World News Briefs -- November 29, 2009

A video grab from an undated footage from the Internet shows Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden making statements from an unknown location. Osama bin Laden praises martyrdom as a weapon and a path to glory for Muslims in a video that CNN said on July 14, 2007 was intercepted before it was to appear on radical Islamist Web sites. REUTERS/REUTERS TV

U.S. Forces Missed Chance To Get Bin Laden In 2001 -- Yahoo News/Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. military could have captured or killed Osama bin Laden in 2001 if it had launched a concerted attack on his hideout in Afghanistan, according to a report prepared for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The report, written by staff working for the Democratic majority on the committee, said the al Qaeda leader's escape was a lost opportunity that altered the course of the war and paved the way for insurgencies in Afghanistan and in Pakistan.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran earmarks $20 million to support militants.

Saudis claim key mountain win over Yemeni rebels.

Ex-British envoy questions legitimacy of Iraq invasion.

ASIA

Pakistani PM takes charge of nuclear weapons.

Sri Lanka's war hero runs for president.

Britain, UN back Afghan president, propose conferences.

Seoul not hopeful on N.Korea-US talks: Yonhap.

AFRICA

10,000 E. African albinos in hiding after killings.

Navy releases Somali pirates caught red-handed.

Large victory likely for Namibia governing party.

Cabal seizes diamond riches to buy power.

Eq. Guinea vote to reinstall leader denying graft.

EUROPE

Relatives identify remains after Russian train bombing.

Switzerland to hold referendum to ban minarets.

Demjanjuk trial to open in Munich; prosecutors confident they can convict.

AMERICAS

The waiting continues with Tiger Woods.

Honduras hopes to move past coup with election.

Ex-rebel likely to be Uruguay presidential winner.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Senate report explores 2001 escape by bin Laden from Afghan mountains.

Terrorism suspected in Russia train crash.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

WTO meeting expected to see free trade pledge.

Report: Indebted Dubai World rejected asset sale.

Obama administration closely monitoring Dubai debt outlook.