World News Briefs -- September 27, 2010 (Evening Edition)

This photo is believed to be of Kim Jong-un, who has been made a general in the North Korean army, which many believe is a sign he is being groomed for leadership. Photograph: Yonhap/AFP/Getty Images

North Korea's Kim Jong Il Promotes Son To The Rank Of General -- ABC News

Selection Seen as Sealing His Choice as Heir Apparent; Also Makes His Sister a General

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il moved to extend the family dynasty today by promoting his young son to the rank of general, and likely putting him in line to inherit power in the nuclear armed country.

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MIDDLE EAST

Omanis arrive in Iran to aid 2 U.S. hikers, paper reports.

Palestinians threaten again to quit peace talks. Palestinian leader Abbas in Paris over peace talks.

Iran crosses into Iraq to hit bombing suspects.

Jewish activists set sail from Cyprus for Gaza, aiming to defy Israeli blockade.

ASIA

Pakistan say NATO airstrikes breach its air space. NATO launches airstrikes into Pakistan, 50 dead.

Pakistan minister quits after accusing army of killings.

China hints missiles targeting Taiwan 'could be axed'.

China: One-child policy will stand.

American and Afghan troops begin combat for Kandahar.

Disturbing pictures show Taliban militants allegedly stoning woman to death in Pakistan.

Delegates arrive for N. Korea meeting. North Korea military appears to back Kim succession.

Separatist leader rejects India’s Kashmir plan.

AFRICA

Who attacked al-Shabab? The rebel leader speaks.

European Union group: Pirates abandon ship in Somali basin.

UN relief as Rwanda 'drops Darfur peacekeeper threat'.

Helicopter fires rockets at site of Somali militant meeting.

4 African military chiefs discuss fighting Al Qaeda jointly.

US to seek stronger ties with Somaliland and Puntland.

EUROPE

France on high alert as officials warn of possible terrorist attacks.

Karadzic defends himself at Srebrenica war crimes trial.

France seeks talks with al-Qaeda-linked kidnappers in Niger, Morin says.

Romanian govt in uproar amid austerity protests.

Ireland: The next Greece?

USAFE general: Keep U.S. military forces in Europe.

AMERICAS

Suspect in 18 killings dies in Honduras shootout.

Chavez's party holds onto Venezuelan parliament majority.

'Beginning of end' for Colombian rebels.

Brazil: The former guerrilla set to be the world's most powerful woman.

Billions of U.S. dollars later, Colombia gets the upper hand in battle on rebels, drugs.

Revealed: The maps that show the racial breakdown of America’s biggest cities.

Report: US would make Internet wiretaps easier.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo Bay rations detainees’ ice cream portions.

Repeated U.S. drone strikes could spark another round of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

U.S. officials defend "state secrets" claim in al-Aulaqi suit.

Money transfers could face anti-terrorism scrutiny.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

RIM releases Playbook to rival iPad.

Segway boss Jimi Heselden dies on Segway: Are Segways safe?

Google chief sees Bing as main threat.

European central banks halt gold sales.

Russia and China sign series of energy agreements. Russia wants to supply all of China's gas needs.