World News Briefs -- November 19, 2010

President Obama arrives in Lisbon. His trip to Portugal is his eighth trip to Europe since he took office. (Kevin Lamarque, Reuters / November 19, 2010)

Obama Arrives In Portugal To Meet With NATO Allies -- L.A. Times

After the Asia trip, the president aims to show Europeans that their concerns are also a top priority. The focus for the weekend: the Afghan war.

LISBON, Portugal — President Obama arrived here this morning for two days of meetings with NATO allies as they craft a new plan for the war in Afghanistan and seek a new mission statement that will keep them relevant in the 21st century.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq's new leaders: A government begins to emerge.

Israel and U.S. struggling to conclude settlement pact.

Israeli military condemns Web list of troops.

Iran rights envoy assails U.N. censure.

ASIA

U.S., NATO troops to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 handover.

No compromise with junta on release of political prisoners: Suu Kyi.

North Korea starts building new nuclear reactor.

New Zealand miners missing after explosion.

AFRICA

Nigerian militants threaten new raids to seize more hostages.

Madagascar orders evacuation near coup bid barracks.

AFRICOM nominee Ham worried about al-Shabab's widening reach.

Mass break-out at Congolese jail.

EUROPE

Germany says Namibia 'bomb' was security test.

Sweden wants questioning of WikiLeaks chief in rape probe.

US-Russian 'reset' in trouble as nuke pact stalls.

Ireland may be facing political crisis in addition to economic woes.

Irish, EU, IMF face marathon talks for loan deal.

AMERICAS

Anti-UN cholera riots spread to Haiti capital.

A city fogged in by fear and uncertainty.

Mexican troops kill 11 in clash with drug gang.

South American gangs using old aircraft to fly cocaine to Africa.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

NY Gitmo trial spurs fresh debate over detainees.

Barack Obama 'determined to close Guantánamo'.

France rejects 'Bin Laden talks' to free hostages.

Pakistani officials: US missiles kill 4 in vehicle.

Gulf states hatch plans to fight al-Qaida.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Bernanke takes aim at China.

Factbox: Taxpayers in deep water on GM investment.

Goldman Sachs promotes record 321 managing directors.