Afghan ambassador for extra forces Ambassador to US hopeful that Barack Obama will boost military presence.

UN council to discuss Gaza report Security Council takes up Libyan request for emergency session on Goldstone report.

FOCUS: FEATURES, ANALYSIS AND COMMENT
	'Al-Qaeda facilitates insurgency' Bin Laden's ideology strengthens anti-government groups, say Afghan officials.		What next for the Patriot Act? US Congress to debate laws that critics say allow the government to spy on citizens. Fast recovery for emerging markets? Emerging economies such as China better placed to weather financial storm, say analysts. 'Israel has to be held accountable' What is behind the postponement of a UN vote on the report into Israel's war on Gaza? Afghan war 'needs regional plan' More troops alone will not improve security in Afghanistan, say Afghan officials.