World News Briefs -- October 20, 2010 (Evening Edition)

Pakistani paramilitary soldiers stand guard on a street in Karachi on October 20, 2010 following an attack by gunmen in a market. Photo from Press TV

Ethnic Violence Roils Pakistan's Commercial Hub, Karachi -- Christian Science Monitor

Although Karachi is the most ethnically diverse city in Pakistan and is known for its violence, current levels of violence are hearken back to the 1990s, when the Pakistan Army was ordered to restore order.

At least five people were killed in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi Wednesday in the latest wave of violence to grip the country’s volatile economic hub.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi Prime Minister visits Egypt and Iran for support.

New Gaza peace flotilla to have up to 20 boats.

Palestinians mull alternatives to peace talks, including UN recognition.

Iran welcomes Chavez as partner against western "bullies".

Iran to try US hikers accused of spying in November.

Explosion rips through Hamas military compound in Gaza.

Israeli military restricts troop tweets.

ASIA

China's wealth gap strains social fabric.

Karachi: Violence rules, 51 killed since Sat.

Top of the agenda at US-Pakistan meetings: mending relations.

South Korea says open to calls for six-party talks.

Indian report accuses Pakistan's intelligence service of significant role in Mumbai siege.

Afghan leader sees hope for peace and reconciliation.

Afghan govt throws out 1.3 million votes.

AFRICA

Islamic fundamentalism rising in Egypt, government suspends 12 TV channels.

Sudan's Bashir pledges no return to war.

China tries to dodge Darfur bullets report: Envoys.

British aid worker kidnapped in Somalia freed.

Guinea presidential rivals back new electoral chief.

EUROPE

Embattled Zapatero shuffles Spanish cabinet.

Britain to withdraw troops from Germany.

Britain details radical cuts in spending, citing debt. Britain slashes spending, raises retirement age. UK government stakes its future on austerity plan.

Saudi royal gets life in jail for London murder.

Chechnya parliament attackers 'arrived by taxi'.

Deauville trio summit yields concrete results. Russia to go to NATO summit, eyeing missile role.

Pope names 24 new cardinals.

AMERICAS

Fort Hood gunman had nearly 200 rounds of ammo.

U.S., Cuba hold talks over jailed American subcontractor Gross.

.S. military to accept openly gay recruits.

Overrun by narcos, once-posh Acapulco is in agony.

Canadian air commander pleads guilty to murders. Canadian commander videotaped murders.

Mexico says final weight of marijuana haul 134 tonnes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Danger of terrorism on the rise in Germany, police chief says.

CIA inquiry cites failures in Afghan bombing that killed agents.

Pakistan's haven for terror unit irks U.S.

Fort Hood shooting: Al Qaeda now portrays Nidal Hasan as terrorism star.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Say goodbye to traditional free checking.

China pledges rare earth supplies, signals exports may rebound.

Officials hint Fed on the verge of more easing.

BHP says Potash deal will benefit Canadian region.