World News Briefs -- July 23, 2010

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (C), Japan's Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada (L) and South Korea's Defence Minister Lee Sang-he join hands before a trilateral meeting at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore May 30, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

U.S. Strengthens Asia Military Ties Amid Concern at China's Growing Might -- Bloomberg

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined Asia’s biggest security forum in Hanoi today as the U.S. strengthened defense ties across a region where China’s expanding military reach has triggered unease.

Clinton yesterday discussed military cooperation with Vietnam and Defense Secretary Robert Gates restored ties with Indonesia’s special forces after a 12-year gap. A day earlier, the two officials affirmed U.S. support for South Korea in Seoul ahead of joint naval drills that China criticized.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel urges Lebanon to block ships for Gaza.

Fresh clashes claim 49 in north Yemen.

Kurd rebels blow up Iran-Turkey gas pipeline.

ASIA

Clinton criticizes Vietnam on rights.

U.S. friendly Pakistani General's tenure extended.

U.S. to blcklist more N. Korean entities, individuals in 2 weeks: State Dept.

AFRICA

Over 40 African leaders to attend AU summit in Uganda.

Guards for Somali leader join Islamists.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu to withdraw from public life.

Call for 80 per cent of men in Africa to be circumcised to prevent spread of Aids.

EUROPE

Spy swap Russian wants to leave UK and return home.

So Kosovo is legal. What happens now?

Will ruling on Kosovo entice other regions to declare Independence?

'Moorish revival' in southern Spain.

Moscow heatwave breaks 29-year record.

AMERICAS

Tropical Storm Bonnie moving toward oil spill.

White House presses Senate G.O.P. on arms treaty.

Colombia, Venezuela trade barbs at OAS meeting.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

American-Bred terrorists causing alarm for law enforcement.

U.S. sends two Guantanamo detainees to Spain, Latvia.

US adds Haqqani Network, Taliban leaders to list of designated terrorists.

Websites biggest terror threat, says watchdog.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

EU bank stress tests looks at 'sovereign debt shock' scenario.

Crunch time for Europe's banking credibility.

Ultra rich spending less and chasing quality.