AP – Iran says its powerful Revolutionary Guard is starting naval exercises near the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Gulf oil tanker route that Tehran has threatened to close in retaliation for tougher Western sanctions.

AP - A lawyer for one of the men accused of planning a 2010 dual car bombing in Nigeria's capital says his client has died while awaiting trial.

Reuters - German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces an unexpected challenge in getting new euro zone budget discipline rules approved at home, after the government confirmed on Saturday the new treaty will require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament.

AP - A militant group has claimed responsibility for killing four police officers this week and says it is in contact with the kidnappers of three foreign crew members.

Time.com - Ireland announced this week it would hold a referendum on new fiscal rules for euro-zone members. A 'no' vote could possibly result in Ireland pulling out of the euro.

AP - Police say gunmen have shot dead four police officers in Nigeria's oil-rich southern delta.

Reuters - Toronto's main stock index looked set to open higher on Thursday buoyed by rising commodity prices and upbeat economic data.

Reuters - Vietnam is hoping that falling inflation and rising global risk appetites will spur sustained interest in the country's small stock market, a frontier where many pioneers have been burned.