Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero (L) talks with European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Chief Catherine Ashton prior to a EU summit. European leaders backed Friday new sanctions against Iran, warning that Tehran's refusal to negotiate over its nuclear programme must be met with a tough response. (AFP/John Thys)EU, US Back New Iran Nuclear Sanctions -- Yahoo News/AFP
BRUSSELS (AFP) – European leaders backed Friday new sanctions against Iran, warning that Tehran's refusal to negotiate over its nuclear programme must be met with a tough response.
As they met in Brussels, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he expected "significant" new measures imposed if the Islamic republic fails to live up to commitments, and accused it of "stiffing the international community".
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MIDDLE EAST
Return of the drones in Yemen.
Israel settlement freeze shields dismantling of illegal outposts.
US, UK, France poised to seek new sanctions against Iran.
UN panel cites concern about Iran shipments.
Thousands flee Iran as noose tightens.
Iraqi lawmakers question Maliki about security.
Turkey warns IAF against using airspace.
ASIA
N. Korea says talks 'narrowed' differences with U.S.
War brings profits to south Thailand.
Philippine military "cautious" in dealing with Agusan hostage crisis. Philippines leader pressed to pacify south.
India faces backlash over a new state.
AFRICA
Ship released 6 months after hijacking.
Uganda government outlaws female circumcision.
US envoy returns to Sudan as tensions mount.
Zimbabwe's Mugabe bemoans party splits.
EUROPE
Romania's court orders void votes re-examined.
EU nations commit $3.6 billion to climate fund.
Police: Body of Cyprus president stolen from grave.
Two more nightclub blaze victims die, toll climbs to 141.
AMERICAS
Ecuador: US helped Colombia attack on FARC chief.
Ousted Honduran Leader rejects exile terms. Zelaya will leave Brazil Embassy by Jan. 27.
Cuban government goons target and attack human rights supporters.
8 killed in separate attacks in Mexican state.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
FBI and Pakistani agents interrogate five American Muslims.
Arrests in Pakistan show terror groups' growing ambitions.
Al-Qaeda 'rejected US Muslims because they lacked references'.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Economic reports raise hopes for global recovery.
US House approves financial reform bill.
Goldman Sachs’s top managers to get all-stock bonuses.
Pelosi: House intends to raise U.S. debt ceiling.
Sarkozy plans bonus tax, saying France, U.K. ‘show the way’.