World News Briefs -- February 10, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Iranian protesters shout slogans during a demonstration outside the Italian embassy in Tehran, February 9, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Fars News/Meghdad Madadi

Iran Mobilizes to Stifle Opposition Protests -- Wall Street Journal

BEIRUT—Iranian authorities deployed in force across Tehran Wednesday to conduct last-minute security sweeps and warn residents to refrain from joining antigovernment protests planned for Thursday.

The government typically orchestrates large, carnival-like rallies and demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Republic. For this year's events on Feb. 11, the day marking the culmination of the annual celebrations, opposition leaders have called for protesters to demonstrate against the regime. That has set the stage for clashes between authorities and demonstrators, who have taken to the streets repeatedly to protest the outcome of presidential elections in June.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran to suspend Google's email.

US slaps new sanctions on Iran Revolutionary Guard.

Palestinian policeman stabs Israeli soldier to death.

Terror, piracy burdened Yemen economy in 2009-economist.

Iran's nuclear effort suggests ambitions for a weapon, experts say.

Iran says makes arrests before revolution day rally.

Israeli planes 'strike Gaza's disused airport'.

Jordan and U.S. move closer to nuclear pact.

ASIA

Sri Lanka government, opposition supporters clash in Colombo.

Speculation intensifies over Pakistan Taliban leader's death.

Chinese see U.S. debt as weapon in Taiwan dispute.

North Korean leader pledges commitment to nuclear-free peninsula.

AFRICA

Nelson Mandela calls off historic return to prison 20 years after his release.

11 civilians killed in Mogadishu violence: witnesses.

Sudan has 'turned page' on Chad conflict: Beshir.

Acting Nigerian President sacks Justice Minister.

Nigeria: How National Assembly made him acting President. Nigeria's new Acting President calls for unity.

Two decades after Mandela's release, South Africa struggles.

EUROPE

More evidence that no one knows who's in charge in Europe.

Greek unions strike against austerity plan.

How bad is Greece's debt?

‘U.K. military creaking under relentless strain’.

Ukraine vote count shows win for Yanukovych, recount demanded.

Britain faces 'oil crunch' within five years, Richard Branson warns.

Moscow says U.S. missile shield aimed at Russia.

AMERICAS

Heatwave roasts Rio, kills 32 in southern Brazil.

Chavez announces electricity emergency in Venezuela.

Round 2: Blizzards hit Mid-Atlantic to New York.

Drug cartels threaten Mexican stability.

New leaders rise from rubble in Haiti's camps of homeless.

Haiti's pressing need: rain-resistant shelter for 750,000 homeless.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Former boy soldier, youngest Guantanamo detainee, heads toward military tribunal.

Obama and Counterterrorism: The debate moves right.

Youngest detainee, heads toward military tribunal.

National security team fails to inspire confidence.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Sigh. Another 'China dumping dollars' story.

U.S. Economy: Trade deficit unexpectedly widens on import gain.

Europe could face years-long debt grind.

Stocks close up broadly on hopes for Greece.

Honda adds 437,000 cars to global air bag recall.