World News Briefs -- July 20, 2010

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (in white) arrives at the Kabul International Airport to attend the international conference. (Reuters / July 20, 2010)

Karzai Sticks To 2014 Goal For Afghans To Take Charge Of Security -- L.A. Times

The Afghan leader's statement to an international conference comes as casualties mount and exit-strategy worries intensify.

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday told a major international conference that he believes Afghanistan's security forces will be ready to take over responsibility for safeguarding the country within four years.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iron Dome: enhance Israel's defense, and beyond.

EU Ministers to approve tighter sanctions on Iran.

Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria. Sadr calls for new Iraqi Government.

ASIA

ASEAN Foreign Ministers open regional security meeting.

Clinton, Gates to commemorate Korean War anniversary with visit to DMZ.

Taliban talks: the obstacles to a peace deal in Afghanistan.

Maoists suspected as train crash kills 61 in eastern India.

AFRICA

Somalia strikes out.

Libya's Gaddafi says will rein in Sudanese rebel.

Rwanda minister denies government role in murders.

No way out: Inside the world’s biggest refugee camp.

EUROPE

Hungarian forint falls on IMF concerns.

Germany investigates report of bank aiding Iran.

Cameron raids dormant U.K. accounts as Minister attacks banks.

Northern Cypres plans to become Mediterranean 'Las Vegas'.

AMERICAS

After car bomb, Mexico braces for an even deadlier drug war.

Shipping at Port of Montreal halts amid labour dispute.

Police seek motive in Mexican attack that killed 18.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Qaeda's Zawahri mocks Obama, slams Arab leaders: web.

Guantanamo detainee Naji sent back to Algeria against his will.

Ex-M15 spy chief testifies at UK's Iraq inquiry.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China tops U.S. in energy use.

China to limit foreign trade in index futures: report.

Amazon says E-book sales outpace hardcovers.

Toyota says subpoenaed by U.S. federal grand jury.