World News Briefs -- May 19, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Afghan policemen patrol in front of a US convoy on Wednesday, near the site where a suicide bomber blew himself up in Bagram. Ahmad Masood/Reuters

Bagram Attack Kills US Contractor, Wounds Nine NATO Soldiers -- Christian Science Monitor

An American contractor was killed when the Afghanistan Taliban launched a 'spectacular' assault on Bagram Air Base this morning. The Bagram attack followed Tuesday's bombing in Kabul that killed six foreign troops – and underscored the capital's vulnerability.

"One US contractor was killed, nine service members were wounded, and a building received minor damages during the attack," Bagram Media Center said on its web site, which was being updated throughout the day. "Two of the nine wounded were returned to duty, all others are currently in stable condition. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification."

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MIDDLE EAST

Egyptian men married to Israeli women may be stripped of citizenship.

Turkey: Obama wanted us to make a deal with Iran.

Clinton announces Iran sanctions agreement. Iran hits back as US snubs Brazil-Turkey nuclear deal.

Envoy begins new round of indirect Mideast talks.

Lebanese PM holds talks with Syrian leader.

Yemen: Court sentences 6 Somali pirates to death.

ASIA

Thailand's ex-PM Thaksin predicts guerrilla war. Bangkok siege ends, but Thailand faces deeper crisis.

Pakistan bans Facebook over "Everybody Draw Mohammed" page.

10 militants killed in NATO base attack in Afghanistan. Taliban attack key US base in Afghanistan.

South Korea: North's role in sinking warship 'obvious'.

Pakistan forces "kill 40" as U.S. officials in talks.

Report says 13 hurt in latest China knife attack.

AFRICA

Darfur rebel chief banned from Chad, heads to Libya: spokesman.

Somalia criticises US for putting pirate on trial.

Somalia's interim PM says he will remain in office.

UN: LRA rebels kill 36 in Central African Republic.

The battle to stop drink from destroying Uganda.

EUROPE

British coalition offers broad reform plan.

Russia woos Ukraine on security bloc. Russia's Medvedev suggest military alliance with Ukraine.

President of Ukraine 'attacked by wreath' during memorial ceremony.

French cabinet approves veil ban.

'Non-crew in cockpit' of Polish leader's crash plane. 2 passengers in cockpit before Kaczynski crash.

AMERICAS

Honduras drops World Court case against Brazil.

Arizona official threatens to cut off Los Angeles power

White House presses Senate to approve Russia arms pact.

Scientists escalate warnings about Gulf oil spill.

Immigration tops Mexico leader's agenda on U.S. visit. Hugo Chávez boycotts Madrid summit over Honduras president.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorism turns some countries into ‘useful idiots’, claims Colombia’s Uribe.

Times Square car bomb suspect has day in court. U.S. to press Pakistan on bomb plot inquiry.

14 intelligence failures found in Christmas Day bomb attempt.

U.S. pressure on Pakistan may risk terrorist backlash.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

German prosecutors investigating Google.

Geithner rejects GOP warnings of Greek-like debt crisis in U.S.

EU fines 10 memory chip producers $403 million.

EU eases trade with Latin America at Madrid summit.

Canada campaigns against global bank tax.

Volcker says time is running out for U.S. to tackle fiscal woes.

Merkel seeks EU rules after German short-selling ban.