World News Briefs -- November 23, 2010 (Evening Edition)

South Koreans watch the North Korean bombardment of Yeonpyeong island, which left two soldiers dead. The White House described the attack as an ‘outrageous act’. Photograph: Yonhap/Reuters

North Korea: A Deadly Attack, A Counter-Strike – Now Koreans Hold Their Breath -- The Guardian

World appeals for calm after bombardment from North Korea leaves two marines dead and tensions high on the peninsula

The US and other countries around the world pleaded for restraint today after North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells at a South Korean island, killing two soldiers and injuring civilians.

With tensions running high on the peninsula, the South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, met his top military in an underground bunker in Seoul and ordered the air force to strike North Korean missile bases if there is any further provocation.

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MIDDLE EAST

Barak says Referendum Law ties government's hands. Eviction of Palestinians underlines tensions over Jerusalem.

Iran halted its 'top priority' uranium enrichment due to technical problems. Iran: Computer worm didn't harm nuclear program. Iran's nuclear program reportedly struggling.

Report links Hezbollah, deputy to Hariri's assassination.

Report details inadequacies of Iraqi Defense Ministry.

Many Sunnis see Iraqi justice system as Shiite cudgel.

Lawmaker blasts asylum offers for Iraqi Christians.

ASIA

Afghan violence soars, insurgency expanding: U.S. Pentagon report: Afghans believe Taliban victory inevitable.

Afghan impostor: U.S. officials confirm talks with phony Taliban leader.

North, South Korea exchange fire; 2 marines killed.

Negotiator for Taliban was an impostor, Afghan officials say.

Scenes of grief amid Cambodia crush carnage. At least 378 die in stampede at Cambodian festival.

Hope for NZ miners bleak as footage shows blast.

AFRICA

Kenyans arrested 'on way to join Somalia's al-Shabab'.

Gambia cuts ties with Iran and orders diplomats to go.

Congo ex-VP Bemba on trial in Hague for war crimes.

Zuma to mediate Zimbabwe political stand-off.

Voter apathy high as Burkina Faso votes in Presidential poll.

Hamburg trial of suspected Somali pirates begins.

EUROPE

Political chaos engulfs Ireland, threatens bailout. EU urges feuding Ireland not to delay budget. Ireland in chaos as bailout triggers election.

Catholic church tries to clear confusion over condom use.

European police arrest 11 suspected of plotting attack.

Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate set date.

Greece must make 'extra effort', says IMF.

Putin foe Nemtsov assaulted on return to Russia.

AMERICAS

Brazil central bank head 'ousted' as inflation rises.

Castro calls Obama a 'snake charmer'.

TSA revolts grow at grass roots.

Bolivian president criticizes U.S. in front of Robert Gates.

Haiti cholera spreading faster than predicted: U.N. Haiti cholera deaths still rising as election nears.

Mexico: migrants should form convoys for safety.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

What's so scary about Egypt's Islamists?

Security agencies carry out massive sweep for terrorists in European cities.

Belgian police arrest 10 in 'Islamist terror plot'.

Al Qaeda affiliate looks to new targets in Persian Gulf.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed lowers outlook for economy through 2011.

Federal Reserve minutes show split on QE2.

Russia, China pledge bigger role for yuan, ruble.

ENI signs $17bn Venezuela oil deal.

Feds turn up heat on Wall St., raid 3 hedge funds.

Walmart's billion dollar discrimination case at the Supreme Court.

In bailouts, Spain will be 'the biggie': Strategist.

Oil slips as dollar rises on Korea and euro crisis.