World News Briefs -- January 12, 2010

A view of the scene after the bomb blast in Tehran on Tuesday.
European Pressphoto Agency

Bomb Blast Kills Nuclear Physicist in Tehran -- New York Times

PARIS — A bomb attached to a motorcycle killed an Iranian professor of nuclear physics outside his home in northern Tehran on Tuesday, state media reported, blaming the United States and Israel.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. One state broadcaster, IRIB, quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying that “in the initial investigation, signs of the triangle of wickedness by the Zionist regime, America and their hired agents are visible in the terrorist act,” Reuters reported.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi security forces lock down parts of Baghdad.

U.S. walking a tightrope with its Yemen policy.

Yemen forces kill 19 Shi'ite rebels, arrest 25.

Yemen 'starts talks over German and UK hostages'.

ASIA

Pakistan terrorists target more civilians in 2009.

SKorea, US dismiss NKorea's peace talks proposal.

Clinton begins Asia-Pacific tour. On Asia-Pacific trip, Hillary Clinton downplays U.S.-China friction.

As China rises, fears grow on whether boom can endure.

AFRICA

Nigeria's president breaks silence to quash death rumours.

Extremist Hutu officials blamed in ’94 Rwanda assassination.

Mozambique opposition boycotts parliament ceremony.

EUROPE

Russia and US to resume arms control talks.

European governments seek to mandate healthier diets.

Greece set for IMF visit to help economy.

AMERICAS

Venezuelans throng stores after currency devaluation.

Honduras' top court to hear case against military.

Mexico hit by low temperatures.

Voters in Martinique, French Guiana reject efforts to reduce french control.

'Toronto 18' suspect wanted to profit from bombings: witness.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Somalis fleeing to Yemen prompt new worries in fight against al-Qaeda.

Jordanians question alliance with U.S. after Humam al-Balawi’s CIA suicide bombing.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China ends U.S.’s reign as largest auto market.

China becomes biggest exporter, edging out Germany.

U.S. gasoline prices zip toward $3 mark.

Bankruptcy could be good for America.