World News Briefs -- July 31, 2010 (Evening Edition)

U.S. and Afghan forces patrol in Wardak province's Jaghato district while en route to the village of Akhtar Kheyl, Afghanistan, July 15, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

July Is Deadliest Month For US Soldiers In Afghanistan -- Voice Of America

Six American soldiers have been killed in separate attacks in southern Afghanistan, making July the deadliest month for U.S. forces in the nine-year war.

NATO says one service member died in an insurgent attack Friday, while a roadside bombing killed two others. Three other troops were killed Thursday in two separate bombings in the south.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. threatens to cut ties unless Palestinians return to direct talks.

Israeli airstrike kills senior Hamas rocket maker.

Iraq pays $30 billion as compensation to Kuwait.

Syrian, Saudi leaders show solidarity with Lebanon.

ASIA

2 killed in police firing, Kashmir violence toll up to 6.

Beijing claims 'indisputable sovereignty' over South China Sea.

Official: More than 800 dead in Pakistani floods.

North Korea's failed World Cup footballers undergo public mauling.

Top Pakistan spy scrubs U.K. trip in protest.

Australian PM Gillard heading for defeat: new poll.

AFRICA

MSF suspends aid in part of south Sudan.

U.N. tells Darfur peace force to focus on security.

Thousands flee Congo clashes as security worsens.

Muslim court clause brings spotlight in Kenya vote.

Three Kenyan men charged with Uganda bomb attacks.

EUROPE

Sarkozy threatens immigrants who target police.

Putin takes control of wildfire crisis.

Russia approves 65 per cent defence budget increase.

Greek military mobilised to supply fuel amid strike.

Italy crisis grows as speaker rejects PM call to resign.

AMERICAS

Mexico drug boss death could spark power struggle.

Colombia rebels call for talks with new government.

Venezuela sends troops to Colombian border: Chavez.

New BP delay a warning: Don't write obituary on Gulf oil spill yet.

Debate heating up on plans for mosque near Ground Zero.

Florida's Everglades put on world heritage endangered list.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

As some young Muslims turn to radicalism, concern grows.

Somali Jihadis launch 'News Channel' as officials warn of growing Al Qaeda links.

UN removes five Taliban from its blacklist (two are dead).

France's War on Terror: Paris takes the fight to al Qaeda in Africa. (a commentary)

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street marks best month in a year in July.

Recession was deeper than U.S. gov't previously thought.

China invests $40 bln in Iran oil, gas: minister.

Disney sells Miramax film studios.