World News Briefs -- August 25, 2009

The South Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1, South Korea's first space rocket, takes off from the launch pad at the Naro Space Center, at a beach in Goheung, south of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. The country's first rocket blasted off into space Tuesday following an aborted attempt last week and just months after its rival North Korea drew international ire for its own launch. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Choi Jae-koo)

South Korea Launches First Rocket Into Space -- Yahoo News/AP

GOHEUNG, South Korea – South Korea's first rocket blasted off into space Tuesday following an aborted attempt last week and just months after its rival North Korea drew international ire for its own launch.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi prime minister to go it alone in national elections.

Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps.

Shots exchanged over Gaza border.

U.S. feeling sidelined as Iraqis taking over.

ASIA

Relatives accuse Pakistan forces in Swat killings.

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

Will Japan re-elect its hereditary politicians?

Afghan Government claim Karzai victory.

AFRICA

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

Nigerian amnesty deal with militants unravels.

Aid groups warn cholera could return in Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

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

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.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Young Guantanamo prisoner back in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama will nominate Fed Chairman Bernanke to second term.

White House set for backlash on national debt.

Real U.S. unemployment at 16 percent.