Top story: Tensions between Venezuela and Colombia increased over the weekend as President Hugo Chavez urged his country to prepare for war. Chavez ordered 15,000 troops to the border last Thursday. "Let's not waste a day on our main aim: to prepare for war and to help the people prepare for war, because it is everyone's responsibility," Chavez said on his weekly TV show. Such preparation is the "best way to avoid war," he said.
Chavez objects to a leasing agreement giving the U.S. military greater access to Colombian military, saying it could set the stage for a U.S. invasion of Venezuela. "Don't make a mistake, Mr. Obama, by ordering an attack against Venezuela by way of Colombia," Chavez said. A series of shooting along the border has also increased tensions in recent weeks.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is appealing to the United Nations and Organization of American States after Chavez's "threats of war."
20 years later: World leaders have gathered in Berlin for the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Middle East
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for talks with President Obama.
- Saudi Arabia says it has successfully routed Yemeni rebels from its territory.
- Iraq's Parliament passed a crucial law needed to hold elections in January.
Americas
- Deadly floods have killed over 100 people and left thousands homeless in El Salvador.
- After the U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark health reform bill, President Obama urged the Senate to "bring this effort to the finish line."
- The FBI is investigating whether Ft. Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hassan had ties to militants at a mosque in Virginia.
Asia
- Two suicide bombings hit Pakistan's Peshawar region in less than 24 hours.
- A French envoy is meeting with North Korean leaders in Pyongyang.
- The Dalai Lama visited a disputed town on the China-India border, ignoring protests from Beijing.
Africa
- Roy Bennett, a political ally of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has gone on trial for terrorism in Zimbabwe.
- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged $10 billion in new loans to Africa over the next three years.
- The Spanish government is refusing to negotiate with the Somali pirates holding 33 Spanish sailors hostage.
Europe
- Russian energy giant Gazprom has seen a 50 percent drop in profits this year.
- Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says he believes a nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S. can be reached this year.
- Italian police arrested an influential mafia boss in Naples.
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
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