World News Briefs -- November 11, 2009 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Army soldiers of A-BTRY 2/377 PFAR Task Force Steel wait to fire a 105mm Howitzer during a training session at FOB Tillman, Afghanistan, November 10, 2009. REUTERS/Bruno Domingos

Obama War Council Weighs Afghan Troop Boost -- Yahoo News/Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama convened his war council on Wednesday for talks considered critical to his deliberations on boosting troop levels in the increasingly unpopular war in Afghanistan.

Though the White House insists Obama has yet to decide among the four strategy options he is considering, U.S. officials said there was growing support among his top advisers for deploying 30,000 or more additional troops to Afghanistan.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen, U.S. sign military deal as country fights rebels.

Yemen's Houthi rebels get Iran assurance, ask Saudis to stop strikes. Does Iran play role in Yemen conflict? Yemen rebels urge Saudi ceasefire.

At Yasser Arafat anniversary, Palestinians lament loss of former leader and unity.

Rights report criticizes Kurds over minorities.

Now that parliament approved elections, Iraqis are ambivalent.

Iran's opposition steers challenge toward the top.

Beneath Lebanon's new political deal, a fear of violence.

Stalled talks may kill Israel's Labor Party.

ASIA

Afghan future threatened by ex-warlords in gov't.

Obama will hold Southeast Asia meeting.

Pakistan troops killed in attacks.

Car bomb adds to toll in Northwest Pakistan.

China ready to welcome President Obama.

Cambodia refuses Thai demand for Thaksin extradition.

In Sri Lanka, anger over detainees' fate.

AFRICA

Libya repatriates hundreds of rebels to Niger: report.

Over 20 million people need food aid in east Africa: U.N.

Somali pirates hijack two more ships. Pirates seize Greek vessel off Seychelles.

Cross-examination begins in war crimes trial of former Liberian President.

Zimbabwe PM attends cabinet after ending boycott.

EUROPE

EU to decide top jobs next week.

Iran condemns Oxford for honoring slain protester.

French and German leaders mark Armistice Day.

EU to choose first president on Nov 19: Reinfeldt.

Is Russia playing both sides on Iran nukes?

German courtroom killer gets life.

AMERICAS

El Salvador facing food shortage.

Mexico police, angry residents clash over suspects.

Cuba orders extreme measures to cut energy use.

Blackouts plague energy-rich Venezuela.

Soldiers, family come together to grieve at Fort Hood.

Quebec nationalists interrupt Prince Charles tour.

Massive blackout leaves Brazil on edge.

US tries to salvage Honduras accord.

9 Colombia troops killed in clash with rebels.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

White House allies say Obama bungled Guantanamo closing.

Dutch arrest Somali terror suspect wanted by US.

In Afghanistan, Taliban surpasses al-Qaeda.

Algeria jails 3 Moroccans over Iraq al Qaeda plan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Pew report: nine states join California in facing fiscal crisis.

China signals that it may allow currency to rise against dollar.

U.S. Senator Dodd upsets banks with plan for a single bank overseer.

What’s behind rising oil prices?

World Bank warns unemployment threatens US economy.