World News Briefs -- August 12, 2010

U.S. Army soldiers and an Afghan police officer return to Combat Outpost Jaghato, Afghanistan, after a mission in the village of Calenday, Jaghato district, Wardak province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

U.S. Military Seeks Slower Pace To Wrap Up Afghan Role -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — American military officials are building a case to minimize the planned withdrawal of some troops from Afghanistan starting next summer, in an effort to counter growing pressure on President Obama from inside his own party to begin winding the war down quickly.

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MIDDLE EAST

Top Israel military figure cites Gaza flotilla intelligence faults.

No agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks.

If US cuts Lebanon Army aid, would Hezbollah's sponsor Iran step in? Lebanon defiant over US aid freeze.

Iraq needs help defending its borders after U.S. troops leave in 2011.

US wants Iraq to pay bill for war victims.

ASIA

Desperation as Pakistan flood misery grows. New flood warnings raise fears in Pakistan.

Nearly 120,000 troops from 47 countries serve in ISAF.

Medics killed in Afghan "ambush," aid group says.

Sri Lanka hearings on civil war begin.

AFRICA

Ugandan rebels said to kill 255 in central Africa.

Zimbabwe launches 'humane' diamonds sale.

23 die in ambush in south Sudan oil state.

Rwandan police arrest three after Kigali grenade attack.

Ethiopia eyes end of food aid within five years: PM.

EUROPE

Relief in sight for Russia as heat wave set to fade.

Chechen rebels claim small blast near Gazprom HQ.

French arrest cyber-crime suspect for U.S.

British police charged with beating terror suspect.

AMERICAS

Illegal immigrants estimated to account for 1 in 12 U.S. births.

Overwhelming majority oppose mosque near Ground Zero.

Boatload of migrants a wake-up call for Canada.

Mexico President seeks crime answers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo jury chosen for al Qaida cook's sentencing.

Al-Qaida appeals to sympathizers for donations.

Bin Laden's cook sentenced to 14 years in jail.

Tour of Guantánamo offers a look, but little else.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: Fast-fading recovery now looks even weaker.

Market drop worldwide signals fears on recovery.

US deficit in July totals $165.04 billion.

Americans grim over economy before elections: poll.