World News Briefs -- May 5, 2009

Local residents prepare to board into a vehicle to flee from the area in Mingora, the main of town of Pakistan Swat Valley, Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Taliban militants patrolled the streets of a northwestern town Monday and residents were ordered to flee as a peace deal widely criticized as a surrender to the extremists appeared on the verge of collapse, witnesses and officials said. (AP Photo/Naveed Ali)

Pakistan Expects 500,000 To Flee Taliban Fighting -- Yahoo News/AP

MINGORA, Pakistan – Black-turbaned militants roamed city streets and seized buildings in a northwestern Pakistan valley Tuesday as thousands of people fled fighting between the Taliban and troops that the government said could lead to an exodus of half a million people. The Taliban declared the end of their peace deal with the government.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq security at risk in crackdown on militias who fought al-Qaeda. Iraq committed to June 30 withdrawal for American troops. Iraq bombs may slow U.S. pullout as splits fuel fresh violence.

Iran, Syria back Palestinian militancy.

Gates: Arab allies should not worry about possible US-Iran rapprochement.

U.S., Israel diverge on Palestinian plan. Meanwhile, addressing U.S., Hamas says it grounded rockets.

Violence in Yemen shows growing power of insurgency.

ASIA

Residents flee Pakistan's Swat as truce collapses. Pakistan abandons truce in Swat. The Taliban tightens hold in Pakistan's Swat region.

Battle erupts in west Afghanistan after executions. Afghans say US bombing run killed dozens.

Seven dead in separatist attack in Philippines - Military.

Sri Lanka says rebel leader trapped. Sri Lankan forces slowly advance against Tamil Tiger insurgents.

Nepal president sets deadline for new government.

U.S. envoy set for talks with allies on North Korea.

AFRICA

Mozambique arrests 'dam plotters'.

Zimbabwe activists jailed again. Detentions shake Zimbabwe unity deal.

Shell resumes production after Nigeria fire.

Africa scrambles to prevent arrival of swine flu.

Africa's genetic secrets unlocked.

EUROPE

Turkey says clan feud led to attack that killed 44. Turkey: massacre reflects ancient traditions and volatile politics.

Georgia accuses Russia over foiled rebellion.

EU ban looms over seal products.

Russia's Lavrov drops NATO talks over expulsions.

Armenia pulls out of NATO war games in Georgia.

Britain's 'least wanted' blacklist published.

AMERICAS

Colombian President insists that Chávez must capture FARC members.

Panama's president-elect to push U.S. trade deal.

Mexico plans stimulus package to help country rebound from Swine Flu.

Flu epidemic has cost Mexico billions.

Swine flu scare doesn't stop Mexico's drug war.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda exporting jihad with a hip-hop vibe.

Israel to pay terror victims with money allocated to PA.

Ex-Bangladesh Intelligence chief arrested for links with ULFA.

Arrest warrants sought against 35 accused in Mumbai blasts.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Fed stress test results may show 10 U.S. banks need capital.

Europe's recession likely to linger through 2010.

Bernanke: Economy should grow again later in 2009.