World News Briefs -- March 12, 2010

Workers carry boxes of parliamentary election ballots at a tally centre in Baghdad March 9, 2010. Credit: Reuters/Thaier al-Sudani

Iraq's Election Race Tight As Results Delayed Again -- Washington Post/Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki had a modest lead over rival Shi'ites, partial results from Iraq's tight election race showed on Friday, but a secularist challenger remained far ahead among Iraqi Sunnis.

The race may remain too close to call until initial results are posted for all of Iraq's 18 provinces, including pivotal areas like Baghdad, the ethnically and religiously diverse capital city that is home to at least 6 million people.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

In early tally, tight Iraq race deepens splits.

Israel seals off West Bank to prevent unrest.

Despite Biden's plea, outlook shaky for Mideast peace talks.

Turkey protests Swedish genocide vote.

ASIA

Twin suicide bombings kill scores in Pakistani city.

Thailand braces for massive political protests.

South Korea ‘on track’ to take wartime command.

AFRICA

U.N. to end some deals for food to Somalia.

Christian aid worker purge? Morocco orders dozens in five cities to be deported.

Mogadishu residents told to leave Somali capital.

EUROPE

Nicolas Sarkozy to meet UK party leaders.

Greek protests turn violent; strike cripples services.

As Athens protests, Germany scoffs over Greece debt bailout.

Pope in talks with top German bishop over sex abuse.

AMERICAS

Aftershocks jolt Chile as new President is sworn in.

Venezuela murder-rate quadrupled under Chavez -NGO.

Cuba hunger strikes stir ire.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Some U.S. officials see a growing Taliban-Al Qaeda rift.

Portuguese police arrest ETA suspect.

Holder did not disclose briefs on ‘enemy combatant’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

New York ties with London for finance crown.

Web will be 'critical' revenue source for Times: publisher.

FedEx warns on US recovery.