World News Briefs -- January 4, 2011 (Evening Edition)

Salman Taseer Murder Throws Pakistan Into Fresh Crisis -- The Guardian

Punjab governor shot by own bodyguard, who opposed reform of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

Pakistan lurched into a fresh crisis after an outspoken secular politician was shot dead by a fanatic who opposed reform of the country's draconian blasphemy laws.

Punjab's governor, Salman Taseer, was gunned down by one of his own bodyguards as he stepped from his car in Islamabad's Kohsar market, a favoured haunt of westerners and wealthy Pakistanis.

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MIDDLE EAST

Medvedev cancels visit to Israel over strike.

WikiLeaks: Pressure within Iran blocked nuclear deal.

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

U.S. says Kazakh referendum is setback for democracy.

China official warns of 300-year desertification fight.

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

Crew uses safe room to foil Somali pirate attack.

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

EU eyes return to sanctions against Belarus.

Inflation jumps in 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

Latin American countries line up behind Palestinian state.

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

Napolitano circumspect on Israeli air tips for U.S.

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.