In remarks before the start of an international defense summit in Halifax, Canada Friday, Gates acknowledged that the multinational presence in Afghanistan has provided "a significant influx" of dollars through development contracts.

Parliament session aimed at resolving a deadlock on an electoral law required for general elections in January has ended without agreement.

In a vote of 74 in favor, 48 against and 59 abstentions, the General Assembly committee responsible for social, humanitarian and cultural affairs - known as the Third Committee -adopted the resolution co-sponsored by Canada and 41 other countries.

Hundreds of influential thinkers from around the world have gathered in Dubai to participate in the World Economic Forum's Summit on the Global Agenda. Participants of the three-day event will look at ways that international institutions like the G20, World

Officials from six world powers have expressed disappointment at Iran's refusal to accept a proposal to send its uranium abroad for further enrichment.

But 20 years after the adoption of a treaty guaranteeing children's rights, hundreds of millions still go without basics like food and health care, and violence against children remains a global problem.

Earlier this week, Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi vetoed the proposed election law, saying he wants more representation for Iraqis living abroad, many of whom are Sunni Arabs. The move prompted Iraq's electoral commission to halt preparations for the general election

Iranian officials say defense forces will practice aerial defense maneuvers against a simulated enemy next week to prepare for any attack against the country's nuclear facilities.

Deal brokered by IAEA would have helped easew fears that Tehran was trying to build nuclear weapons