"Strong personalities"...India demands Pakistani action...Weak numbers



CHICAGO (AP) Saying he's "a strong believer in strong personalities and strong opinions," President-elect Barack Obama has announced a national security team featuring his chief Democratic rival, as well as the current defense secretary. Hillary Rodham CLinton is his pick to be secretary of state and Robert Gates will stay on as Pentagon chief. Obama also named retired Marine General James Jones as his national security adviser.

CHICAGO (AP) President-elect Barack Obama is voicing sympathy for the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India. But Obama isn't saying whether the Indian government would be justified in pursuing terrorists in Pakistan.

MUMBAI, India (AP) Indian troops have removed the last bodies from the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, India, and cleared the site of booby traps and bombs left by the gunmen in last week's terror siege. Meanwhile, India is formally demanding that Pakistan take "strong action" against the Pakistani-based militant group believed to be behind the attacks that killed at least 172 people.

BAGHDAD (AP) A series of bombs targeting U.S. and Iraqi security forces in two Iraqi cities have killed at least 32 people and wounded dozens. In one attack, a suicide bomber detonated his vest near a police academy. Police say the attacker appeared to be a teenage boy.

Washington (AP) Two new readings on the economy have come in weaker than expected. The Commerce Department says construction spending fell 1.2 percent in October. And the Institute for Supply Management says its November index of manufacturing activity fell to a 26-year low.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-01-08 1044CST | save this article / add to your favorites list