World News Briefs -- January 14, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Who's Running Haiti? No One, Say The People -- Reuters

* Earthquake disaster overwhelms Haiti's weak government
* International aid effort has yet to kick in
* No one in charge, U.S. seen filling the vacuum

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Desperate Haitians turned rubble-strewn streets and parks into makeshift hospitals and refugee camps on Thursday in the absence of any noticeable response from authorities in Haiti after Tuesday's earthquake.

With the 7.0 magnitude earthquake collapsing the presidential palace, a string of ministries and the headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the country, Haiti faces a dangerous vacuum in security and government.

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MIDDLE EAST

Report: Turkey warns Lebanon that Israel may be planning attack.

Israeli ambassador targeted in roadside bombing.

U.S. companies join race on Iraqi oil bonanza.

More candidates may be banned from Iraqi elections.

11 get death sentence for Iraq attacks.

Turkey: Diplomatic spat with Israel won't scupper $190 million drone deal.

Yemen says tribesmen kill 10 Shi'ite rebels.

ASIA

Malaysia minorities fear Islamization in Allah row.

Mongolia leader calls for end to death penalty.

Afghan market suicide bombing 'kills 20'.

Pakistan Taliban deny US drone strike killed top leader.

Largest religious festival on Earth under way in India.

Court is told Mayor aided in massacre of Filipinos.

U.S. faces long odds in improved relations with Asia.

AFRICA

Regional leaders conclude summit on Zimbabwe, Madagascar.

African music festival goes smoothly in Mali despite Al Qaeda threats.

Emergency talks for Guinea junta.

Nigeria court delays sick President Yar'Adua cases.

Africa, partners work for maritime security.

EUROPE

Sarkozy says burka 'not welcome' in France.

Ukraine poll tensions stirred up. Orange leaders face shutout in Ukraine election.

For Germany's Merkel, a terrible start to the year.

Sex scandals expose reality in 'puritanical' Northern Ireland.

AMERICAS

Obama and lawmakers seek accord on health care.

Haiti: Clogged airport, ruined seaport delay aid. Haiti quake: Survivors struggle while awaiting aid.

Chavez halts Caracas power cuts.

Mexico to send more police to drug war epicenter.

U.S., Mexico hunt elusive 'El Chapo'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

5 jailed for aiding Madrid train bombers.

Have you seen this man? An "aged" Osama Bin Laden with gray hair, no beard.

'Credible threat' from al Qaeda in Yemen.

Yemen intensifies fight against Al Qaeda.

Former Guantánamo bay detainee warns of inmates' return to extremism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar crisis looms if US doesn't curb debt: experts.

U.S. retail sales fall unexpectedly; jobless claims up.

Obama bank fee to hit 50 of the biggest U.S. financial firms.

For Google, China remains closed commercially, too.

Asian may need to tighten monetary policies.