Top story: In an 11th hour proposal to save the ailing UN Climate talks in Copenhagen and have some agreement on the table by the time U.S. President Barack Obama comes to town tomorrow, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proposed that developed countries including the United States come up with $100 billion per year over the next decade to help poor countries fight climate change. This represented a tactical shift from the Obama administration, which has been reluctant to put a dollar amount on aid as climate legislation remains stuck in the senate.
"We're running out of time," Clinton said.
The "Group of 77" developing nations -- actually about 130 countries including superpower China -- has effectively stalled discussions this week, voicing dissatisfaction over previous aid proposals and rejecting any deal that would force them to make binding emissions cuts.
While the U.K. and several African nations welcomed the proposal, China appeared less enthusiastic with a spokesman noting a "lack of clarity in Clinton's promises. China remains adamant that its emissions reduction efforts not be subjected to external monitoring. Chinese officials now feel that an operational agreement is unlikely to be reached this week.
The drama continues: U.N. officials tell the New York Times that recently departed UN No. 2 Peter Galbraith proposed deposing President Hamid Karzai with the help of the White House.
Asia
- Pakistan's supreme court struck down a controversial amnesty for corruption charges against government officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari.
- The Philippines military is evacuating thousands because of fear of a major volcanic eruption.
- Two were killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan.
Europe
- Russia and the United States are unlikely to sign a hoped-for arms reduction treaty this week.
- A suicide bomber attacked a group of policemen in Russia's North Caucasus.
- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was released from the hospital.
Americas
- The Mexican navy killed a the major drug cartel boss Beltran Levya in a shootout.
- Colombia's two largest rebel groups say they may join forces.
- Mexican authorities say animal rights activists are behind a series of recent car burnings in Mexico City.
Middle East
- Yemeni forces attacked al Qaeda forces within the country and claim to have foiled a major attack.
- Former Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert reportedly offered to swap Israeli land near Gaza and the West Bank in exchange for Israeli settlements.
- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says Iraqi security forces are linked to last week's terrorist attacks.
Africa
- The UN is ending a controversial joint operation with D.R. Congo forces.
- A Nigerian court dropped 170 corruption charges against a former governor.
- The International Crisis Group says North and South Sudan are headed toward a "violent breakup."
HENNING BAGGER/AFP/Getty Images
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