World News Briefs -- May 4, 2009

A Chinese girl wears a face mask in Beijing April 30, 2009. A senior Chinese health official said that overseas media reports pointing to China as the source of a swine flu outbreak were aimed at tarnishing his nation's image. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver)

Flu Could Flourish In Southern Hemisphere Winter -- Yahoo News/AP

SYDNEY, Australia – Southern hemisphere countries that have largely escaped swine flu infections could soon become more vulnerable, experts warn, as the approaching winter brings with it an elevated risk of the virus spreading and mutating.

So far, the worst affected nations — such as Mexico, the United States, Canada and countries in Europe — have been in the northern hemisphere, which is heading into summer. To the south of the equator, cooler weather is imminent.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq insists on US leaving cities by June 30.

Hariri accuses Syria of plotting return in Lebanon.

Journalist group: US reporter hospitalized in Iran.

Iran’s Ahmadinejad postpones Latin American trip indefinitely.

Iran's Supreme Leader rebukes Ahmadinejad over powers.

ASIA

Tens of thousands flee Pakistani fighting.

In India, educated but unemployable youths.

Taleban face human shields charge.

Afghan president chooses warlord as running mate.

Joint Chiefs chairman: Afghanistan now top priority.

China denies flu discrimination.

AFRICAS

Niger leader meets Tuareg rebels.

Court dismisses Charles Taylor's acquittal motion.

Islamist rules out Somalia talks.

Clashes erupt over Egypt pig cull.

South Korea rescues North Korean ship near Somalia.

EUROPE

Spanish judge goes forward with Israeli probe.

Fiat move for GM would create $100B giant.

Iraqi in Denmark recruited suicide bombers for Iraq.

Vatican 'hampered new Hanks film'.

AMERICAS

Key midterm campaigns start in Mexico. Did the Mexican state prove itself in the swine flu response?

Ricardo Martinelli wins Panama presidential election. More news here.

Haiti starts over again.

Business groups critical of Obama's tax proposals.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Detainee compromises likely.

Yemen jails al Qaeda militants for 3 years.

Democrats drop funds to close Gitmo.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

European economy 'will shrink 4%".

End to Europe’s recession in sight.

U.S. Empty neighborhoods fill Rust Belt.

China has 'canceled US credit card': lawmaker.

Worries rise on the size of U.S. debt.

Asia may resist tapping $120 billion fund as region improves.