World News Briefs -- August 31, 2009

Japan's Democratic Party leader Yukio Hatoyama walks toward to an executive room at the party headquarters in Tokyo August 31, 2009. Japan's next leader, Yukio Hatoyama, fresh from a historic election win, faced the task on Monday of forming a government to tackle challenges such as reviving the economy and steering a new course with close ally Washington. The picture of the party leader Yukio Hatoyama is seen in the party posters and the red words reading "change of government" . REUTERS/Issei Kato

Japan Democrats Take Power, Tough Challenges Loom -- Yahoo News/Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan's next leader, Yukio Hatoyama, fresh from a historic election win, faced the task on Monday of forming a government to tackle challenges such as reviving the economy and steering a new course with close ally Washington.

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MIDDLE EAST

Olmert becomes 1st Israeli PM to be indicted. Olmert indictment / Why are the charges so serious?

Iraq: suspected bomber recently released by US.

'Bombs hampering US-Syria resolution'.

Remnants of Iraq Air Force are found in Serbia.

Saudi tightens security to protect oil plants.

ASIA

Blast kills 15 Pakistani police recruits. Pakistan military kills 30 militants in Swat: statement.

China again decries Dalai Lama visit to Taiwan. Dalai Lama says Taiwan visit is not political.

Myanmar refugees weigh risks of returning from China.

Remains of last 2 Australia MIAs in Vietnam return.

AFRICA

Bongo, son of Bongo, is favourite for Gabon election. After 40 years of dictatorship, Gabon votes.

Gaddafi prepares for his 40-year spectacular - but will anyone turn up?

Millions facing famine in Ethiopia as rains fail.

In oil-rich Niger Delta, the sun never sets.

Zuma holds talks with both Mugabe, Tsvangirai to break deadlock.

EUROPE

Arctic Sea sailors freed after mystery detention: Reports.

Merkel's party loses ground in German votes.

70 years on, Poland's WWII wounds haven't healed.

AMERICAS

Calif. wildfire heads north, threatens thousands.

Ecuador's Correa to close private TV station for 'spying'.

Commandos kill eight people in northern Mexico.

New flu hit estimated 10 percent of New Yorkers.

Bolivia cries foul over Peru plans for drilling in Titicaca.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Is Al-Qaida opening a Gaza front to counter Hamas?

Saudi prince defends policy on militants.

Cheney offers sharp defense of C.I.A. interrogation tactics.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Meltdown 101: Why banks' struggles have worsened.

Regulators shutter three U.S. banks, bringing 2009 toll to 84.

Commercial real estate lurks as next potential mortgage crisis.

Canada to urge G20 copy "boring" financial system.