World News Briefs -- May 18, 2009

Sri Lanka Says War Over, Rebel Leader Killed -- Yahoo News/AP

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka declared Monday it had crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels, killing their chief, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and ending his three-decade quest for an independent homeland for minority Tamils.

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MIDDLE EAST

Mosul militants test readiness of Iraqi forces.Iraqi Special Forces on the hunt for al Qaeda. Militants test readiness of Iraq's forces.

Palestinians end talks in Cairo without deal.

2 Lebanese fee to Israel amid crackdown on alleged spy rings. Fadlallah says Lebanon has become 'center' for spies.

Iran to mass produce long-range missiles.

Kuwaiti women join Parliament.

ASIA

Pro-Democracy leader goes on trial in Myanmar. More news here and here.

Philippines makes progress on terror, but not Moros

Nepal's Maoists storm parliament, slide into opposition role.

Vote in India reshapes landscape.

Pakistan troops in Taliban urban warfare.Pakistani army prepares for key Swat battle.

AFRICA

Nigerian militants destroy 2 oil pipelines. Nigeria fighting 'killed 1,000'.

Eight Islamist militants sentenced to death in Algeria.

Rebels threaten Somali Government. Somalia: Islamists impose curfew in central town.

Darfurian rebel commander to face War Crimes charges.

Sudan accuses Chad of sending troops to aid rebels.

World Bank resumes Zimbabwe aid. Zimbabwe calls for help; gets at least half of it.

EUROPE

Mediators: Russia quits peace talks with Georgia.

Malta struggles with desperate refugees.

Turkish president 'facing trial'.

Lithuania elects first female president.

AMERICAS

New flu virtually everywhere in U.S. now, CDC says.

Colombia police on highest alert for FARC attacks. Fighting between Colombian troops, rebels leave 17 dead.

Scandals surround Colombian leader.

Colombian defense chief quits, may seek presidency.

US intercepts 'narco sub': Colombian officials.

Guatemala rally targets president.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Court: Sept. 11 detainee lawsuit cannot proceed.

Intrigue abounds in this Mideast tale of a terror plot.

World Trade Center disaster drill scenes echo 9/11.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

World needs fair and just financial system: China's Wu.

As Detroit crumbles, China emerges as auto epicenter. GM, UAW in dispute over imports and plant closures.