World News Briefs -- January 23, 2010

Celebrities work on the phone bank during the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief" telethon in New York January 22, 2010. Credit: REUTERS/Marc Davis/MTV Hope for Haiti Now/Handout

Haiti Quake Victim Rescue Operation Declared Over -- BBC

Haiti's government has made the "heartbreaking" decision to declare the search and rescue phase for survivors of the earthquake over, the UN says.

The announcement came a day after two people, an 84-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, were pulled alive from the rubble in Port-au-Prince.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. appears to lower expectations in Middle East.

Marines to mark official end of their Anbar mission in Iraq.

Joe Biden to mediate in Iraq election candidates row.

'Sarkozy: Israel may act against Iran'.

Petraeus: Missile-Shooting ships on station in the Gulf.

ASIA

In Pakistan, high court investigates 'disappearances' in wake of 9/11.

Clashes kill 22 militants, 2 troops in NW Pakistan.

Free trade with China: ASEAN's winners and losers.

India sees terrorism threats.

Shattered Tamil city braces for crucial poll.

AFRICA

'150 bodies found in wells' after Nigerian massacre. Horrors of religious violence found in Nigeria.

Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai's MDC says unity talks deadlocked, looks to region.

Ethnic clashes leave 24 dead in south Sudan.

It wasn't us: Somali militants disavow Kenya threat.

EUROPE

U.K. on alert as terrorism threat level is raised to ‘Severe’.

Sinn Fein holds key talks on power-sharing deal.

Russian, U.S. experts to continue arms dialogue in Geneva in Feb.

AMERICAS

Venezuela oil 'may double Saudi Arabia'.

From spas to banks, Mexico economy rides on drugs.

Anti-Chavez cable channel at risk, lawyer says.

US Justice refuses to release documents in Panther case.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Groups slam Obama panel's plan to hold some Guantanamo detainees.

Guantanamo deadline passes, closure efforts continue.

C.I.A. deaths prompt surge in U.S. drone strikes.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Goldman under investigation for its securities dealings.

Google co-founders to sell $5.5B combined in stock.

Facing frustrated voters, more senators oppose Bernanke.

Goldman under investigation for its securities dealings.