Top news: Meeting in Seoul, the G-20 agreed on a broad set of economic guidelines but rejected a a U.S. push to pressure China to revalue its currency. The final agreement commits G20 nations to curb deficits and move toward more flexible exchange rates.
The final language did not include a pledge to refrain from "competitive undervaluation" of currencies, a phrase that the United States had wanted included to show that the body was taking a strong stand against China's currency policies. It also included a suggestion to countries with widely used currencies like the United States to "be vigilant against excess volatility," a warning against loose monetary policy.
U.S. President Barack Obama said the agreement showed that the G-20 countries are in "broad agreement on the way forward." Acknowledging the watered-down nature of the final proposal, he said, "Instead of hitting home runs sometimes we're gonna hit singles. But they're really important singles."
It has been a tough visit for Obama, who also failed to secure a free trade agreement with South Korea on Thursday. The president now heads to Japan for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the final stop on his Asian tour.
Iraq: Nuri al-Maliki was finally renominated as Iraq's prime minister after eight months of political deadlock.
Asia
- Allies of imprisoned Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi say an order has been signed for her release tomorrow.
- A new U.N. report alleges that North Korea exported nuclear and missile technology to several countries including Iran, Burma, and Syria.
- A massive suicide bombing on a police facility in Karachi, which killed at least 17 people, has been blamed on the Taliban.
Middle East
- A long meeting between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York apparently failed to revive the Mideast peace talks.
- A Palestinian blogger has been arrested for criticizing the prophet Mohammed on Facebook.
- Iran has agreed to cooperate with a Nigerian investigation into a seized cache of weapons that could put in violation of international law.
Americas
- The U.N. is asking for $164 million to fight the cholera outbreak in Haiti.
- A new study suggests that as many as 100,000 Hispanics may have left Arizona since the debate over its controversial immigration law.
- Gunmen attacked the office of a newspaper in Acapulco, Mexico.
Europe
- Following violent protests against tuition fee increases, David Cameron's government announced additional cuts to Britain's welfare system.
- At least seven people in Kosovo have been charged with being part of an international organ smuggling network.
- As Ireland's economic woes worsen, the EU says it is willing to lend help "if needed."
Africa
- Nigeria's MEND rebels released a list of seven hostages they have taken from an offshore oil rig.
- Thousands of Southern Sudanese are fleeing the North ahead of January's independence referendum.
- A convoy carrying Chinese mine workers was attacked in Angola.
TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images
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