World News Briefs -- September 1, 2009 (Morning Edition)

Graphic showing the distribution of seats in Japan's incoming parliament, compared with the pre-election make-up of the outgoing lower house. Japan's Democratic Party began talks on Monday on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win. (AFP/Graphic)

Japan's Victorious Democrats Start Forming Government -- Yahoo News/AFP

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan's Democratic Party began talks on Monday on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win.

Yukio Hatoyama's centre-left Democratic Party of Japan (DPK) is under heavy pressure to get to work quickly on addressing the huge hurdles facing the country and pulling it out of its long economic malaise.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq, Syria trade accusations in rift over bombings.

Hamas condemns Holocaust lessons.

Turkish army rules out contact with Kurd militants.

ASIA

Fiscal challenges loom for newly elected Japan Democrats.

US pressures Myanmar as nervous refugees head home.

Koreas restore regular cross-border traffic.

AFRICA

Kadhafi blasts Israel over Africa's woes at AU summit.

Heavy military presence in Gabon’s capital, Libreville.

Trial of suspect in Rwandan church massacre begins.

EUROPE

Britain facing blackouts for first time since 1970s.

Young British Muslims angry with police and media.

Africans 'under siege' in Moscow.

AMERICAS

A year after Mexico's massive anti-crime protests, few changes.

U.S., Cuba to hold postal service talks - diplomats.

Chevron offers evidence of bribery in Ecuador lawsuit.

Brazil’s new oil framework: following in Chávez’s footsteps?

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. sends two Syrians from Guantanamo to Portugal.

White House blasts Cheney in interrogation feud.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The coming deposit insurance bailout (a commentary).

What follows our lost decade? Looking ahead to the next decade…

What happened to the 'depression'? (a commentary)