Court Filings Assert Iran Had Link to 9/11 Attacks

By BENJAMIN WEISER and SCOTT SHANE

According to a court filing, two defectors from Iran’s intelligence service testified that Iranian officials had foreknowledge of the attacks.

Gates Says No Sign That Top Pakistanis Knew of Bin Laden

By ELISABETH BUMILLER

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he thought “somebody” inside Pakistan knew of Osama bin Laden’s presence, but not the country’s leaders.

China Gives Pakistan 50 Fighter Jets

By JANE PERLEZ 6:58 PM ET

China has agreed to immediately provide 50 JF-17 fighter jets to Pakistan, a major outcome of a visit by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to Beijing this week, Pakistani officials said Thursday.

Chinese Student Takes Aim, Literally, at Internet Regulator

By ANDREW JACOBS

An anonymous protester tossed shoes and eggs at the Chinese scientist who developed the nation’s strict Internet controls.

Insurgents Kill at Least 35 in Attack on an Afghan Road Crew

By RAY RIVERA and SANGAR RAHIMI 10 minutes ago

Insurgents ambushed an Afghan construction crew working on a road project in southeastern Afghanistan early Thursday morning, killing at least 35.

Libya Revolt Sidelines Women, Who Led It

By KAREEM FAHIM

While Libya’s fledgling rebel government has more than doubled in size, women now occupy just 2 of the 40 or so positions in the leadership.

A.N.C. Leading in South African Vote, as Second-Place Party Makes Some Gains

By BARRY BEARAK 36 minutes ago

As votes were being counted Thursday in South Africa’s local elections, the governing African National Congress was once again steamrolling to victory, though not quite at its customary pace.

São Paulo Journal

Upwardly Mobile Nannies Move Into the Brazilian Middle Class

By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO

A revolution in child care is giving Brazilian nannies better pay and hours, but it is also pricing them out of the reach of many families.

Deadly Blasts in Kirkuk Hit Iraqi Security Forces

By JACK HEALY 10 minutes ago

Three explosions aimed at Iraqi security forces ripped through the divided city of Kirkuk on Thursday, killing at least 29 people and wounding scores more.

• Anger Lingers in Iraqi Kurdistan After a Crackdown

British Police Warn Rwandan Dissidents of Threat

By JOSH KRON and JEFFREY GETTLEMAN 53 minutes ago

Officials in London say the Rwandan government may be plotting to kill two Rwandans in exile.

China Admits Problems With Three Gorges Dam

By MICHAEL WINES

The State Council, China’s cabinet, said the dam was facing urgent problems involving pollution, geology and the relocation of residents displaced by the project.

Iran’s President to Lead Next OPEC Meeting

By CLIFFORD KRAUSS

Having appointed himself temporary oil minister, Iran’s leader is likely to add drama to what is usually a staid proceeding.

Ahead of Election, Thousands in Spain Demonstrate Against Corruption

By RAPHAEL MINDER 1:20 PM ET

With elections set for Sunday in Spain in more than 8,000 municipalities and 13 regions, thousands have taken to the streets, calling for an end to corruption.

To Restore Reputation Of a Renault Founder, Family Goes to Court

By DAVID JOLLY and MATTHEW SALTMARSH 6 minutes ago

Nearly 70 years after Louis Renault died in prison, his grandchildren are seeking to restore his reputation — and gain compensation for what they say was the illegal confiscation of his car company.

Indonesia's Islamic Vigilantes

By AUBREY BELFORD

Ultrareligious fringe groups in Indonesia, emboldened by tolerance from the authorities for everyday intimidation tactics, are reaching for even more violent strategies.

In Ireland, Queen Elizabeth Offers ‘Deep Sympathy’ For Past

By ALAN COWELL 12:22 PM ET

Queen Elizabeth II embarked Thursday on the third day of a visit to the Irish Republic after visiting the site of a massacre more than 90 years ago and speaking of her “deep sympathy” for past suffering.