[World] Pope's Christmas message focuses on Mideast, China

Pope's Christmas message focuses on Mideast, China
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/worshippers-rejoice-jesus-bethlehem-birthplace-18060144
VATICAN CITY (AP) - In his Christmas message to the world Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to the slaughter in Syria and for more meaningful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, while encouraging more religious freedom under ...

Israel campaign season revives familiar debates
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9765723/Israel-tightens-grip-on-east-Jerusalem-by-approving-another-1242-new-homes.html
JERUSALEM - As Israel heads toward national elections next month, there's no shortage of hot-button issues that might dominate the campaign, including Iran's nuclear program, a call to draft religious students into the army and a growing budget deficit.

Stop meddling, Iran told
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/inside.asp?xfile=/data/government/2012/December/government_December60.xml§ion=government
Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) lashed out at Iran as they concluded a two-day summit here on Tuesday, saying Tehran must immediately and completely stop its interference in their internal affairs.

Home ministry announces Rs. 10 lakh ex-gratia to Tomar's family
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/constable-injured-in-india-gate-protest-dies/article4237638.ece
The Home ministry on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh to the next of kin of Delhi police constable Subhash Chand Tomar, who died New Delhi.

Nigeria gunmen 'kill at least six Christians' in Yobe
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20842225
Gunmen in the northern Nigerian state of Yobe have shot dead at least six Christians, the army and local officials say. They say a church in Peri village near Potiskum, the economic capital of Yobe, was set on fire in an attack late on Christmas Eve.

Queen's Christmas speech: Diamond Jubilee crowds were 'humbling'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-20842347
The Queen used her Christmas broadcast to thank people around the world for the outpouring of affection and enthusiasm shown during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.