World News Briefs -- Augsut 25, 2009 (Evening Edition)

Security officials survey at the site of a bomb blast in Kandahar on August 25, 2009. At least 30 people were killed and 57 wounded, all civilians, by a massive car bomb that exploded in the southern Afghanistan city of Kandahar, the governor of the province said. The blast happened shortly after dusk, when Afghans were breaking their fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan. REUTERS/Stringer

Blasts Kill 36 In Kandahar As Preliminary Afghan Election Results Are Declared -- Times Online

At least 36 people died in a multiple car bombing and four US soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb today in a day of violence in southern Afghanistan that overshadowed the release of the first partial results of a presidential election.

The deaths of the four soldiers in the southern province of Helmand made 2009 the bloodiest year for foreign troops in Afghanistan since an American-led invasion toppled the Taleban government eight years ago.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi prime minister to go it alone in national elections.

Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps.

Reformer in Iran publishes account of a prison rape.

Fighting in Yemen escalates.

Shots exchanged over Gaza border.

U.S. feeling sidelined as Iraqis taking over.

ASIA

Britain and US back 'Marshall Plan' for Pakistan.

Relatives accuse Pakistan forces in Swat killings.

N.Korea invites US envoy for nuclear talks-reports.

South Korea launches first rocket into space.

Will Japan re-elect its hereditary politicians?

Afghan Government claim Karzai victory.

Malaysia postpones whipping of woman who drank beer.

Bomb attack wounds 18 in southern Thailand.

AFRICA

Africa wants $67 bln a year in global warming funds.

Half of Somalis need aid, says UN.

Nigerian amnesty deal with militants unravels.

Support for Mugabe, ZANU-PF plunges. Aid groups warn cholera could return in Zimbabwe.

Kenyans wary as national census begins.

EUROPE

Lockerbie bomber broke promise not to celebrate, says Kenny MacAskill.

Fury grows over release of Lockerbie convict.

Scottish govt defends Lockerbie bomber's release.

Suicide bomber kills at least four in Russia's Chechnya.

As the Greek fires subside, outrage grows.

AMERICAS

Swine flu may cause 90,000 U.S. deaths, report says. Swine flu could hospitalize 2 million in U.S. this winter.

Mexico catches leading member of La Familia cartel.

Textbook sparks furore in Mexico.

Argentina to decriminalize personal marijuana use.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Young Guantanamo prisoner back in Afghanistan.

Philippines arrests top militant known for bomb plots.

U.S. says rendition to continue, but with more oversight.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama raises 2010 deficit estimate to $1.5 trillion.

White House projects bigger deficits, bigger debt.

U.S. Senator warns of hyperinflation rivaling the 1980s.

Obama will nominate Fed Chairman Bernanke to second term.

White House set for backlash on national debt.

Real U.S. unemployment at 16 percent.