Syria - Both sides in the conflict flexing their muscles ahead of the arrival of Arab League monitors.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Both sides in the Syrian conflict are flexing their muscles ahead of the arrival of Arab League monitors.

New amateur video claims to show opposition fighters from the Syrian Free Army in the north of the country, where reports say some of the conflict's worst bloodshed has been taking place.

Among the group of army defectors, a captain reiterates the call for international protection.

Holland - Dutch telecoms market, KPN, is being scrutinised by the country's regulator for possible law violations to the detriment of consumers & competitors.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The leader in the Dutch telecoms market, KPN, is being scrutinised by the country's regulator for possible law violations to the detriment of consumers and competitors.

The telecom authority OPTA said it believes there is a high-risk that KPN is breaking the law, though it has detailed neither the scope nor nature of the alleged infringements.

In a separate inquiry KPN is already being investigated for possible price-fixing.

Europe - Airlines flying to and from the EU will be charged for their carbon emissions from 1 January 1012.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Transatlantic turbulence lies ahead, now that all airlines flying to and from the EU will be charged for their carbon emissions from January 1.

The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg declared the plan valid, ruling against US carriers contesting the legislation.

Critics of the EU rules argue that under the 1997 Kyoto climate pact, countries agreed to address emissions jointly through the UN's aviation body.

Britain - Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan pressurised by Leveson Inquiry

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Dec 21, 2011

Lord Justice Leveson threatens to call Heather Mills to give evidence as former News of the World and Daily Mirror Editor Piers Morgan struggles with questions on whether he listened to illegally obtained voicemails.

.

Leveson: 'It is likely Piers Morgan knew about phone hacking'

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Dec 21, 2011

The former Daily Mirror journalist James Hipwell gives evidence to the Leveson Inquiry that directly contradicts his then-editor's testimony from only one day ago.

.

Leveson: phone hacking was 'daily routine' at Daily Mirror

Uploaded by telegraphtv on Dec 21, 2011

Former Mirror journalist James Hipwell tells the Leveson Inquiry it was "very
unlikely" that former editor Piers Morgan did not know about alleged
phone hacking at The Daily Mirror.

USA - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi Sued for Cheating on Business Partner

Uploaded by ABCNews on Dec 21, 2011

"Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has found herself wrapped up in a legal battle of her own.

Iraq - Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki calls on Kurds to hand over Sunni leader Tareq al-Hashemi.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister has called on Kurdish authorities to hand over Sunni Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi.

Speaking at a news conference, Nuri al-Maliki urged the semi-autonomous region to take responsibility, after a warrant was issued for Hashemi's arrest. He is facing terror charges.

Hashemi, who denies the allegations, travelled to Kurdistan after Maliki's central government ordered his detention.

The arrest warrant came a day after US troops pulled out of Iraq.

Russia - Parliament meets despite poll protests. Anti-corruption blogger defiant after release from Russian jail

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has convened for the first time since this month's elections sparked widespread protests.

In a break with tradition, the oldest deputy announced the results as proceedings got underway.

Opposition parties had threatened to walk out if the head of the central electoral commission tried to do so.

Outside parliament in the latest demonstration against alleged electoral fraud, up to 25 people were arrested.

.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ Russian protest leader and blogger Alexei Navalny has been released from prison, after spending more than two weeks behind bars.

The 35-year-old was arrested after joining a protest rally against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his party, in the wake of parliamentary elections and in the run up to the presidential poll.

Speaking to the media after being freed, Navalny remained defiant. He called on Russians to unite against Putin.

Lebanon - Tour of Beirut's divided streets. There is a renaissance at the moment, attracting tourists and investment.

Uploaded by BBCNewsHeadlines on Dec 21, 2011

The Lebanese capital Beirut is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, attracting tourists and investment.

But the city itself is still split into political and sectarian enclaves, marked by graffiti, posters and flags. Beirutis are often reluctant to cross their self-imposed borders.

Caroline Anning explored the city to find out why, 21 years after the civil war ended, Beirut remains divided.