World News Briefs -- March 26, 2010

U.S. Army and Afghan National Army soldiers prepare for a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to land so they can board it after conducting a patrol in the village of Akbar Kheyl, Pole-Elam district, Logar province, Afghanistan, March 18, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

Afghanistan Troop Level To Eclipse Iraq By Midyear -- U.S. Department of Defense

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2010 – This summer will mark the first time since 2003 that the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan will overshadow the American presence in Iraq, the top U.S. military officer told Congress today.

Driving the eclipse is the 30,000-troop surge President Barack Obama announced for Afghanistan in December, roughly a third of which is in place, and with 18,000 of the additional forces expected to be in Afghanistan by late spring as troop levels in Iraq continue to drop.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq to release full results from March 7 vote.

Israel to continue building in east Jerusalem.

Jordan king says Israel is playing with fire.

ASIA

Pakistani troops kill 34 militants after attack.

U.S. and Pakistan agree to reinforce strategic ties.

Thai protesters plan big new rally in bid to oust PM.

Asia pollution circles the globe in stratosphere: study.

AFRICA

EU Naval Force frees captured pirate suspects after MV Almezaan attack.

Ghana discovery sparks fight over oil.

Mugabe: No gay rights in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe PM Morgan Tsvangirai rejects gay rights move.

EUROPE

Eurozone leaders agree on bailout plan for Greece.

Vatican denies Pope was involved in sex abuse cover up.

Sarkozy: Reform to continue despite electoral loss.

Russian official: Russia, US to finalize arms deal.

AMERICAS

Rain adds to misery of 1.3 million left homeless after Haiti earthquake.

Chávez critic is arrested, then freed, in Venezuela.

US Secretary of Defense Gates alters rules for investigating gay troops.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorists could use explosives in breast implants to crash planes, experts warn.

Bin Laden threatens any Americans held.

American terror suspect traveled unimpeded.

Judge upholds Yemeni's detention at Guantanamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Second round of British Airways strikes to begin.

Personal income drops across the US.

Social security to see payout exceed pay-in this year.