1. Syria Violence Intensifies; US Closes Embassy. Violence in Syria has become more widespread, with artillery used against the opposition city of Homs. The Free Syrian Army, which opposes the incumbent president, Bashar al-Assad, and the current government have disputed each other’s claims as to who is responsible for the attacks. The Syrian government has maintained that it is fighting terrorist groups operating within its country, while opposition activists maintain that the government is only trying to suppress protests that began in March of last year. The United Nations Security Council did not approve a resolution condemning Syria for its crackdown, but will consider a similar resolution in the coming days. (Source: CNN)
2. Cold Snap in Europe Kills Over 250. Over 250 people have been confirmed dead in Europe as a result of the abnormally cold weather, including 78 dead in Ukraine alone. Many of the deaths reported were in Eastern Europe, in former Soviet satellite states. Temperatures dropped to below -33° C (-27.4° F), with snowfall amounts in excess of one meter (3.28 feet). In several cities, soldiers were called up to help clear snow from major roadways. There have been fears, especially in Russia, that the extreme cold would raise the demand for heating oil and lead to a shortage. Municipal governments have set up heated shelters for the homeless until the cold snap ends. (Source: Al Jazeera)
3. Flooding Inundates Parts of Australia. Queensland, in northeast Australia, has seen peak flooding of 15 meters (49.2 feet). The same area had seen two floods within the past two years, and the 2012 flooding is expected to be the worst in the area’s recent history. Aerial photos show residential neighborhoods totally submerged, with much of the water stopped only by sandbags set up by residents trying to protect their homes. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has urged residents of areas threatened by floodwater to evacuate voluntarily while roads were still open. The damage estimated may cost as much as A$30 billion (US$32.2 billion). (Source: ABC News Australia)
4. Japanese March against Nuclear Energy. Thousands marched in Tokyo calling for an end to nuclear power use in Japan. The rally is part of a larger anti-nuclear movement, fueled greatly by last year’s nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant after the March 2011 earthquake. In the aftermath of the meltdown, a 20 kilometer (12.43 mile) radius was deemed by the Japanese government to be an “exclusion zone,” which is open only to authorized personnel. Most of the other areas affected by the tsunami outside of the exclusion zone have made significant progress in their recovery. (Source: AP, via the Jakarta Post)
5. Queen of England Celebrates Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 60th year of reigning over the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations on Feb. 6. The queen marked Accession Day, the day on which she succeeded her father as the reigning monarch, with a visit to King’s Lynn Town hall, where she was greeted by crowds of well-wishers. The only previous Diamond Jubilee in the United Kingdom was in 1897, held for Queen Victoria. Many of the more formal events for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee will be held in June. (Source: BBC)
