World News Briefs -- January 4, 2010

Security Threats Keep US, British Embassies Closed in Yemen -- Voice of America

The United States and Britain are keeping their embassies in Yemen closed for a second day Monday because of threats from a local branch of the al-Qaida terrorist network.

It is not clear when they plan to re-open.

U.S. President Barack Obama's top counter-terrorism aide, John Brennan, told CNN Sunday the U.S. Embassy was closed because there are indications al-Qaida is planning an attack in Sana'a, possibly against the diplomatic building.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen dismisses Al Qaeda threat as 'exaggerated'.

Abbas: No preconditions for talks, but settlement construction must cease.

Jordan emerges as key CIA counter terrorism ally.

Iran says several foreigners arrested during unrest.

Crackdown on alcohol seen as part of conservative moment in Iraq.

ASIA

Afghan attacks kill 4 US troops, British soldier.

Afghanistan Parliament's rejection of Karzai cabinet picks signals power shift.

Americans accused of plotting attacks return to Pakistan prison.

Beijing, Seoul hit by heaviest snow in more than half century. Big chill grips Asia, little economic impact seen.

AFRICA

Opposition nominates south Sudanese for president.

Kenyan tribe slowly driven off ancestral lands.

Poachers kill rare white rhino in Kenya.

Jacob Zuma to wed Tobeka Madiba, South Africa's third first lady.

EUROPE

Ukraine's Yushchenko plays Russia card against rivals.

Russia-Belarus oil dispute threatens Europe’s supply.

Avalanches hit Swiss Alps claiming five.

AMERICAS

US lifts HIV/Aids immigration ban.

Mexican agents arrest brother of Beltran Leyva, drug lord killed in raid.

Venezuela begins 2010 with electricity rationing.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda threat escalates.

Yemeni leadership feared in al Qaeda's cross hairs.

U.S. intensifies screening for travelers from 14 nations.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. Fed chief calls for tougher regulation. Fed Chief edges closer to using rates to pop bubbles.

Lack of U.S. estate tax in 2010: Now cheaper to die?

U.S. growth prospects deemed bleak in new decade.

U.S. Treasuries post worst performance among sovereign markets.

Indonesia may seek tariff delays in ASEAN-China pact.