First updates 2012

Syria;
- U.S. seeks options for Syria intervention.
- Syrian troops fire on protesters in fresh violence.
- 17 dead as Syrians stage mass protests.

- Deadly Israeli airstrike on Gaza; leaders plan new offensive in Gaza.
- Diseases kill 200 Somali children in 24 hrs.

Pakistan;
- Pakistan defies U.S., honors gas deal with Iran.
- Bomb blast kills two Pakistani soldiers.
- Militants explode school in NW Pakistan.

There were 7 earthquakes of 5+ magnitude on 12/30/11, and 7 more today; including a 6.8 in the Japanese Islands. Several noteable quakes occurred in the U.S., also, in Oklahoma & Arkansas, and a 4.0 in Youngstown, Ohio.

Up until this time, I have been reporting on quakes of 5 magnitude or greater; I will begin to now include quakes of 4.5 magnitude & higher. My reason for doing this is that many significant quakes close to 5 magnitude could get missed, when they really shouldn't be ignored. Frankly, quakes in the U.S. are "news worthy" at 2 or higher! And just to take today, for instance; yes, there were 7 of 5+ magnitude, but by including 4.5 and higher that total reaches 14. I haven't yet done my earthquake compilation for the end of 2011, but it will be forthcoming.