World News Briefs -- February 24, 2009

A South Korean watches a television news showing a file image of North Korea's missile, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. North Korea said Tuesday it is preparing to shoot a satellite into orbit, its clearest reference yet to an impending launch that neighbors and the U.S. suspect will be a provocative test of a long-range missile. The letters on the TV read 'The preparations for launching experimental communications satellite Kwangmyongsong-2'. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

WORLD NEWS BRIEFS

Middle East

IDF foils 'large-scale terror attack'.

Israel's Peres ushers in right-leaning parliament.

'U.S. plans to pledge $900 million for Gaza'. More news here.

Shiite pilgrims clash with Saudi police in Medina.

Bagdhad Museum reopens.

US soldier killed in police attack in Iraq.

Asia

N. Korea statement raises worry of a missile test.

Protesters bring return of political turmoil to Thailand.

U.S. aid to Pakistan military underfunded, report says.

Sri Lankan refugees face open-ended detention in camps.

Africa

Rwanda in Congo: staying or going?

Signs of progress reported in Congo peace negotiations

100 white farmers targeted in Zimbabwe land grab.

Zimbabwe 'illegal gold sale bid'.

AU says Somalia attack will not deter peacekeeping.

UN: Smugglers force Africans into sea, 17 dead.

Europe

U.K. Govt accused of cover-up over Iraq war minutes.

From crisis, a more unified Europe?

Russian tycoon transferred to Moscow for trial.

Americas

Gunmen attack Mexican governor's convoy, kill bodyguard.

Homeland Security official affirms Mexican drug cartel violence has spilled over into Texas.

Hundreds on boat returned to Haiti.

Holocaust-denying bishop leaves Argentina.

Terrorism

Zawahri: Don't accept truce.

Latest 'al Qaeda message' focuses on Somalia.

FBI Director warns of terror attacks on U.S. cities

Bombs threaten Egypt tourism industry anew.

Paris appeals court acquits ex-Guantanamo inmates.

One in ten freed Guantánamo detainees goes back to terrorism, says Pentagon.

Financial/Economic Crisis

The end of tax havens?

Big stimulus bill sparks long-term fiscal fears.

U.S. to get bank ownership stakes only as losses rise.