World News Briefs -- November 19, 2009

Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai arrives at his inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kabul on Thursday. Moises Saman for The New York Times

Karzai Sworn In for Second Term as Afghan President -- New York Times

KABUL, Afghanistan — Tainted by a flawed election and allegations of high-level corruption in his regime, President Hamid Karzai was inaugurated Thursday for a second term, saying the Afghan Army should assume full control of the country’s security within five years.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran points to Saudi terrorism in Yemen.

Iraq January election on hold.

Israeli air strikes wound three in Gaza.

Obama: Israeli settlement construction could be 'dangerous'. Palestinians say Israeli move could kill peace process.

ASIA

$30m bribe claim sours west’s hope that Karzai can show he is fit to lead.

Obama, S.Korea's Lee want North to end nuclear plans.

Obama wraps up 4-nation tour of Asia.

Pakistan: Suicide bomber kills 30 outside Peshawar court.

India PM heads to U.S. in test of ties with Obama.

AFRICA

Activist probing Guinea massacre denied entry.

Ethiopian court convicts 26 in alleged coup plot.

African leaders left disappointed at end of UN food summit.

EUROPE

Ukraine raises fees on Russian Gas. Ukraine PM seeks to calm fears of new gas war.

EU, Russia agree to cooperate in climate, energy fields.

Leaders set to pick EU president. Europe haggles over filling Presidential and foreign policy posts.

AMERICAS

Court: Army Corps of Engineers liable for Katrina flooding.

Sides gear up for fight over US ban on travel to Cuba.

Former hostages of Colombian paramilitary group suing former captors.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Holder defends decision to use U.S. court for 9/11 trial.

Guantanamo likely to miss closure deadline, Obama says.

Behind missed Gitmo deadline: Detainees unwanted.

Lithuania investigates facility that may have been CIA 'black site'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Recovery in developed economies gathering pace.

World economies rebound but China set for best growth.

Sharks off the British coast: Oil tankers refuse to unload until prices rise... keeping YOUR fuel costs soaring.