World News Briefs -- April 15, 2010

U.S. Army and Afghan National Army soldiers speak with elders in the village of Akbar Kheyl, Pole-Elam district, Logar province, Afghanistan, March 18, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

Obama Insists US Making Progress In Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AFP

SYDNEY (AFP) – President Barack Obama hit back at claims the United States had stalled in Afghanistan and vowed foreign forces would not be needed "in perpetuity", in a rare Australian TV interview aired on Thursday.

Obama, speaking to public broadcaster ABC's 7.30 Report in Washington, also backed President Hamid Karzai to lead Afghanistan into the 21st century, dismissing recent controversies.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq's Ayad Allawi warns of sectarian war, says U.S. must aid reconciliation.

Major powers end 'constructive' talks on Iran sanctions. Officials say Iran could make bomb fuel in a year.

Syrian saber-rattling has U.S. concerned.

'Palestinian collaborators' executed by Hamas.

Israeli police: Ex-PM Olmert suspect in bribe case.

ASIA

U.S. forces close post in Afghan ‘valley of death’.

Pakistan army anger at Nato border tactics after forcing militants out.

Shooting disrupts pro-Bakiyev rally in Kyrgyzstan.

At least 9 dead as blasts hit Myanmar festivities.

Thai PM has no intention of resigning- finance minister.

Bodies pile up after quake kills 600-plus in China.

AFRICA

Africans worried about future religious conflict.

Sudan 'poll shooting' kills nine.

DR Congo gang rape crisis 'spreading', new study says.

Zimbabwe hardships blight freedom celebrations.

EUROPE

Britain prepares for its first campaign TV debates.

Grieving Poland eyes June vote for new president.

Britain closes airspace as volcanic ash spreads.

Russia suspends all adoptions to US families.

Greece problems hit European equities.

AMERICAS

US eyes deeper security co-operation in Latin America.

Deadly street shootout strikes fear in Acapulco.

Along Mexico's border, just going to work can risk death.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russia's war on terror: A crackdown By popular demand

15 killed in Abu Sayyaf terror assault on Isabela City in the Philippines.

U.S. senators try to pin down Holder on terrorism trials.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY/FINANCE

Markets could be derailed again, warns Soros.

U.S. foreclosure rates surge, biggest jump in 5 years.

Ben Bernanke: Time to shift from stimulus to federal deficit.