World News Briefs -- August 28, 2009 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Marines conduct a security patrol in the Nawa district in Helmand province, Afghanistan Aug. 7, 2009. The Marines are assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg

August Deadliest Month For US In Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP

KABUL – An American service member died Friday when his vehicle struck a bomb in eastern Afghanistan, making August the deadliest month for U.S. forces in the nearly eight-year war.

The grim milestone comes as the top U.S. commander prepares to submit his assessment of the conflict — a report expected to trigger intense debate on the Obama administration's strategy in an increasingly unpopular war.

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MIDDLE EAST

Water shortage threatens 2 million Iraqis.

Baghdad braces itself for violence at funeral of Abdul Aziz al-Hakim.

Saudi Terror Czar escapes assassination attempt.

Iran president wants opposition leaders punished.

Iran rejected internal call for nuclear freeze, diplomats claim.

Palestinians say full settlement freeze is precondition to new peace talks.

ASIA

Japan's opposition touts fresh faces in bid for election victory.

Myanmar fighting forces up to 30,000 to flee to China.

Two Koreas reach deal on family reunions, fishermen. Analysis: NKorea's talk offer a dilemma for Obama.

China endorses resolution on climate change.

China denounces Taiwan visit by Dalai Lama.

'Still no justice' in East Timor.

AFRICA

Madagascar power-sharing talks end without agreement.

S Africa to fire striking troops.

All quiet on the Darfur front.

As Darfur fighting diminishes, U.N. officials focus on the South of Sudan.

S. African President Zuma arrives in Harare for unity gov't consultations.
Nigerian police arrest 30 Afghan-linked Islamists.

Comoros: Yemenia flight data recorder is found.

EUROPE

Why did Scotland really release Libyan Lockerbie bomber? Times poll: 61% think al-Megrahi release was about oil, not compassion.

Britain names Gen. David Richards new army chief.

Berlusconi to sue Italian, foreign media for libel.

Second World War prisoner of war records go online.

Horse dies, France faces reality of toxic beaches.

Iceland to pay back Icesave cash.

AMERICAS

Uribe stands ground on US military deal.

US-Colombia deal overshadows South American summit.

U.N. agency to investigate Indian massacre in Colombia.

New plan to end Honduran standoff resembles failed ones of past.

Bolivia proposes vote on US-Colombia military deal.

Chile, Bolivia discuss access to Pacific.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

To avenge Mehsud, new Taliban chief warns US of attack.

Qaeda's Zawahri calls for Pakistani jihad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

FDIC problem bank list surges, putting fund at risk. US ‘problem’ bank list hits 15-year high.
1,000 U.S. banks to fail in next two years: Bank CEO.

Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official.

Japan jobless rate hits new high.