World News Briefs -- October 21, 2011

Libya Plans Secret Burial For Muammar Gaddafi -- BBC

Libyan authorities are planning a secret burial for ousted leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi following his capture and death, the BBC understands.

However, it appears there may be a delay in his burial, which under Islamic tradition should take place as soon as possible.

Oil minister Ali Tarhouni told Reuters that Col Gaddafi's body may be kept "for a few days".

Nato is expected to declare an end to its Libya campaign in the coming hours.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkish military conducts large offensive against Kurdish rebels, in Turkey and Iraq.

Gaddafi's killing fuels Syria's Friday protests.

Moammar Gaddafi’s demise in Libya swings spotlight to uprisings in Syria, Yemen.

Syria's uprising creeps across Lebanese border.

Turkey urges Iran, US to avoid tensions.

ASIA

Pentagon chief on first trip to Asia. Defense secretary to discuss U.S. troop realignment, North Korea with allies during visit.

Clinton to continue 'frank' talks with Pakistani officials.

UN: NKorea holds up to 200,000 political prisoners. Up to 200,000 political prisoners in N. Korea: UN.

Thailand floods: Bangkok 'impossible to protect'. Thailand's worst floods in decades reach Bangkok as political fallout mounts.

AFRICA

New era, challenges loom for Libyans free of Gadhafi.

Mauritania army raids Al-Qaida affiliate position.

Kenya reportedly didn’t warn U.S. of Somalia incursion. Kenyans ask if military attack in Somalia has exit strategy.

Refugee crisis challenges Ivorian government, aid workers.

EUROPE

S&P sees downgrade blitz in EMU recession, threatening crisis strategy.

Extra euro crisis summit called. Euro leaders begin ’tough’ six-day marathon on Greece, banks.

Amid protests, Greece adopts new austerity plan.

Spanish PM Zapatero hails end to Basque Eta violence.

AMERICAS

Colombia: top FARC leader killed.

Lawmakers blast Justice Department’s ‘Fast and Furious’ probe.

Honduran court clears army generals linked to coup.

Students briefly occupy Chile's Senate building.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Poor al Qaeda has lost at least 10 of its top 20 leaders.

U.K. spending hugely to thwart terror threat at 2012 Olympics.

US indicts two for conspiring with “Jihad Jane”.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Steve Jobs vowed to 'destroy' Android.

G.E. profit up despite ‘volatile’ economy.

California ushers in world's second largest cap-and-trade scheme.

S&P likely to cut ratings of France, others if economies crash.