>> "bbc world news" is presented by kcet, los angeles. funding for this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. the newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation, union bank, and "writes start." a new film by jane campion. -- bright star.

>> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies, from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> he was a dreamer. she was a realist. >> she wants to read it to see if he is an idiot or not. >> but every word he wrote -- >> a thing of beauty is a joy forever. >> inspired a romance that will live forever. >> i must warn you the trap you are walking into. >> "bright star" from jane campion. >> more troops or failure of mission?

general sten mcchrystal urges a change in strategy, too. obama's middle east mission. will they get anything more than handshakes from israeli and palestinian leaders at the u.n. general assembly? after the car crash, the trout. renault in the dark after forming one pause a worst case of cheating. a president celebrates three full decades in power, to whose benefit? he was one of america's greatest musical figures and she was his protege, a conductor leading a tribute to leonard bernstein. it is 7:00 a.m. in washington, midday in london and half past three and afghan capital kabul

with the situation in the war against the taliban serious and will grow worse unless yet more coalition troops are deployed. that at least is the opinion of the top u.s. and nato commander in afghanistan, general stanley mcchrystal. he said resources won't necessarily win the war but under resources may well be result in failure. the support has been submitted to washington but it does not specify the number of extra troops required. in a moment we will be live in kabul. first, mike will rich. >> general mcchrystal was charged with providing new thinking in president obama's strategy. with international forces experiencing the deadliest years since the war in afghanistan began eight years ago, the generals provide the obama administration with a grim analysis of the prospect if the initiative is not gained from the taliban insurgency. the number of american troops in afghanistan is already almost doubled this year to the current

level of 62,000. general mcchrystal said the campaign has been historically under resource and remains so today. he is expected to make a formal request for more troops. without adequate resources, he warned bluntly, the risk is the mission will fail but the idea of sending more troops is a hot political issue in washington. the administration is weighing it carefully. >> i think it is important we add a strategy to resources, but i will not put the resource question before the strategy question. until i am satisfied we got the right strategy i will not send one young man woman over there beyond what we already have. >> feeding ever more strongly into the washington politics and the debate over the afghanistan strategy is the former suppressant karzai's government. john mcchrystal suggests corruption underlying action -- given afghan's few reasons to

support the government. but he concedes international forces have operated in a way that distance in them from the very people they seek to protect. we can, the general says, the feed ourselves. bbc news. -- defeat ourselves. >> we can go to kabul now. our correspondent is there. martin, we were looking at yet another warning and a call for more troops. we don't have a specific figure, but have you got a ball park? >> well, yes, you are right, this is a very stark warning on what could happen in afghanistan. general mcchrystal generally believes if they don't gain the initiative in the next 12 months it could be impossible to win this war. he says more troops are needed. in the report he does not specifically ask for more american troops but we think that request will come in and the next few weeks and we think it would be up to 30,000 extra u.s. forces will be deployed.

but let's not forget, the afghan security forces general, mcchrystal, once the training of afghan security forces speeded up. so you will see greater deployment across the country to try to tackle that taliban uncertainty. >> it is so noticeable has the language has switched and what we need to succeed to what we need in order not to fail. >> yes, i think that's right. i think there is a real sense of urgency that unless this mission gets the resources that general mcchrystal says he needs, but it could actually end of the failure. but if you look at what john moss -- general mcchrystal says, he said the international community can succeed but this has been under-resources and perhaps not coordinated clearly enough. what he wants is clear increases in the number of soldiers on the ground, but also wants greater emphasis on what the afghan

government is up to because this is a two-pronged strategy. first of all, the military needs to do its job and afghan government needs to do the job. the argument is that it is not -- it is not that the taliban are we get is just that the afghan government are not strong what we are seeing is a two-pronged strategy in which general mcchrystal says we need to get this right, otherwise of the achievements to date could slip away. >> levels does bring you some of those numbers. latest estimates of just something like 100,000 international troops in afghanistan at the moment from 42 nations. obviously the u.s., the highest number of troops committed, around 63 -- 63,000 committed by early september. into separateness and spirit one under nato and one fund -- in two separate missions. one under nato and one under u.s. centcom.

next is united kingdom, 9000 troops most based in the southern province. germany has 4500 troops serving in northern regions. italy, france, canada, also present with significant number of troops in the country. joining me from london is the foreign editor of "gut *." i know you are embarking on a major reviewthe major times" on what on earth should be done. what do you make of the general mcchrystal's warnings? >> the same as what we reached as well. we had a meeting last week. we brought in some of our correspondents covering the country for the last few years. i think the general consensus was we are in a very difficult situation with the karzai government. the military campaign is not going well. there is a lack of focus, i

think, in western capitals on this and we could end up losing the war with a very serious consequences for western security. if we don't adjust the various problems. i think that is what general mcchrystal was saying very much in his report back to washington. >> as increasingly difficult as it is politically -- the more troops, tens of thousand of american troops, let alone building the afghan forces, are going to be required, all of which presumably, richard, is pretty much useless if the strategy doesn't fit. how do you think the strategy needs to develop? >> i think first and foremost we need to sort out the political situation if it is seen that president karzai was reelected without a majority, that he was reelected because of vote rigging, then that must not let to the stand. we must have a credible, viable government in kabul that has a mandate from the people, number

one. so i think that is something we need to address. no. 2, when need to readdress obviously the security situation and the country. no point putting troops in on the stairwell-equipped and resource enough to do what they are supposed to be doing. almost the worst possible this is set -- sent into few troops that antagonize the population and suffer heavy casualties at the hands of the taliban and drain public support back home. >> sorry to interrupt because we did not have much time. i wanted to ask also about remarks about what the troops are actually doing there. too few people who have been trained to speak the language. the sense that they are wholly unwelcome really in terms of their presence in afghanistan. >> we have now been there eight years, and many afghans will wonder how loud -- wonder out loud what the benefits of having all of these foreign forces amongst them is. that is a serious control.

mcchrystal wants to refocus the mission in protecting the civilian population, separating them from a taliban where possible. many of the things i am afraid there rather late in the day. we lost the initiative. as the reclusive taliban leaders said in his message, time is on our side, and i think he is absolutely right. >> many thanks, indeed. a state funeral is being held in rome and the course of the last couple of hours for the six towns soldiers killed and the suicide bank -- attack in afghanistan just last week. this is the service. ♪ the prime minister and other political leaders joined the victims' families for the ceremony. a day of national mourning declared. a minute of silence being held in schools and public buildings across the country. the death of these six has prompted a debate in italy, no surprise there, about the future

of the country's mission in afghanistan. in his visit to the middle east last week, barack obama's envoy to region george mitchell failed in his attempt to get peace talks up and running. it is up to the boss now. president obama is holding three-way discussions on the margins of the u.s. -- the u.s. and -- you end this week. correspondent in jerusalem is deafening bell, and we can join bethany now. in terms of up to go -- up a task, it is all up to obama, is an ad? >> i think there is generally a sense, low expectations both from the israeli side and the palestinian side. i have heard descriptions of this as just a photo opportunity. one is really paper even called it a joke. some israelis feel in a way this has been a bit of a victory for mr. netanyahu and that he

managed to get this three-day meeting without having to make any concessions on the settlements. there has been some, i think, concern among palestinians that this has happened without getting any israeli concessions. the palestinians say they are going along because they don't want to upset obama but really i don't think anybody is expecting any much to come out of these talks appeared to be fair as well, the u.s. officials also playing down any sort of major development -- possibility. >> to you think there has been a problem about managing expectations over the course of the last six months or so? what happened in gaza is still fresh in memory. we've got a new government with a right wing bent. the chances of anything happening very quickly in hindsight always looked pretty remote. >> yes, and i think there are two things going on here. of course, there was gaza, this

new israeli government. but there also was this -- by the obama administration to get involved. some people will still see this as an important step. but some israelis have not liked the u.s. pressure that has been around recently to stop all settlement activity. the palestinians have welcomed the engagement, if you like, i'd be obama administration. but there is a sense of great cynicism. people have seen peace talks, and go here. they are waiting and see really what the obama administration can deliver. >> thank you very much, indeed. let us catch up on some of the big stories. france's most explosive political trial in years is just about to start. the former prime minister is

accused of plotting to discredit his old rival and the man who is now president, nicolas sarkozy. the case dates back to 2004 when both men were trying to win their pot is nomination for the presidency. it is alleged that mr. vellepin tried to manipulate a judicial investigation to smear his opponent. so evident president jacob zuma g-8 -- jacob zuma is addressing trade unions. the congress of trade unions questioning the success of the terms of boosting the economy. the president rejected salary increases despite a whole series of strikes. the children of the central italian region return to school, five months since an earthquake struck a region killing around 300 people. earthquake-proof temporary

classrooms. we will have full market and financial analysis and 25 minutes. -- in 25 minutes. looking at american propensity to buy or not. >> the brakes are on that. interesting stuff. he have the u.s. federal reserve meeting this week to discuss the u.s. economy and how to support it. they may have to start thinking about relying less on the power of the u.s. consumer. there have said -- has been a survey by ubs and america's research group and it finds there is a whole new generation of consumer and the u.s. now that is frugal, very cautious on the spending money. some of the findings, 75% cut to the down on household spending. more than half want discount of more than 50% before they buy. many of them say they will stick to the lower-priced brands that they had to turn to during the recession. they say it will last probably a whole generation because they realize now that these bubbles exist, they conversed, and they

don't want a repeat cycle. fascinating stuff. but it is dangerous in a sense that three-quarters of the u.s. economy relies on consumer spending. and we'll talk about the oil warning in note later report. but thanks, indeed. you are watching "world news today." coming up, it will be his first appearance at the u.n. general assembly -- how much influence will obama have on talks with iran and if -- and climate change? as many as a million cubans are said to have attended a free concert in havana. the show, called peace without borders, included well-known bands from cuba and other latin american countries. >> there has never been a show like this in cuba before, a million people packed into revolution square for a free music festival. the concert was called, peace without borders. instead of the traditional red

flags, the square was a sea of white, the color the organizers had asked everybody to wear. a concert for peace, but what have shown deep divisions and opposition groups. in miami, hard-line anti-castro exiles were bitterly opposed to the concert. but here on the island, some of the leading dissidents signed a petition saying it is a great idea, it should help reconciliation on the island. but for most of the people here, it is just about music. >> we love the their songs. it has nothing to do with politics. those in miami who are against it, they still want to hear the concert. it is about peace, peace without borders. >> the concert was the brainchild of the miami-based grant award winning colombian singing -- singer who was also

the star. he has been compared to bono and sting for his activism. the first of the contras was on the colombian-venezuelan border last year when it looked like the countries were about to go to war -- the first of the concert spirited this time he attracted 15 bands from seven countries with the event broadcast live around the world, including to miami. bbc news, revolution square, havana. >> this is "world news today" from bbc world news. the man had lines, the top u.s. commander in afghanistan, general stanley mcchrystal is warning in a confidential report that the mission will likely result in failure unless troop numbers are increased. the middle east, iran, climate change, just a few of the challenges jake -- facing

president obama as he prepares for his first u.n. general assembly. the future of the formula 1 racing team accused of race fixing is being decided right now. officials from the renault are being called to appear in paris. allegations that instructed one of the drivers to crash into a wall on purpose to help his teammate win the race. our correspondent james monroe is awaiting the decision from paris. >> as you can imagine, plenty of interest in france about the fate of renault that is charged with fraudulent conduct and bring in the sport into disrepute by deliberately causing a crash. renault themselves brought a delegation led by the formal one renault president bernard rei, and also alonso, the driver that run -- won the race and singapore where the allegation

came that he deliberately crashed on lap 14 so alonzo could make -- take advantage of an earlier pit stop. what is the plan for the council? that have to find out what part renault plays in this. whether it needs to be banned or five or face any punishment. the driver himself was given immunity because he has made the claims to the council. but we will find out the decision hopefully in the hours to come. >> and of course we will bring it to you as soon as a break. a big week for the united nations. world leaders gathering in new york for the annual meeting on wednesday. but more than 100 liters will attend separate meetings tuesday to address the issue of climate change and pave the way for deals for creag -- for future talks of copenhagen taking place

in december. >> this week more than 100 world leaders will descend on the united nations. there is easily more fitter than substance that these annual gatherings, at least publicly. but on the agenda aren't some of the most of war and issues facing the planet. the meeting takes place at the time of global economic crisis, growing security threats and dangers climate change. >> the 64th united nations general assembly will be one of the most historic, crucially important general assemblies in the history of the united nations. when we are facing still challenges. >> those are continuing challenges. but this year there is also something new. >> a fellow citizen of the world. >> the u.s. president has pledged a more constructive relationship and -- with the u.n., after eight years of acrimony that characterize the bush administration. and he signaled a personal

involvement in two of the main issues. one is climate change. the u.n. is sponsoring difficult negotiations cutting carbon emissions. the obama will speak at a summit called to inject political momentum into the struggling talks. president obama will also chair a special section here in the security council about stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting disarmament. this will be a broad discussion based on themes of the undercurrent is specific concerns about north korea and especially iran. the iran process leaders refused to give up their nuclear program. the american president wants to try talks before confrontation. the world's major powers will discuss strategies on the sidelines of you and sessions of this week. people here at the u.n. are anticipating an new era of invigorated diplomacy. no one believes the intractable problems we, easier to solve but there may be more than ever to try to solve them together. bbc news, at the united nations in new york.

>> started off with a bit of action from the cowboys. >> now former president george w. bush has three-time. talking american football. a new sporting cathedral, cowboys stating in texas, it caused more than $1 billion to build. but money alone does not guarantee success. 105,000 turned up to the first game of that arena. ever tractable roof, a former president w was alongside his wife, laura. here we are in the second quarter, eli manning finding his degree juggling skills from the receiver. felix jones, 7-yard scoring run gave the cowboys the one-point lead but the kicker won the game for the visitors, 37-yard field goal, 33-31 giants.

back in the big apple, the new york jets beat the new england patriots. in the third quarter the rookie quarterback mark sanchez found the best and keller. into the fourth, the white lowrey not down a pass from tom brady. the fastest american sprinter of all time became just a little bit faster. tyson gay one 100 meters at nine. -- seconds. usain bolt ran exactly the same time when he set a new world record at the beijing olympics but the jamaican has since lowered that mark. and the second fastest woman in history posted 10.64 and 100- meters. but still some way off of the world record.

loudest cheer for china's famous -- favored track and field athlete, world record-holder in hurdles. back in competition for the first time since his injury but he looked very good indeed. they both cross the line the same time but the american was given the wind. let us wait to see the slow motion and see if you could pick the winner on the line. major league's baseball playoffs. two of the leading teams consolidated their position that the top of their divisions. l.a. dodgers, trying to win consecutive titles on the national league west for the first time since the late 1970's. they beat the san francisco giants. they fell behind in the top of the first but here they are -- two-run home run in the second. in the form, -- fourth, 2-run

single. holding on to win. los angeles angels -- texas, team up a formerly owned by george w. bush. this effectively sealed the win for the visitors. that is in for the moment. >> thank you very much indeed. our main storage, a report by the most senior american commander in afghanistan warned the military ever there will fail unless the urgent boost in the number of american troops in a major change of strategy. a report by general stanley mcchrystal first published in "the washington post" but has been stood up by his staff. the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu. the newman's own foundation. the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. and union bank.

and "bright star," it a new film by jane campion. >> union bank has put its financial strength to work for a wide range of companies from small businesses to major corporations. what can we do for you? >> he was a dreamer. >> floating above the trees with my lips connected to those of a beautiful figure. >> she was a realist. >> my sister has met the author. she wants to read it to see if he is an idiot or not. >> but every word he wrote. >> thing of beauty is a joy forever. >> inspired the romance that would live forever. >> i get anxious if i don't see you. >> i must warn you the track your walking into. >> i would do anything. >> "bright star" from jane

campion. campion.