World News Briefs -- February 25, 2009

Rescue workers, seen near a Turkish Airlines plane which slammed into a field while attempting to land, at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009. A Turkish Airlines plane with 135 people aboard slammed into a muddy field while attempting to land at Amsterdam's main airport Wednesday. Nine people were killed and more than 50 were injured, many in serious condition, officials said. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

WORLD NEWS BRIEFS

MIDDLE EAST

Syria discloses missile facility, Europeans say.

'Small cell' behind Cairo blast.

Four Lebanese generals 'to be handed to UN for Rafik Hariri tribunal'.

Iran tests first nuclear plant. More news here and here.

Iran says no slowdown in its nuclear work.

Netanyahu turns to the right to form Israel coalition.

Palestinians seek $2.8 billion for rebuilding Gaza.

ASIA

Thailand protesters demand premier's resignation.

Outlook on China: peaceful partner or warmonger?

Bangladesh mutineers 'surrender'.

Four dead in bloody day for British troops in Afghanistan.

As war nears end, Sri Lankans weigh peace dividend

AFRICA

Madagascar simmers.

Ghana prepares for oil boom.

Militia fights South Sudan army.

Somalia death toll hits 81 in worst fighting for weeks.

Rwanda troops withdraw from Congo.

Sierra Leone rebel leaders guilty of war crimes.

EUROPE

Imprisoned businessman and Kremlin critic faces new charges.

German pretzel bakers tied up in knots over EU rules.

Scores survive plane crash in Amsterdam; 9 dead.

Russia says stolen weapons heading to China found.

AMERICAS

Venezuela's determined voice of dissent.

Napolitano orders review of Wash. immigration raid.

Sweeping arrests target Mexican drug cartels.

TERRORISM

Terror convictions overturned in France.

Lebanon accuses 30 fundamentalists of links to al-Qaida.

FBI chief: Suicide bomber indoctrinated in Minnesota.

Spain may take Guantanamo inmates.

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

Russian economy hit by 8.8% decline.

U.S. home sales sink unexpectedly, lowest since 1997

Obama casts crisis as chance to overhaul banking, health care.

Rich Americans sue UBS to keep names secret.

Eastern Europe crisis raises bailout risk.