World News Briefs -- February 1, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Deficit Balloons Into National-Security Threat -- Wall Street Journal

The federal budget deficit has long since graduated from nuisance to headache to pressing national concern. Now, however, it has become so large and persistent that it is time to start thinking of it as something else entirely: a national-security threat.

The budget plan released Monday by the Obama administration illustrates why this escalation is warranted. The numbers are mind-numbing: a $1.6 trillion deficit this year, $1.3 trillion next year, $8.5 trillion for the next 10 years combined—and that assumes Congress enacts President Barack Obama's proposals to start bringing it down, and that the proposals work.

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MIDDLE EAST

54 killed as suicide bomber targets Shiite pilgrims in Iraq.

Hamas threatens to strike at Israeli targets abroad to avenge Mabhouh.

Israelis disciplined in Gaza artillery fire.

Yemen seems to reject cease-fire with rebels.

Iran's defiance spurs rise in U.S. military defenses. US raises stakes on Iran by sending in ships and missiles.

ASIA

Dalai Lama envoys return from China after talks.

Pakistan investigates reports of Taliban leader's death.

China says US arms sales to Taiwan could threaten wider relations.

Koreas to resume talks after border artillery fire. 2 Koreas hold talks days after exchanging gunfire.

AFRICA

Nigeria's oil pipeline sabotaged - Royal Dutch Shell.

Nigerians wonder: Could a military coup actually save us?

After losing a post, Qaddafi rebukes the African Union. African Union picks new leader as Gadhafi exits.

Mogadishu shelling kills 12 civilians.

EUROPE

Swiss bank data offered to Germany.

Newspaper claims FARC to branch out in Europe.

UKs Brown goes into battle with billions for defence.

Thousands rally to urge Russia's Putin to resign.

UN chief visits Cyprus to boost peace talks.

AMERICAS

In quake’s wake, Haiti faces leadership void.

Mexico gunmen kill 14 teens, young adults.

Analysis: Chavez's socialist project badly hobbled.

Chocolate vs the Drug Lords: Peru's move from Coca to Cacao.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama budget includes $237 million to buy Illinois prison for Guantanamo detainees.

Obama administration: Undecided on terror trial venue.

Obama admnistration takes several wrong paths in dealing with terrorism (Commentary)

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Roubini sees ‘dismal’ US growth as Summers rues ‘human recession’.

Obama's $3.8 trillion budget heading to Congress. Highlights: Obama budget sees deficit soaring in 2010.

Swiss warn UBS bank could collapse.

Global shares slide on Greece and China.