World News Briefs -- June 18, 2011

The governor of Afghanistan's southern Helmand Province receives a rifle from a Taliban fighter who said he wanted to return to normal life. Kabul hopes to make such moves more common. Radio Free Europe

Afghanistan's Karzai: US 'In Peace Talks With Taliban' -- BBC

The US is engaged in talks with the Taliban, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said, in the first high-level confirmation of US involvement.

Mr Karzai said that "foreign military and especially the US itself" were involved in peace talks with the group.

Hours later, suicide bombers attacked a Kabul police station, killing nine.

Earlier this month, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said there could be political talks with the Taliban by the end of this year.

The US is due to start withdrawing its 97,000 troops from Afghanistan in July.

It aims to gradually hand over all security operations to Afghan security forces by 2014.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian refugees describe horrors of Assad crackdown. Syrian forces storm border town near Turkey. 24 reported slain in Syrian protests.

In Yemen, a vice president in the hot seat. ANALYSIS-Yemen crisis puts Saudis in powerbroker's bind.

Three dead in sectarian clash in north Lebanon.

Saudi women get in the driver's seat to defy ban.

ASIA

Karzai: Afghanistan, US in peace negotiations with Taliban.

Pakistan army denies colluding with insurgents.

Four killed, 28 wounded in Pakistan attacks.

South Korean troops mistakenly shoot at passenger jet.

Thai yellow shirts protest against leaders, UNESCO temple listing.

Radiation spike halts work at Japan nuclear plant.

AFRICA

Gaddafi defiant, as bombs rain on Tripoli. Libyan rebels engage in fierce close combat.

I.Coast struggles to unite rival military camps.

Sudanese military, militias kill Christians in South Kordofan.

Morocco's King Mohammed unveils constitutional reforms. Morocco: Protesters say king's reforms 'not enough'.

Bail set for billionaire accused of corruption with Mubarak.

EUROPE

Greek debt crisis: Juncker warns of contagion.

Belarus leader rejects reforms to end crisis.

Biggest strike for 100 years – U.K. union chief.

French burka ban descends into farce.

AMERICAS

President Obama, John Boehner to face off on the golf course.

How miserable? U.S. index says the worst in 28 years.

Top Zeta leader Lazcano reportedly killed in gun battle Friday in Matamoros.

Mexican teenage girls train as drug cartel killers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Waste wars: Captives ‘weaponize’ bodily fluids.

Attorney General and Senator clash on where to try terror suspects.

Hotels warned of 'Mumbai-style' terror threat.

Bin Laden court case dismissed.

Relatives' DNA used to identify bin Laden's body.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

New treaty aims to protect millions of domestic workers.

Computer glitch grounds United Airlines travelers.

Oracle seeks up to $6.1 billion in Google lawsuit.

20 Costco workers share $202 million lottery jackpot.