Job seekers join a line of hundreds of people at a job fair sponsored by Monster.com on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in New York. The number of new jobless claims and the total number of people receiving unemployment benefits both dropped more than expected last week, though they remain at elevated levels and are unlikely to fall substantially in the coming months. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)WORLD NEWS BRIEFS
MIDDLE EAST
Iran will be invited to Afghan conference.
Iran says U.S.-Iran journalist to be freed soon: report.
Iraqi Prime Minister urges reconciliation with Ba'athists.
Nationalist could be Israel's next foreign minister.
ASIA
U.S. to use Colombian anti-drug program in Afghanistan.
S Korea diverts jets over threats.
Kyrgyzstan hesitates on plan to close base.
U.S. sees deal on Tajik transit for Afghan cargo.
Dalai Lama fears "explosion of violence" in Tibet.
AFRICA
Zimbabwe PM's wife dies in crash.
Morocco severs relations with Iran.
Kenya: shock at mysterious killing of rights defenders.
EUROPE
Georgia revamps military amid Russia tensions: minister.
New trial for tycoon is a test for Russia.
Ukraine averts new shutoff of Russian gas. More news here.
Bullets fly in Copenhagen as drug gang war punctures city image.
AMERICAS
Colombian army kills highest-ranking FARC woman commander.
Colombia seizes tons of cocaine in raid.
George Bush could be next on the war crimes list.
Mexican border city braces for troop patrols.
TERRORISM
Senate panel reaches terms for
EUROPE
Georgia revamps military amid Russia tensions: minister.
New trial for tycoon is a test for Russia.
Ukraine averts new shutoff of Russian gas. More news here.
Bullets fly in Copenhagen as drug gang war punctures city image.
AMERICAS
Colombian army kills highest-ranking FARC woman commander.
Colombia seizes tons of cocaine in raid.
George Bush could be next on the war crimes list.
Mexican border city braces for troop patrols.
TERRORISM
Senate panel reaches terms for probe of CIA detentions.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects terror detainee's challenge.
FINANCIAL/ECONOMIC CRISIS
Unemployment in U.S. hits 25-year-high.
Bill seeks to let FDIC borrow up to $500 billion.
GM's woes a headache for Berlin.