Top news: Citing intelligence that Iran is using Iraqi airspace to ship weapons and other military equipment to embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the United States called on Iraq to require all such flights to land for inspection. The Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki fired back that the burden of proof lay with the United States. "Until now, there was no evidence from the Americans regarding weapons," a media adviser to Maliki told the New York Times. "We need that evidence, if available, so that we can take strict measures."
Iraq, which rejected a recent Arab League resolution demanding that Assad step down, does not wish to take sides, citing its own fragile sectarian situation. A similar request from President Obama earlier this year met with success, however, as Iranian flights to Syria were halted temporarily between March and July.
Iran: Representatives from Hezbollah, Hamas, Amal, and Islamic Jihad gathered in the Iranian city of Isfahan for the third International Conference and Festival of Islamic Resistance. Among the expected discussion topics is how these groups will triumph over the United States and Israel.
Africa
- The United States called on Libya to give Abdullah al-Senussi, Muammar al-Qaddafi's former spy chief, a fair trial after he was he was deported by Mauritania.
- Mali's interim leader requested military assistance from ECOWAS to free the Islamist-controlled north.
- Nigeria's navy retook a hijacked oil tanker off the coast of Lagos, freeing 23 Indian hostages.
Middle East
- Turkish forces launched a major air-and-ground operation against Kurdish militants near the Syrian border.
- An Israeli air strike killed three militants in the Gaza Strip.
- International donors pledged $6.4 billion in aid to help stabilize Yemen.
Asia
- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in East Timor, where she will meet with President Taur Matan Ruak and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
- Hundreds of Afghan soldiers were dismissed or detained following an investigation into so-called "green-on-blue" attacks that have left some 45 NATO troops dead this year.
- A fire at a fireworks factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu left at least 34 dead.
Europe
- International lenders have suggested extending the work week to six days in Greece as part of a plan to raise government revenue.
- France has started providing aid to rebel-held "liberated zones" inside Syria and may supply weapons to help defend them.
- Officials in Northern Ireland met Wednesday in an effort to halt sectarian violence.
Americas
- Colombia announced a six-man team to negotiate with FARC rebels.
- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended Rafael Ramirez, the country's oil minister, following a refinery explosion that left at least 42 dead.
- A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Costa Rica, leaving two dead.
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