Yahoo! News: World News

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• Iraqi military breakdown fueled by corruption, politics
• Ukrainian forces reclaim port city from rebels
• Obama sticks to measured approach on Iraq, defying critics
• China says will never send military to oil rig spat with Vietnam
• Afghans head to polls again in final test as Taliban threats loom
• Thailand's junta lifts curfew throughout country
• Jimmy Scott, jazzman with ethereal voice, dies
• Rimando appreciates World Cup in spite of role
• Chile beats Australia 3-1 in World Cup
• Ukrainian troops drive rebels out of Mariupol
• Dutch dazzle World Cup with great win over Spain
• Army: Bergdahl 'looked good' after returning to US
• Feds: Drunk honeymooner punched flight attendant
• Biden talks Iraq with Turkish PM; 2nd time in days
• Athlete from Fiji killed in Northern California
• BRAZIL BEAT: Excitable subway announcements in Rio
• Deep underground, water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink
• Martin Kaymer sets US Open record at Pinehurst
• Spain defense implodes in heaviest loss since '50
• U.S. says Russia sends tanks, rocket launchers into Ukraine
• One killed, several wounded in Zanzibar bombing
• Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT
• Brazil police detain 11 in World Cup city
• Netherlands thrashes Spain 5-1 in World Cup opener
• Chile leads Australia 2-1 at halftime in World Cup
• Loss of Mosul threatens Iraqi PM's hold on power
• Britain honours Gatland, Sochi golden girl
• Top Asian News at 10:30 p.m. GMT
• BRAZIL BEAT: Intruders on pitch at France training
• Gerrard puts slip behind him to lead England
• Mariupol a city of mixed emotions after rebels routed
• Ivanovic closer to conquering grass
• Obama weighs U.S. action in Iraq but rules out combat troops
• Kurds realize dream as Baghdad loses grip on north Iraq

Iraqi military breakdown fueled by corruption, politics Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:56 PM PDT By Ned Parker and Missy Ryan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Iraqi army that disintegrated under an onslaught by Islamist fighters this week was a hollow force, riven by corruption, poor leadership and sectarian splits - a shadow of the military Washington had hoped to leave in the war-ravaged country. The United States dismantled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's military after invading in 2003 and spent $20 billion to build up a new 800,000-strong force, banking on its ability to keep the peace when the U.S. military withdrew in 2011. While the 2003 decision to disband Iraq's army led to a bloody civil war, Iraqi forces were seen as generally competent by 2011 and sectarian fighting had eased, giving U.S. President Barack Obama some confidence as he pulled out all American forces. The Iraqi force has also been heavily politicized under Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, said Retired Lieutenant General Jim Dubik, who led the U.S. and NATO effort to train Iraqi forces from 2007 to 2008.

Ukrainian forces reclaim port city from rebels Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT By Aleksandar Vasovic MARIUPOL Ukraine (Reuters) - The Ukrainian flag fluttered over the regional government headquarters in the strategic port city of Mariupol on Friday after government forces reclaimed the city from pro-Russian separatists in heavy fighting and said they had regained control of a long stretch of the border with Russia. The advances are significant victories for the pro-European leadership in a military operation to crush the rebellion, which began in east Ukraine in April, and hold the country together. Parallel peace moves are moving slowly, however, and Russia is threatening to cut gas supplies to Ukraine from Monday in a row over prices.

Obama sticks to measured approach on Iraq, defying critics Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When Barack Obama ran for president in 2008, he built his reputation as an anti-war candidate by disparaging U.S. involvement in Iraq, adamantly insisting: "It's time to end this war." Now, with Iraq's U.S.-backed government under its most serious threat since President Obama pulled out the last U.S. troops in 2011, he is being forced to consider what had previously seemed unthinkable - resorting to military force there again.

China says will never send military to oil rig spat with Vietnam Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - A Chinese official said on Friday that China will never send military forces to the scene of an increasingly ugly spat with Vietnam over an oil rig in the South China Sea and accused Hanoi of trying to force an international lawsuit. A senior U.S. official in Washington dismissed the Chinese statement as "patently ridiculous" and said Beijing had been using air force and navy as well as coastguard assets "to intimidate others." Scores of Vietnamese and Chinese ships, including coastguard vessels, have squared off around the rig despite a series of collisions after the Chinese platform was towed into disputed waters in early May. Vietnam has accused China of sending six warships, but Yi Xianliang, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, said that Beijing had never sent military forces.

Afghans head to polls again in final test as Taliban threats loom Posted: 13 Jun 2014 02:09 PM PDT By Jessica Donati and Praveen Menon KABUL (Reuters) - Afghans head to the polls on Saturday for a second round of voting to elect a successor to President Hamid Karzai in a decisive test of Afghanistan's ambitions to transfer power democratically for the first time in its tumultuous history. The vote pits former anti-Taliban fighter Abdullah Abdullah against ex-World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani after neither secured the 50 percent majority needed to win outright in the first round on April 5. As most foreign troops leave by the end of 2014, whoever takes over from Karzai will inherit a troubled country with an increasingly violent Taliban insurgency and an economy crippled by corruption and the weak rule of law. The process has been fraught with accusations of fraud by both candidates and many fear a close outcome will make it less likely the loser will accept defeat, possibly dragging Afghanistan into a risky and protracted stand-off over the vote.

Thailand's junta lifts curfew throughout country Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:16 PM PDT BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military government announced that it has fully lifted a nationwide curfew it imposed after seizing power last month, saying there is no threat of violence and that tourism needs to be revived.

Jimmy Scott, jazzman with ethereal voice, dies Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:12 PM PDT LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jimmy Scott, a jazzman with an ethereal man-child voice who found success late in life with the Grammy-nominated "All the Way," has died. He was 88.

Rimando appreciates World Cup in spite of role Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:07 PM PDT SAO PAULO (AP) — One day when Nick Rimando was at World Cup training camp last month in Northern California, his two children opened a lemonade stand back home in Salt Lake City to support their father and U.S. soccer.

Chile beats Australia 3-1 in World Cup Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:06 PM PDT CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — Alexis Sanchez produced a dynamic performance to lead Chile to a 3-1 win over Australia in the World Cup on Friday, scoring one goal and setting up another for one of the dangerous outsiders in the tournament.

Ukrainian troops drive rebels out of Mariupol Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:19 PM PDT MARIUPOL, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian troops and pro-Russia separatists clashed Friday in a southern port town, as the United States confirmed earlier reports that a convoy of armored vehicles including three T-64 Russian tanks moved into Ukraine from Russia and now are in the hands of the rebels.

Dutch dazzle World Cup with great win over Spain Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:51 PM PDT SAO PAULO (AP) — When no one expected it, the Dutch turned on the style with a barrage of spectacular World Cup goals and a 5-1 victory on Friday that totally humiliated defending champion Spain.

Army: Bergdahl 'looked good' after returning to US Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:15 PM PDT SAN ANTONIO (AP) — In the moments after Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl arrived back in the United States following five years of captivity by the Taliban, he was nervous but "looked good" and saluted a commanding officer who welcomed him home, military officials said Friday.

Feds: Drunk honeymooner punched flight attendant Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:42 PM PDT HONOLULU (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a drunken passenger assaulted a flight attendant while flying from Japan to Honolulu.

Biden talks Iraq with Turkish PM; 2nd time in days Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:32 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has discussed the growing insurgency in Iraq with Turkey's leader for the second time in three days.

Athlete from Fiji killed in Northern California Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:27 PM PDT SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — A runner from Fiji was killed in a gang shooting in Northern California just weeks before he was set to attend the University of Louisiana, friends and authorities said.

BRAZIL BEAT: Excitable subway announcements in Rio Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — As the subway begins to slow, the next stop is announced as if it were a game-winning goal.

Deep underground, water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT "It may equal or perhaps be larger than the amount of water in the oceans," Northwestern University geophysicist Steve Jacobsen said in a telephone interview. "It alters our thoughts about the composition of the Earth." "It's no longer liquid water that we're talking about at these great depths.

Martin Kaymer sets US Open record at Pinehurst Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:26 PM PDT PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Martin Kaymer is playing a brand of golf rarely seen in the U.S. Open. It might even be enough for soccer-mad Germany to pay attention.

Spain defense implodes in heaviest loss since '50 Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:14 PM PDT SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) — Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas crawled and scrambled in vain, Gerard Pique was beaten for pace and Sergio Ramos made a series of blunders.

U.S. says Russia sends tanks, rocket launchers into Ukraine Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT Russia has sent tanks, heavy weapons and rocket launchers to Ukraine in recent days in support of separatists in the east of the country, the U.S. State Department said on Friday. The confirmation by the United States of reports that Russian tanks had crossed the border into Ukraine is likely to deepen strains with Moscow. "We assess that separatists in eastern Ukraine have acquired heavy weapons and military equipment from Russia, including Russian tanks and multiple rocket launchers," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

One killed, several wounded in Zanzibar bombing Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:05 PM PDT Zanzibar (Tanzania) (AFP) - One person was killed and several others were wounded in a bomb attack near a mosque on Tanzania's Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar on Friday, police said. Police said the bomb went off in the Daranjani commercial district of Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed historical centre of the semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago, at around 8:15 pm (1715 GMT). We ask people to help provide information," senior police official Mkadam Khamis told AFP. The attack coincided with the opening of the Zanzibar International Film Festival, which has drawn a number of international visitors, and bars and restaurants have also been packed with people watching World Cup matches.

Top Asian News at 11:00 p.m. GMT Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:02 PM PDT KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghans choose a new president Saturday in a runoff election between two candidates who both promise to improve ties with the West, combat corruption and guide the nation with a steadier hand than outgoing leader Hamid Karzai. The Taliban, who have intensified attacks ahead of the vote, issued a new warning to stay away from the polls. Afghan troops stepped up security sharply, erecting more checkpoints, searching cars and banning trucks from the streets of the capital, Kabul.

Brazil police detain 11 in World Cup city Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:59 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazilian police say 11 protesters were detained in the northeastern city of Salvador during a small protest against the World Cup soccer tournament.

Netherlands thrashes Spain 5-1 in World Cup opener Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:50 PM PDT SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) — The Netherlands thrashed the world champions 5-1 Friday in the World Cup's first shocker, toying with an aging Spanish team that has dominated global football for the past six years and avenging a loss in the 2010 final.

Chile leads Australia 2-1 at halftime in World Cup Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:48 PM PDT CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — Alexis Sanchez scored one goal and set up another to help Chile take a 2-1 lead at halftime of its opening Group B match against Australia in the World Cup on Friday.

Loss of Mosul threatens Iraqi PM's hold on power Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:47 PM PDT BAGHDAD (AP) — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's botched policies and "obsession with power" are quickly eroding his support even among longtime Shiite backers, politicians here say, as the Iraqi leader moved Friday to try to repair his shattered image after the disastrous loss of the north to Islamic militants.

Britain honours Gatland, Sochi golden girl Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:36 PM PDT Wales rugby union coach Warren Gatland and Lizzy Yarnold, Britain's only Sochi Winter Olympics gold medallist, headed the sports stars in Queen Elizabeth II's birthday honours list out Friday. Stars from cricket, rugby league and motor racing were among those made commanders (CBE), officers (OBE) or members (MBE) of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in honours marking the sovereign's 88th birthday, officially celebrated on Saturday. Gatland, who last year guided the British and Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory in Australia and Wales to the Six Nations title, was made an OBE.

Top Asian News at 10:30 p.m. GMT Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:33 PM PDT KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghans choose a new president Saturday in a runoff election between two candidates who both promise to improve ties with the West, combat corruption and guide the nation with a steadier hand than outgoing leader Hamid Karzai. The Taliban, who have intensified attacks ahead of the vote, issued a new warning to stay away from the polls. Afghan troops stepped up security sharply, erecting more checkpoints, searching cars and banning trucks from the streets of the capital, Kabul.

BRAZIL BEAT: Intruders on pitch at France training Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:31 PM PDT RIBEIRAO PRETO, Brazil (AP) — Two youths ran onto the pitch toward the end of France's World Cup training session Friday — one of them because he wanted to kiss striker Karim Benzema's foot.

Gerrard puts slip behind him to lead England Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:29 PM PDT MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — Many footballers would struggle to recover from a lapse that cost his team the league title. After a difficult few weeks, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's mind is clear of the anguish and ready to lead England at the World Cup.

Mariupol a city of mixed emotions after rebels routed Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT Mariupol (Ukraine) (AFP) - Inside the grand pre-revolutionary mansion that had served as a barracks for separatist fighters in Mariupol, a full bowl of soup still lying on the table gave an indication of the haste with which they had left. We hope that it's already the end."

Ivanovic closer to conquering grass Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, who admits to a dislike of competing on grass, moved within one win of her first final on the surface with her third confident victory in a row at the Aegon Classic on Friday.

Obama weighs U.S. action in Iraq but rules out combat troops Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:21 PM PDT By Roberta Rampton and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Friday he needs several days to determine how the United States will help Iraq deal with a militant insurgency, but he ruled out sending U.S. troops back into combat and said any intervention would be contingent on Iraqi leaders becoming more involved. The Pentagon is preparing a range of options for Obama, including air strikes. The actions are aimed at helping Iraq counter militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, a group Obama described as "vicious" and a "terrorist organization" that could eventually pose a threat to Americans. Obama said Iraqi leaders needed to set aside sectarian differences to deal with the threat, and said the United States would engage in "intensive diplomacy" in the region to try to prevent the situation from worsening.

Kurds realize dream as Baghdad loses grip on north Iraq Posted: 13 Jun 2014 03:19 PM PDT Poets wrote songs about it for generations. But in the end, when a Kurdish army finally took control of Kirkuk, they realized the dream of their forefathers within hours, without having to fire a shot. The collapse of Baghdad's control of northern Iraq in the face of an onslaught by Sunni insurgents has allowed Kurds to take the historic capital they regard as their Jerusalem, and suddenly put them closer than ever to their immortal goal: an independent state of their own. After Sunni insurgents from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant seized Iraq's biggest northern city Mosul and rampaged towards the capital Baghdad, Kurdish fighters wasted no time in mobilizing.

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