World News Briefs -- May 20, 2011 (Evening Edition)

President Obama met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in the Oval Office on Friday. Doug Mills/The New York Times

Obama And Netanyahu Admit 'Differences' On Middle East -- BBC

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel told President Obama on Friday that he shared his vision for a peace between Israelis and Palestinians and then promptly listed a series of nonnegotiable conditions that have kept the two sides at an impasse for years.

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MIDDLE EAST

At least 34 killed in protests across Syria. At least 30 killed in Syria as security forces fire on protesters. Obama tells Syria's Assad to lead transition or leave. Syrian troops open fire on thousands calling for regime change at rally in flashpoint town.

Iran’s President to lead next OPEC meeting.

Deadly Iraq bombings add fuel to debate over U.S. departure.

Yemeni President Saleh calls for early elections.

Saudi Arabian-U.S. antimissile talks stress Iran threat.

ASIA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il reportedly in China. N. Korea heir apparent visiting China.

China aids N. Korea, Iran with nuke advances.

North Korean missile reach will extend to U.S.: Senior intel official.

Pakistan Taliban attack US consulate convoy.

Anger simmers in Pakistani army over bin Laden raid.

AFRICA

Libya: Not at the tipping point yet. NATO: Aircraft sink Eight Libyan warships. NATO strikes 'hit Libyan warships'. Gaddafi kills Libyan defense minister: report. Gaddafi's fall from power inevitable, Obama says.

Sudan: Further violence in Abyei border region.

The two swift changes in foreign policy that signal a new Egypt.

Ouattara faces challenge of reconciliation in Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast asks ICC to investigate human rights crimes.

Attack pirate bosses on land, Chinese general says.

Zimbabwe's military chiefs want Mugabe to remain president despite ill-health.

EUROPE

Queen shaken and stirred as Irish tour concludes.

U.S.-Europe partnership faces new challenges.

IMF board approves $36.8 billion loan to Portugal.

Israeli 'spy' sought info on Russia-Arab arms trade: FSB.

Youths defiant at 'Spanish revolution' camp in Madrid. Spain's PM wary of protest crackdown ahead of vote.

NATO to Russia: Cooperate on missile defense.

Israeli spy sought details of Russian-Arab military deals - FSB.

Liam Fox: British Army will be cut further after Afghanistan mission.

AMERICAS

Shadow of disgraced president looms in Peru race.

IMF ex-leader is released on bail in NYC.

Ecuador referendum final tally gives Correa victory.

Prices at gas pump painful for 4 in 10 Americans.

Top U.S. lawmakers agree to Patriot Act extension.

Reid rejects Boehner proposal for $2 trillion in U.S. spending cuts.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaida eyed oil tankers as bombing targets.

WikiLeaks bolsters argument for ‘enhanced’ interrogation tactics.

Obama administration offers legal justification for capture or killing of Osama Bin Laden.

Court filings assert Iran had link to 9/11 attacks.

New details emerge of radical Imam's lunch at the Pentagon.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China is now top gold bug.

Up to 20 million Americans 'overcharged' by AT&T for data usage.

Billionaire Pickens says Obama lacks energy plan.

Cruel summer? Data signal global industrial slowdown.

Control of IMF is at a crossroads. Europeans race to nominate Strauss-Kahn successor.

At I.M.F., men on prowl and women on guard.

Tepco chief quits after $15 billion loss on nuclear crisis.