AP - Reports of an increase in terrorist violence around the world have been distorted by the high number of civilian casualties in Iraq, and omitting those deaths reveals a decline in terrorism, a research group argued in a new report Wednesday.

AP - A Palestinian suicide bomber detonated a truck loaded with explosives as he tried to ram a crucial crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel early Thursday, a spokesman for the militant Islamic Jihad said. No one else was wounded.

AP - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sought to persuade Myanmar's ruling generals Thursday to let in a torrent of foreign assistance for cyclone victims rather than the current trickle.

AP - China said the death toll from last week's powerful earthquake jumped to more than 51,000, as it appealed Thursday for millions of tents to shelter homeless survivors.

Reuters - Malaysia's prime minister won the backing of the country's main ruling party on Thursday, fending off a challenge to his leadership from the former premier that threatens to deepen political turmoil.

Reuters - South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki gave approval on Wednesday for the army to help end attacks on foreigners that have killed more than 40 people.

AP - President Hugo Chavez is accusing the United States of using anti-drug flights in the Caribbean to spy on Venezuela.

AP - Hezbollah secured veto power over Lebanon's Western-backed government on Wednesday, leaving the militant group virtually free to build up its weapons, including rockets aimed at Israel. But as the political winner, Hezbollah also faces pressure to seek compromise rather than confront opponents, as it had done violently in recent weeks.

AP - Swedish police arrested two maintenance workers on suspicion of plotting sabotage after they tried to enter a nuclear power plant Wednesday with traces of a powerful explosive like that used in the 2005 London transit bombings, officials said.

AP - China's national anthem struck up and 200 young students bellowed along inside a huge tent at a camp for homeless earthquake survivors.

AP - President Thabo Mbeki gave the go-ahead Wednesday for troops to step in and quell a surge of anti-immigrant violence that has left 42 dead and driven thousands from their homes.

AP - Pakistan's new government struck a peace deal Wednesday with Islamic militants in a valley of northwestern Pakistan, a breakthrough for a policy that Western officials worry could take the pressure off Taliban and al-Qaida hardliners.

AFP - Police probing child abuse allegations on the Channel Island of Jersey said Wednesday there was evidence of possible "homicide" after more bones were found at a former children's home.

AP - South Africa's president has given troops there the go-ahead to quell violent attacks against immigrants.

AFP - Leading shares here closed higher but off earlier highs with record oil prices of over 130 dollars per barrel lifting the oil sector.