World News Briefs -- November 25, 2009 (Evening Edition)

The Hajj: Thinner Crowds And Lots Of Rain -- The CNN

Mecca, Saudi Arabia (CNN) -- The Hajj, an obligatory pilgrimage for Muslims, began this year on Wednesday with two twists: thinner crowds and heavy rain.

A rare rainstorm inundated pilgrims in the city of Mina, flooding tents and making conditions miserable for the 2.5 million pilgrims performing the ancient rituals, according to Isha Sesay, CNN's correspondent there.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran detains scores of students, rights group says.

Bombs in Iraqi Shiite holy city injure 25.

Israel readying new arms to meet Iran challenge.

Iran said ready for uranium exchange on its soil.

Iraqi VP threatens veto of election law.

Israel and Hamas try to still frenzy over Gilad Schalit release.

For Jews, roiling Yemen no longer place to call home.

ASIA

Khmer Rouge prison chief could get 40 years.

State-run magazine reports on black jails in China.

Philippines 'poll-related' deaths reach 57.

Big Pakistan offensive has failed to nab any Taliban leaders.

Pakistan charges 7 suspects in Mumbai attacks.

Aiding North Korea defectors: A high-stakes spy mission.

Japan says it will soon release details of Nuclear Pact with US.

Ayodhya mosque report blames India's BJP opposition.

AFRICA

Kidnappers say Canadian, Australian journalists in Somalia freed.

South Africa pulls out of recession.

Pirates kill sailor in attack on oil tanker off Benin.

Congo Army helps rebels get arms, UN finds.

Report: Congo massacre witnesses were threatened.

Brown backs Zimbabwe's return to the Commonwealth fold.

EUROPE

Obama to attend Copenhagen climate talks.

Copenhagen: the next Seattle?

Chilcot inquiry told: Few links from Saddam to al-Qaida after 9/11.

EU set to miss deadline for budget overhaul plan.

Serb nationalist's war crimes trial to resume.

AMERICAS

St. Vincent contemplates cutting ties with queen.

Honduras vote to sideline president, enshrine coup.

Terrorism probe casts scrutiny on Minneapolis' Somali immigrant enclave.

Iran's leader makes inroads in Latin America. Iran's leader makes inroads in Latin America.

Obama's state dinner: Evening gowns, saris.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. offers $5 million reward for 'Bomb Man'.

UK terror arrests criticised.

US, India expand counterterrorism cooperation.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. Fed: Jobless rate will stay high through 2012.

U.S. lending declines as bank jitters persist.

U.S. recovery's pace slower than first thought.

Fear pushes US rates into negative.

As U.S. bank failures rise, F.D.I.C. fund falls into red.