World News Briefs -- November 4, 2009

Virginia Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell talks with his son Bobby McDonnell before voting in Glen Allen, Virginia. McDonnell took back the governor's mansion from the Democrats by defeating Creigh Deeds 63-37 percent, preliminary results showed. (AFP/Getty Images/Mark Wilson)

US Republicans Score Big In Off-Year Elections -- Yahoo News/AFP

NEW YORK (AFP) – US Republicans won two governors' seats in off-year elections that dealt a stinging blow to President Barack Obama and his Democrats exactly 12 months after they swept into power.

In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie pulled off an upset to defeat Jon Corzine, the incumbent governor in the heavily Democratic state, by a margin of 55-44, according to preliminary results.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran clashes on anniversary of embassy takeover.

Iran's Supreme Leader throws cold water on nuclear negotiations.

U.S. hope dims for high-level Israeli-Palestinian talks over state.

Iraqi logjam over vote law has US anxious.

Gaza rights group criticizes Hamas over tunnel death toll.

ASIA

Afghan police officer kills five British soldiers.

Hamid Karzai reaches out to 'Taliban brothers' in Afghanistan.

N. Korea says it has more bomb-grade plutonium.

China launches crackdown in Muslim region.

Visit of high-ranking US officials to Burma signals relations thaw.

AFRICA

Scramble to grab land in Africa.

Group: Congo military killed hundreds of civilians.

Fears of new war in Sudan's troubled Nuba Mountains.

Zimbabwe diamond trade under spotlight.

EUROPE

Czech leader signs Lisbon Treaty as Tories concede defeat over referendum.

Putin tells Russian filmmakers to conquer foreign market.

Panic in Ukraine over swine flu.

Radovan Karadzic appears before Hague Court, to mock the judges.

AMERICAS

Zelaya's hopes of return fade in committee vote.

Germany's Merkel presses US lawmakers for climate change action.

Mexican troops kill federal agent in gunbattle.

Pablo Escobar burnt £1m in cash to keep warm on the run.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

No H1N1 vaccine for Guantanamo, White House says.

Feds: Chicago men discussed terror attack in India.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OMB director warns growing deficit a threat to American economy.

Gold extends record high on India purchase.

German indignation over GM decision to keep Opel.