World News Briefs -- January 8, 2011

Syria On Edge As Monitors Prepare To Give Initial Report -- Christian Science Monitor

The Arab League monitors will make their report on Syria today as critics worry the mission is not credible.

The Arab League is set to hear the initial results of its observation mission to Syria and determine its next step to rein in the ongoing violence between Damascus' forces and anti-government protesters.

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MIDDLE EAST

Arab League meets on Syria as peace mission stumbles. Syria unrest: Arab League discusses observer mission. Tense Syria awaits outcome of Arab League meeting.

Panetta: Iran has not yet decided to make a nuclear bomb.

Report: Iran fires up new uranium enrichment plant.

Iran holds military exercise near Afghan border.

UN warns Yemen amnesty plan 'breaks human rights law'.

ASIA

Afghan inmates 'abused' at US-run Bagram prison.

Musharraf to address rally, expected to announce when he will return to Pakistan.

Kim Jong-un stars in new North Korean TV documentary. North Korea tries to build new leader’s image.

Philippines says peace talks entering important phase.

China loan growth quickens.

AFRICA

Nigerian violence sparks curfew.

Nigeria workers to proceed with strike tomorrow, unions say.

Egypt Islamists seen winning near two-thirds of seats.

Sudan’s president offers to help disarm Libyan militias, prompting outrage from rights group.

ANC fetes 100 years with show of dominance in South Africa.

EUROPE

Putin allies urge him to talk to opponents.

Basque rally in Spain calls attention to ETA prisoners.

Eurozone unemployment stays at record high.

Third ratings agency gives Hungary a junk credit rating.

Greece to 'sell bonds backed by state property'.

AMERICAS

Colombian government in all-out war against drug gang.

Giffords, Tucson mark deadly rampage anniversary.

On his stroll toward Mexico's presidency, Pena Nieto stumbles.

Argentina's Fernandez sent home, never had cancer.

Haiti 2 years later: Half a million still in camps.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lull in strikes by U.S. drones aids militants in Pakistan.

Britons warned over Nairobi terror threat.

Philippines set for possible terrorist attack.

Saudi Arabia tries 16 suspected al Qaeda members.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

MPs to quiz oil giants BP, Shell and Cairn Energy on Arctic drilling safety.

What killed Kodak?

Strong data damps Fed need to buy bonds: Bullard.