World News Briefs -- March 8, 2010

'Hurt Locker' Conquers 'Avatar' at Oscars -- ABC News

Backstage at the Oscars With Sandra Bullock, Kathryn Bigelow, Jeff Bridges, Mo'Nique and More

In the battle of behemoth blockbuster "Avatar" vs. indie war epic "The Hurt Locker," the Oscars let the underdog have its day.

Defying the stereotype that Iraq War movies can't succeed, Kathryn Bigelow's "Hurt Locker" took home six of the nine Academy Awards for which it was nominated, including best picture and best original screenplay. By comparison, the movie's most hyped competitor, "Avatar," won three trophies.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq awaits election results, parties claim gains.

Iraqis defy blasts in strong turnout for pivotal election.

Dozens dead from earthquake in Turkey.

Israel 'risking peace talks' with West Bank building.

ASIA

US Secretary of Defense Gates visits Afghanistan to meet with Karzai.

Clashes between Afghan militants, Taliban leave at least 50 dead.

North Korea on combat alert as U.S., South hold drills.

U.S. reaches out to Tokyo’s real power.

Myanmar’s ruling junta is selling state’s assets.

AFRICA

Nigeria: More than 200 dead in religious violence. At least 500 dead in Nigeria religious attacks.

Opposition rejects results of Togo election.

France claims biggest haul of pirates off Somalia.

EUROPE

France's Sarkozy under pressure, faces poll wipe-out.

Fresh strikes against Greek austerity policies.

Icelanders reject full repayment to British, Dutch caught in bank collapse.

AMERICAS

Chileans rally for earthquake victims.

Haiti faces colossal and costly cleanup before it can rebuild.

US troops withdrawing en masse from Haiti.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Suspect arrested in Pakistan not Gadahn: officials. Pakistan seeks identity of American suspect.

Al-Qaida calls on US Muslims to attack America.

U.S. sees a terror threat; Pakistanis see a heroine.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Big bank oversight to stay with Fed.

Beijing studies severing peg to US dollar.

G20 broadly holding line on protectionism: WTO.

US borrowing saw unexpected rise in January.