The document is a weekly news summary containing 7 news articles: 1) APEC countries are working to establish a free trade area but face challenges from currency issues and geopolitical rivalries. 2) The GCC secretary general says the drop in the US dollar value is unlikely to change GCC countries' policy of pegging their currencies to the dollar. 3) 141 US banks have failed so far in 2011, surpassing the total for 2009, showing continuing financial problems. 4) The US and India plan to cooperate on promoting food security in Africa to counter China's growing influence there. 5) Republicans face a test of their commitment to reducing the debt which could lead to a government shutdown.