World News Briefs -- August 28, 2009 (Morning Edition)

US Envoy 'In Angry Karzai Talks' -- BBC

The US special envoy to Afghanistan has held an "explosive" meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai over the country's election, the BBC has learnt.

Richard Holbrooke raised concerns about ballot-stuffing and fraud, by a number of candidates' teams, sources say.

The US envoy also said a second-round run-off could make the election process more credible, the sources said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Baghdad braces itself for violence at funeral of Abdul Aziz al-Hakim.

Saudi Terror Czar escapes assassination attempt.

Iran rejected internal call for nuclear freeze, diplomats claim.

Palestinians say full settlement freeze is precondition to new peace talks.

ASIA

Analysis: NKorea's talk offer a dilemma for Obama.
Koreas close to agreement on family reunions.

China endorses resolution on climate change.

China denounces Taiwan visit by Dalai Lama.

'Still no justice' in East Timor.

AFRICA

All quiet on the Darfur front.

As Darfur fighting diminishes, U.N. officials focus on the South of Sudan.

S. African President Zuma arrives in Harare for unity gov't consultations.
Nigerian police arrest 30 Afghan-linked Islamists.

Comoros: Yemenia flight data recorder is found.

EUROPE

Times poll: 61% think al-Megrahi release was about oil, not compassion.

Britain names Gen. David Richards new army chief.

Berlusconi to sue Italian, foreign media for libel.

Second World War prisoner of war records go online.

AMERICAS

US-Colombia deal overshadows South American summit.

New plan to end Honduran standoff resembles failed ones of past.

Bolivia proposes vote on US-Colombia military deal.

Chile, Bolivia discuss access to Pacific.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

To avenge Mehsud, new Taliban chief warns US of attack.

Qaeda's Zawahri calls for Pakistani jihad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

FDIC problem bank list surges, putting fund at risk. US ‘problem’ bank list hits 15-year high.
1,000 U.S. banks to fail in next two years: Bank CEO.

Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official.

Japan jobless rate hits new high.