World News Briefs -- October 19, 2009 (Evening Edition)

A map of northwestern Pakistan locating military offensive against the Taliban. Pakistan has vowed to target the Taliban leadership, massing troops on the outskirts of their home town and poised to storm the landmark after claiming 78 militants had been killed. (AFP/Graphic)

Pakistan Cuts Deal With Anti-American Militants -- Yahoo News/AP

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – Pakistan's army, in the midst of a major new offensive against Taliban militants, has struck deals to keep two powerful, anti-U.S. tribal chiefs from joining the battle against the government, officials said Monday.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran and western powers hold 'constructive' uranium talks.

Iran warns U.S., U.K. of retaliation after attack.

Volatile Sistan-Baluchistan region is base for insurgents.

Jordan king warns over US Mideast policy.

Awakening leader's tale illustrates Iraq's volatility.

Iraq cabinet ratifies oil deals.

Israel's cabinet rejects UN war crimes report.

ASIA

Nearly a third of Afghan president's votes voided. Karzai to unveil plans Tuesday, Clinton encouraged.

Pakistan fights militants inside 3 fronts. Refugee flood reveals human cost of South Waziristan's invisible war.

By air and ground, Pakistani soldiers penetrate militant heartland. Taliban resists major assault by Pakistan.

U.S. military chief visits as Pakistan battles militants.

Kazakhstan not a nuclear threat, official says.

Gates to meet new Japanese leaders, talk security with South Koreans.

China to move 15,000 from smelter.

AFRICA

No winner for $5 million African leadership prize.

Obama launches new 'integrated' approach to Sudan.

ZANU-PF says Zimbabwe Gov't will operate without MDC. Party rift grows wider in Zimbabwe.

Freed Sudan aid workers long for home after ordeal.

Botswana's long-governing party sweeps elections.

African Union backs arms embargo on Guinea.

EUROPE

Ukraine opens election campaign, Orange dream faded.

Now Slovakia threatens to reopen Lisbon Treaty row.

Fury as Berlusconi judge filmed.

UK warns of climate 'catastrophe'.

AMERICAS

Is Obama winding down the war on drugs?

Ousted Honduran president's supporters losing steam. Honduran talks deadlocked over restoring Zelaya.

Brazil promises safe Olympics despite gang wars. Rio fortifies streets after deadly shootout.

Cuban spies were sent to U.S to mislead, misinform, experts say.

Pacific Hurricane Rick weakens, blamed in death.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Slain Al-Qaeda militants planned massive attack: Saudi Interior Ministry.

Flow of terrorist recruits increasing.

Questions about Al Qaeda's next move.

Inside the Islamic Emirate.

Civilian courts are no place to try terrorists.

Officials say investor's donations wound up with Sri Lanka rebels.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Higher jobless rates could be new normal.

FDIC bank fund in the red until 2012.

London agents ‘Sold Out’ as home asking prices jump to record.

Oil price hits new high for 2009.

Latam leftists agree on new currency, sanction Honduras.

China growth more than 7 pct in January-September.