World News Briefs -- July 3, 2009

U.S. Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 1st Battalion 5th Marines takes positions along a tree line in the Nawa district in Afghanistan's Helmand province Friday, July 3, 2009. U.S. forces have encountered little resistance in the initial phase of a massive operation by some 4,000 Marines in Taliban-controlled areas of southern Afghanistan, but that's a common tactic by insurgents. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

US Marines Push Deeper Into Southern Afghan Towns -- Yahoo News/AP

NAWA, Afghanistan — U.S. Marines pushed deeper into Taliban areas of southern Afghanistan on Friday, seeking to cut insurgent supply lines and win over local elders on the second day of the biggest U.S. military operation here since the American-led invasion of 2001.

On the other side of the border, U.S. missiles struck a Pakistani Taliban militant training center and communications center, killing 17 people and wounding nearly 30, Pakistani intelligence officials said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria invites Obama to Damascus.

Iran to try U.K. embassy staff accused of incitement.

Vice President Biden discusses US future in Iraq.

Activists held by Israel for trying to break Gaza blockade.

In possible signal to Iran, Israel sends subs through Suez Canal.

ASIA

Helicopter crash kills 26 in NW Pakistan.

Japan's royal couple head to Canada, Hawaii.

UN's Ban Ki-moon faces warning calls on Myanmar trip.

Indian growth of 7% 'is possible'.

AFRICA

Africa leaders edge towards unity.

African leaders discuss new mandate for Somali force.

AU to shelter Beshir from war crimes warrant: delegates.

Two foreign aid workers kidnapped in Darfur: officials.

EUROPE

London: Six killed in tower block blaze.

Underworld figures are freed to run for parliament in Bulgaria.

Analysis: Air France crash mystery deepens.

Italy adopts law to curb migrants.

AMERICAS

U.S. Governor Palin announces resignation.

U.S. shifts strategy on illicit work by immigrants.

Honduras rejects OAS appeal to restore president.

Mexican gangs target outspoken priests in drug war.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Grand jury inquiry on destruction of C.I.A. tapes.

U.S. says it will preserve secret jails for terror case.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

Goldman Sachs bankers in line for record bonuses.

Major nations should back dollar as key currency: Japan.