World News Briefs -- November 4, 2009

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to the crew of Precommissioning Unit Dewey on Pascagoula Naval Shipyard, Miss., Nov. 1, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Mullen: Obama Has Time To Make Decision On Afghanistan Troops -- Christian Science Monitor

Obama has been criticized for 'dithering' on whether to send more US troops to Afghanistan. But Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he's OK with the time frame.

Washington - Adm. Mike Mullen, America's top military officer, said Wednesday that he is comfortable with the length of time it is taking for the White House to come to a decision on the way forward in Afghanistan.

In a brief interview on Capitol Hill with The Monitor, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said he feels good about the "depth of the discussion."

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi air force hits Yemeni rebels.

Israel views arms shipment as card against Iran. Hezbollah denies link to arms ship.

Iran: Too divided for nuclear deal?

Iranian protesters, police clash on US Embassy takeover anniversary. Iranian opposition protesters hijack government rally.

US keeps a low profile ahead of Iraq elections.

ASIA

Pakistan Army: Troops reach key Taliban strongholds.

Officials: Alleged US missiles kill 2 in Pakistan.

U.S. envoy: Ties could improve if Myanmar makes progress. US officials meet with Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi.

Thailand recalls Cambodia envoy over Thaksin.

AFRICA

S.Africa cancels deal for Airbus military planes.

Equatorial Guinea tests Obama vow to hold African leaders accountable.

Nigeria: Nation would be worse hit by climate change - Minister.

EUROPE

The EU's next step after the Lisbon treaty: Choose a president.

Two UK MEPs quit Tory frontbench over Cameron Lisbon referendum U-turn.

Spain’s unemployment rate spirals to 19.3%.

In unified Germany, split over the past.

Berlusconi says crucifix ruling denies Europe's roots.

AMERICAS

Deal to restore ex-president languishes in Honduran Congress.

Tensions are high in Nicaragua amid power struggle.

Mexican pot gangs infiltrate indian reservations in US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

CIA verdict in Italy challenges Obama on renditions.

Justice Department won't appeal order to free Guantanamo detainee.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street bonuses seen up 40 percent in '09: report.

Opel workers in Germany stage protests.