Filipino villagers may have helped kill terrorist (AP)
AP - Abu Sayyaf commander Umbra Jumdail had deviated from the brutal image of his al-Qaida-linked militant group by playing doctor to poor Filipino villagers, whose backing he needed to stay safe from military troops. But those villagers may have been used by the military to finally track him down last week.

Just a bluff? Fears grow of Israeli attack on Iran (AP)

AP - For the first time in nearly two decades of escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program, world leaders are genuinely concerned that an Israeli military attack on the Islamic Republic could be imminent — an action that many fear might trigger a wider war, terrorism and global economic havoc.

Nigeria oil line on fire; militants claim attack (AP)

AP - An Eni SpA oil pipeline ruptured and caught fire as a militant group claimed responsibility for an attack in the region, their first alleged assault in months as its purported leader awaits trial on terrorism charges in South Africa.

Morocco arrests 3 accused of plotting attacks (AP)
AP - Moroccan police have arrested three suspects accused of planning to carry out attacks on the security of the state.

Father: Beheading plot suspect a dedicated teacher (AP)
AP - Nevine Aly Elshiekh is a dog lover who teaches children with developmental disabilities. She is college-educated, well-respected by her neighbors and has no criminal record, not even a speeding ticket.

Panetta reassures European allies over defense cuts (Reuters)
Reuters - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reassured European allies on Saturday that Washington remains committed to their security despite an austerity drive, as NATO pushed for new ways for alliance members to maintain capabilities at lower cost.

Clinton voices U.S. confidence on European recovery (Reuters)
Reuters - The United States voiced confidence on Saturday that Europe can solve its financial crisis and said the two must work more closely to support their recoveries and combat state-run capitalism and protectionism.

Extension denied in Guantanamo Sept. 11 trial (AP)

AP - A Pentagon legal official refused Friday to extend an important deadline for defense lawyers for the five Guantanamo Bay prisoners charged in the Sept. 11 attack, a decision that means their highly anticipated arraignment may now occur within months.

Muslims to NY attorney general: Investigate NYPD (AP)

AP - Thirty-three civil rights groups from around the country complained to the New York attorney general Friday about police documents that showed the New York Police Department recommending increased surveillance of Shiite mosques based solely on their religion.

Uzbek refugee denies helping terror group (AP)
AP - A refugee from Uzbekistan accused of helping a foreign terrorist organization denied the allegations in a court appearance Thursday in Denver, before a judge advised him not to speak further without an attorney.

Justice Dept about to close probes of 2 detainees (AP)
AP - Attorney General Eric Holder says the Justice Department is preparing to close investigations into the deaths of two detainees while in CIA custody, marking the final chapter in a controversial review by the Obama administration into treatment of terrorism suspects during the George W. Bush administration.

A look at major terror attacks in Southeast Asia (AP)
AP - A look at major attacks in the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia attributed to the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group and their allies from the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.

U.S. no-fly list doubles in year: source (Reuters)
Reuters - The number of people banned from flying under the U.S. government's terrorism watch list has more than doubled over the last year, a counterterrorism source said on Thursday.

AP Exclusive: US No-Fly list doubles in 1 year (AP)

AP - The Obama administration has more than doubled, to about 21,000 names, its secret list of suspected terrorists who are banned from flying to or within the United States, including about 500 Americans, the Associated Press has learned. The government lowered the bar for being added to the list, even as it says it's closer than ever to defeating al-Qaida.

2 German men plead guilty to terror charges in UK (AP)
AP - Two German men have pleaded guilty to terrorism charges in a London court.

Venezuela passes anti-terrorism law (AP)
AP - Venezuela's congress has approved a law aimed at fighting organized crime and terrorism, though opposition lawmakers say they fear it could be used to crack down on dissent.

4 UK men admit London Stock Exchange bomb plot (AP)

AP - Four British men fueled by the words of a U.S.-born Muslim cleric pleaded guilty Wednesday to involvement in an al-Qaida inspired plot to spread terror and cause economic damage by bombing the London Stock Exchange at Christmastime.

2 convicted in al-Qaida terror plot in Norway (AP)

AP - Two men were found guilty Monday of involvement in an al-Qaida plot to attack a Danish newspaper that caricatured the Prophet Muhammad, the first convictions under Norway's anti-terror laws.

(AP)
AP - French diplomat: Arab League bid for Security Council resolution on Syria has 10-plus backers.

Syrian troops push back in fight on Damascus edges (AP)

AP - Syrian forces pushed dissident troops back from the edge of Damascus in heavy fighting Monday, escalating efforts to take back control of the capital's eastern doorstep ahead of key U.N. talks over a draft resolution demanding that President Bashar Assad step aside.