mississippi River nears historic lows, shipping at risk.

Clinton discharged from hospital, doctors expect full recovery.


Defense bill’s Guantanamo Bay provisions have human rights groups upset with Obama.

US drone strike kills 5 'militants' in South Waziristan.

Pakistan militant Mullah Nazir 'killed in drone attack'. Pakistani officials: Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill 15, including a Taliban leader.

The top terror takedowns of 2012.

US drones killed 2,183 Jihadis, 487 civilians since 2004.

Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program.


World's 100 richest gained $241B last year.

FTC ends long Google probe with mild reprimand.

Geithner said to plan departure before debt ceiling deal.

Hollywood's record haul: why 2012 was a great year for movies.

Boeing soars past Airbus in deliveries.

Starbucks to open first Vietnam store next month.

Al Jazeera buys Al Gore's Current TV.