New rules of engagement for U troops in Lebanon permit soldiers to shoot in self-defense, use force to protect civilians and resist armed attempts to interfere with their duties, a U document says.
Violence tests Israel-Lebanon cease-fire
The shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah was tested Wednesday as the Israeli army fired artillery into a disputed border region in response to what it said was an attack from inside Lebanon. An Israeli soldier was killed in a separate incident, the army said.
Lebanese security and military officials said there had been no fire by either Hezbollah or the Lebanese army in the region. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with reporters.
Must be the reason for the new UN rules regarding use of force.
Diplomats pore over Iran nuclear offer
Diplomats from Europe, the U, Russia and China were poring over the details of Iran's offer Wednesday, a day after Tehran presented it, and withheld any detailed public comment. But initial comments from Russia and China made clear the United States is likely to face difficulty getting at least those two nations to agree to any tough sanctions against Iran.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said it would continue to seek a political, negotiated solution to the dispute with Iran over the nuclear program. China appealed for dialogue, urging "constructive measures" by Iran and patience from the U and its allies.
The White House has so far held off commenting until it can study the offer. But the U ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, said Tuesday that Washington was prepared to move forward with sanctions against Tehran if the offer was not positive.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said the document was "extensive" and required "a detailed and careful analysis." France's foreign minister said Wednesday the document was complex and that it was consulting with partners on it.
Iran Sanctions Could Fracture Coalition
Condi's job at practicing "diplomacy" and spreading "peace" just got a lot harder thanks to the Israel-Hezbollah war. However, I'm sure she'll handle it as she always does -- with a grim look upon her face.
Nation Faltering, Afghans' Leader Draws Criticism
Corruption is so widespread, the government apparently so lethargic and the divide between rich and poor so gaping that Mr. Karzai is losing public support, warn officials like Ahmad Fahim Hakim, deputy chairman of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.
"Nothing that he promised has materialized," Mr. Hakim said, echoing the comments of diplomats and others in Kabul, the capital. "Beneath the surface, it is boiling."
Iraqi PM says sure his forces can handle security
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki insisted on Wednesday his forces would be ready to take control of most provinces within months, even though the U military has boosted troop levels in Baghdad to shore up his government.
If this is true, then why are inactive Marines being recalled?
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