World News Briefs -- August 19, 2010

U.S. Combat Troops Leave Iraq -- CBC

The last group of American combat troops left Iraq Thursday, bringing an end to U.S. combat operations there and signaling a new chapter in the country's future.

The final convoy of troops, 440 members of the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, crossed the southern border in Kuwait before dawn on Thursday. They rode in a long line of heavily armoured military vehicles down the middle of Iraq's main north-south highway.

Their departure comes nearly two weeks before the official end of combat missions on Aug. 31.

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MIDDLE EAST

Goodbye Iraq: Last US combat brigade heads home. U.S. says troop numbers in Iraq at 56,000.

UAE to protect Iran trade despite sanctions.

Lebanon grants Palestinian refugees right to work.

SYRIA: Historic secret study reveals most Syrians dissatisfied, outspoken.

ASIA

Floods in Pakistan affect millions; U.N.-led relief effort lacks financial support. Why many Pakistani-Americans aren't sending flood donations home.

Central, South Asian leaders meet in Russia.

U.S., Philippine militaries discussed China's `assertiveness' at meeting.

Blast kills 7, wounds 14 in restive far west China.

US raises Myanmar heat with war crimes panel call.

N.Korea 'plotting biochemical attack'?

Australia's Labor to scrape back into power.

AFRICA

Rebels kill 3 in U.N. Force in Congo.

Ethiopia faces era of one-party rule.

Mandela charity trustee resigns over Campbell diamonds.

Violence erupts during South Africa strike.

EUROPE

Britain's David Cameron seeks smaller government, more citizen involvement.

France begins controversial Roma expulsion.

Cold front ends heat spell over western Russia.

AMERICAS

State's Guard troops headed to border duty will have focused mission.

Wyclef Jean says his Haiti candidacy a 'wild card'.

Booming Brazil Is Like the 'US in the 1950s': Sam Zell.

Peru court revokes parole for US 'rebel' Lori Berenson.

Poll: 1 in 5 Americans thinks Obama is a Muslim.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Fatah al Islam chief killed while traveling to Iraq.

Obama's pledge to close down Guantanamo is 'not even close'.

Jihadist blogger thought to be creator of Al Qaeda website could be indicted on terrorism charges.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US says bankruptcies reach nearly 5-year high.

Obama says housing glut hindering economic recovery.

Four banks face big losses on repurchases.