These images made available by the Metropolitan Police in London, Tuesday Feb 17, 2009, show: top row, from left, Waheed Zaman, Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Waheed Khan, Umar Islam, and, bottom row, from left, Tanvir Hussain, Donald Stewart-Whyte, Abdulla Ahmed Ali and Assad Sarwar, who plotted to use 'home made bombs' disguised as soft drinks to blow up transatlantic aircraft in mid-flight, according to the prosecution in their trial at Woolwich Crown Court in London, Tuesday Feb. 17, 2009. The eight men, aged between 22 and 30, deny conspiracy to murder, but the prosecutor, Peter Wright, said the defendants were close to carrying out their plan when they were arrested in August 2006. Seven of the men are undergoing a retrial. One is facing charges for the first time. (AP Photo/Metropolitan Police) WORLD NEWS BRIEFS
MIDDLE EAST
Syrian President Assad urges US to rebuild diplomatic road to Damascus.
Iran minister seeks missiles on Russia trip.
UN: 5 tons of bombs stolen under Hamas guard .... I bet you that it is The Usual Suspects.
Israel sets soldier's release as truce condition.
Volatile Anbar province a test of Iraq's future.
IAEA: Iran, Syria must cooperate more.
ASIA
As war's end nears, Sri Lanka struggles to define peace.
Army eliminated 1,256 militants in J&K and NE in 2008.
Petraeus in Uzbekistan to discuss Afghan supply routes.
AFRICA
Madagascar army warns protesters.
Mali's Tuareg rebels down weapons.
MV Faina arms cargo ready for rail transfer.
EUROPE
European court loosens requirements for asylum.
France responsible in WWII deportations.
Russia, Georgia agree plan to avoid new clashes
AMERICAS
Iraq sells its uranium to Canadian company.
1 killed in unrest on French island Guadeloupe.
Colombia vows action after rebels kill Indians.
Obama signs stimulus bill, readies homeowner plan.
Venezuela's post-referendum hangover. US Official: Venezuela referendum 'fully democratic'.
TERRORISM
Jet bombers planned mass killing over Atlantic, court told. 'Bomb plot' case jury dismissed.
Ex-inmate turned al-Qaida leader surrenders.
Bank woes forces Germany into nationalisation law.
Court reverses ruling bringing 17 detainees to US.
FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS
Bank nationalisation gains ground with Republicans.
Fed downgrades economic forecast for this year.