World News Briefs -- July 2, 2009

A U.S. army Chinook helicopter lands in Forward Operating Base Phoenix in Afghanistan July 1, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)

American Soldier Feared Captured In Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP

KABUL – An American soldier, who disappeared after walking off his base in eastern Afghanistan with three Afghan counterparts, is believed captured, officials said Thursday.

Spokeswoman Capt. Elizabeth Mathias said the soldier disappeared Tuesday.

"We understand him to be have been captured by militant forces. We have all available resources out there looking for him and hopefully providing for his safe return," Mathias said.

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MIDDLE EAST

First bombing in Baghdad since US handover kills nine.

Iraqi top Shiite clerics are silent on Iran.

India decriminalizes consensual gay sex.

Saddam interview tapes released.

Obama: Iran cannot be permitted to be nuke power.

ASIA

NKorea fires missiles; launch toward US feared.

A look at North Korea's missile arsenal.

Plea for Sri Lanka Tamil refugees.

UN chief says Myanmar mission 'very difficult'.

AFRICA

African leaders tackle continent's challenges.

Madagascar talks to resume this month: AU.

IMF refuses new aid for Zimbabwe.

AU summit tackles divisions over 'African government'.

EUROPE

Croatia facing turmoil as Prime Minister suddenly resigns.

Britain braces for 100,000 swine flu cases a day.

Comoros crash survivor welcomed back home in Paris.

Last month's Air France jet crashed intact.

Albanian election result in dispute.

Spain spy chief quits in cash row.

AMERICAS

Diplomats reach for solution to Honduras coup. OAS chief says sanctions likely in Honduras.

Bolivian blasts U.S. over denial of trade preferences.

US ambassador returns to Venezuela after spat.

At least 14 bodies found in Mexico mass grave.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo detainee seeks `Black Sites' access.

Palestinian gets 25 years for arms smuggling.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Oil prices tumble as Europe and the US shed jobs.

U.S.: 467K jobs cut in June; jobless rate at 9.5 percent. U.S. job losses spike in June, dampen recovery hopes.

NY City apartment sales down over 50%.

'We're in the Middle of a Crash': Black Swan.