World News Briefs -- September 11, 2009

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama take part in a moment of silence marking the eighth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, September 11, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young

Obama Lays Wreath At Pentagon To Observe 9/11 -- Yahoo News/AP

WASHINGTON – Echoing the words of his predecessor, President Barack Obama vowed the United States "will never falter" in the pursuit of al-Qaida as he marked the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by placing a wreath at the site of the attack on the Pentagon.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran leader vows 'harsh response'.

US and Russia diverge over Iran.

Envoy says US on track for 2010 combat force withdrawal from Iraq.

Iraq attacks raise questions about US withdrawal.

Inmates attack guards at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison.

Israel Admits Binyamin Netanyahu's secret trip to Moscow.

Lebanon's political crisis deepens as Prime Minister-designate abruptly quits.

ASIA

China opposes Dalai Lama trip to disputed India state.

Pakistan casts wary eye on Afghan election dispute.

Taliban leaders detained in Swat Valley. Five Taliban leaders arrested in Swat Valley, officials say.

Needle attacks and rumors spread in China's Xinjiang.

Japan should cut ‘useless’ missile Defense, DPJ official says.

Nearly 10,000 Sri Lanka war refugees go home.

More than 40,000 Japanese aged 100 or over: survey.

AFRICA

South African minister threatens "third world war" over runner gender scandal.

Deadly riots erupt in Ugandan capital for 2nd day.

Uganda ethnic, political tension erupts in riots, government says.

Zimbabwe sanctions dominate S.Africa-EU summit.

African Union opposes new Madagascar 'unity' government.

Uganda 'seizes senior LRA rebel'.

EUROPE

German ships blaze Arctic trail.

Vladimir Putin hints that he could return to lead Russia until 2024.

EU states must balance budgets rapidly: EU official.

Barack Obama tells Gordon Brown of 'disappointment' over Lockerbie release.

UK 'could face blackouts by 2016'.

London ceremony honors 67 Britons killed on 9/11.

AMERICAS

Swine flu concerns close schools in Mexican city.

On 9/11, day of mourning becomes day of service.

Brazil's economy leaves recession.

Colombia seizes drug traffickers' properties.

Venezuela's Chavez draws closer to Moscow.

Argentina waging "war" against its media.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida Web sites down ahead of 9/11 anniversary.

Panetta marks 9/11 anniversary, tries to boost CIA morale.

Al Qaeda 'determined' foe despite losses.

This 9-11, Obama has the bullhorn on terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

America out of work: Is double-digit unemployment here to stay?

Gold climbs to 18-month high as dollar weakens; silver gains.

Federal deficit hits $1.38T through August.

Geithner tells town hall: 'We Have to Change Things'.

Obama to give speech on financial crisis Monday.

Global recession timeline.