WASHINGTON – House Speaker John Boehner says President Barack Obama's argument that U.S. forces face no hostilities in Libya doesn't "pass the straight face test."

Boehner took issue with the administration's contention that congressional consent for the military operation is unnecessary. Lawmakers have said Obama is in violation of the War Powers Resolution requiring congressional authorization.

Boehner said U.S. drone attacks and bombing of Moammar Gadhafi's compound in Tripoli certainly amount to hostilities. The Ohio Republican raised the prospect of the House taking steps, possibly next week, to limit U.S. spending on the NATO-led military operation...

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama has not yet determined whether he will make a decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan before the November 7 election runoff, a US official said Tuesday.

"The UN, NATO, the US stand ready to assist the Afghans in conducting the second round," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters.

"Whether or not the president makes a decision before that I don't think has been determined.

"I have continued to say a decision will be made in the coming weeks as the president goes through an examination of our policy," he added...

PORLAMAR, Venezuela (AP) -- Moammar Gadhafi and Hugo Chavez are strengthening their relationship and finding common ground as two radical former military men who both want to challenge the "imperialism" of wealthy nations and aspire to speak for many poor nations.

The Libyan leader planned to meet with the Venezuelan president on Monday and was expected to sign a series of accords to deepen cooperation between their governments. Chavez and Gadhafi led a weekend summit where South American and African leaders pledged to deepen links between the continents. Chavez made diplomatic inroads while offering African countries Venezuela's help in oil projects, mining and financial assistance.

Gadhafi, who is making his first visit to Latin America, said the two regions should unite to wield more influence and form a defense alliance, a "NATO for the South" -- calling it "SATO"...