World News Briefs -- February 2, 2010

Deficit Climbs To Record Under Obama's Budget -- San Francisco Chronicle

President Obama's $3.8 trillion budget blueprint for next year sets a new deficit record of $1.56 trillion, includes a big jobs program and rolls back Bush-era tax cuts for high-income Americans. The president sidestepped any major attack on chronic deficits, which would not drop below $700 billion in the next several years.

The jobs package includes not just $100 billion in tax cuts for small business and other items to goose hiring but a continuation of extended unemployment insurance, aid to fiscally strapped states including California, and other temporary measures that were set to expire this year, totaling about $250 billion.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran, with opposition protests continuing, executes more prisoners. Iran to hang nine more over election unrest.

'Islamic Jihad claims it sent bomb-laden barrels to Israeli beaches'.

Israel admission on white phosphorus doesn't settle larger debate.

Iran dismisses US missile shield as 'puppet show'.

ASIA

Pakistani Taliban leader's death would be 'fatal blow' for group, analyst says.

Insurgents rally in Pakistan tribal area.

Sri Lanka purges military amid coup fears.

U.S. steps up missions targeting Taliban leaders.

US regrets Chinese reaction to Taiwan arms sale.

China warns of 'serious damage' if Barack Obama meets Dalai Lama.

AFRICA

Secret airstrip in Zimbabwe for arms.

Southern Sudan says vote on independence is off-limits for United Nations.

Nigerians condemn al Qaeda offer of weapons, training to destabilise country.

Somalia: Ismael, the Islamist footsoldier, explains why he joined al-Shabaab.

EUROPE

Northern Ireland nears power-sharing pact.

U.N. leader seeks elusive unity deal in Cyprus.

France Concorde crash trial set to begin.

Swiss accuse Germans of bank robbery in data row.

AMERICAS

USS Vinson to leave Haiti soon, signaling turning point in aid efforts.

UN says armed group attacked Haiti food convoy.

Venezuela's Chávez urged to resign.

Mexican mayor fears massacre of 16 was random.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

GOP presses Holder on US Justice's terrorism policies.

Obama's anti-terror policy is a mess (commentary).

Somalia's Al Shabaab to ally with Al Qaeda.

Pentagon turns focus to fighting insurgents.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Higher taxes for all in Obama budget, $1.6 tril 2010 deficit.

High US unemployment projected despite Obama's jobs focus.

World Economic Forum: Davos 2010.