Iraqi Cabinet officials say country needs US pact

BAGHDAD — Iraq needs an agreement allowing U.S. troops in the country through 2011, two Cabinet members said Sunday, arguing that the pact will keep violence at bay and help the national economy recover from years of bloodshed and isolation.

Obama aide promotes job plan, warns automakers

WASHINGTON — The market's positive reaction to President-elect Barack Obama's choice of treasury secretary was gratifying, a top Obama adviser said Sunday, and set the stage for a massive economic aid plan in January.

Obama adviser issues warning to automakers

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama's top adviser has a warning for U.S. automakers: Without a plan to retool and restructure, there is very little taxpayers can do to help.

Apparent coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Mutinous soldiers fought their way into the fortified residence of Guinea-Bissau's president in a three-hour gunbattle Sunday but did not hurt the head of state, a top official said.

Firefighter killed in blaze at 2-story NYC home

NEW YORK — An experienced firefighter stretching a hose to a home's burning attic was killed early Sunday when a ceiling collapsed, throwing him to the floor and knocking off his helmet and oxygen mask.

Father appalled by virtual audience to son's death

MIAMI — The father of a college student whose suicide was broadcast live over a webcam said Saturday he was appalled by the virtual audience that egged on his son and called for tougher regulation of Internet sites.

Gunfire at Wash. shopping mall kills 1, wounds 1

TUKWILA, Wash. — Police on Sunday were searching for a gunman who opened fire in a packed Seattle-area shopping mall, killing one man and critically injuring another, before apparently slipping away in a crowd of panicked shoppers.

Karzai: Obama promises to fight terror in region

KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. President-elect Barack Obama pledged in a telephone conversation with Afghan President Hamid Karzai that fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and the region would be a top priority during his administration, Karzai's office said Sunday.

Leader: Pakistan won't be first in nuclear strike

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan's president has assured rival India he would not be the first to use atomic weapons in any future conflict and proposed the idea of a nuclear-free South Asia.

Dalai Lama warns Tibetan exiles to be prudent

DHARMSALA, India — The Dalai Lama warned his fellow Tibetan exile leaders Sunday to be prudent in their future planning or risk failure, after the leaders said they might push for independence for their Himalayan homeland if China refuses to grant it autonomy soon.