Monday's Headlines: Netanyahu in D.C.; Iraq's al-Maliki Endorses Recount

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington Monday for talks with the Obama administration.

Netanyahu's arrival coincides with a difficult period in U.S.-Israel relations, aggravated by Israel's announcement of plans for new Jewish homes in east Jerusalem. The prime minister will meet with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday afternoon, followed by dinner with Vice President Joe Biden.

Netanyahu and Clinton will also give speeches to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel group. Clinton's address will focus on implementing new sanctions against Iran.

IRAQ ELECTION

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki endorsed calls for a recount of Iraq's parliamentary election, as the latest results on Sunday showed his main competitor, Ayad Allawi, with a slight lead. A preliminary count of 95 percent of votes was released on Sunday.

AMERICAN TO FACE TRIAL IN NORTH KOREA

North Korea said Monday that it will put a detained American on trial for illegally entering the country from China. A North Korean agency decided to indict Aijalon Mahli Gomes as "his crime has been confirmed," the North's official Korean Central News Agency said in a brief dispatch.

AFGHANISTAN'S PRESIDENT MEETS WITH INSURGENTS
Afghanistan's President, Hamid Karzai, has met with leaders from the insurgent group Hezb-i-Islami, a possible first step towards peace talks with a main Taliban rival.