World News Briefs -- July 28, 2011

The House of Representatives was to take up Republican Speaker John Boehner's plan for raising Washington's dollar 14.3 trillion debt ceiling in the face of US Treasury warnings the government cannot pay all of its bills past August 2. AFP

House Debt-Limit Vote Sets Stage For Showdown -- Bloomberg

The House of Representatives planned to vote today on a debt-limit increase proposal that confronts unified Democratic opposition in the Senate, setting the stage for a congressional showdown to avert a U.S. default.

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio gained support among fellow Republicans for his plan to raise the debt ceiling after reworking the legislation to cut $917 billion over 10 years, more than his original approach. All 51 Senate Democrats and two independents signed a letter yesterday pledging to oppose the measure.

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MIDDLE EAST

Report: 3,000 people missing in Syrian uprising.

Palestinian authorities to approach UN for establishing state soon. US to oppose Palestinian recognition at UN.

Suicide bombing kills 12 outside bank in Iraq.

Female U.S. Senators call on Saudi Arabia to let women drive.

U.S. report recommends ending loan guarantees to Israel at end of 2011.

ASIA

US to hold 'exploratory' talks with North Korea in New York.

NKorea predicts new nuclear arms race.

7 Filipino troops die, 21 wounded in rebel clash.

India and Pakistan relations 'on right track'.

AFRICA

Libya rebels plan assault on key western town. Libyan rebels attack Gadhafi forces near Tunisian border.

Aid trickles in to famine-ravaged Somalia. 6 Die in offensive to protect Somali relief effort.

Egyptian groups unify for huge protest Friday.

Malawi charges more than 250 people over riots.

EUROPE

After deadly attacks, Norway to review security, police.Norway police face questions over attacks response.

Violence in north Kosovo draws EU warning. NATO steps into Kosovo-Serbia border dispute.

Aides urge Medvedev to run again.

'No porn or prostitution': Islamic extremists set up Sharia law controlled zones in British cities.

Six reasons Europe's debt crisis isn't over.

AMERICAS

As US debt plan faces House vote, compromise brews behind the scenes. Republican debt plan faces close vote in Congress.

Clinton, in letter, blasts bill restricting foreign aid.

In Colombia, FARC operations are on the rise as the guerrilla movement changes strategy and returns to its insurgent roots.

US boy, 14, sentenced in Mexico for cartel killings.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida's Zawahri tells Syrians to also fight US, Israel.

Spec ops chief warns of al-Qaida 2.0.

U.S. attack still significant al Qaeda goal: official.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US debt default fears grow as UK becomes safest haven for bondholders.

Here's what happens if ratings agencies downgrade U.S. debt: It's really bad.

Reports confirm decelerating U.S. economy.