World News: Obama hails New Orleans' recovery after hurricane

Mr Obama pledged common purpose with residents in the continuing struggle to protect and rebuild the Gulf Coast.

And he declared to those who dedicated themselves to their city's recovery: "Because of you, New Orleans is coming back."

He pledged: "My administration is going to stand with you and fight alongside you until the job is done. "

Implicit in Mr Obama's remarks was an indictment of sorts against his predecessor's administration for its handling of the crisis.

The president called Katrina and its aftermath not just a natural disaster, but "a manmade catastrophe - a shameful breakdown in government that left countless men, women and children abandoned and alone".

Mr Obama spoke at Xavier University, an institution wracked with debris and floodwaters in August 2005, but soon back in operation.

New Orleans, he said, has become a "symbol of resilience and community".

Karzai slams coalition's tactics

Afghan President Hamid Karzai again criticised coalition strategy in fighting the stubborn insurgency, saying it produced nothing but civilian deaths. The sharp comments fit a pattern of greater outspokenness by Karzaias he appeals for support among the public.

Teachers hold jobs protest

Two hundred teachers staged a protest in the Saudi capital Riyadh, calling on the government to give them jobs.

The demonstrators, mainly Arabic language teachers, crowded inside the Ministry of Education building and demanded a meeting with the minister.

Nursing home blaze horror

Nine elderly people died in a fire in a nursing home that may have been started by a resident setting himself on fire, Russian emergency officials said.

The regional Emergencies Ministry said that the fire in Tver forced the evacuation of about 480 people early today.

Investigators found a canister of flammable liquid in the room where the fire started, leading to speculation the resident set himself ablaze.

Arctic cruise liner runs aground

A CRUISE ship exploring the Northwest Passage in the Arctic ran aground on a rock that was not on the map.

The icebreaker Amundsen has been dispatched to the area and was expected to start removing passengers.

Aboriginal man set for poll victory

Australia: An Aboriginal man appears set for victory in his quest to become the first indigenous person to win a seat in the House of Representatives

Ken Wyatt of the conservative Liberal Party is has a thin lead in the seat of Hasluck today with 93 per cent of votes counted.

Ecuador: At least 36 people were killed and 12 others badly hurt after a bus ran off a road and overturned. Police suspect the driver fell asleep