World News Briefs -- October 27, 2009 (Evening Edition)

Afghan soldiers armed with US made M16 rifles in combat training at The Afghan National Army (ANA) training camp on the outskirts of Kabul, in September 2009. Bomb attacks killed another eight American soldiers Tuesday in southern Afghanistan, making October the deadliest month for US forces in their eight-year war against the Taliban. (AFP/File/Romeo Gacad)

Eight More US Troops Dead In Afghan War's Blackest Month -- Yahoo News/AFP

KABUL (AFP) – Eight new fatalities Tuesday made October the deadliest month yet for US forces in Afghanistan, as President Barack Obama announced a key meeting with army chiefs to discuss his fateful troop decision.

The latest attacks, which were claimed by the Taliban, came the day after 14 US soldiers and narcotics agents died in helicopter crashes, piling pressure on Obama as he mulls sending tens of thousands more troops.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran backs uranium plan outline, but seeks changes.

Iraq reaches voting deal as toll rises in bombings. Extremist group claims responsibility for Baghdad bombs. Al Qaida in Iraq claims attacks that crippled Baghdad government.

Insurgent group Jundallah worries Iranians.

Israel rules out questioning troops about Gaza offensive.

Amnesty says Israel curbing water to Palestinians. Five Palestinians wounded in clash with settlers.

Israeli official: Clinton to hold Jerusalem talks.

Gaza: Hamas tightens, then backs off, Islamic social strictures.

ASIA

India, China, Russia stress unity after talks.

PM to apologise to abused 'Forgotten Australians'.

Troops already outnumber Taliban 12-1.

Pakistan: 42 militants die in anti-Taliban assault.

Five killed in restive Thai south: police.

Ten killed in Maoist-hit central India: police.

AFRICA

Obama officially extends sanctions on Sudan.

Campaign ends as Mozambique prepares for national elections.

Unity talks fail to ease political deadlock in Zimbabwe.

Somali pirates say holding British couple.

EUROPE

EU scraps last Uzbek sanctions.

Delay in Czech EU treaty ruling.

Church of Scientology convicted of fraud in France.

Karadzic 'supreme commander' of ethnic cleansing: trial. More news here and here.

Swedish soldiers forced to train in soleless boots.

Iceland says goodbye to the Big Mac.

AMERICAS

Why South American economies are rebounding first.

U.S. oversight panel: Government was slow on H1N1 threat.

US sending envoys to try to end crisis in Honduras. Honduras leader's nephew killed.

Fidel Castro's sister says she worked with CIA. More news here.

Venezuela accuses Colombia of spying in slay probe.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Ex-Gitmo detainees sue UK to make evidence public.

FBI is slow to translate intelligence, report says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Tax refugees staging escape from New York.

Worsening U.S. job picture fuels slide in confidence.

U.S. Gov't may say recession over but not job losses.

U.S. eyes reining in ‘too big to fail’ institutions.

Diamond sales sparkling in China.