North Korean Army Chief Relieved of “All Posts”
A guardian of the young North Korean leader is apparently purged.
News
Arab Emirates Ship First Oil Via Gulf of Oman Port
Alarmed by Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE open a new export terminal
Spain’s Rajoy Announces More Cuts, Tax Increases
The Spanish leader unveils “necessary” austerity measures to bring spending in line with revenue.
Sunni General, Friend Abandons Syria’s Assad
The defection of a top Syrian officer appears to be the first crack in Bashar Assad’s inner circle.
Assad Says Turkey Responsible for Syria’s Bloodshed
Syria’s president accuses Turkey of interfering in his country’s “internal affairs.”
France’s Ayrault Promises Tax Hikes, No Spending Cuts
France’s new prime minister announces income and corporate tax increases, but he rejects austerity.
Clinton’s Apology Reopens NATO Supply Route
The American secretary of state says “sorry” for the accidental death of Pakistani soldiers.
Dutch Parliamentary Majority to Stop F-35 Participation
Opposition parties want to end participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program.
Despite Defections, Noda’s Coalition Maintains Majority
Fifty lawmakers led by former ruling party president Ichirō Ozawa defected from Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s coalition.
After Dutch Hesitation, Indonesia Buys German Tanks
Political resistance kills a Dutch tanks sale to Indonesia, forcing the island nation to turn to the Germans.
Finland, Netherlands Block Bailout Fund Expansion
The two countries will not allow the direct financing of other eurozone states’ debts.
Milošević Loyalists Form Pro-Russian Coalition in Serbia
Nationalists and Socialists form a coalition government in Serbia headed by former Milošević allies.
Japanese Parliament Enacts Controversial Sales Tax
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda scores a victory with a consumption tax increase, despite opposition from within his own party.
Merkel Says Eurobonds “False, Counterproductive”
The German leader says Europe will not have a shared debt liability, “as long as I live.”
Turkey Weighs Response After Jet Downed by Syria
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vows retaliation, but NATO isn’t prepared to act.