World News Briefs -- December 7, 2009

U.S.S. Arizona
Pearl Harbor Memorial
(Click To Enlarge)

1941 Attack On Pearl Harbor Far From Forgotten -- USA Today

PEARL HARBOR — Harold O'Connor, 88, was a Navy Fireman First Class on the USS Thornton, a destroyer seaplane tender, in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked.

"All the torpedo planes were coming right off our fantail," O'Connor recalls. "I watched the West Virginia go up from two torpedoes that were dropped. All hell was breaking loose. I saw the bombs that hit the Arizona."

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran police clash with protesters. Police, protesters clash at Iran University.

Iraqis reach a deal on long-delayed election law.

Police: Blast hits Iraq school; 4 killed.

Turkey's moves towards Iran concerning United States.

Report: Mediator on way to Israel with Hamas response to swap deal.

ASIA

Philippines feud breaks out into armed rebellion. Philippine massacre suspects face rebellion raps.

U.S. girds for talks in North Korea.

New Tamil Group People’s Liberation Army vows to start a fresh war.

Taiwan elections hint at unease over closer China ties.

AFRICA

Guinea offical: president won't return this week. Morocco says health of Guinea's injured military leader 'not worrying'.

Pohamba and Swapo party re-elected in Namibia election.

UN appeals for $378M for food, medicine in Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

Last, best chance: UN climate conference opens.

Greece gears for more protests. Greek youths clash with police for 2nd day.

Romanian president holds slim vote lead over rival.

Russia mourns victims of Urals club fire as 113th victim dies.

EU aims to raid aid budgets for climate deal: Oxfam.

AMERICAS

Bolivia's president wins easy re-election. Evo Morales wins landslide victory in Bolivian presidential elections.

Mexicans in drug war city call on army to leave.

Brazil signals recognition of Honduran election.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US says bin Laden sometimes slips into Afghanistan.

US sees homegrown Muslim extremism as rising threat.

Al-Qaida confirms "martyrdom" of former Guantanamo detainee in Yemen.

US to check Al-Qaeda fallout on Yemen, Somalia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China's leaders vow to keep stimulus, easy credit.

Car sales and output pass the 12 million mark in China.

Dubai shares fall on fears over the emirate's debt load.

U.S. Administration to slash bailout cost estimate.