World News Briefs -- October 26, 2009 (Evening Edition)

The president offered a salute before speaking in an open hangar at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. Doug Mills/The New York Times

Obama Tells Troops He Will Not Rush Afghan Decision -- Reuters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct 26 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama, accused by some of dithering over a new strategy for Afghanistan, vowed on Monday not to be rushed into a decision over whether to send more U.S. troops to the war zone.

Obama spoke to U.S. Navy personnel in Jacksonville on the same day 14 Americans were killed in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan and shortly after he met top advisers for a sixth time about a new Afghan strategy the White House said was still weeks away.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqis angry at security lapse, bombs kill 155. Iraqis mourn victims of worst bombing in 2 years. Iraq bombings, deadliest since 2007, raise security issue. Baghdad bomb fatalities pass 150.

UN inspectors visit Iranian site. Iran says two nuclear fuel options still on table. Iranian officials divided on transfer of uranium.

Israeli police clash with Palestinians at sacred compound in Jerusalem.

Blaming Israel, Palestinians say no talks soon.

ASIA

DEA agents among 14 Americans dead in Afghanistan.

SKorea offers first food aid to NKorea in 2 years.

Asian nations jostle for power in EU-style bloc.

Asian nations look to 'lead world'. Asian leaders focus on freer trade.

Mongolian prime minister tenders resignation.

India meets with China on settling disputes.

AFRICA

Rights groups press Nigerian government to arrest Beshir.

Tunisians vote in Presidential election. Tunisian president in fifth win.

Top-Level meeting fails To resolve deadlock in Zimbabwe unity government.

Zimbabwe army and police chiefs face arrest over land grab by army officer.

Nigerian rebels declare indefinite ceasefire. Nigeria: MEND attacks Shell offshore terminal.

EUROPE

Kremlin warns against wrecking Russia with democracy.

Nearly one in three people with HIV do not know: EU.

Karadzic shuns war crimes trial, court to proceed. First day of Karadzic trial adjourns.

Ingushetia opposition figure is shot dead in car.

Czech President Klaus still holding out over Lisbon Treaty.

AMERICAS

U.S. Senate healthcare bill to include public option, Reid says.

Uruguay's Mujica, Lacalle head for vote runoff.

Venezuela ups border security after 10 slayings.

Easter Island to curb immigrants.

Why is Obama playing telephone with Castro?

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lockerbie authorities seek leads. Lockerbie police had eight other suspects.

U.S. Attorney general talks about war on terrorism.

Four tried over Australian army suicide plot.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar touches 14-month low as recovery signs spur risk demand.

AT&T, Google battle over web rules.

Japan's Hatoyama underscores focus on economy.

Euro hits fresh 14-month highs against dollar.