World News Briefs -- August 9, 2010 (Evening Edition)

PENTAGON BRIEFING - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates conducts a press conference at the Pentagon, Aug. 9, 2010. DoD photo by Cherie Cullen

Making Good on Pledge, Gates Outlines Military Cuts -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Monday that he would close a major military command, restrict the use of outside contractors and reduce the number of generals and admirals across the armed forces to trim back on unaffordable defense spending.

Mr. Gates said he had ordered a 10 percent reduction in spending on contractors who provide support services to the military, including intelligence-related contracts, and placed a freeze on the number of workers in the office of the secretary of defense, other Pentagon supervisory agencies and the headquarters of the military’s combat commands.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq attacks likely to increase during Ramadan, says US.

Gaza's biggest hospital caught in political, economic crossfire.

Iran boosts nuclear enrichment efficiency -IAEA.

Kurdish rebels kill 3 Turkish soldiers.

At least 69 killed in weekend bombings, shootings in Iraq.

Extremist groups 'very much alive' in Iraq, U.S. Special Forces official says.

Iran launches four home - made submarines.

Inquiry into Israeli flotilla raid begins. Israel PM defends flotilla raid as 'lawful'.

Lebanon bent on building up army after Israel clash.

ASIA

Nagasaki marks 65th anniversary of US atomic bomb.

Pakistan floods: disaster is the worst in the UN's history.

Afghanistan war: Stay until job is done, say majority of Americans.

More protests planned after Kashmir curfew lifted.

South Korea’s President reshuffles cabinet.

In flood-ravaged Pakistan, army gains stature over government. Flooding's devastation in Pakistan is seen as opportunity for Taliban.

North Korea fires artillery into waters near border with South Korea.

Taliban launch attacks on U.S., Afghan military posts.

1,100 missing in China as Asian flood misery rises.

The perfect swarm: Locusts threaten eastern Australia.

AFRICA

South Sudan insecurity exacerbates deadly disease.

Rwanda votes amid opposition crackdown.

U.N. back to Somalia after 17 years.

Sudan suspends BBC Arabic on FM radio.

EUROPE

Russia declares state of emergency at Urals nuclear town.

Moscow deaths double amid smog to 700 people a day.

The new guerrilla group threatening Greece.

Flooding in central Europe eases after weekend torrents leave nine dead.

AMERICAS

U.S. electricity blackouts skyrocketing.

Chavez says U.S. envoy nominee isn't welcome after criticizing Venezuela.

Fidel Castro warns of nuclear war, climate change – ignores Cuba issues.

Colombia's Santos vows to build on decade of progress.

Colombia's Santos, Venezuela's Chavez to meet Tuesday.

Lack of resources curtails ICE tracking of illegals.

Haiti: Wyclef Jean to face Michel Martelly in election.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Omar Khadr's confession can be used at Guantanamo trial.

German 9/11 mosque closed. German mosque frequented by 9/11 plotters closed down.

Radical Indonesian cleric arrested in terror plot.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google, Verizon release internet proposal.

Major U.S. employment shift occurring, study finds.

Fed set to downgrade outlook for US.

U.S. economy is increasingly tied to the rich.

BP oil spill costs pass $6bn mark.