World News Briefs -- September 16, 2009 (Evening Edition)

U.S. soldiers walk between rows of Canadian tanks during a sandstorm at a forward operating base in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province, September 16, 2009. REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly

Obama Sets Afghan, Pakistan Goals, Waits On Troops -- Yahoo News/Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama set out broad goals on Wednesday for boosting the ability of Pakistan and Afghanistan to fight militants, but said a decision on whether to send more U.S. forces would take time.

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MIDDLE EAST

Gazans welcome UN war crimes report. Israel condemns UN's Gaza report.

Biden confident in stable Iraq amid rocket attacks.

No sign of settlement deal after U.S.-Israel talks.

Israelis, Palestinians present peace blueprint.

Clinton lays out Iran requirements.

Billion-dollar pyramid scheme rivets Lebanon.

Hariri gets second chance as PM.

ASIA

Karzai leading Afghan vote with 54 percent. Karzai condemns EU's fraud claims.

Hatoyama to take over as Japan PM.

UN holds 'urgent' Sri Lanka talks.

SKorea voices caution over mooted US-NKorea talks. SKorea says NKorea unwilling to give up nukes.

Philippine communists proclaim a counteroffensive.

AFRICA

Somali rebels call for foreign reinforcements.

Kenya begins huge slum clearance.

Nigeria rebels extend ceasefire.

Zimbabweans blame Mugabe over unity government stalemate.

UN probes if Somali contractors are diverting aid, funding rebels.

EUROPE

France to close migrant 'jungle'.

EU to support stimulus, push on trade talks at G20.

Medvedev blasts Russian system.

NATO chief calls for engagement with Russia: report.

Chechnya suicide bombing injures 6 police.

AMERICAS

Tragedy overshadows Mexico's independence holiday.

Juarez, Mexico, killings reach new high.

South American officials fail to reach arms deal.

U.S. fears Venezuela could trigger regional arms race.

Attacks kill at least 16 in Mexican border cities.

Obama meets with Canadian prime minister.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

White House seeks to continue certain cases at Guantanamo Bay.

Spy chief says U.S. hunting al Qaedam more effectively.

FBI unit set for more anti-terror raids in Queens; Fears of Madrid-style subway bombings - sources.

Commando raid in Somalia is latest in covert operations across the globe. Somali fury at 'al-Qaeda killing'.

Spy chief says US hunting al Qaeda more effectively.

US should simplify terror warning system, panel says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Gold rises to record settlement price on inflation concern.

Greenspan sees threat U.S. Congress will hamper Fed.

U.S. credit-card defaults resume ascent as unemployment worsens.