World News Briefs -- October 29, 2009 (Evening Edition)

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) speak about their meeting between Congressional leadership and President Barack Obama on Afghanistan and Pakistan at the White House in Washington, October 6, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young

House Dems Unveil Health Bill, Cheered On By Obama -- Yahoo News/Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled a sweeping healthcare overhaul on Thursday that would transform the insurance market, create a government-run insurance plan and levy new taxes on the rich.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi security officials held in blast aftermath.

Iran wants big changes to draft atom deal with powers.

Kurds plan to boycott Iraqi vote on Kirkuk.

Saudis and Iran in pre-Hajj tensions.

Arms cache in every southern Lebanon town.

Yemen, Iran trade accusations about Houthi rebels.

ASIA

Taliban violence threatens Afghan Presidential election.

Mongolian parliament confirms tycoon as new PM.

UN workers scramble over roofs during Kabul attack.

Indian PM makes fresh offer of dialogue to Pakistan.

Clinton focuses on common interests during Pakistan diplomacy tour.

AFRICA

France halts African leaders case.

Somali pirates hold British couple on cargo ship.

Is China's Guinea deal for real?

AU peace council examines Darfur crisis.

For Congo's military, a mine of difficulties.

Zimbabwe deports UN investigator to South Africa.

EUROPE

Recovery hopes as Germany posts jobless fall.

US security adviser in Moscow nuclear arms talks.

EU leaders to focus on climate aid during summit.

Stasi files still cast shadow, 20 years after Berlin Wall fell.

AIDS experts say Russia needs new HIV strategy.

EU leaders meet in Brussels. Europe divided over Tony Blair for EU president.

AMERICAS

Nicaraguan Congress will not debate re-election.

US defends Cuba policy amid UN condemnation.

Venezuela finds 11th body in massacre.

Venezuela to save energy with daytime football.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Agent for Al Qaeda sentenced to prison.

Leader of Islamic group killed in FBI raid.

Loosening of FBI rules stirs privacy concerns.

Obama endorses military commissions for Guantánamo detainees.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Economy growing but recovery could be at risk.

Clunkers: Taxpayers paid $24,000 per car.

China and US discuss trade rows.

Economy returns to growth after deep slump.

The dollar's fall is felt overseas.

Executive pay: How much say should Obama ‘czar’ have?