World News Briefs -- March 15, 2009

Pakistani supporters of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans during a demonstration in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunday, March 15, 2009. Pakistan's opposition leader defied house arrest on Sunday to join anti-government protests that quickly descended into violence and chaos, with running battles between stone-throwing protesters and police. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

MIDDLE EAST

Palestinian groups deadlocked over unity government.

U.S. and Israel differ on urgency of Iranian threat.

Iranian president declares his country a space and nuclear power.

Al-Qaeda suspects gunned down in Iraqi custody. Iraq's PM makes it clear that the US will stay in insecure areas.

ASIA

Taliban threatens Pakistani singers and actors with death.

Massive clean-up as oil contaminates Australian beaches.

Japan sends ships to anti-piracy mission off Somalia.

India expects Pakistan to act in Mumbai investigation.

AFRICA

U.N. takes over Chad force amid growing Darfur fears.

3 foreign aid workers set free by abductors in Darfur.

Clashes between Somali Islamist militias kill 14.

EUROPE

Russia's richest woman seeks bailout.

Anti-government protests in Hungary.

Sarkozy puts government on line over NATO.

AMERICAS

Old war foes face off in tight El Salvador election.

Police find 9 bodies in Mexican border city.

No more survivors in Canada chopper crash, 17 dead.

Chavez: Russia jets welcome, but no Venezuela base.

Cuban Americans can go home more easily under Obama rules.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Indonesia anti-terrorism chief says monitoring and trust are key.

Guantanamo inmates no longer "enemy combatants".

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

G-20 finance chiefs try to reassure markets.

Who's hot and who's not at the G20.

U.S. imports and exports decline in January.