World News Briefs -- April 20, 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to workers alongside CIA Director Leon Panetta (L) during his visit to the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, April 20, 2009. (REUTERS/Jason Reed). Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Report: Hamas killed, maimed dozens of opponents.

Iran orders 'fair' US spy appeal.

MI Chief: Obama Mideast policy threatens Israel.

Netanyahu: No second Holocaust against Jews.

Iran president triggers racism conference walkout.

ASIA

Sri Lanka gives Tigers ultimatum as thousands flee.

Pakistan: Loss of World Cup a 'disaster'.

Militants demand Islamic courts in troubled Pakistani region.

Pakistani military kills 20 militants.

Army troops in Iraq prepare to head to Afghanistan.

AFRICA

Zimbabwe admits raiding private bank accounts.

Islamic groups battle in Somalia.

Somali gunmen demand $1 million for aid workers.

Arrr! Pirates freed in legal snafu

South Africa: Zuma rival would renew arms probe.

EUROPE

Spain hopes to finally defeat weakened ETA. Spain hails arrest of man seen as ETA leader.

Hardliners win N Cyprus election.

Brussels to probe seven airlines.

Russia may cancel military talks with NATO.

AMERICAS

Obama denies U.S. involvement in Bolivian assassination plot.

Mexico drug gang's rescue foiled.

Jamaican police storm airliner to capture gunman.

Cartel tells smugglers to live "clean" life.

Paraguay president hit with 2nd paternity claim.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Hezbollah cell reportedly aimed at Israel.

Crackdown on al Qaeda hits Algeria's potato crop.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

US economy facing 'substantial risks'.

Bank fears sink stocks.

Big banks have a big credit problem.

Oil drops over 8 pct on economic outlook, dollar.