World News Briefs -- February 10, 2009

An Australian firefighter on Monday sharing his water with an injured koala at Mirboo North after wildfires swept through the region. (Mark Pardew/The Associated Press)

MIDDLE EAST

Olmert allocates NIS 2.4b to rearm IDF after Gaza offensive. Olmert also says no Israeli government would let Iran get nukes.

In Gaza, Amnesty accuses Hamas of eliminating opponents.

Khatami energizes Iran's ailing reformist camp.

Saudi princess says she's ready to drive.

ASIA

Australia’s stay and defend approach: up in smoke? Australia wildfire death toll expected to pass 200. More news here, here, and here.

Pakistan Security Update: Five militants among nine die in Swat. Six Taliban killed as troops advance in Bajaur Agency. 18 cops injured in Bannu suicide attack.

Special U.S. envoy Holbrooke says he wants to understand Pak problems. But Pakistan asks the U.S. to reconsider missile strikes on Al-Qaeda.

NATO: 2 soldiers killed in Afghan bomb attack.

Sri Lankan rebels kill 19 civilians: military.

China monthly auto sales overtake US for 1st time.

AFRICA

Unrest in Madagascar continues.

Sudan in first peace talks with Darfur rebels since 2007.

South Africa poll set for April.

UN says 10,000 Somali refugees cross into Ethiopia this year.

EUROPE

Britain's Islamic finance sector bigger than Pakistan's, report claims.

Medvedev ready to work closely with U.S. administration - Kremlin.

Italy weighs legislation to clarify right to die.

EU raises alarm on French auto aid, wants details.

Windstorms batter France, Britain on flood alert.

AMERICAS

Families in Mexico want answers from man who says he dissolved 300 people.

Mexican violence leaves 1 soldier, 20 others dead.

US soldier who abandoned unit returns from Canada.

U.S. Senate approves the stimulus plan.

Crackdown in Venezuela as Chavez seeks power for life.

TERRORISM

'Terror cell' arrested in Brussels connected to 'highest levels of al-Qaeda'.

Al Qaeda threat not new, but Indian forces on high alert.

Al-Qaeda video belies death claim.

Al-Qaida slams Algerian government over CIA flap.

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

Gold bullion sales hit record in rush to safety.

U.S. Administration unveiling bailout overhaul. Bank bailout: What's in the plan.

Stocks plunge as government unveils bailout plan.