SYRIA:  The Arab League approved sanctions on the Syrian government — including a travel ban and a halt in dealings with the Central Bank — in an effort to curb the violent crackdown against demonstrators.  (New York Times)
 
PAKISTAN/NATO: 24 Pakistani troops were killed November 26 by NATO forces in a raid on a border checkpoint. NATO apologized, citing an “unintended tragic accident.”  (BBC)
 
RUSSIA:  The ruling United Russia party officially named current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin its candidate for the March 4 presidential election in which Putin and current President Dmitry Medvedev intend to swap positions.  (Washington Post)
 
CUBA:  A Miami-based dissident website released phone numbers and addresses for Cuba’s leading government officials.  (Miami Herald)
 
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO:  U.N. and EU officials appealed for restraint ahead of the country’s divisive presidential elections, the run-up to which has already been marred by violence.  (Reuters Africa)