World News Briefs -- July 10, 2009

File picture shows US troops in Tal Afar, north of Baghdad. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up in Tal Afar, killing at least 34 people in the deadliest attack since US forces pulled out of towns and cities nationwide just over a week ago. (AFP/US Army/File/James Wilt)

Worst Violence Since US Pullback Hits Iraq -- Yahoo News/AP

BAGHDAD – Bombs killed nearly 60 people in Iraq on Thursday in the worst violence since U.S. combat troops withdrew from urban areas last week, and American forces released five Iranian officials suspected of aiding Shiite insurgents.

U.S. officials said they believe the Iranians, detained in northern Iraq in January 2007, had facilitated attacks on American-led forces but handed them over to the Iraqi government at its request because they were obliged to do so under a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Worst violence since US pullback hits Iraq.

UNESCO: Invasion seriously harmed historic Babylon.

Hundreds protest in Iran, defying crackdown vow.

Iran refuses to back down 'one step' in nuclear row.

Sadness, anger, but peace in Beirut.

Shalit deal stalled by freeze in Hamas-Fatah reconciliation talks.

ASIA

Taliban eyes new allies.

Pakistan: Heading home, in the face of lingering fears. Pakistan says NW refugees can go home next week.

Pakistani president Asif Zardari admits creating terrorist groups.

Philippines agrees to rebel talks.

Afghanistan tones down contentious marriage law.

AFRICA

Annan acts on Kenya poll suspects.

Key Nigerian militant accepts govt amnesty: lawyer.

Ghana backs blocking arrest warrant against Sudanese President.

UN: "organized crime is plundering West Africa".

Rights watchdog criticises Equatorial Guinea.

Bid to halt SA World Cup strike.

EUROPE

Parts of Britain "near an H1N1 epidemic"; 14 dead.

Bank of England decides against pumping more money.

New Turkish law curbs military's power.

Warship seizes drugs worth £43 mln.

Serbia police wounded near Kosovo.

AMERICAS

Mexico outraged by killing of anti-crime activist.

Mexico accused of torture in drug war.

Colombia's Uribe OKs hostage mediation by senator.

Mass arrests over Peru protests.

China makes its move as U.S. falls back in Latin America.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Egypt holds 26 over suspected Qaeda plot on Suez Canal.

Pakistani president Asif Zardari admits creating terrorist groups.

Saudi Arabia convicts 330 'deviant group' members in Al Qaeda trial.

Judge shocked by terror tell-all.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Doubts about Obama’s economic recovery plan rise along with unemployment.

Warren Buffett says second stimulus might be needed.

Oil steadies at $60.

China passes US auto market in first-half sales.