World News Briefs -- March 25, 2009

US: North Korea Loading Rocket On Launch Pad
This undated black-and-white handout image provided by DigitalGlobe shows a aerial view of a North Korean rocket launch site. North Korea is loading a Taepodong rocket on its east coast launch pad in anticipation of the launch of a communications satellite early next month, U.S. officials say. (AP Photo/DigitalGlobe). Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Netanyahu, Labor set coalition in Israel. More news here and here.

HRW: Israel's white phosphorous use indiscriminate.

Deadline for Gulf currency union extended.

US: Attacks rise south of Baghdad, fall nationwide.

ASIA

Afghanistan: Afghans 'embracing democracy', says report.

New Delhi seeks to bolster Afghan role.

N. Korea warns over stalled talks.

NKorea places long-range missile on launch pad: US.

N.Korea charged U.S. reporters with spying.

AFRICA

Peace conference in South Africa is canceled. More news here.

New Government struggling to keep its pledge to stop Mugabe thugs' land grab.

Zambia's copperbelt reels from global crisis.

Zimbabwe must clear arrears to get IMF help: Fund.

Madagascar's Rajoelina seeks talks to calm crisis.

EUROPE

Pension glut lies at heart of crisis wracking Hungary.

Czech Government collapses after losing no-confidence vote.

EU presidency in turmoil after Mirek Topolanek Government collapse.
Also ....
Czech Parliament vote clouds U.S. antimissile plan.

Serbia, still seething, recalls NATO strikes of 1999.

Le Pen next in line to chair European Parliament.

AMERICAS

Colombia says 4 soldiers killed in rebel attack.

Canada raps France bid for Atlantic shelf rights.

Phoenix mayor welcomes border buildup.

Senators say border crime fight needs more money.

TERRORISM/LONG WAR

The end of the Global War on terror.

US posts 11-mln-dollar bounty for Al-Qaeda three.

Yemen: Al-Qaeda 'recruiting teenagers' for attacks.

9/11 victims’ kin seek release of secret documents.

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

Romania gets IMF emergency loan.

Japan exports drop record 49% as global slump deepens.

China ‘Super Currency’ call may signal dollar concern.

Geithner 'open' to China proposal on currency... Developing... Dollar drops on Geithner comment... more news here.

Stocks slide after weak government debt auction.

EU presidency: US stimulus is 'the road to hell'.