World News Briefs -- May 22, 2009

A Pakistani flag flies over after government troops installed on top of a defense position on a former base of Taliban militants overlooking the Swat Valley, at Banai Baba Ziarat area, northwest of Pakistan's capital Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, May 22, 2009. Troops are encircling Taliban militants in their mountain base as well as the main town in the Swat Valley, a Pakistani general said Friday, as the U.N. appealed for US$543 million to ease the suffering of nearly 2 million refugees from the fighting. (AP Photo/Pedro Ugarte, Pool)

Pakistani Military Shows Off Captured Taliban Base -- Yahoo News/AP

BANAI BABA ZIARAT, Pakistan – A Pakistani flag now flies over army troops dug in on a strategic ridge that until two days ago was held by the Taliban, a base where militants trained fighters, built tunnels and equipped caves with electricity and air vents.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran reformists hope for high election turnout.

AP Interview: Iraqi top cop expects more attacks.

Biden links US aid to outcome of Lebanon election.

Israeli troops kill two Gaza militants.

Conditions for Palestinian refugees in Gaza deteriorating.

Israeli Air Force conducts war games.

Netanyahu says all Jerusalem to remain Israeli.

ASIA

U.S. Afghan surge could push militants into Pakistan. Afghan and U.S. forces kill 34 militants in drug raids.

Pakistani troops encircle Taliban base in Swat. Pakistan says Uzbek, Chechen fighters aiding Taliban in Swat. Pakistani army claims Taliban's elimination in Swat valley imminent.

N.Korea may be planning missile tests: report.

UN chief to press for Sri Lanka reconciliation.

AFRICA

Heavy fighting explodes in capital of Somalia.

New civilian catastrophe looms in Eastern Congo.

Canadian Judge convicts Rwandan in genocide.

Malawi's Mutharika wins second term.

Nigeria: 12 hostages rescued from militants.

EUROPE

Russia challenges EU on energy supplies at summit.Russia, EU strive to amend ties amid deep rifts.

Fake millions found in Mafia raid.

MPs' expenses: members could face prison, says minister.

Eurozone contraction slows down.

AMERICAS

Wash. state has first death under new suicide law.

Bolivia president seeks improved US relations.

Mexico City ends swine flu alert, no cases in week.

Strong quake shakes tall buildings in Mexico City.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Man receives 2½-year sentence for Toronto bomb plot involvement.

Supermax prisons in U.S. already hold terrorists.

Technology fueled NYC terror takedown.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Dollar hits new multimonth low vs euro, pound, yen.

U.S. Geithner vows to cut U.S. deficit on rating concern.

Fed’s Plosser says inflation to increase, warns of complacency.

U.S. to steer GM toward bankruptcy.