World News Briefs -- October 5, 2011

Saudi Police Clash With Protesters In East -- Time/AP

(RIYADH, Saudi Arabia) — Saudi police clashed with protesters in the country's Shiite-dominated eastern region in a new ripple of unrest in the oil-rich kingdom, residents and security officials said Tuesday.

Police moved in on Monday to break up a second day of small protests against the arrests of the fathers of two fugitive dissidents, firing in the air and beating marchers with clubs, residents said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia clashes in eastern province of Qatif. Saudi Arabia: Police 'open fire' on protesters.


Syria: Peace hopes fade as residents turn to violence to defend their homes. Syrian dissident colonel takes refuge in Turkey.

Russia and China veto UN resolution to punish Syria.

As relations sour, Turkey plans military exercise at Syrian border.

Iran delays space rocket launch.

ASIA

Lawmaker calls out China on Internet ‘trade war’.

N.Korea rejects preconditions for nuclear talks.

Afghans hand out satellite images of Taliban hideouts to Pak.

Thai flood death toll 237.

AFRICA

Libya's NTC launches 'final assault' on Gadhafi stronghold. Sirte residents turn anger on Libya's new rulers.

Egypt unclear on timetable of power transfer, U.S. says.

Uganda LRA rebel tracking technology unveiled.

3 days of mourning in Somalia after bomb kills 70. Massive al-Shabaab suicide bomb kills over 80

Tutu: South African government is 'worse than apartheid' after Dalai Lama visa row.

EUROPE

Greeks take to the streets against more cuts.

Putin's United Russia: Communist Party clone or modern democratic force?

Russia claims it has detained Chinese spy.

Italy downgrade deepens contagion fears over euro debt crisis.

U.S. warns NATO over spending cuts, security.

AMERICAS

Haiti senate appoints Clinton aide as prime minister.

Somali pirates face hard time in US prison.

Memo: Holder told of ‘Fast and Furious’ as early as July 2010.

Professional wrestler detained over Mexico casino firebomb.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

USS Cole suspect to be arraigned in October.

Obama, Congress divided over terror suspects.

No 9/11 trial this year at Guantanamo war court.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

European banks show signs of ill health.

U.S. economic recovery 'close to faltering,' Ben Bernanke tells Congress.

China: US currency bill would have repercussions.