World briefs 2/13/05

Russians crowd streets to protest benefits reform

MOSCOW -- Tens of thousands of Russians protested across the country Saturday against a law replacing transportation and medical benefits for pensioners with cash payments, but were countered by massive rival demonstrations organized by pro-Kremlin forces. The Communist-backed protest calling for the government's ouster was the most widespread in President Vladimir Putin's five years in power.

American nun Dorothy Stang killed in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- An American nun who spent decades fighting efforts by loggers and large landowners to expropriate lands and clear large areas of the Amazon rainforest was shot to death Saturday in northern Brazil, authorities said. Dorothy Stang, 74, was shot in the face three times near the town of Anapu, federal police officer Fernando Raiol said.

Juarez drug gang joins allies to control border

MONTERREY, Mexico -- Mexico's Juarez cartel, once thought to be in decline after its former leader died during plastic surgery, has formed alliances to gain control of smuggling routes along nearly all of the U.S. border. The Juarez cartel has become Mexico's most powerful drug gang, avoiding the arrests that other major gangs have suffered.