World News Briefs -- February 28, 2011

Rebel Libyan Military Leaders Prepare Tripoli Attack -- Euronews

Military and diplomatic defections from Colonel Gaddafi’s regime have multiplied as Libya’s revolution gathers momentum.

One dissident army leader spoke to euronews from the rebel-held city of Tobruk.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi PM Maliki pledges reform after 'Day of Rage'.

Obama welcomes Bahrain cabinet reshuffle.

Oman protests intensify as Sultan struggles to appease demonstrators. Oman protesters stage third day of unrest.

Iran naval mission 'not aggressive': admiral.

ASIA

China tamps down Middle East-inspired protests before they can gain momentum. China mobilizes against activists.

North Korea threatens 'firing attacks' on South over leaflets about Mideast turmoil.

US, South Korea begin military drill amid North Korean war threats.

New Zealand quake damages may cost as much as $15.1 billion.

AFRICA

Opposition declares new Libya government as Qaddafi hangs on. Rebels in Libya's east say they're not ready to take Tripoli. U.S. fears Tripoli may deploy gas as chaos mounts.

DR Congo: Six killed in 'coup bid' against Kabila.

Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 23 crew.

Belarus has broken arms embargo by sending attack helicopters to Ivory Coast, says UN chief. UN warns Belarus about supplying helicopters to Ivory Coast.

Attack kills four in central Nigeria: military.

Three killed in Tunisia clashes: government.

EUROPE

Nicolas Sarkozy sacks foreign minister after Tunisia row. Sarkozy names Juppe Foreign Minister to stem critics of Mideast response.

Ireland parties talk coalition, seek bailout changes.

Fraud and bribery trials return to add to Berlusconi's woes. Silvio Berlusconi: Italy PM's tax fraud trial resumes.

AMERICAS

Libya: Col Gaddafi's son 'in hiding on Venezuelan island'.

Mexico arrests two more in US agent Jaime Zapata murder.

Report: Massive landslide hits Bolivian capital.

Chile earthquake anniversary puts President Piñera in the hotseat.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Afghan intel links Jalalabad bank attack, other suicide attacks to Pakistan.

Anxiety on all sides of upcoming House hearing on radicalization of U.S. Muslims.

Next wave of Al Qaeda coming from within U.S.?

Al-Qaida's No. 2 incites Tunisians, Egyptians.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil rises $1 as Oman protests fan supply concern.

3M chief warns Obama over business regulation.

Madoff to NY magazine: Government a Ponzi scheme.