Morning Brief, Wednesday, September 5

Europe 

Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images News

Germany foiled an alleged bombing plot and arrested three suspected terrorists, two of them converts to Islam.

The OECD, a prominent economic think tank in Paris, is forecasting lower U.S. growth due to the credit crunch.

A British judge is calling for a national DNA database.

Asia

Mattel is recalling more toys made in China.

Pervez Musharraf may declare a state of emergency, according to the head of Pakistan's ruling party.

Officials in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines complain of the inferior goods and superior attitudes of the Chinese. 

Japan's envoy says he had "meaningful exchanges" with his North Korean counterpart.

It's not just the Pentagon: Chinese hackers allegedly targeted Britain's Foreign Office, too.

Middle East

U.S. military commanders in Baghdad are disputing a harsh assessment of Iraq by the General Accountability Office, the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress.

Tough economic times are playing into the hands of Iran's hardliners.

A top Israeli court ordered changes in the route of Israel's separation barrier.

Elsewhere

The Washington Post has harsh words for Mohamed ElBaradei of the IAEA.

In Colombia, many of yesterday's paramilitaries are today's criminal gangsters.

Fed up with immigration hassles, some U.S. farmers are moving their operations to Mexico.

Today's Agenda

• Rumor has it Apple will introduce a totally sweet new iPod today. Get live updates at 1 p.m. EST here.
• Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are expected to meet in Nicosia.
• Fashion Week begins in New York.
• British PM Gordon Brown announces a new global health initiative.
• U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Australia's prime minister.

Yesterday on Passport

• Republicans trashed the Biden plan they now back
• Panama's wanted man
• The most powerful place you've never heard of