World News Briefs -- February 3, 2010

A man carries an injured girl from the site of a bombing in Timergara, the main town in Lower Dir district, located in Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province on February 3, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

3 U.S. Soldiers Die In Attack By Pakistan Militants -- New York Times

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Three American soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb attack Wednesday morning in an area known as a Taliban stronghold but which the Pakistani military had declared cleared of the militants, two Pakistani government officials said.

Two American soldiers were also injured in the explosion of a remote-controlled device that was set off near a school in Lower Dir, a region adjacent to the troubled area of Swat, the officials said. The United States Embassy said it would release a statement this afternoon.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi police: 20 killed in Karbala blast.

Iran is ready for nuclear deal, leader says.

Iran announces launch of animals into space.

Pressure mounts for Israel to hold Gaza war inquiry.

ASIA

U.S. drones said to strike along border in Pakistan.

U.S. sees no fundamental change in China relations. Chinese diplomat: Ties with US deteriorated recently.

Asia bolsters defences as West feels pinch: IISS.

North Korea's economic moves bring new misery.

AFRICA

Sudan slams ICC decision on Beshir genocide charges.

Guinea junta blames Toumba Diakite for massacre.

South Sudan hungry 'quadrupled in a year'.

EUROPE

Greece to face European Commission economic scrutiny.

Concorde trial starts with victims remembered.

Russia and U.S. 'agree to nuclear deal'.

Protestant split imperils N. Ireland deal.

France refuses a citizenship over full Islamic veil.

AMERICAS

Frustration growing at Haiti aid bottlenecks. Haiti tent city residents cope with shortages.

Mexico: Slain gang leader planned Juárez massacre.

7 suspects, 1 policeman die in Mexico shootout.

Canada's icy reception deepens doubts on G7 role.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Recidivism among former Guantanamo detainees declined.

Concerns grow over Al Qaeda's group in Yemen.

al-Qaeda will try to attack U.S. in next 6 months.

Somali militant group Al Shabab aligns with Al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Europe debt on rise; Greece scrambles to lower deficit.

US unemployment rises in most metro areas.

Oil hovers above $77 on demand hopes.