World News Briefs -- June 17, 2015

Al Jazeera: Yemen peace talks remain deadlocked

UN special envoy begins shuttle diplomacy in Geneva to bridge differences, while rival sides trade blame for sabotage.

The United Nations is scrambling to get Yemen peace talks in Geneva moving with both the exiled government and the Iran-backed Yemeni rebels accusing each other of trying to sabotage the process.

The UN special envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, began shuttle diplomacy in Geneva trying to bridge differences between warring parties, but both sides still refuse to sit at the same table and spell out clashing agendas.

MIDDLE EAST

'Elephant rockets' kill dozens in Damascus suburb.

Syria conflict: Rebels launch Quneitra offensive. Syrian rebels say launch offensive in southern Syria.

Kerry 'absolutely certain' Assad using chlorine attacks on his people.

Iraq: Ramadi military operations halted.

Yemeni forces launch barrages of rockets on Saudi military base in Dhahran Asir.

Four car bombs rock Yemeni capital, dozens of casualties.

Israel briefly declares closed military zone in Golan Heights.

As Iran deal takes shape, Israel plays up regional common ground.

ASIA

Bangladesh and Myanmar patrols exchange fire along river border.

China gives more details on South China Sea facilities.

North Korea says hit by worst drought in 100 years.

Kashmir killings raise fears of new bloodletting.

Debate begins over Hong Kong's electoral reform.

China, again, bans Muslims from fasting during Ramadan, say Uighur community.

Asia needs better data, more funding to stamp out modern day slavery.

AFRICA

Boko Haram bombs kill scores in northeast Nigeria.

South Sudan accuses Sudan of dropping bombs across the border; 1 killed.

Report alleges torture rampant in prisons of Libya's internationally recognized government.

Corruption rife in sub-Saharan Africa, DR Congo tops graft list.

Kenyan president says troops will stay in Somalia.

Ethiopian opposition party: Candidate's murder was politically motivated.

EUROPE

Greek central bank warns of 'painful' euro and EU exit. Greek central bank governor warns of 'uncontrollable crisis'. 'It’s going to be bad, whatever happens': Greece on edge as eurozone exit looms.

Russia, Germany call for swift end to fighting in east Ukraine: Moscow.

Russia warns of 'new military confrontation' in Europe.

Russia, Germany trade Cold War accusations.

Almost one third of Ukrainians want corrupt officials to be executed.

Kosovo ex-PM arrested in Slovenia on Serbian warrant.

Hungary says to fence off border with Serbia to stop migrants.

U.S.-Spain sign deal giving Marines permanent use of air base.

AMERICAS

Exclusive: FBI in midst of broad campaign to disrupt ISIS, sources say.

US House to vote on withdrawing troops from Iraq, Syria.

US Senate blocks direct aid to Kurdish forces.

Venezuela students join opposition leader's hunger-strike protest.

Attack by Colombian FARC rebels kills 2 police officers, civilian.

Omar Gonzalez, White House fence jumper, sentenced to 17 months in prison.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon: Islamic State to continue looking for ways to expand in Afghanistan.

Yemen’s new al-Qaida leader emerges.

Al Qaeda kills two Saudis accused of spying for America: residents.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Swiss investigating 53 cases of possible money laundering at Fifa.

Global conflicts 'cost 13% of world GDP'.

Report: Wal-Mart has $76 billion in overseas tax havens.

World News Briefs -- March 12, 2015

BBC: Islamic State 'accepts' Boko Haram's allegiance pledge

Islamic State (IS) has accepted a pledge of allegiance from Nigeria's militant group Boko Haram, according to an audio message.

In the tape, which has not been verified, an IS spokesman says the aim of establishing a caliphate has now been expanded to West Africa.

Last week, Boko Haram posted a message saying it wanted to join ranks with IS.

Boko Haram began a military campaign to impose Islamist rule in northern Nigeria in 2009.

The conflict has since spread to neighbouring states.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S.-led forces conduct 13 air strikes in Iraq: U.S. military.

On two fronts, Iraqi forces battle Islamic State for Tikrit.

Iraqi forces tighten siege of Tikrit.

ISIS now using chlorine gas roadside bombs in 'desperate' attempt to spread panic among Iraqi soldiers.

Civil war really HAS brought darkness to Syria: Satellite images reveal 83% of the country's lights have gone out due to destruction, power shortages and people fleeing their homes.

Aid agencies slam UN Security Council over Syria.

4 years of Syria war leave families uprooted, separated.

Iran's leader calls US senators' letter a sign of US disintegration. Iran's supreme leader warns against 'deceitful' West.

Kerry: No 'grand bargain' with Iran over ISIS.

Hamas rejects 5-year Israeli truce in exchange for end to Gaza blockade.

Netanyahu's main challenger widens lead in Israeli pre-election polls.

ASIA

Obama speaks to Afghanistan's leaders ahead of visit.

Myanmar bombed Chinese village.

S. Korea, China, Japan seek to ease tensions, set up FM meet.

Kazakhstan's long term president to run in snap election – again.

Sri Lanka reveals plans for inquiry into war crimes.

China's economy: It's worse than you think.

North Korean envoy apologizes after diplomat caught with undeclared gold.

Dalai Lama and China in spat over reincarnation.

AFRICA

UN ready to shore up regional force fighting Boko Haram.

Chad troops fighting Boko Haram redeploy, signaling possible new push.

Boko Haram 'cleared' from Nigeria's Adamawa state: military.

Boko Haram targets Arabs in reprisal for Chad offensive.

Officials: US drone strike in Somalia kills Westgate planner.

Islamic State militants claim bomb attack in Libyan capital.

South Sudan leaders given more time to reach peace deal.

Rwanda court jails 11 for conspiring with rebels to topple government.

Sudan says not scared of global court, dismisses U.N. move.

UN tally of Ebola deaths passes 10,000, most in West Africa.

EUROPE

IMF approves $17.5 billion loan for Ukraine.

Kremlin says Ukraine moving too slowly to fulfill peace deal.

Putin informed that Nemtsov murder suspects could have been tortured — human rights chief.

Nemtsov killing exposes cracks in Kremlin unity.

Putin's spokesman: Russian leader in "really perfect" health. Rumours swirl Moscow about Putin's health after Russian President cancels meeting with high-ranking officials and is not seen in public for more than a week.

Thirty people feared dead and 40 more injured after shopping centre inferno causes mall to collapse in Russia.

Iceland confirms will not enter EU membership talks.

Jews in Baltics fear creep of anti-Semitism.

German anger over Greek demand for war reparations.

Greek prime minister promises to keep paying creditors.

Time to surrender? France to drop resistance to English, culture minister says.

Britain best place to invest, says China's richest man.

AMERICAS

State, county police take over Ferguson protest security after shooting.

Secret Service agents investigated after car hits White House barricade.

Colombia Bogota explosion injures police officers.

Argentina dealt setback by U.S. judge over Citigroup bond payments.

Haiti announces dates for presidential and legislative elections.

Brazil's graft inquiry expands to current, ex-Rio governors.

Brazil arrests former Italian guerrilla pending deportation.

Tourist killed by whale crashing into boat off Mexico.

Cuba allows rare free public Wi-Fi at Havana cultural center.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIL 'accepts Boko Haram's pledge of allegiance'.

‘Informants’ forced on their knees and beheaded in latest ISIS video which sees Islamist butchers justify their savagery as ‘revenge’ for military operations in Syria and Iraq.

France investigates IS killing video over Merah link.

US military concerned ISIS fighters returning to Caribbean could reach border.

Suspected drone attack kills three Somali militants: residents.

FBI chief not sure where 'torture report' is.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tomorrow's oil price? Guesses range from $20 to $200.

Commerzbank to pay $1.45bn for US banking violations.

Michael Jordan leads the highest-paid retired athletes 2015.

French shipyard threatens to sell Jacques Cousteau's boat.

World News Briefs -- January 22, 2013

Israelis Vote in General Election -- Voice of America

JERUSALEM — Israelis voted on Tuesday in an election that is expected to see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu win a third term in office, pushing the Jewish state further to the right, away from peace with the Palestinians and towards a showdown with Iran.

However, Netanyahu's own Likud party, running alongside the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu group, looks set to have fewer seats than in the previous parliament, with opinion polls showing a surge in support for the far-right Jewish Home party.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels clash with Kurds in northeast: activists.

Rebels in northern Syrian pin hopes on airbase's downfall.

Russians flee Syrian conflict on planes from Beirut.

Israel goes to polls, set to re-elect Netanyahu.

Two blasts, suicide attack kill 17 in Baghdad.

U.N. nuclear agency says Iran talks moved to February 13.

Bahraini invites opposition to resume talks over crisis.

ASIA

India warns Kashmiris of possible nuclear attack.

U.S. circulates draft North Korea rebuke at U.N..

Japanese envoy in China to discuss islands.

Philippines 'to take South China Sea row to court'.

Three Chinese ships in disputed island waters: Japan.

Chinese military officer warns Australia about siding with Japan in disputes.

Japan agrees 2% inflation target and asset purchases.

In China, signs that one-child policy may be coming to an end.

AFRICA

Eritrea: Asmara calm after 'information ministry raid'. Calm returns to Eritrea after siege ends. No sign of Eritrea mutineers as calm returns.

Algeria vows to fight Qaeda after 38 workers killed.

Algeria defends tough response to hostage crisis as toll rises.

Chad troops move toward Niger's Mali border to face Islamists.

Diabaly falls, now French and Malian forces eye north.

Gunmen seize fuel tanker with 16 crew off Ivory Coast.

EUROPE

France and Germany commemorate Elysee treaty.

Financial transactions tax in Europe given go-ahead. Analysis: No respite for euro zone in long rebalancing slog.

Sarkozy's plans 'to dodge new 75% French tax rate by moving to London with wife Carla and setting up £1bn private equity fund'.

The Swiss turn on the super-rich.

Europe snowed in.

Prince Harry's wartime role draws reprisal fears.

AMERICAS

Confident Obama lays out battle plan as he launches second term.

92,000 dead in Mexico`s war on the drug cartels.

Central America's tiny states caught in deadly crossfire of battle with cartels.

Argentina attacks Falkland Islands referendum.

"Laughing" Chavez gives orders from Cuba: Venezuelan minister.

Mexican president vows to end hunger for millions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

SAS and spy planes set for Mali as Britain offer more support in battle against 'terrorist scourge' of Al Qaeda

'Belmokhtar' video claims responsibility for Algeria siege.

No classified FISA court rulings made public as a result of review.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Germany`s Weidmann warns of currency war risk.

World unemployment to hit record high in 2013: ILO.

Google expected to gain from ad momentum.

World News Briefs -- November 30, 2012

Egyptians Protest After Panel Backs Constitution -- Voice of America

CAIRO — Egyptians protested in Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday for an eighth straight day of demonstrations against President Mohamed Morsi, as an Islamist-dominated panel approved Egypt's new draft constitution that must now be voted on in a nationwide referendum.

The panel, boycotted by several Christian and liberal members, retained the principles of Islamic law as the main source of legislation. The group rushed through the approval of the 234 articles in a meeting that lasted from Thursday afternoon until early Friday.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Fighting continues near Damascus airport.

Global hacking network declares Internet war on Syria.

Palestinians win de facto U.N. recognition of sovereign state.

Senate approves new sanctions for Iran energy, shipping.

Iran may quit anti-nuclear arms pact if attacked: envoy.

Continued clean-up seen at Iranian military site tied to nuclear program.

Baghdad-Kurdistan talks stall over military command.

ASIA

ASEAN chief voices alarm at China plan to board ships in disputed waters.

Chinese delegation said to meet with North Korean leader.

Satellite photos showing North Korea rocket preparations raise speculation.

Anti-Shiite violence rises in Pakistan as Islam’s sectarian divide moves beyond the Middle East.

'People will die': Muslims face expulsion from western Myanmar.

Japan PM postpones Russia trip due to Putin's health problems: media.

AFRICA

Egypt draft constitution sparks mass protest. Egypt assembly adopts draft constitution. All eyes on Egypt’s military as Morsi, judges battle for power.

Congo rebels extend stay in Goma. Dispute over munitions threatens Congo M23 pullout. DR Congo police arrive in Goma as M23 rebels delay pull-out.

Office in Uganda shows how easily rebels can move.

Nigeria Boko Haram leader urges global jihad in video.

Algeria says vote had 44 percent turnout, showing stability.

EUROPE

Eurozone unemployment rate hits new high in October.

Special Report: Greeks rage against pension calamity.

French socialist in Mittal row: We're just doing what Obama does.

Russian court bans 'extremist' Pussy Riot video from websites.

Napoleon's secret coded Kremlin letter on sale.

AMERICAS

Mexico drug war continues to rage in region where president fired first salvo.

Mexico seeks to pivot relationship with US as new president takes office.

Brazil economy surprisingly weak, adds to global fears.

Colombia seeks talks with Nicaragua to solve maritime spat.

Cuban dissidents report escalated harassment.

Haiti seeks $2bn for cholera epidemic 'introduced by UN peacekeepers'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Military action against al Qaida-linked extremists in Mali unlikely for months.

9/11 suspects may be tried in civilian courts not military tribunals.

Boko Haram emir praises al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

German Parliament sends 'Google Tax' to committee.

Economic growth slows in India, Brazil and Canada.

Insight: How a desperate HP suspended disbelief for Autonomy deal.

Apple to sell iPhone 5, iPad mini in China.

World News Briefs -- November 20, 2012 (Evening Edition)

Gaza Pounded Despite Truce Talks With Israel In Cairo -- BBC

Gaza has come under renewed bombardment from Israel, as agreement on a ceasefire to end a week of violence remains elusive.

At least 20 Palestinians were reported to have been killed on Tuesday. Two Israelis - a soldier and a civilian - were killed in rocket strikes.

Earlier, Egyptian and Palestinian officials said a ceasefire would shortly be announced at talks in Cairo.

But Israeli spokesman Mark Regev told the BBC a deal was not yet done.

And late on Tuesday, a senior Hamas official, Izzat Risheq, said a deal might not be reached until the morning.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Hamas blames Israel for 'delay' of truce deal.

Clinton in Israel aiming for Gaza cease-fire.

Egypt says Israel will halt 'aggression' within hours.

Diplomatic efforts for Gaza truce intensify.

Hillary Clinton to visit Middle East over Gaza conflict.

Fighting in Gaza leaves U.S. in difficult position with Turkey, Egypt.

U.N. sees mixed signals on Yemeni reform.

Syria rebels win support from Britain, battle in Damascus.

Rebels storm military base in north Syria.

Assad troops fight to oust rebels from Damascus.

EU endorses Syrian opposition. Syria Islamist fighters in Aleppo reject new opposition.

Kurdish commander warns of battle against Iraq.

Iran wobbles between talks and bombs.

ASIA

France ends Afghan combat mission early.

Kazakh opposition leader's conviction upheld.

China appoints new top official for scandal-ridden Chongqing.

Obama urges restraint in tense Asian disputes.

Kim Jong-un is having serious trouble reining in North Korea's military.

Japan ruling party stands tough on territorial spat.

Afghanistan opium harvest drops by a third - UN.

Outrage at India arrests over Facebook post.

Pakistani court dismisses blasphemy case against Christian girl.

AFRICA

More than 60 injured in Egypt clashes.

Juba accuses Sudan of delaying oil exports.

Kenya: Garissa residents shot after army launches crackdown.

DR Congo rebels claim control of Goma.

More violence in Kenya as Somali tensions rise. Anti-terror operations stoke religious tension in Kenya. Kenyans riot against ethnic Somalis.

Mali: Tuareg rebels lose their last base in north. Mali Islamists claim Menaka victory against rebels.

Malians listen for the sound of drones.

Report: Ivory Coast's military has illegally arrested and abused 100s of Gbagbo sympathisers.

Building resilience key to restoring Sahel food security.

Observers praise Sierra Leone elections.

EUROPE

Kosovo PM's ally to be tried again for war crimes.

Former PM of Croatia jailed for corruption.

Russian activists to boycott law on NGOs.

Church of England won't allow female bishops.

Eurozone crisis live: Greece optimistic of aid breakthrough tonight.

Downgraded France says it needs more time.

Catalonia is voting on its future in Spain – and Madrid is worried.

Northern Ireland to host G8 summit.

Poland arrests bomb plotter linked to Norway's Breivik.

Home of Russian state telco boss raided in fraud probe.

Close friend says Kate Middleton is pregnant: report.

AMERICAS

Easing of restraints in Cuba renews debate on U.S. embargo.

Breakaway unions strike across Argentina. Argentina's Fernandez faces her first general strike.

High-profile arrest of member of Haiti's elite in kidnap ring rocks society.

Mexico focus on police commanders in CIA shooting.

Colombia loses swath of sea but keeps islands in dispute with Nicaragua.
Corn a sign of Brazil's growing clout.

Venezuela-Colombia trade agreement comes into effect.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Treasury adds Hezbollah leader who was in US custody last year to terrorism list.

Ansar al Sharia Egypt releases founding statement.

Social media snags 4 U.S. residents allegedly supporting Taliban.

Four California men charged in alleged terror plot.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Bernanke: Fiscal cliff poses ‘substantial threat’ to U.S. economy.

Billions in bearer bonds could be lost due to Hurricane Sandy: sources.

HP: 'Autonomy misled on finances'.

Business sees risk of British exit from E.U..

World News Briefs -- March 1, 2012

Syrian Rebels Reportedly Retreat From Bab Amr In face Of Army Onslaught -- Washington Post

BEIRUT — The Free Syrian Army announced Thursday that it was staging what it called a tactical retreat from the stricken Bab Amr neighborhood in the Syrian city of Homs, citing concerns for the welfare of civilians and the lack of sufficient weaponry to withstand an escalating offensive by better-armed government troops.

The move came a day after Syria’s army launched a fresh push to retake Bab Amr, which has become a powerful symbol of resistance to the regime led by President Bashar al-Assad. Bab Amr has been under siege by government troops and bombarded on a daily basis for nearly four weeks.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels leave embattled Homs stronghold.

Western sanctions tighten squeeze on Iran oil exports.

Key constituencies disillusioned as Iran votes.

Israel shuts down two Palestinian TV stations in Ramallah.

Turkey: Ten wounded in Istanbul police bus blast. Bombing wounds 15 policemen in Turkey.

ASIA

NKorea nuclear envoy to visit US on heels of deal.

China welcomes North Korea's moratorium on nuclear tests.

Myanmar President vows more democratic reform.

Maldives president blocked from opening Parliament.

Japan tsunami debris spreading across Pacific.

AFRICA

Nigeria pirates kidnap cargo ship crew in raid.

South Sudan accuses north of bombing oil wells.

Senegal presidential poll results confirm run-off.

Egypt authorities 'secure' US military plane repatriating NGO workers. Egypt's rulers face backlash after lifting travel ban on Americans.

Julius Malema expelled from ANC.

In Seychelles, scary moments described aboard ship.

EUROPE

Eurozone unemployment continues to rise.

EU summit: Greek parliament backs bailout cuts.

Russia sees no progress at missile defense talks.

Russia election: Vladimir Putin supporters 'using illegal methods to ensure victory'.

UN: Drug mobs rule UK cities.

Greek unions walk out, parliament cuts health costs.

AMERICAS

Thousands of Aristide supporters demonstrate in Haiti.

Tornadoes rip through Illinois and Kansas killing at least 12.

Argentina pursuing policy of confrontation, says No 10.

Venezuela's Chavez: I'm recovering like a condor. Hugo Chavez: 'Soaring like the condor' after surgery.

US mosques increase in number despite post-9/11 suspicions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

CIA joins hunt for 7/7 widow who 'collaborated with terrorists'.

Egypt says man seized at airport not al Qaeda leader.

Guantánamo detainees did not see al Qaida magazine, prison commander says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Arctic Ocean drilling: Shell launches preemptive legal strike.

Bernanke warns U.S. lawmakers country headed for 'massive fiscal cliff'.

China holdings of US debt at $1.15 trillion.

Google implements privacy policy despite EU warning.

World News Briefs -- May 20, 2010

Reaction To South Korea Boat Sinking Report -- Reuters

South Korea on Thursday accused the North of sinking a navy warship, the Cheonan, last March, killing 46 South Korean sailors, saying the evidence was overwhelming.

This is how the world reacted:

NORTH KOREA

The South's findings were a fabrication "orchestrated by the group of traitors in a deliberate and brigandish manner to achieve certain political and military aims," the National Defense Commission said in a rare statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

UN Iran sanctions 'would bar Russian missile sales'.

Russian official: Iran's reactor ready by August.

No release for hikers jailed as American spies, says Iran.

Iraq's political crisis disheartens the middle class.

No signs of progress as US envoy wraps up Mideast visit.

ASIA

NKorea warns of war if punished for ship sinking.

Thai government extends curfew as clean up from crackdown, rioting begins.

Pakistan court orders blocking of Facebook over Muhammad cartoon.

AFRICA

Chad denies entry to Darfur rebel leader.

Cameroon attacks show pirates are heading south.

Outcry over Zimbabwe’s plans to sell prized animals to North Korea.

EUROPE

Europeans scramble to restore unity.

Cameron and Clegg unveil final coalition agreement.

20,000 people in Greek protest march to parliament.

Paintings worth millions stolen in Paris.

France to build new mega-mosque.

AMERICAS

Louisiana shore sees heavy oil as BP prepares plug.

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez allegedly helped Colombian, Spanish militants forge ties.

Colombian top candidates tied for May 30 vote.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ETA suspect held in France 'is group's top leader'.

Al Qaeda man reveals World Cup attack plan.

Americans who join militants can be targets: White House.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

British airways strike looms as court says vote valid.

Euro slips, German ban keeps markets under tension.

Euro in danger: Germans trigger panic over future of single currency.

Canada's Macklem: no G20 consensus on bank levy.

World News Briefs -- February 9, 2010

Ukraine's Tymoshenko Girds To Contest Election Result -- Yahoo News/Reuters

KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko launched action on Tuesday to call rival Viktor Yanukovich's election as president into question.

A local newspaper quoted Tymoshenko as saying she "will never recognize" Yanukovich's victory in Sunday's election and her supporters in parliament announced organized action to try to prove "cynical" fraud by the rival camp.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran moves closer to nuke warhead capacity.

Iran TV: Higher uranium enrichment process started.

In northern Iraq, a vote seems likely to split.

Hamas sees 'no prospects' for Mideast peace.

ASIA

India to boost island defenses to counter China.

US Marines gear up for major Afghan assault.

U.K. Afghanistan death toll higher than Falklands.

Pakistani military retakes key town in tribal belt

197 people charged with murder over Philippine massacre.

AFRICA

Somali capital braces for all-out war.

International Court dismisses case of Darfur rebel.

Nigerian senators urge Yar'Adua handover. Nigeria: Lawmakers empower vice president.

EUROPE

France snubs U.S., will sell ship to Russia. Gates voices concern about warship sale to Russia.

Moscow says U.S. missile shield aimed at Russia.

Irish bishops meet with abuse survivors to prepare for meeting with Pope.

EU searches for way out of debt crisis.

AMERICAS

In Haiti, relief efforts falling short. Haiti: Paperwork hinders airlifts of ill children.

Costa Rica election win for Chinchilla shows women's rise in Latin America.

Chávez declares an ‘electricity emergency’ in Venezuela.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda in Yemen call for Jihad.

Army warned about Jihadist threat in '08.

Al-Qaida threatens to attack U.S. interests 'everywhere'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Will baby boomers bankrupt Social Security?

Europe could face years-long debt grind.

Global recession ends, economists predict recovery in 2010.

Toyota recalls 437,000 Priuses, hybrids globally.

World News Briefs -- November 17, 2009

Afghanistan, Iraq Among The World's Most Corrupt -- AP

BERLIN — Afghanistan and Iraq, countries that receive billions of dollars a year in international support, are among the world's most corrupt nations, a watchdog group said in a report released Tuesday.

Lawless Somalia remained the world's most corrupt country, followed by Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Iraq, Transparency International said in its annual Corruption Perceptions Index.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Inspectors fear Iran is hiding nuclear plants. Iran says nuclear 'enemies' defeated.

U.S. Senators in Israel say no to U.N. resolution on Palestinian statehood. EU rejects Palestinian state plan.

Iraq's Kurds threaten to boycott elections.

Saudi clerics see Iran's hand behind Yemen rebels.

IAEA suspects Syrian nuclear sites.

UN nuclear chief in secret talks with Iran over deal to end sanctions.

ASIA

Obama, Hu vow cooperation but produce few deals.

Pakistan seizes main Taliban bases, hunts rebels. Swat Taliban chief 'has escaped'.

Terror attacks roil business in Pakistan’s economic heartland.

Sri Lanka issues banknote to mark end of war.

AFRICA

Some African countries are just not viable, says philanthropist.

Somali pirates hijack ship, 28 North Korean crew.

US envoy back in Sudan this week.

U.N. court overturns Rwandan's genocide conviction.

Secret army being recruited in Kenya to fight Islamic insurgents.

EUROPE

Czechs celebrate 20th anniversary of communism's fall.

Ukraine: Million hit by "plague worse than swine flu".

Ex-Ukraine leader angles for a return.

AMERICAS

Venezuela: Colombia detained troops illegally.

Mexico's gang wars spawn vigilante justice. Fixing Mexico police becomes a priority.

One in seven Americans short of food.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Security threats inside and out for 9/11 trial.

U.K. terror suspects paid £600,000 for 'living costs'.

ECONOMY/FIANCE/BUSINESS

Budget deficit is sending the U.S. to 'third-class status as a nation'.

WH jobs and economy forum to take place on December 3rd.

World News Briefs -- August 25, 2009

The South Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1, South Korea's first space rocket, takes off from the launch pad at the Naro Space Center, at a beach in Goheung, south of Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. The country's first rocket blasted off into space Tuesday following an aborted attempt last week and just months after its rival North Korea drew international ire for its own launch. (AP Photo/Yonhap, Choi Jae-koo)

South Korea Launches First Rocket Into Space -- Yahoo News/AP

GOHEUNG, South Korea – South Korea's first rocket blasted off into space Tuesday following an aborted attempt last week and just months after its rival North Korea drew international ire for its own launch.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi prime minister to go it alone in national elections.

Baghdad bombing leaves hole in diplomatic corps.

Shots exchanged over Gaza border.

U.S. feeling sidelined as Iraqis taking over.

ASIA

Relatives accuse Pakistan forces in Swat killings.

N.Korea invites US envoy for nuclear talks-reports.

Will Japan re-elect its hereditary politicians?

Afghan Government claim Karzai victory.

AFRICA

Africa wants $67 bln a year in global warming funds.

Nigerian amnesty deal with militants unravels.

Aid groups warn cholera could return in Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

Lockerbie bomber broke promise not to celebrate, says Kenny MacAskill.

Scottish govt defends Lockerbie bomber's release.

Suicide bomber kills at least four in Russia's Chechnya.

As the Greek fires subside, outrage grows.

AMERICAS

Swine flu may cause 90,000 U.S. deaths, report says. Swine flu could hospitalize 2 million in U.S. this winter.

Mexico catches leading member of La Familia cartel.

Textbook sparks furore in Mexico.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Young Guantanamo prisoner back in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama will nominate Fed Chairman Bernanke to second term.

White House set for backlash on national debt.

Real U.S. unemployment at 16 percent.