World News Briefs -- August 6, 2010

U.S. Attends Hiroshima Ceremony -- New York Times

HIROSHIMA, Japan — The U.S. ambassador participated for the first time on Friday in an annual ceremony to mark the anniversary of the atomic bombing here in World War Two, raising hopes that President Barack Obama may soon follow.

With the mournful gonging of a Buddhist temple bell and the release of doves, a crowd of 55,000 solemnly marked the moment 65 years ago when the world’s first atomic attack incinerated this city under a towering mushroom cloud.

Read more .....

MIDDLE EAST

U.A.E. officials confirm terror attack on tanker.

Iran unlikely to halt nuclear program, secret letters show.

Poll finds majority of Arab world views nuclear-armed Iran positively.

Poll: 85% of Arabs in the middle East agree to two-state solution.

ASIA

Pakistani floods threaten lives, crops and government.

Flash floods kill 85 in Indian-held Kashmir.

Kashmir protests: Indian police in Kashmir don't get a break.

South Korean naval drills threaten war, says North.

AFRICA

New constitution for Kenya as 'No' team concedes.

Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 24 crew.

Mandela charity official 'received Campbell diamonds'.

EUROPE

Wildfire smoke in Moscow forces delay of 120 flights. Dense wildfire smog grips Moscow in heatwave.

'UK economy cooling down' warn experts as rates held at record low.

Poland set to hand over Israeli 'agent' to Germany.

AMERICAS

Kagan wins Senate confirmation to U.S. Supreme Court, 63-37.

President Calderón on Mexico's drug war: stay the course.

Despite constitution, Nicaragua's Ortega plans to stay in power.

A wistful Uribe bids Colombians adios.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

New al-Qaida leader knows US well.

14 indicted on charges of ties to Somali terror group.

Last year, 10,999 terrorist attacks worldwide – a decline from 2008.

AP Exclusive: CIA whisked detainees from Gitmo.

Pentagon may change rules for covering Guantanamo trials.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Social Security in the red this year.

Fannie Mae seeks $1.5 billion from U.S. Treasury after 12th straight loss.

Wheat prices hit 2-year highs following Russian ban.

Google ordered to defend against age bias lawsuit.