World News Briefs -- November 15, 2009

US, Russia See Deal On Missile Cuts By Year-End -- Yahoo News/AFP

SINGAPORE (AFP) – The leaders of Russia and the United States said Sunday they were on target to agree by the end of the year the text of a new treaty setting out major cuts in their nuclear weapons arsenals.

But a senior White House adviser warned there was not time for the successor to the 1991 START agreement to be ratified by December 5 when the old treaty elapses, meaning a temporary bridging deal would be needed.

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MIDDLE EAST

Palestinians to seek UN endorsement of statehood.

Report: Sarkozy warned Assad Israel may strike Iranian nuclear sites.

Obama says time running out for Iran on nuclear deal.

Saudis respond to Yemeni conflict.

Britain to investigate abuse allegations in Iraq.

ASIA

Pakistan’s army plans to enter Taliban strongholds.

China dissidents 'detained ahead of Obama visit'.

Obama demands release of Burma democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi.

AFRICA

Darfur peace talks postponed again.

Ethiopia rebels 'capture towns'.

Nigerian president in 'fruitful' oil rebel talks.

EUROPE

Kosovo votes for first time since ‘independence’.

Czechs celebrate 20 years since Velvet Revolution.

Russian policemen air abuse complaints on YouTube.

Caucasus Emirate leader thought killed in raid.

Mock funeral for Venice dramatizes flight of residents from city’s heart.

AMERICAS

Colombia moves to calm tensions with Venezuela. Colombia to release Venezuelans.

First U.S. marijuana cafe opens in Portland.

Ousted Honduran president won't recognize vote.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

9/11 suspects to face death penalty in front of New York civilian court.

Al-Qaeda "sleeper agent" in Marion federal prison.

Illinois prison eyed for Gitmo inmates.

Al Qaeda opens new training camp in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China-U.S. discord on currencies clouds Obama visit.

U.S. Treasury confident Congress will increase debt ceiling.

Japan’s Hatoyama backs U.S. role in Asia’s economic expansion.

Financial crisis investigators are taking Wall Street names.