Yahoo! News: World News

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• Iraq helicopter crashes in airborne commando assault on Tikrit
• Ukraine warns on ceasefire as rebels agree to fresh peace talks
• Israel names two Hamas militants as key suspects in kidnappings
• World powers plan strategy to rescue Iran nuclear deal
• Day of reckoning arrives for Britain over EU's Juncker
• African leaders' summit urges action on rising militant threat
• All Blacks scrumhalf Andy Ellis to play in Japan
• Jermaine Jones makes plays across field for US
• U.S., EU not poised for new Russia sanctions Friday
• New York City ID card plan passes in council vote
• Pennsylvania bill before lawmakers would ban pigeon shoots
• ON THIS DAY: Lampard goal paves way for technology
• Living in 'total fear' of Boko Haram in Cameroon's north
• Obama seeks $500M to train, equip Syrian rebels
• Four OSCE observers freed by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine
• Argentina's request to delay payments is denied
• Belgium beats South Korea 1-0, wins Group H
• Algeria into 2nd round after 1-1 draw with Russia
• Obama seeks $500 mn to train, equip Syrian rebels
• BRAZIL BEAT: Katsouranis back, fans not happy
• Argentina's Aguero ruled out of Switzerland match
• 5 things at Wimbledon: Rain; Williams vs. Kvitova
• Man wounds 11 in Bolivia airport knife attack
• US: Immigrant center to expedite deportations
• Speed it up! Federer calls for faster play
• World Cup Capsules
• Mourning millions: EU leaders mark WWI centennial
• Klinsmann, Loew nurse US, Germany to KO stage
• Iraqi Shiites pushing for al-Maliki's removal
• Top Asian News at 10:30 p.m. GMT
• Nigeria's Babatunde out of World Cup
• Mueller's 9th career World Cup goal lifts Germany
• BRAZIL BEAT: Taste of South Korea in Sao Paulo
• US clears robotic legs for some paralyzed people
• Toronto man guilty of dismembering ex-girlfriend
• Ghana's World Cup campaign comes to chaotic end
• Cocaine drops in top producer Colombia, says UN

Iraq helicopter crashes in airborne commando assault on Tikrit Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:29 PM PDT By Oliver Holmes and Isabel Coles BAGHDAD/ARBIL (Reuters) - Iraqi forces launched an airborne assault on rebel-held Tikrit on Thursday with commandos flown into a stadium in helicopters, at least one of which crashed after taking fire from insurgents who have seized northern cities. Witnesses said battles were raging in the city, hometown of former dictator Saddam Hussein, which fell to Sunni Islamist fighters two weeks ago on the third day of a lightning offensive that has given them control of most majority Sunni regions. The helicopters were shot at as they flew low over the city and landed in a stadium at the city's university, a security source at the scene said. Ahmed al-Jubbour, professor at the university's college of agriculture, described fighting in the colleges of agriculture and sports education after three helicopters arrived.

Ukraine warns on ceasefire as rebels agree to fresh peace talks Posted: 26 Jun 2014 08:03 AM PDT By Richard Balmforth KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian separatists agreed on Thursday to resume peace talks to end the conflict in the east, but President Petro Poroshenko warned he might not extend a ceasefire beyond Friday night if their gesture was aimed only at buying time. The move by the pro-Russian rebels, who have been fighting government forces since April, came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the second time in two days to discuss how to end the crisis. In Berlin, a government source said the aim of the phone call, which Moscow said took place at Merkel's initiative, was to find a way of prolonging Kiev's ceasefire which is due to expire at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) on Friday.

Israel names two Hamas militants as key suspects in kidnappings Posted: 26 Jun 2014 11:15 AM PDT Israel on Thursday named two Hamas Islamists as leading suspects in the June 12 kidnappings of three Israeli teenagers, in the most concrete report yet of results after weeks of searches in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli military spokeswoman confirmed reports that troops were seeking Marwan Kawasme and Amar Abu Aysha, militants in their 30s from the Hebron area of the occupied West Bank, both of whom have served time in Israeli prisons in the past. Israel's Shin Bet Security Agency said in a statement both men had been wanted and at large since the kidnappings, adding that several other Palestinians suspected of involvement in the abductions were being questioned.

World powers plan strategy to rescue Iran nuclear deal Posted: 26 Jun 2014 12:11 PM PDT By Justyna Pawlak BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Senior diplomats from six world powers met in Brussels on Thursday to search for ways to resuscitate negotiations with Iran over its contested nuclear program, with less than four weeks left until a late-July deadline to strike an accord. Iran, for its part, accused the powers - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - after the latest round of talks ended on June 20 of making "excessive demands" and torpedoing chances of a historic deal. In the coming weeks, the sides will have to decide how far they are willing to go, if at all, to compromise on major sticking points such as the extent of uranium enrichment capacity Iran would be allowed to keep under any deal and the future of its atomic sites. For the six powers, the overarching goal is to extend the time Iran would need to assemble an atom bomb, if it chose to do so, and to achieve this, they want it to cut down the number of uranium centrifuges in operation.

Day of reckoning arrives for Britain over EU's Juncker Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:20 PM PDT By Luke Baker BRUSSELS (Reuters) - David Cameron will make a last-ditch stand against the nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker for European Commission president on Friday, enforcing a point of principle that raises the risk of Britain leaving the European Union. The British prime minister has made his opposition to Juncker abundantly clear. The dispute is one of the most public and personal the European Union has experienced in a decade, damaging efforts to present a united front at a time when the bloc is recovering from an economic crisis and keen to bolster its global image. Despite Cameron's forthright opposition to Juncker, whose center-right political group won European Parliament elections last month, Britain has failed to convince almost any of the 27 other member states to support its position.

African leaders' summit urges action on rising militant threat Posted: 26 Jun 2014 02:50 PM PDT By Daniel Flynn MALABO (Reuters) - African leaders called on Thursday for firm action against a rising Islamist militant threat stretching across the continent from Kenya to Mali and pledged to furnish the tools for Africa to police its own conflicts. Violence cast a shadow over the opening of the two-day summit of the 54-nation African Union (AU) as Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan rushed home to deal with the aftermath of a bombing in the capital Abuja on Wednesday. At least 21 people died in the attack by suspected Boko Haram militants. "The continent faces an increasing challenge in trans-border threats, with terrorism at the forefront," newly elected President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt told the opening ceremony in the Equatorial Guinea capital Malabo.

All Blacks scrumhalf Andy Ellis to play in Japan Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:35 PM PDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Former All Blacks scrumhalf Andy Ellis will play for Japanese club the Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers when the current Super Rugby season ends.

Jermaine Jones makes plays across field for US Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:29 PM PDT RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — With both his current team and his former one on to the World Cup's knockout rounds, Jermaine Jones approached the German players and offered his best wishes.

U.S., EU not poised for new Russia sanctions Friday Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:27 PM PDT By Lesley Wroughton and Arshad Mohammed PARIS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The European Union and the United States are not poised to slap fresh sanctions on Russia on Friday despite a U.S. warning that Moscow had only 'hours" to act on disarming Ukraine separatists, Western diplomats said. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on Russia to take steps to disarm separatists in Ukraine within "the next hours" as the European Union prepared to discuss deeper sanctions against Moscow at a Brussels summit on Friday.

New York City ID card plan passes in council vote Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:22 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — New York will offer identification cards to residents regardless of their immigration statuses under a plan lawmakers passed Thursday and Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to sign to create the nation's biggest municipal ID program.

Pennsylvania bill before lawmakers would ban pigeon shoots Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:21 PM PDT By David DeKok HARRISBURG Pa. (Reuters) - Legislation that would ban pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania moved out of the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, the most progress the measure has made in two decades with backing by senior Republicans. Support for such a ban has grown in recent years, said Republican Senator Stewart Greenleaf, chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The best-known pigeon shoot in Pennsylvania took place in Hegins between 1934 and 1998, when hundreds of pigeons would be released from cages and shot by participants.

ON THIS DAY: Lampard goal paves way for technology Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:15 PM PDT On June 27 in World Cup history: Technology debate reopened after Frank Lampard's goal not given as Germany beats England in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2010.

Living in 'total fear' of Boko Haram in Cameroon's north Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:13 PM PDT By Tansa Musa AMCHIDE Cameroon (Reuters) - An iron bar balanced between two metal poles is the only barrier between Cameroon and Nigeria in this dusty corner of the Sahel. As the threat of Nigeria's Boko Haram militant group increasingly looms over Cameroon, its government has dispatched over 1,000 troops and heavy armour to the north. "We are living here in total fear because you don't know if your next-door neighbour is Boko Haram. They can host a Boko Haram suspect and they will not alert anyone even if they know what he is," he added.

Obama seeks $500M to train, equip Syrian rebels Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT President Barack Obama is asking Congress for $500 million to train and arm vetted members of the Syrian opposition, as the U.S. grapples for a way to stem a civil war that has also fueled the al-Qaida inspired insurgency in neighboring Iraq.

Four OSCE observers freed by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:10 PM PDT Donetsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - Four observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe who were abducted on May 26 by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have been freed and have arrived at a hotel in Donetsk, a separatist leader said.

Argentina's request to delay payments is denied Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:07 PM PDT NEW YORK (AP) — A judge Thursday denied Argentina's request to extend deadlines to repay a $1.65 billion debt to U.S. hedge funds despite warnings by the country's leaders that making the payment could lead it into a catastrophic default.

Belgium beats South Korea 1-0, wins Group H Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:07 PM PDT SAO PAULO (AP) — Reduced to 10 men for over half the match, Belgium still beat South Korea 1-0 on Thursday to finish atop of Group H and eliminate the last Asian team from the World Cup.

Algeria into 2nd round after 1-1 draw with Russia Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:06 PM PDT CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) — Algeria qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, with Islam Slimani's headed equalizer giving his team a 1-1 draw against Russia on Thursday and enough competition points to move into the second round.

Obama seeks $500 mn to train, equip Syrian rebels Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:03 PM PDT The White House asked lawmakers Thursday for $500 million to train and equip vetted Syrian rebels, in what would be a significant escalation of US involvement in a conflict that has spilled into Iraq. Following several signals in recent weeks by President Barack Obama's administration -- and months of pressure from lawmakers like Senator John McCain -- the White House said it intends to "ramp up US support to the moderate Syrian opposition." The request is part of a $1.5 billion Regional Stabilization Initiative to bolster stability in Syrian neighbors Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and to support communities hosting refugees. The proposed funding would serve "vetted elements of the Syrian armed opposition to help defend the Syrian people, stabilize areas under opposition control, facilitate the provision of essential services, counter terrorist threats and promote conditions for a negotiated settlement," the White House said in a statement.

BRAZIL BEAT: Katsouranis back, fans not happy Posted: 26 Jun 2014 04:03 PM PDT FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) — Veteran Greece midfielder Costas Katsouranis is available to play for his country in Sunday's knockout round match against Costa Rica after sitting out a game because of a red card, but fans are hoping he stays on the bench.

Argentina's Aguero ruled out of Switzerland match Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:57 PM PDT BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) — Sergio Aguero will miss Argentina's World Cup second round match against Switzerland because of a muscle injury in his left thigh.

5 things at Wimbledon: Rain; Williams vs. Kvitova Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:51 PM PDT LONDON (AP) — The forecast calls for heavy showers at Wimbledon on Friday, which could create problems for a schedule that's already starting to become a bit jumbled.

Man wounds 11 in Bolivia airport knife attack Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:49 PM PDT LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — An emotionally disturbed farmer wielding a kitchen knife went on a rampage in the terminal of the La Paz international airport Thursday, stabbing 11 people, authorities said.

US: Immigrant center to expedite deportations Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:48 PM PDT ARTESIA, New Mexico (AP) — A detention center being opened in New Mexico to deal with the surge in women and children caught crossing illegally into the U.S. from Central America will be focused on deporting the immigrants quickly, officials said Thursday.

Speed it up! Federer calls for faster play Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:44 PM PDT LONDON (AP) — Roger Federer says shot clocks might be soon introduced to speed up play.

World Cup Capsules Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:41 PM PDT RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — Germany's Thomas Mueller stayed on track to retain his Golden Boot title at the World Cup by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament in the 1-0 victory over the United States.

Mourning millions: EU leaders mark WWI centennial Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:40 PM PDT BRUSSELS (AP) — At a site where their countrymen once slaughtered each other with machine guns, artillery and poison gas, the leaders of Britain, France, Germany and other European nations commemorated the 100th anniversary of World War I and vowed Thursday to preserve peace on the continent.

Klinsmann, Loew nurse US, Germany to KO stage Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:39 PM PDT RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — Joachim Loew and Jurgen Klinsmann shook hands, smiled and patted each on the shoulders, like the two good friends they are. The two coaches had every reason to be pleased: both of their teams advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Iraqi Shiites pushing for al-Maliki's removal Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:37 PM PDT BAGHDAD (AP) — Prominent Shiite leaders pushed Thursday for the removal of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as parliament prepared to start work next week on putting together a new government, under intense U.S. pressure to rapidly form a united front against an unrelenting Sunni insurgent onslaught.

Top Asian News at 10:30 p.m. GMT Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:33 PM PDT SYDNEY (AP) — Investigators believe the missing Malaysia Airlines plane flew on autopilot for hours before crashing into a remote part of the Indian Ocean, Australian officials said Thursday as they announced another shift in the search area for the jet. After analyzing data exchanged between the plane and a satellite, officials believe Flight 370 was on autopilot the entire time it was flying across a vast expanse of the southern Indian Ocean, based on the straight path it took, Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Martin Dolan said.

Nigeria's Babatunde out of World Cup Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:27 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Nigeria midfielder Michael Babatunde was ruled out of the World Cup on Thursday with a broken arm after being hit by a teammate's shot in the group game against Argentina.

Mueller's 9th career World Cup goal lifts Germany Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:26 PM PDT RECIFE, Brazil (AP) — With Thomas Mueller in a perfect position to pounce on a rebound, American cheers for yet another spectacular Tim Howard save didn't last long.

BRAZIL BEAT: Taste of South Korea in Sao Paulo Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:19 PM PDT SAO PAULO (AP) — South Korea enjoys strong support in Sao Paulo's Bom Retiro neighborhood.

US clears robotic legs for some paralyzed people Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:17 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators have approved a first-of-a-kind set of robotic leg braces that can help some disabled people walk again.

Toronto man guilty of dismembering ex-girlfriend Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:17 PM PDT TORONTO (AP) — A Toronto man was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder for killing and dismembering his ex-girlfriend, then scattering body parts around the city and Niagara Falls.

Ghana's World Cup campaign comes to chaotic end Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:16 PM PDT BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Ghana's tumultuous World Cup campaign was brought to a chaotic conclusion on Thursday, with two of the country's star players thrown out of the squad just hours before a 2-1 loss to Portugal ended its stay at the tournament.

Cocaine drops in top producer Colombia, says UN Posted: 26 Jun 2014 03:10 PM PDT Cocaine production in Colombia, a top producer, dropped nearly 13 percent last year, despite steady coca leaf agriculture, the United Nations drug watchdog said Thursday. UNODC illegal agriculture chief Leonardo Correa said Colombia's cocaine production decreased from 333 tonnes in 2012 to 290 tonnes in 2013. The trend is due to a lower yield from coca leaf crops used to produce the drug. Bo Mathiasen, UNODC representative in Colombia, said the crops were spread across 23 of the country's 32 departments.

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