Tuesday, November 17, 2009

World News Briefs -- November 17, 2009


Afghanistan, Iraq Among The World's Most Corrupt -- AP

BERLIN — Afghanistan and Iraq, countries that receive billions of dollars a year in international support, are among the world's most corrupt nations, a watchdog group said in a report released Tuesday.

Lawless Somalia remained the world's most corrupt country, followed by Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Iraq, Transparency International said in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index.

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MIDDLE EAST

Inspectors fear Iran is hiding nuclear plants. Iran says nuclear 'enemies' defeated.

U.S. Senators in Israel say no to U.N. resolution on Palestinian statehood. EU rejects Palestinian state plan.

Iraq's Kurds threaten to boycott elections.

Saudi clerics see Iran's hand behind Yemen rebels.

IAEA suspects Syrian nuclear sites.

UN nuclear chief in secret talks with Iran over deal to end sanctions.

ASIA

Obama, Hu vow cooperation but produce few deals.

Pakistan seizes main Taliban bases, hunts rebels. Swat Taliban chief 'has escaped'.

Terror attacks roil business in Pakistan’s economic heartland.

Sri Lanka issues banknote to mark end of war.

AFRICA

Some African countries are just not viable, says philanthropist.

Somali pirates hijack ship, 28 North Korean crew.

US envoy back in Sudan this week.

U.N. court overturns Rwandan's genocide conviction.

Secret army being recruited in Kenya to fight Islamic insurgents.

EUROPE

Czechs celebrate 20th anniversary of communism's fall.

Ukraine: Million hit by "plague worse than swine flu".

Ex-Ukraine leader angles for a return.

AMERICAS

Venezuela: Colombia detained troops illegally.

Mexico's gang wars spawn vigilante justice. Fixing Mexico police becomes a priority.

One in seven Americans short of food.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Security threats inside and out for 9/11 trial.

U.K. terror suspects paid £600,000 for 'living costs'.

ECONOMY/FIANCE/BUSINESS

Budget deficit is sending the U.S. to 'third-class status as a nation'.

WH jobs and economy forum to take place on December 3rd.

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