World News Briefs -- January 4, 2011

Australian Flood Victims Warned of Snakes, Crocodiles -- Voice of America

Authorities are warning residents of a coastal town in northeastern Australia to beware of snakes and crocodiles that may be lurking in floodwaters that have almost cut off the town from the outside world.

Some 500 homes have been evacuated in Rockhampton, a town of 75,000 people on the Fitzroy River, which is expected to crest at 9.4 meters by Wednesday or Thursday. Military aircraft have been ferrying relief supplies to airfields north of the town, where the last major road remains open.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran invites EU, others to nuke sites. Iran confirms invitations to tour nuclear sites.

Netanyahu slams Palestinians’ new 'three no’s'. Israel's Labor: We'll quit if no progress to peace.

Alexandria church bomb: Egypt Coptic pope urges calm.

U.S. military aid is available for hire in Yemen.

ASIA

Australian city cut off by floods braces for more.

Pakistan: Punjab governor Salman Tasser killed by his guard.

Pakistani government in crisis after ally abandons prime minister's coalition.

U.S. not worried by South Korea's tougher stance on North, Bosworth says.

AFRICA

Sudan's al-Bashir vows to accept referendum outcome.

Ivory Coast: Africa mediation fails to end stalemate. Nigeria leader: Ivory Coast solution to take time.

Africa migrants drown off Yemen as boats sink.

Zimbabwe governing parties divided on elections schedule as 2011 opens.

EUROPE

Germany denies it plans secret spy project with US.

Greece to build 128-mile anti-migrant wall.

The Khodorkovsky verdict: Scaring off investment in Russia.

Russia: Pro-democracy activists arrested after 'reset'.

AMERICAS

Obama urges Republicans to help him revive economy.

Out of prison and into mortal danger in Mexico.

New Venezuela parliament faces empowered Chavez.

For Bolivia's president, subsidy cut could have political price.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

White House may challenge bill's Guantanamo provisions. Obama may bypass Guantánamo rules, aides say.

Egypt's regime under pressure as al-Qaeda link stirs tensions.

Terror trial of eight men begins in France. France tries eight men accused of funding militants.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. national debt tops $14 trillion.

Oil nears $100, 2008-style surge not in cards.

Brazil is poised to pressure Beijing on currency policy.

U.S. yield spreads fall below rest of the world: Credit markets.