World News Briefs -- February 4, 2009

A rebel of the Movement for Justice and Equality patrols in the northern part of the Darfur region of Sudan in 2004. Sudanese troops took control of the Darfur town of Muhajaria on Wednesday, two weeks after it was seized by rebels sparking some of the region's worst fighting in years, an army spokesman said. (AFP/File/Desirey Minkoh)

MIDDLE EAST

America's badminton diplomacy is dead on arrival in Iran.

Israel PM candidate Netanyahu: Gaza offensive stopped too soon. During the war itself, Hamas OK'd killing of collaborators during the war. Some are stating the obvious.

Iraq is bracing for preliminary election results. The U.S. is worry.

Iran denies visas for US women's badminton team. But 6 nations back US-Iran direct talks

ASIA

Last hospital in Sri Lanka war zone evacuated.

Bridge attack in Pakistan strands thousands, severs Afghan supply route. US supply routes to Afghanistan under strain.

Taliban targetting Shias in Pakistan The police force is being decimated.

China willing to provide humanitarian aid to North Korea.

EUROPE

Labor unrest in Britain continues.

Militants fail to bomb Azeri pipeline.

Vatican turnaround: Holocaust denier must recant.

Czech lawmakers postpone missile defense vote.

Russia hosts ex-Soviet security summit.

AFRICA

Sudan military says govt forces retake Darfur town

$3M arms ship ransom for Somali pirates. Others are now wondering if Ethiopian soldiers are back in Somalia.

Zuma to remain S. African Presidential candidate despite corruption charges, his trial will occur after the election.

The head of teh African Union Gaddafi condemns Africa democracy

THE AMERICAS

Food shortages and high prices are hurting Venezuela's Chavez quest for being President for life.

Castros' birthplace to become Cuban national monument.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

President Obama to water down 'Buy American' plan after EU trade war threat. Complaints from the EU and Japan are having an impact.

Gordon Brown suggests world heading for a 'depression'.

Moscow abandons bail-outs for bank aid -- Financial Times

Obama: Catastrophe coming if Congress doesn't act (on stimulus package). Meanwhile, US car sales are below 10m despite discounts.

Asian markets appear to be recovering somewhat after governments increased stimulus measures.