World News Briefs -- October 20, 2009 (Evening Edition)

Afghan restaurant customers and staff watch the live television broadcast of (L-R) US Senator John Kerry, United Nations envoy Kai Eide and Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaking at the presidential palace. Afghanistan will hold a second round of its presidential election on November 7 after Karzai failed to win a clear majority in the fraud-tainted contest, officials said Tuesday. (AFP/Romeo Gacad)

Afghanistan To Hold Election Run-Off Nov 7 -- Yahoo News/AFP

KABUL (AFP) – Afghanistan will hold a second round of its presidential election on November 7 after incumbent Hamid Karzai failed to win a clear majority in the fraud-tainted contest, officials said Tuesday.

Exactly two months after polls that Karzai had been expected to win easily, the election commission confirmed he fell fractionally short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a run-off against main rival Abdullah Abdullah.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel to form committee to fight U.N. Gaza report.

US, allies begin talks with Iran on nuclear program. Iran to continue enriching uranium, regardless of talks.

Iraq's al-Maliki heads to White House.

Violence threatens Barack Obama’s pledge to pull troops out of Iraq. Election law stalls in Iraqi Parliament.

Iran ramps up pressure on Pakistan over bombing.

PKK 'surrender' tests Turkey plan.

ASIA

Pakistan suffers reverses in offensive against militants. At least six killed in Pakistan as suicide bombs shatter Islamabad campus. Refugee crisis looms in Pakistan.

Seoul: NKorea uranium programme 'very worrying'.

8 South Asian nations resist binding emission cuts.

Kyrgyzstan's government resigns.

Prayers offered as typhoon nears Philippines.

AFRICA

Niger votes in contentious poll.

Peacekeepers warn of military build up in Darfur.

Clashes over slums break out in Algiers.

Zimbabwe crisis continues as PM Tsvangirai opens regional consultations.

U.S. unveils new Sudan policy of carrots and sticks.

Somali pirates seize Chinese ship with 25 crew.

No one worthy: Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance in Africa goes unawarded.

EUROPE

France detains 'top Eta leader'.

Medvedev visits Serbia bearing $1.5 billion loan.

Swiss court keeps Polanski in jail, rejects bail.

Biden to soothe Polish, Czechs on missile defense.

US seeks to keep watching Russia’s weapons.

Roman Catholic church to receive Anglicans.

Medvedev visits Serbia bearing $1 billion loan.

AMERICAS

Nicaragua court says Ortega can seek re-election.

Report: 1 in 6 Americans live in poverty.

Honduran talks deadlocked on reinstating Zelaya. Human rights in Honduras.

Uruguay Supreme Court rules out dirty war amnesty.

Brazil assigns $60 million to bolster Rio security. Brazil vows to fight gangs, Rio death toll hits 21.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US Senate passes Guantanamo bill.

Napolitano says al Qaeda remains threat to U.S.

US arms Mali to battle al-Qaeda.

Funding al-Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil briefly above $80 as earnings beat forecasts.

We are 'worried' about weak dollar: Eurogroup chief.

Crude nears $80 and gasoline rises for third week.