Top Story: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran has test-fired a new missile with a range of up to 1,200 miles, long enough to strike Israel, Southeastern Europe, or U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf. The announcement comes just days after U.S. President Barack Obama announced that he would seek further sanctions on Iran if it rejected offers of talks on its nuclear program.
A group of U.S. and Russian scientists yesterday released a report saying that Iran could build a missile capable of carrying a 2,000 pound warhead 1,200 miles in six to eight years. They also said the country could likely build a nuclear warhead in five. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is only for civilian use and that its missile program is for self-defense.
"In terms of strategic importance, this new missile test doesn't change anything for us since the Iranians already tested a missile with a range of 1,500 kilometres," said Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon today. "But it should worry the Europeans."
Under the radar: In recent months, 2,000 baby flamingos, 1,200 penguins and scores of sardines have been found dead on Chilean beaches and no one knows exactly why. Scientists are investigating global warming-related causes.
Asia
- The U.S. pledged $110 million in humanitarian aid for Pakistan's refugee crisis.
- Japan's GDP fell 15.4 percent since last year, the largest slide on record.
- The New York Times reports that weapons given by the U.S. to Afghan forces seem to be falling into Taliban hands.
Africa
- Chad says its troops will enter Sudan in the next few hours on intercept a rebel assault on its eastern border.
- Ethiopia is denying eyewitness accounts that its troops have entered Somalia.
- The UN has asked the Congolese government to arrest army officers accused of comitting atrocities.
Middle East
- Former World Bank official Salam Fayyad was sworn in as the new Palestinian Prime Minister.
- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's electoral rivals have accused him of trying to buy votes.
- The UN plans to press ahead with its investigation of last January's Gaza war, even if Israel does not cooperate.
Europe
- Visiting Bosnia, Vice President Joe Biden told leaders that he believed ethnic tensions could flare up again if the country continues on its current path.
- The Italian opposition has asked President Silvio Berlusconi to quit over new allegations of financial impropriety.
- Moldova may need to hold another general election with parliament seemingly unable to elect a new president.
Americas
- New U.S. fuel efficiency regulations will require cars to average 35.5. miles per gallon by 2016.
- Colombia will hold a referendum on whether to amend the constitution to allow President Alvaro Uribe to run for a third term.
- Mexico arrested a prominent un-and-coming drug lieutenant.
ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images
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