Security Crackdown in Baghdad

 

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IRAQ NEWS

Iraqi PM Launches Huge Security Crackdown Iraq's prime minister launched the biggest security crackdown in Baghdad since the U.S.-led invasion, with tens of thousands of security forces deploying throughout the capital on Wednesday and increased checkpoints causing some traffic jams. (AP)

Marines Investigate Source of Video That Boasts of Murdering Iraqis

A music video posted to the Internet, telling a tale about a U.S. Marine killing members of an Iraqi family, is being condemned by an Islamic group and investigated by the Marine Corps. (New York Sun)

AFGHANISTAN

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill 26 Militants

Coalition and Afghan forces killed 26 suspected militants Wednesday in fighting in eastern mountains, while in southern Afghanistan, more than 11,000 troops prepared for their biggest offensive since the fall of the Taliban five years ago. (AP)

Two Foreign Soldiers, 14 Taliban Killed In Afghanistan

Two foreign soldiers and 14 rebels have been killed in the latest clashes in the most serious spell of violence in Afghanistan since the Taliban were overthrown in 2001, military officials said on Wednesday. (Reuters)

GAZA BEACH DEATHS

Doubts over Gaza deaths inquiry

Doubts have been raised about Israel's denial of military responsibility for the deaths of eight Palestinians relaxing on a Gaza beach last Friday. (BBC)

BALI BOMBINGS REVISITED

Concerns Over Release Of Militant Cleric From Jail

Authorities once described him as the mastermind behind the 2002 Bali bombings. Today he walked out of a Jakarta prison a free man. (ABC News)

Is Bashir Still a Potent Symbol?

Some Western security sources believe Abu Bakar Bashir, an admirer of Osama bin Laden, wants to revive the bombing campaign that briefly made Southeast Asia look like al-Qaeda's second front in 2002. (Times Online)

SOMALIA

Somali Islamists Capture Key Town

Somali Islamic fighters have captured the town of Jowhar from warlords a week after driving them from the capital, Mogadishu, 90km to the south. (BBC)

NORTH KOREA

North Korea Missiles Rattle Cages, Steel Hawks

South Korea called on the North on Wednesday to stop preparations for a ballistic missile test, saying it threatened regional security and caused grave concern. (Reuters)

Analysis: Of Soccer Mania and Missiles

A month ago, if anyone on the streets here or anywhere else in South Korea were asked to define the word "Togo", the response would have been a shrug of disbelief - except possibly on the part of a small minority of sophisticates wondering if the word was a mispronounced variation of "to go", as in "latte to go". (Asia Times)

U.K.

Brits Lose Torture Case

The House of Lords allowed an appeal by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against a Court of Appeal decision in October 2004 allowing the men to sue for damages. (The Sun)

Officer Demands Critical Analysis

A top Muslim Metropolitan policeman has called for a more rigorous analysis of intelligence, following a controversial anti-terror raid in east London. (BBC News)

CHECHNYA/FRANCE

France Jails 25 For Attack Plot

A French court has jailed 25 alleged Islamist militants for planning attacks in France in support of Chechen rebels. (BBC)

GUANTANAMO

Afghans Declare Gitmo Conditions 'Humane'

An Afghan delegation returning from a 10-day visit to the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay said Wednesday that prison conditions there were "humane." (AP)

TORONTO TERROR

Justices Weigh Civil Rights Against Security