World News Briefs -- April 15, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Photo: The Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, south of Baghdad (File)

Officials Say Iraqi Forces Foil 9/11-Style Plot -- Yahoo News/AP

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces disrupted a 9/11-style plot by al-Qaida in Iraq to fly hijacked planes into Shiite religious shrines, Iraqi and U.S. officials said Wednesday.

Iraqi security officials said they temporarily shut down at least two airports and have arrested two men — one of the intended pilots and an airport worker — suspected in the plot, which appeared aimed at undermining the country's stability while U.S. troops prepare to go home.

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MIDDLE EAST

Hamas orders Gaza smuggling tunnels shut.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens US over Mid East peace plans.

Jordan condemns Israel over West Bank deportation order.

Iraq’s forces prove able, but loyalty is uncertain.

White House seeks new allies to help rein in Iran.

Obama voices frustration on stalled Mideast peace.

Israel claims Syria is shipping weapons to Hezbollah.

Cleric's support for men and women mingling in public sparks furor in Saudi Arabia.

ASIA

U.S. signals support for new Kyrgyz leaders.

U.S. and Pakistan adapt their approach on divisive issue of North Waziristan.

Afghan city fears greater Taliban presence.

Kyrgyz leader calls for trial for ousted President.

Quake in western China kills 589, buries more.

AFRICA

Bashir party asks rivals to join Sudan government.

Security concerns remain as Southern Sudan approaches 2011 referendum.

Death toll in Mogadishu rises amid allegations against AU forces.

Black empowerment law delayed in Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

Burial move shows cracks in Polish unity on crash.

Bosnian ex-official could face Serbian trial in 1992 killings.

Radovan Karadzic toys with judges at Hague trial.

Iceland evacuates hundreds as volcano erupts again.

AMERICAS

Arizona clears strict Immigration Bill.

Mexico death toll in drug war higher than previously reported.

Mexico threatens to cut off millions of cell phone users.

Michelle Obama launches solo agenda on Mexico tour.

Mexico death toll in drug war higher than previously reported.

Chavez rallies armed youths to defend Socialism.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Holder: No decision yet on where to try self-professed 9/11 mastermind.

Civilian casualties pose growing threat to war on terrorism.

Proposal targets nuclear terrorism.

African army chiefs unite against desert terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed shouldn’t reveal crisis loans, banks vow to tell high court.

China resists US currency pressure.

Texas man pleads guilty to hiding money at UBS.

Even with low inflation U.S. households still squeezed.

JPMorgan Chase earns $3.3B in Q1 on strong trading.