World News Briefs -- March 4, 2009

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir attends a graduation ceremony at an air force academy near Khartoum, Sudan, Wednesday, March 4, 2009. Sudan denounced an international tribunal that issued an arrest warrant against its president Wednesday on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, calling it a 'white man's court' that aims to destabilize the country. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

WORLD NEWS BRIEFS

MIDDLE EAST

Iran says nuclear plant to start operating by Sept. More news here.

Iran sees Obama 'on wrong path'.

Clinton criticizes Israel over E. Jerusalem demolition. The UK agrees.

ASIA

Pakistani vigilantes take on Taliban

Pakistan hunts for cricket attack gunmen.

Japan may launch interceptors to counter North Korean missile test.

Indians try to recover Gandhi items up for auction.

AFRICA

West African drug trade concerns U.S. officials.

Oil thieves destroy Shell pipeline in southern Nigeria.

Guinea-Bissau speaker is sworn in. More news here and here.

In Congo, with rebels now at bay, calm erupts.

Somalia: 500 African Union Peacekeepers arrive in Mogadishu.

Sudan shuts down six aid groups. Refugees flood into Darfur camp after fighting.

EUROPE

Economic woes in Latvia fuel public’s anger at government.

Ukrainian security service raids gas firm HQ.

Faulty altimeter contributed to airplane crash in Amsterdam.

Gordon Brown's lame White House visit

Sarkozy death threat suspect held.

AMERICAS

Mexico's drug war creates new class of refugees.

Jail riot in drug war-hit Mexican city kills 17.

Gang violence in Canada linked to Mexico drug wars.

Venezuela to cut oil contracts as prices fall.

Colombia rebels told to set hostage talks terms.

Colombian union head captured with FARC commander, Tiempo says

TERRORISM

Mystery terrorist in NYC plot deported to Sudan.

Release of memos fuels push for inquiry into Bush’s terror-fighting policies.

Saudi Arabia facing homegrown terrorism.

FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS

What are the odds of a Depression?