Morning Brief, Wednesday, March 7

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Libby, Libby, Libby.

The former aide to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney was convicted yesterday on four counts of perjury and obstruction of justice. Read what bloggers are saying here.

Middle East 

Iran’s nuclear chief says that Israel and the United States can’t destroy Iran’s knowledge of nuclear science with an attack. Iran wants to negotiate with the United Nations, and may have even paused some of its nuclear activitiy.

Bombs and gunfire killed at least 146 Shiite pilgrims in Iraq. 

In an ill-timed speech, U.S. President George W. Bush hailed “gradual but important” progress in Iraq. But the number of troops committed to Iraq could increase.

Saudi Arabia is warning foreign nationals to beware of terrorist attacks.  

Europe 

Britain’s home secretary wants to make life “uncomfortable” for illegal immigrants, who he accuses of “stealing our benefits.”

German Prime Minister Chancellor Angela Merkel wants action from Europe on global warming. Her country A German company, meanwhile, wants to import more natural gas from Iran.

Asia

North Korea shut down bilateral talks with Japan after Japanese officials demanded that North Korea resolve the issue of abducted Japanese citizens.

Afghan troops caught a top Taliban bomb maker wearing a burqa in order to escape detection.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson arrived in Beijing to discuss China’s alleged currency manipulation. 

118 people survived a plane crash in Indonesia.

Elsewhere

Venezuela is refusing to honor approximately $1 billion worth of bonds from the 1980s, according to a group of U.S. investors.

A top Microsoft lawyer accused Google of “raking in billions” via a “cavalier” approach to copyright restrictions.

President Bush wants Cuba to end its Communist system when Fidel Castro dies.

Parts of Somalia are peaceful, the New York Times reports, especially in comparison to Mogadishu.

Thought the NASA love triangle story was going away? Think again.