World News Briefs -- July 10, 2009

British soldiers killed in combat in Afghanistan are driven in a cortege through the town of Wootton Bassett in south west England July 10, 2009. The bodies of five soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal David Dennis, Trooper Christopher Whiteside, Private Robert Laws, Captain Ben Babington-Browne, and Lance Corporal Dane Elson were repatriated today. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN MILITARY OBITUARY IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Climbing Toll Raises British Doubts On Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP

WOOTTON BASSETT, England – Thousands of mourners bowed their heads in tribute Friday to the passing coffins of British soldiers killed in a new offensive in Afghanistan, where the climbing toll has created doubts in Britain about the human cost of the war.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq's worst violence since withdrawal.

Kurds defy Baghdad, laying claim to land and oil.

Iran could build bomb within a year.

Analysis: Can Iran's protesters keep momentum?

ASIA

Suspected US missile strike kills 3 in NW Pakistan. US strikes Taliban communications center in South Waziristan.

Pakistan says Taliban leader will talk to U.S.

Suu Kyi trial nears end in Myanmar.

China’s currency reserves may top $2 trillion for first time.

China says Australian is detained in spy case.

AFRICA

Obama to use ‘new media’ to reach Africa with Ghana message.

Obama in Ghana on first sub-Saharan Africa visit.

UN warns of possible war crimes in Somalia.

'Progress' in SA World Cup strike.

Rhinoceros-poaching nears 15-year high on horn demand in Asia.

EUROPE

Parts of Britain "near an H1N1 epidemic"; 14 dead.

Ships ending search for Air France black boxes.

1 dead at Pamplona; first goring death since '95.

Royal household turns to Twitter.

AMERICAS

Honduran rivals don't change stubborn positions. Honduran rivals leave negotiations without meeting face to face.

As it exits bankruptcy, G.M. faces challenges.

Colombian army seizes 2 tons of FARC cocaine.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Democrats, administration seek compromise on intelligence briefings.

Report: Bush program extended beyond wiretapping.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Crude oil price falls below $60.

Energy Expert: Oil to $20 a barrel (WNU Editor: I hope so!!!)

Stocks wrap up week with another loss.