World News Briefs -- May 27, 2013

President Obama Lays Wreath, Speaks At Arlington National Cemetery -- FOX News

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/05/27/president-obama-lays-wreath-speaks-at-arlington-national-cemetery/#ixzz2UVzgxcB2

President Obama marked Memorial Day by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington.

In a speech following the wreath laying ceremony Monday, Obama said he fears the men and women of the military are fading from the public consciousness.

"The truth cannot be ignored. Today, most Americans are not directly touched by war," Obama said at the hallowed burial ground, where rows of headstones were topped by small flags and cannon fire could be heard in the distance.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria fighting rages, more chemical attacks reported.

EU tables 'compromise' with no arms to Syrian rebels until August.

Neighbors in Lebanese city fight Syrian proxy war.

Rocket fired from Lebanon towards Israel.

Baghdad rocked by deadly car bomb attacks. Wave of Baghdad bombings kills more than 70: police. Iraq violence: Baghdad car bombs kill more than 57.

Military exemptions threaten Israeli coalition.

Israeli, Palestinian business leaders call for two-state solution.

Bahrain bans political groups from contacting Hezbollah.

ASIA

Indian forces hunt Maoist rebels after deadly attack on Congress leaders.

Communist rebels kill Philippine commandos. 14 killed in new anti-terror Philippine offensive.

South Korean president to visit China in June.

Toru Hashimoto, Japanese mayor, apologizes to U.S. for controversial sex comment. Japanese politician stirs ire over US troop, wartime sex slaves comments.

Three Chinese ships in disputed waters: Japan.

New Zealand, China in talks on convertibility of currencies.

New nuclear lab accident in Japan sparks fresh questions over safety.

In China, food scares put Mao's self-sufficiency goal at risk.

AFRICA

African leaders create emergency military force.

Peacekeepers cannot protect civilians in South Sudan's east: U.N.

African leaders want ICC to drop Kenya trials.

Wanted Ugandan general says he is hiding in London.

Egyptian presidency tries to ease concerns over NGO law.

Netizen outrage after Chinese tourist defaces Egyptian temple.

EUROPE

EU exit would put US trade deal at risk, Britain warned.

Riots put Sweden's open-door immigration policy in spotlight.

Greek coalition in crisis talks over anti-racism bill.

U.K. police arrest 10th suspect in London street slaying.

Paris searches for 'bearded man seen praying' before soldier attack.

Woolwich terror backlash: Two arrested after Grimsby mosque 'attacked with petrol bombs'.

German brewers warn fracking could hurt beer industry.

AMERICAS

On Memorial Day, Obama reminds Americans of service members' sacrifice.

Chicago: 6 dead, 17 wounded in holiday weekend violence.

Colombia reaches deal with Farc rebels over land reform.

Ecuador tries to fix satellite after space debris crash.

Brazil to 'write-off' all African debt.

Toronto mayor Rob Ford denies existence of crack-smoking video.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama's drone rules provide limits, ambiguity.

Is terrorizing terrorists a war crime?

35 Guantanamo hunger strikers are force-fed.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Europe investigates Apple's iPhone tactics: Report.

Drugmaker Valeant to buy Bausch & Lomb for $8.7 billion.

Merkel moves to avoid trade war with China.