BAGDAD-In anticipation of the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, the anti-American cleric, Muqtada Sadr has ordered his followers to discontinue attacks on American forces in that country. U.S. troops are scheduled to leave at the end of this year under a 2008 agreement between Iraq and former president Bush.
AFGHANISTAN-A truck driven by a Taliban suicide bomber struck an advance combat outpost in the central east Wardak province at 5:15 pm on Saturday. Reports indicate that 89 people were injured in the attack, including 77 American soldiers.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND-The head of the Security Council committee set up to monitor and enforce sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme saidit had received new complaints about the country’s launch of ballistic missiles and clarified concerns or issues over several other matters.
JERUSALEM-A further downturn in diplomatic ties between Turkey and Israel came today as Turkey announced it would be formally expelling Israel ambassador and also be suspending military agreements.