World News Briefs -- January 4, 2010 (Evening Edition)

World's Tallest Building Opens In Dubai -- ABC News (Australia)

The world's tallest building has officially opened in Dubai in a spectacular display of fireworks, light, and water.

The building has 160 storeys and stands 828 metres high.

The tower has been named the Burj Khalifa after the ruler of the neighbouring emirate of Abu Dhabi, whose multi-billion-dollar bailout helped Dubai's biggest developer avoid a potentially disastrous debt default in November.

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MIDDLE EAST

More humiliation on Dubai's big day.

Saudi-Iran frictions at graves revered by Shiites.

Egyptian-Palestinian leaders meet.

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. Tehran professors denounce violence on protesters.

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

ASIA

100 dead as cold wave grips India. Beijing, Seoul hit by heaviest snow in more than half century. Big chill grips Asia, little economic impact seen.

Junta confirms elections in Myanmar.

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.

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

Fury over British Muslim cleric's anti-war march threat.

Britain in election mood, but no date set yet.

Why was the crazed axe murderer allowed into Denmark?

Ukraine's Yushchenko plays Russia card against rivals.

Russia-Belarus oil dispute threatens Europe’s supply.

Avalanches hit Swiss Alps claiming five.

AMERICAS

Slide city mayor seeks Brazil nuke plant shutdown.

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

Boosting flight security measures.

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.