World News Briefs -- August 19, 2009 (Evening)

Residents gather at the site of a truck bomb attack outside the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, August 19, 2009. (Ahmed Malik/Reuters)

Wave Of Baghdad Bombings Kill Almost 100, Wound 500

BAGHDAD – A truck bomb exploded across the street from Iraq's Foreign Ministry near the Green Zone Wednesday, knocking out concrete slabs and windows and leaving a mass of charred cars outside as a wave of explosions around Baghdad killed at least 95 people and wounded more than 400.

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MIDDLE EAST

No change in US drawdown despite Iraq bombings: Pentagon. More news on the massive bomb attacks in Iraq here, here, and here.

Saudi Arabia arrests 44 suspected militants.

Obama, Mubarak seek fresh start to strained US-Egypt ties. Little expected from Mubarak visit.

Syria helps France in dealing with Iran. Iran's supreme leader reinforces Syria alliance.

New Israeli settlements 'on hold'.

Iraqis find Iranian-made rockets after US attacked.

ASIA

Afghanistan on alert before vote. Afghans vote for president amid fears of attacks. Nervous Afghans to vote as attacks escalate. Taliban besiege Kabul.

Pakistan Taliban commander claims leadership of militia.

S. Korea aborts rocket launch minutes before liftoff.

Helping after Taiwan typhoon, US avoids confronting China.

South Korea mourns dissident who became president. North Korea, less frosty, sends Kim Dae-jung condolences.

U.S. not satisfied by North Korean conciliatory moves.

Keeping the faith: Burma's monks carry on democratic fight.

AFRICA

Zimbabwe arrests lawmakers in Tsvangirai's party.

Nigeria army puts ceasefire in jeopardy, warns MEND.

Nigeria nearing 'a failed state'.

UN fears over Liberia drug trade.

Militias clash in new south Sudan violence.

Clinton's Africa trip by country and message.

EUROPE

Russian president blames violence in Ingushetia on domestic problems.

Hijackers of ship Arctic Sea demanded $1.5 million From insurer.

Hopes fade for 64 missing in Russia plant tragedy. Russian dam families want truth as hopes fade.

Hungary remembers picnic that cracked Iron Curtain.

Putin opens air show, pays tribute to crash victim.

UK 'must tighten arms controls'.

AMERICAS

Colombia arrests ex-security head.

Honduras suspends relations with Argentina.

Mexico drug fight fuels complaints.

US defends deal to use Colombian bases.

Hurricane Bill now Category 4 storm in Atlantic.

Canada's PM Harper on Arctic sovereignty mission.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France holds three 'Eta suspects'.

Lockerbie bomber should stay jailed in Scotland: White House. Update: Decision reached on bomber's fate.

Pakistan offers cooperation if India shares evidence on terrorism.

It's The Terrorism, Stupid (A Commentary)

ECONOMICS/FINANCIAL/BUSINESS

Buffett says Federal debt poses risks to economy.

Swiss Bank UBS to divulge 4,450 account names to the IRS, more expected.

PetroChina in huge Australia deal.

Oil prices fall after Opec report.

Pimco says dollar to fall as it loses reserve status.

Surprise dip in US home building.

South African economy falls again.