World News Briefs -- July 31, 2009

The new commander for the international troops in Afghanistan, U.S. general Stanley McChrystal (R), and General Egon Ramms commander Joint Force Command Brussum salute during a ceremony in Kabul June 15, 2009. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

More Troops To Be Requested For The Afghan War -- Yahoo News/AP

WASHINGTON – The U.S. general put in charge of turning around the war in Afghanistan is likely to recommend significant changes in the campaign and may include a request for more U.S. forces that the White House is expected to resist.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran's Ahmadinejad warns rivals their plans will fail.

US extends Syria sanctions by 1 year.

Two killed as Yemeni police clash with suspected al-Qaeda militants.

July shapes up to be least deadly for U.S.; military grows hopeful about Iraq exit.

US investigating report of missing Americans in Iraq.

ASIA

Corazon Aquino, ex-Philippines leader, dead at 76.

S.Korean fishermen face N.Korea probe.

U.S. imposes financial sanctions on N. Korea.

Aung San Suu Kyi verdict delayed.

Pakistani court rejects Musharraf trial.

Embattled Japan PM pledges to fix economy.

AFRICA

Hundreds of bodies in streets after Nigeria unrest. Mayhem in Nigeria.

Nigeria clashes bode ill for west Africa.

U.S. envoy says Sudan sanctions should be eased. Sudan pleased with US envoy's remarks on terrorism.

UN calls for Ivory Coast elections on Nov. 29.

South Africa's Zuma faces wide unrest.

EUROPE

British inquiry on Iraq opens with vow to be ‘frank’.

Hacker loses extradition appeal.

Bitter Turkey marks 50 years at Europe's door.

Italy ok's abortion pill despite church opposition.

AMERICAS

Venezuela's top prosecutor wants restrictions on news media. Venezuelan lawmakers weigh restraints on media.

Cuba's Communist Party postpones key congress. Cuba shuts factories, cuts energy to save economy.

FARC seeks “National Accord” against U.S. bases in Colombia.

Mexico shuts Cancun beach, alleges sand was stolen.

US 'wait-and-see' attitude on new Mexican drug law.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo: Detention challenges are far off for many.

Al-Qaeda claims suicide bombers were targeting Manchester United.

ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS

U.S. recession worse than prior estimates, revisions show.

Signs of weakness in economy boost Treasurys.

Pace of US economic decline eases.