World News Briefs -- December 27, 2009

Flight Terror Suspect Abdulmutallab Charged With Trying To Blow Up Jet -- The Guardian

MI5 probes 'London link' as US prosecutors claim former UK student boarded Flight 253 with device strapped to leg

A former London student has been charged with attempting to blow up a transatlantic airliner carrying 278 passengers on Christmas Day.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian, was charged in hospital late last night with attempting to destroy the aircraft during its final approach to Detroit airport, the US justice department said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel promises tough response to attacks.

Millions of Iraq Shi'ite Muslims gather for Ashura.

String of assassination attempts kills 4 in Baghdad and Anbar Province in Iraq.

Iran website says four killed in Tehran protests.

Yemen says Houthi rebel leader may be dead.

Yemen's air strike on Al Qaeda may signal new US focus.

ASIA

Pakistani officials: 5 killed in US drone strike.

Bomb kills gov't official, family in NW Pakistan.

Americans in Pakistan face more questions.

Remembering victims of Indian Ocean tsunami.

AFRICA

Growing disenchantment threatens Nigeria's peace process.

Independence an uncertain draw for Khartoum southerners.

Niger vows to arrest exiled opposition leaders.

EUROPE

Europe tightens security after foiled U.S. attack.

Croatia votes to elect president.

Why nearly 60 percent of Russians 'deeply regret' the USSR's demise.

Vatican to review security after papal knock-down.

AMERICAS

Venezuelan seeks to revive anti-Chavez movement.

Argentina's 'disappeared:' Justice at last or reneging on amnesty?

Mexico weighs options as lawlessness continues to grip Ciudad Juarez.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Attempted terrorist attack on airliner sparks new concerns about al-Qaida.

Air security heightened as Nigerian held in attempted bombing.

Search for answers, tighter security after attack.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Schwarzenegger seeks Obama’s help for deficit relief.

S.Korea wins $40 billion UAE nuclear deal.

Swiss bank secrecy emerges from 2009 with holes.