World News Briefs -- October 5, 2009

A US soldier is seen at a military base in southern Kandahar on October 4. Afghan authorities have begun a sample audit of suspect ballots in the controversial elections, officials said, as the country inches closer to a final decision on the next president. (AFP/Romeo Gacad)

US Afghan Pullout Not An Option, White House Says -- Reuters

WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - The White House on Monday ruled out any consideration of a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as part of President Barack Obama's sweeping strategy review of the increasingly unpopular war there.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that leaving Afghanistan was not "on the table" as Obama prepared to brief congressional leaders and convene his war council again this week on how to deal with the deteriorating security situation.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israeli police deploy around tense holy site.

Palestinians outraged over Abbas bowing to Israel, US. Hamas criticizes Abbas over war crimes report.

ElBaradei says nuclear Israel number one threat to Mideast: report.

Iran could make an atom bomb, according to UN report's 'secret annexe'.

Iran agrees to allow inspectors on Oct. 25.

The influence of Iran in Iraq.

Iranian dissidents in Iraq transferred to remote prison.

Emirates leader signs law to develop nuclear power.

ASIA

World Food Program attack smells of Taliban revenge.

China Pledges Strong North Korea Ties as Wen Meets Kim Jong Il. China vows to stand by isolated North Korea.

2 NATO soldiers reported killed in Afghanistan.

Toll climbs to 608 in Indonesian quakes.

Samoans flock to churches to mourn tsunami victims.

AFRICA

Nigeria's last major oil militant agrees to amnesty. Nigerian peace group calls for permanent peace in Oil-Rich Delta.

At meeting, Pope warns of perils facing Africa. Pope warns of 'new colonialism'.

Pirates take Spanish fishing boat.

Ethiopia gears up for malaria outbreak.

Oxfam: drought threatens 6.2 million Ethiopians.

EUROPE

British premier Brown confronts Belfast deadlock.

German Chancellor to Visit US Nov 3; will address Congress.

Across Europe, the embattled left loses its clout.

Russia revisits a long battle with alcohol.

Greece's Socialists to form new government. New Greek government sets 100 day challenge.

AMERICAS

Honduras gov't revokes rights-limiting decree.

Chavez-Russia ties spark South American arms race.

Venezuela to outlaw violent video games, toys.

US rolls out first vaccine doses.

Will California become America's first failed state?

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Concern grows over recruitment of Somali Americans by Islamists.

New York: Surveillance will expand to midtown, Mayor says.

Big police depts back anti-terror citizen watch.

Detainee’scCase illustrates bind of prison’s fate.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Unemployment to peak in 8-12 months: IMF chief.

Great time for US consumers: America is on sale.

Greenspan says unemployment will top 10 percent.

Roubini says stocks have risen ‘too soon, too fast’.