World News Briefs -- May 30, 2011

Solemn tribute: U.S. troops place candles as they remember their fallen comrades in a Memorial Day service at the headquarters of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kabul last night. Photo from The Daily Mail

Memorial Day Comes As Troops Fight In Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan paused Monday to remember the fallen in Memorial Day services, as a war nearly a decade old trudges on.

Some prayed and held flag-raising ceremonies at dawn to recognize the more than 1,400 killed in combat here since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that triggered the war.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran plays an increasing role in Syrian crackdown. 11 Syrians killed as UN blasts 'shocking' crackdown. Change appears inevitable in Syria, analysts say.

Israeli PM warns over possible terror threats in Sinai.

Islamists seize a Yemeni city, stoking fears. Yemeni forces kill 20 protesters as sit-in smashed.

Report: UK-trained forces help quell Arab Spring.

Iraqi leader reconsiders U.S. troop withdrawal.

ASIA

Afghan leader Hamid Karzai has scolded the US military for airstrikes against his people, saying it's his last warning.

Pakistan to launch offensive in North Waziristan: report.

cy battlefield focus of India, Pakistan talks.

This is a city built for a million people - but no one lives here: The Mongolian metropolis thrust into the 21st Century in a storm of steel and concrete.

AFRICA

NATO chief criticises hesitancy over military commitment in Libya. NATO promises to keep up pressure on Qaddafi. Zuma arrives in Libya on peace mission.

Sudan threatens to occupy 2 more disputed regions.

Nigerian President vows to strengthen democratic rule. Official: Bomb blast rocks northern Nigerian city.

Egypt expels Iranian diplomat.

Morocco police violently disperse protests.

EUROPE

Clashes erupt in Belgrade to protest Mladic arrest. Serbian government to extradite Mladic in the next four days.

Another French minister resigns as sex assault inquiry opens.

Jobs, debt, sexism: Spanish street protests target PM.

Greek opposition sets demands as EU/IMF verdict nears. Ireland may need more cash; Greece nears default (a commentary).

Germany to drop nuclear power by 2022.

AMERICAS

US remembers its war dead.

Colombia details scale of land stolen in civil conflict.

Peruvian presidential race virtually tied: report.

Thousands protest power project in Chile.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-qaeda: Yemen on the brink.

Taliban co-founder gave away bin Laden: Report.

The Al Qaeda-Iran connection.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Lockheed says frequent cyber target from around world.

Beware a manufacturing slowdown.

At I.M.F., a strict ethics code doesn’t apply to top officials.

Oil prices ease.