World News Briefs -- June 16, 2009

Iranians demonstrate near the Iranian embassy in Paris, Tuesday June 16, 2009, protesting the outcome of the presidential election in Iran. The clerical government appears to be trying to defuse popular anger and quash unrest by announcing the limited recount even as it cracks down on foreign media and shows its strength by calling supporters to the streets. (AP Photo/Laurent Emmanuel)

Iran Regime Faces Public Anger: Will It Survive? -- Yahoo News/AP

CAIRO – Iran's Islamic regime has survived a devastating war with Iraq, strong American sanctions and international isolation in its 30 years of power. It has seen reformist and hard-line presidents come and go, with barely a flinch.

But now, public anger over the disputed election has given Iran's ruling elite a challenge of a new and unsettling kind: A growing opposition movement with apparent broad backing, headed by a leader who is one of their own — and doesn't seem intimidated.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Combat troops on pace to leave Iraqi cities. US help not needed in future combat: Iraq PM.

Yemen sends troops to hunt for hostages.

Twitter delays down time to aid Iranian protesters.

Carter 'distressed' by Gaza visit.

U.S. officials skeptical on a demilitarized Palestine.

ASIA

Obama says nuclear-armed N. Korea 'grave threat'.

Obama vows to defend South Korea.

Pakistan army readies for attack. Pakistan takes on Taliban leader Mehsud.

India reportedly urges Pakistan to stop terrorism.

Afghanistan election campaign opens amid security concerns, disorganization.

Tamil Tiger leader announces 'new government' to pursue autonomy.

AFRICA

Presidents, dictators at Gabon leader's funeral.

Congo's Bemba to stand ICC trial.

UN 'runs out of aid for Ethiopia'.

Nigerian militants threaten international football tournament. Can Nigerian rebels really attack offshore oil?

South Africa investigates an alleged Ponzi scam.

EUROPE

Turkey probes 'new anti-PM plot'.

UN diplomat is new chief of UK's MI6 spy agency.

Russia vetoes extending UN mission in Georgia; Mission to cease operations.

UK plans universal access to high-speed Internet.

AMERICAS

U.S. Senate health overhaul costs top $1.6T.

In Mexico, protesters urge voters to nullify ballots.

Mexican Army officers detained for Cartel payments.

Mexico report: 9,758 migrants abducted in 6 months.

Harper, Ignatieff extend "productive" talks.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Fresh torture claims against CIA.

EU agrees to accept Guantanamo detainees.

CIA mistaken on 'High-Value' detainee, document shows.

UK: Hard to eradicate risk some allies use torture.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Russia's Medvedev calls for new reserve currencies.

Nations eye stable reserve system.

U.S. likely to lose AAA rating: Prechter.

Economists see end to US downturn.

Berlusconi eyes concrete results for G8 summit.