World News Briefs -- January 29, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Unrepentant, Unforgiven, Blair Says ‘I’d Do It Again’ -- Times Online

Tony Blair was branded a murderer and liar last night after he ended his historic appearance before the Iraq inquiry with a blank refusal to voice regrets over toppling Saddam Hussein.

After six hours in which the Chilcot inquiry team had largely failed to breach his defences, the former Prime Minister brought trouble on himself by failing to show the contrition that his critics wanted.

Mr Blair, who gave a fluent, assured performance, refused to apologise for going to war, said that he would do the same again, and then warned that today’s leaders might have to take similar action to disarm Iran.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran, IAEA say nuclear proposal still on table.

Israel kills top Hamas commander in Dubai: Hamas.

Israel signals tougher line on West Bank protests.

Iran’s opposition seeking to end stand-off.

ASIA

US: N.Korea confirms second American in custody.

London Conference supports reconciliation and handover strategy. Taliban say no decision yet on Karzai offer of talks.

North Korea fires again into disputed waters. N.Korea fires artillery for third day: Seoul military.

Sri Lanka special forces 'raid Fonseka campaign HQ'.

AFRICA

Kenya MPs opt to scrap prime minister position.

U.S., Europeans press Nigeria over President’s absence.

Mogadishu bloodshed mars president's anniversary.

Anti-piracy strategies proving effective, U.N. says.

EUROPE

NIreland parties struggling to save coalition pact.

Greece and EU close ranks, say no bailout.

Highlights: Former UK PM Blair before Iraq War inquiry.

French prosecutors to appeal Sarkozy rival's acquittal.

EU signals last-resort backing for Greece.

Italy: Berlusconi takes on the Mafia.

AMERICAS

Floods prompt Bolivia emergency.

Venezuela denies violation of Colombia's airspace.

Haiti relief taking hold, ‘urgent’ phase ending, UN says. Haiti aid efforts go awry in the 'convoy to nowhere'.

'Food scarce': 200 Aussies still trapped in Peru.

Honduras' new gov't finds nation 'bankrupt'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Official: 9/11 terror case may happen outside Manhattan.

Osama on climate change.

Officials confirm death of key terrorist in Iraq.

Bin Laden blasts US for climate change.

Holding the 9/11 trial without destroying Chinatown.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wages and benefits rise weak 1.5 percent in 2009.

California controller: State will run out of cash before April.

US Senate permits gov't to borrow an additional $1.9T.

US economy likely grew faster in 4Q, but fears remain.

State of the Union and the state of the markets.

Experts see another global dip ahead.