The latest news on Greek Protests, Zimbabwe Cholera, Blagojevich, Blackwater, Auto Bailout, Obama Transition, Economic Crisis, India-Pakistan, and South Korea Beef.

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Greek protests. Greeks stage anti-government rally "Teenager killed by ricochet and not direct shot, lawyer for accused policemen says." Greek capital hit by major strike "Greek workers strike to protest at economic policies, as tests reportedly show a police shooting that sparked riots was a ricochet." Battle in the streets as strike grips Greece "Protesters threw fire bombs at police outside parliament on Wednesday during a general strike which paralyzed Greece."

Zimbabwe cholera. Zimbabwe cholera toll nears 800 "U.N. health agency warns of catastrophe while Harare insists epidemic is 'under control.'"

Blagojevich. Blagojevich scandal creates distraction for Obama transition "President-elect Barack Obama was untainted but not untouched Tuesday by the stunning scandal surrounding charges that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to sell Obama's now vacant Senate seat in exchange for cash or a lucrative job in the future Obama administration." Illinois governor faces corruption charges "Rod R. Blagojevich is accused of corruption, including allegedly trying to sell Obama's vacant Senate seat." Obama's Effort on Ethics Bill Had Role in Governor's Fall "The sequence of events captures the contradictions of Barack Obama's rise through the murky world of Illinois politics." Governor Accused in Scheme to Sell Obama's Senate Seat "The case extended beyond the Senate appointment and left many wondering who else might yet be implicated in Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich's negotiations."

Blackwater. Law's unclear if U.S. can prosecute Blackwater guards "The indictment of five Blackwater security guards, unsealed this week, is pinned to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act." Iraqis applaud charges against Blackwater guards "The shooting that killed at least 17 in a Baghdad traffic circle last year resonates strongly among Iraqis, who believe it was unjustified and are eager for justice."

Auto bailout. White House and Democrats agree on auto bailout "Details of the $15-billion plan will continue to be negotiated, but 'bailout fatigue' looms." U.S. finalizing $15B auto bailout "Vote could come as early as Wednesday on a plan to bail out and restructure U.S. automakers." Democrats and Bush Near Deal on Auto Bailout "A vote in the House is expected as soon as Wednesday, as President Bush sought Republican support for the plan."

Obama transition. Obama plans to reach out to Muslim world "In an exclusive interview, Barack Obama says his presidency is a chance for the U.S. to renovate its relations with the Muslim world, starting on inauguration day and continuing with a speech he hopes to deliver in an Islamic capital." Obama hopes to 'reboot' America's image "He says his presidency is an opportunity for the United States to spread a message of tolerance."

Economic crisis. Economic crisis puts emergency readiness in peril "Federal and state governments are cutting programs that help them respond to disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorism."

India-Pakistan. Pakistan Detains Extremist Leader "For the second time in a decade, suspected Pakistani terrorist leader Masood Azhar was placed under house arrest yesterday after being linked to attacks in India." Pakistan Tries to Curb Militant Group "Pakistani authorities have widened their efforts to curb militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, the one suspected of conducting the Mumbai attacks, raiding some of their properties and arresting about 20 members, according to security officials."

South Korea beef. S. Koreans Have New Regard for U.S. Beef "South Korea's beef over U.S. beef is finally over. So are the months of anti-beef rallies and riots that paralyzed downtown Seoul this year and cost South Korea an estimated $2.5 billion."