World News Briefs -- March 6, 2010

Supporters of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's Iraqiya coalition danced Wednesday at a campaign rally in Baghdad. Joao Silva for The New York Times

As U.S. Prepares To Leave After 7 years, Iraq's Future Uncertain -- McClatchy News

WASHINGTON — When the Bush administration invaded Iraq seven years ago, it pledged to leave behind a democracy that would be a model for the entire Middle East. Instead, it now appears that the United States will leave behind a big question mark.

Sunday's parliamentary elections in Iraq will start the clock on the withdrawal of U.S. troops, with 50,000 soldiers remaining in an advisory role after Aug. 31 and all of them gone by the end of 2011, if current plans hold.

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MIDDLE EAST

Sectarian tensions remain as Iraq prepares to vote.

Turkey criticizes House committee vote on Armenian killings.

Palestinians, Israelis clash ahead of talks.

ASIA

Problems with civilian 'surge' could upset U.S. Afghan timetable.

US plan to train Indonesia's special forces sets off alarm.

Philippine troops killed in rebel ambush.

AFRICA

U.S. aiding Somalia in its plan to retake its capital.

Pirates hijack Norwegian tanker off Madagascar.

U.N. to start troop withdrawals from Congo in 2010.

EUROPE

Britain's Labor, and its leader, slowly rebound in polls as economy picks up.

Former Bosnian President to stay in London jail.

Germany makes no financial pledge to Greece.

Ukraine’s leader visits Russia.

AMERICAS

In Haiti, lack of suitable land hampers relocation of quake victims.

Chile to UN: Destruction greater, death toll lower than estimated.

United States to restore aid to Honduras in step toward normalized ties.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Christmas Day terror plot plane would have landed safely even if 'underpants' bomb had blown up.

Body scanners are headed to 11 major US airports.

Will return to military tribunals prompt Guantanamo closing?

White House postpones picking site of 9/11 trial.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

National debt to be higher than White House forecast, CBO says. Congressional estimates show grim deficit picture.

China Premier details economic plan.

Even after UBS, Swiss continue to fight for bank secrecy.