World News Briefs -- October 13, 2009 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Army soldiers await the landing of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to be extracted during Operation Champion Spear outside the village of Marsac in Paktia province, Afghanistan, Sept. 7, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Nicholas

US Military Says Afghan Force Numbers No Secret -- Yahoo News/AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The Pentagon said on Tuesday it had made no secret about the expanding US force in Afghanistan, despite a report suggesting troop numbers had been downplayed by the Obama administration.

The Defense Department had consistently said the number of US forces would reach 68,000 by the end of the year, a Pentagon spokesman said.

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MIDDLE EAST

UNESCO: drought forces 100,000 Iraqis from homes.

Big attacks in Iraq decrease, but Arab-Kurd tensions remain. Iraqi police: 8 killed in blast north of Baghdad.

German ship transporting arms for Iran.

Turkey-Armenia rapprochement far from guaranteed.

Ten Turkish ministers head to Syria. Turkey aims for improved Syria ties.

Iran: Probe opens into opposition leader Karroubi.

Iranian journalists flee, fearing retribution for covering protests.

ASIA

Obama: Afghanistan decision in 'coming weeks'.

NKorea agrees to talks with SKorea: ministry. 2 Koreas plan talks on flood control, family reunions.

Why Pakistan must widen its hunt for militant bases.

Pakistan bombs militants in South Waziristan. Attacks highlight Pakistan's vulnerability to militants.

India, China spar over PM visit to disputed region.

Japan 'will end' Afghan mission.

US pushes Thais to extradite suspected arms dealer.

AFRICA

US urges restraint, dialogue on Niger Delta crisis.

Gabon court upholds Bongo victory.

French soldiers fire on Indian Ocean pirates.

Congo expels Angolans in revenge.

Report: More than 1,000 killed in eastern Congo.

China tightens grip on Africa with $4.4bn lifeline for Guinea junta.

EUROPE

Romanian government falls on vote.

Eastern Europe fears new era of Russian dominance.

Putin’s party wins in regional elections across Russia.

Recession-hit Britain to sell off state assets: PM. U.K. considers privatizations to cut its debt.

Austria: Earliest snowfall in history.

Critics say Swiss compromised neutrality for U.S.

AMERICAS

Zelaya skeptical ahead of Honduran talks.

Key Senate vote on US healthcare.

Senators seek end to Cuba travel ban.

Cuba won't let blogger go to US to receive award.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Shootout kills 2 al-Qaida members, 1 Saudi soldier.

Napolitano says Al-Qaeda-style terrorists are in U.S.

US claims to disrupt terror funds.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China auto sales jump 78 percent in September.

Dollar loses reserve status to yen & euro.

Is there really a recovery on the horizon? (A commentary)

Investors drop dollar, awaiting earnings.

Russia and China sign trade deals.