Morning Brief: Rockets from Lebanon

Top Story

At least three rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel, possibly suggesting the opening of a second front in the Gaza war. No group has yet claimed responsibility and Hezbollah claims to be investigating the matter. The Lebanese government quickly condemned the attack. Israel responded with five artillery shells but called it an "isolated event."

Israeli aircraft continued to pound Gaza after a three-hour ceasefire ended yesterday. The International Committee of the Red Cross has attacked Israel for neglecting wounded civilians. The killing of 40 at a UN school compound on Tuesday continues to provoke outrage.

The U.S. added its support to the Egyptian-French peace proposal currently on the table.

Europe

Talks to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian gas dispute are going nowhere.

The United States is pushing Britain to accept released inmates from Guantanamo Bay.

Computer-maker Dell will cut jobs in Ireland in favor of less expensive Poland.

Asia

Pakistan's national-security advisor was fired after telling reporters that the surviving Mumbai attacker was Pakistani.

A corporate fraud scandal involving a major software manufacturer has shocked India.

A Chinese democracy activist was sentenced to six years in jail.

Africa

The U.S. will lead a new international anti-piracy force off Somalia.

Ghana's new president was sworn in.

Nine gay men were sentenced to eight years in jail in Senegal.

Americas

Mexico's Felipe Calderon unveiled a $150 million stimulus plan.

Contrary to earlier reports, Hugo Chavez will continue donating fuel to poor people in the United States.

Blagojevich nominee Roland Burris may get his senate seat after all.

Middle East

Turkish police are holding 30 in an alleged coup plot.

Turkish authorities are holding a suspicious package sent from Iran to Venezuela. 

A roadside bomb killed six Iraqi soldiers.

U.S. Presidential Transition

George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and the three surviving former presidents met for lunch at the White House.

A partisan showdown may be brewing over attorney general nominee Eric Holder.