World News Briefs -- August 21, 2009 (Morning)

Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, standing at the top of the stairs with a cane, was accompanied by Seif al-Islam el- Gadhafi,the son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, upon his arrival in Tripoli, Libya, on Thursday. Amr Nabil/Associated Press

Lockerbie Convict Returns to Jubilant Welcome -- New York Times

Over ferocious American objections, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, the only person convicted in the 1988 Lockerbie jet bombing, flew home to a jubilant welcome in Libya on Thursday night after the Scottish government ordered his release on compassionate grounds.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqis can contain surge in terrorism, says Petraeus. Commander condemns Baghdad attacks, cites security lapse.

Hints of Iranian flexibility on nuclear issue.

Iran lawmakers warn of clash over new government.

Egypt unveils restoration of famous synagogue.

Ramadan to start on Saturday in Egypt.

ASIA

Karzai and rival claim victory in Afghan vote. More news here.

U.S. drone strike kills 12 in Pakistan.

North Korean team due in South Korea as tensions ease.

Taiwan leaders' typhoon blunders lampooned online.

Myanmar troops gain on rebels as villagers flee.

Election likely to reset Japan climate target.

U.S. military to stay in Philippines.

AFRICA

Fighting kills 22 in Somali capital Mogadishu.

Nigeria oil rights grab 'illegal'.

Kenya drought worsens hunger risk.

Congo’s militias lure former rebels from Burundi.

Ethiopian official says Somali militias use Ethiopia to attack rebels.

EUROPE

Putin visits Siberia blast site.

Arctic Sea crew, hijackers interrogated in Moscow.

Chechen rebels declare "economic war": website.

Swiss president apologizes over scandal involving Gadhafi’s son.

AMERICAS

Mexico probe over kidnap deaths.

Top Mexican drug dealers among dozens indicted in U.S., officials say.

Bermuda under storm warning as Bill churns.

Russia to help Ecuador develop nuclear energy.

President Chávez asks Russia to work faster on aeronautic complex.

Colombia's Uribe's bid for third term advances.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Scots law is now 'laughing stock of the world'.

Behind Hamas' own war on terror.

Ex-DHS chief links politics to terror alerts.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Troubled mortgages hit record high.

U.S. economic data continue to chart bumpy road to recovery.

What rebound? Foreclosures rise as jobs and income drop.