Current Affairs

2007 Events (World)

January 2007

Former Communist Countries Admitted into European Union (Jan. 1): Romania and
Bulgaria's entry expands the European Union to 27 nations and a population of about 490
million.

U.S. Launches Air Strike in Somalia (Jan. 8): Air Force gunship targets suspected al-Qaeda
operatives who were forced to flee Mogadishu following Ethiopian air strikes that routed
Islamist militias.

Chvez Moves to Assert Greater Control (Jan. 8): President of Venezuela says he will
nationalize the telecommunications and electricity industries.

Somali Leader Arrives in Mogadishu (Jan. 8): President Abdullahi Yusuf enters the capital for
the first time since assuming control of the interim government in 2004. Government troops and
Ethiopian soldiers recently forced Islamist fighters from the city.

Standoff Follows U.S. Raid of Iranian Office in Iraq (Jan. 11): Troops storm an Iranian
diplomatic office in Kurdish-controlled Erbil and detain five people. Kurdish officials are
outraged at the move, and about 100 Kurdish troops stop U.S. troops from crossing a checkpoint.

Bangladeshi Leader Declares State of Emergency (Jan. 11): Responding to claims of

corruption on the electoral commission and threats by an alliance of political parties to boycott
Jan. 22 election, President Iajuddin Ahmed declares a state of emergency, resigns as head of the
interim government, and postpones elections.

Mistake Made in Execution of Iraqi Official (Jan. 15): Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, the half-
brother of Saddam Hussein who was also sentenced to death for his role in the 1982 execution of
Shiites in Dujail, is decapitated by the noose during his execution.

UN Announces Iraqi Civilian Death Toll (Jan. 16): Tally of death certificates and reports from
morgues, hospitals, and other institutions indicates more than 34,000 Iraqi civilians died in 2006.

Toll High in Baghdad Violence (Jan. 16): At least 70 people die when three bombs explode in
attacks at the mostly Shiite Mustansiriya University. (Jan. 21): Some 27 U.S. soldiers die over a
two-day period in Iraq. (Jan. 22): Nearly 90 people are killed when two car bombs explode in a
crowded market at lunchtime. The neighborhood is dominated by Shiites.

Israeli President Suspends Himself (Jan. 25): Parliamentary committee approves Moshe
Katsav's request to suspend himself after Israel's attorney general announces that he would indict
Katsav on charges of rape, sexual harassment, abuse of power, and other charges. Katsav denies
the charges, calling them part of a witch hunt.

Billions Pledged for Lebanon at Aid Conference (Jan. 25): At a meeting in Paris, 30 countries
promise about $7.6 billion in aid for Lebanon. The conference coincides with deadly violence in
Beirut that kills four and wounds about 150 people.

Sinn Fein Votes in Favor of Revamped Police Force (Jan. 28): Sinn Fein endorses a plan to
support the police in Northern Ireland. Over 15 years, the composition of the force will change to
reflect the population of the province. Vote clears the path to pursue a power-sharing
government between Catholic and Protestant parties.

Hundreds Die in Battle in Iraq (Jan. 28): As many as 250 are killed near Najaf as American
and Iraqi troops fight with a Shiite militia. An American helicopter is shot down in the battle.

British Police Arrest Nine in Suspected Terrorism Plot (Jan. 31): Suspects, arrested in
Birmingham, are accused of plotting to kidnap, torture, and kill a British Muslim soldier.

Chvez Given Enhanced Powers (Jan. 31): Venezuelas legislature votes to grant the president
broad power to enact laws at his discretion.

Nation

NATO, Pakistan discuss closer security cooperation IRNA 30 Jan 2007 -- Pakistani Prime
Minister Shaukat Aziz met the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in Brussels Tuesday afternoon and discussed military, security
and political cooperation as well as the situation in Afghanistan.

Analysis: Pakistans Lack of Border Control cfr.org 24 Jan 2007 -- The frontier between
Pakistan and Afghanistan serves as the flash point for tensions between the two countries as
Kabul grows increasingly critical of Islamabad's seeming inability to control cross-border raids
by Islamic militants

Afghanistan: Kabul Sharing Intelligence With Pakistan, NATO RFE/RL 24 Jan 2007 --
The NATO-led force International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan, and Pakistan
have set up a joint intelligence-sharing center at ISAF headquarters in Kabul.

Pakistan plans major operation against Taliban: police IRNA 18 Jan 2007 -- Police chief in
Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan said on Thursday that a major operation against Taliban
suspects will soon be launched in the province.

Pakistan military rejects Afghan charges IRNA 18 Jan 2007 -- Pakistan military on Thursday
rejected a claim from a captured Taliban spokesman that it is sheltering the movement's leader,
Mullah Omar.
U.S. Intelligence Chief Says Pakistan Must Address 'Sanctuary' For Taliban RFE/RL 18
Jan 2007 -- The head of U.S. intelligence operations says Pakistan must do more to address the
"sanctuary" that Taliban fighters enjoy in Pakistan before security can improve in Afghanistan.

Islamabad Denies Mullah Omar Sheltered in Pakistan VOA 18 Jan 2007 -- A Taleban
spokesman has told Afghan authorities that the militant Islamic group's leader, Mullah Omar, is
living inside Pakistan under the protection of the country's main intelligence agency, the ISI

South Asia: Captured Taliban Fuels Islamabad-Kabul Fire RFE/RL 18 Jan 2007 -- A
captured Taliban spokesman, known as Mohammad Hanif, has claimed that the leader of
Afghanistan's former Taliban regime is living in Pakistan under the protection of that country's
intelligence service.

Pakistan gives detailed plan to settle Siachen conflict IRNA 17 Jan 2007 -- Pakistan has
given to India a "detailed and comprehensive package" to resolve the conflict over Siachen, the
world's highest battleground, Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said on Tuesday.

India Says Pakistani Troops Shoot to Cover for Militants VOA 17 Jan 2007 -- Indian border
patrol officials say Pakistani forces have fired on Indian personnel, in an attempt to provide
cover for militants trying to cross into Indian-controlled Kashmir

Pakistani forces attack militants' compounds IRNA 16 Jan 2007 -- Pakistani forces used
helicopter gunships to bomb suspected militant hideouts in the tribal region near the rugged
Afghan border early Tuesday, the military said.

Pakistan Army Strikes Al-Qaida Camps Near Afghan Border VOA 16 Jan 2007 -- Pakistan
forces launched a powerful air strike against a series of suspected al-Qaida military camps in the
country's tribal region near the Afghan border Tuesday

Pakistan Chooses Raytheon's Proven Air Defense Missiles to Secure Borders Raytheon 15
Jan 2007 -- The country of Pakistan has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the
procurement of 500 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) - generating the
largest single international AMRAAM purchase -- and 200 AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles.

Pakistan Navy to get first P-3C Orion on January 18: Naval Chief IRNA 14 Jan 2007 --
Pakistan Navy (PN) will get the first of eight American-made long-range maritime surveillance
aircraft P-3C Orion on January 18, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir
said on Saturday.

Pakistan, India agree to hold new round of talks IRNA 13 Jan 2007 -- Pakistan and India on
Saturday agreed to launch the fourth round of composite dialogue in March, hold official level
talks on Siachin and Sir Creek issues, hold joint ministerial commission meeting and complete
work on liberalization of visa regime.

Indian Foreign Minister in Pakistan for Talks VOA 13 Jan 2007 -- Pakistan and India held
talks to review progress in their slow-moving three-year-old peace dialogue Saturday
Complexity Marks Pakistan-US Relationship on Counterterrorism VOA 12 Jan 2007 --
Remarks by outgoing U.S. intelligence chief John Negroponte have sparked an angry reaction
from Pakistan

Pakistan Rejects US Assertion of New Al-Qaida Headquarters VOA 12 Jan 2007 --

Pakistani officials sharply reject U.S. comments alleging al-Qaida has re-established its global
headquarters in Pakistan

Northrop Grumman to Provide Pakistan Air Force with F-16 Fire Control Radar Systems
Northrop Grumman 10 Jan 2007 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been
awarded a contract to provide its advanced AN/APG-68(V)9 airborne fire control radar
capability for a total of 52 F-16 fighter aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force.

Pakistan to go ahead with border fencing, mining: spokesperson IRNA 09 Jan 2007 --
Pakistan said Monday that it would go ahead with selective fencing and mining of its border with
Afghanistan and that the army has been tasked to identify problem areas along some 2500
kilometers of the border.

UN calls on Afghanistan, Pakistan to end war of words and cooperate in fighting Taliban
UN News Centre 08 Jan 2007 -- A senior United Nations official in Afghanistan today called
on the Afghan and Pakistani governments to end their mutual recriminations and cooperate in
fighting the Taliban insurgency in the south of the war-torn country, saying it is being fuelled
from both sides of the border and urging greater action against the rebellion in Pakistan itself.

Pakistan, India to finalize agreement of avoidance nuclear accidents: official IRNA 08 Jan 2007 -
- Pakistan and India are working to finalize three agreements including avoidance of nuclear
accidents and visa liberalization which will be hopefully signed during the forthcoming visit of
the Indian Foreign Minister to Islamabad.

Business/Science/Society

Catholic Church Officials Resign in Poland (Jan. 7): A month after being appointed
archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI, Stanislaw Wielgus resigns after admitting to collaborating
with the Polish secret police during the Communist era. (Jan. 8): Rev. Janusz Bielanski, the
rector of Krakow's Wawel Cathedral, also steps down for his involvement with the Communist
Secret Service.

Cancer Deaths Decrease in the United States (Jan. 17): American Cancer Society reports that
cancer deaths fell by 3,014 cases from 20032004. It's the second consecutive year the number
of deaths has dropped.
 February 2007

Analysis of Iraq Expresses Doubt on Leadership (Feb. 2): National Intelligence Estimate
finds the Iraqi leadership is likely too weak to hold the country together, the military is ill-
equipped to rein in militias, and U.S. troops are necessary to stabilize Iraq.

Violence Escalates Between Palestinian Factions (Feb. 2): At least 17 people are killed as
members of Hamas and Fatah fight in the Gaza Strip.

Massive Bomb Kills Dozens in Baghdad (Feb. 4): At least 130 people die when a truck bomb
explodes in a crowded Shiite market.

U.S. and Iraq Begin a New Offensive (Feb. 7): Troops attempt to increase security in Baghdad
to stem increasingly deadly attacks by insurgents and militias. (Feb. 18): At least 60 people die
when a bomb tears through a crowded market in Baghdad. The attack comes two days after Iraqi
prime minister Nuri al-Maliki called the security offensive a dazzling success. (Feb. 25): A
bomb explodes at Baghdads Mustansiriya University, killing about 40 people, mostly students.

Palestinian Factions Agree to Form Coalition Government (Feb. 8): Leaders from Hamas
and Fatah, two Palestinian factions that have been engaged in deadly violence, meet in Mecca
and reach deal to end the fighting and to form a unity government.

U.S. Military Officials Say Iran is Supplying Weapons to Shiites in Iraq (Feb. 11): Officials
show weapons, including mortar shells, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosively formed
penetrators that they say were manufactured in Iranian factories. They also say that Iranian
government officials sanctioned the transfer of the weapons to Iraq.

Portugal Votes in Favor of Legalizing Abortion (Feb. 11): More than 59% of voters support
legalizing the procedure in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Because of a low turnout, however,
the referendum is not considered valid.

President of Guinea Declares Martial Law (Feb. 12): President Lansana Cont declares
martial law in response to a wave of anti-government protests and a general strike that has
paralyzed the country. Demonstrators are demanding that Cont resign. (Feb. 27): The strike
ends as President Cont agrees to name diplomat Lansana Kouyat as prime minister. More than
100 people have died in battles with security officials during the strike.

Breakthrough Reached with North Korea (Feb. 13): At a meeting in Beijing with diplomats from
the U.S., China, South Korea, Russia, and Japan, North Korea agrees to dismantle its nuclear
facilities and allow international inspectors to enter the country in exchange for about $400
million in oil and aid.

Dozens Die in India Train Bombing (Feb. 18): Some 70 people die when two homemade
bombs explode on a train headed for Pakistan from India.
Southern Thailand Rocked by Bombs (Feb. 18): Some 30 coordinated bombs explode at bars,
hotels, and electricity transmitters in Pattani Province, killing or wounding 60 people.

Italian Prime Minister Resigns After Losing Key Vote in the Senate (Feb. 21): Romano
Prodi submits his resignation after a measure about deploying more troops to Afghanistan and
allowing the U.S. to expand a military base in Italy fails in the Senate. He has been in power only
nine months. (Feb. 28): Prodi remains in power, as the Senate narrowly passes a vote of
confidence in the prime ministers weak government.

Blair Announces Plans to Withdraw Troops from Iraq (Feb. 21): British prime minister says
as many as 1,600 of the 7,100 troops stationed in southern Iraq will leave in the next few months.
What all this means is not that Basra is how we want it to be, but it does mean that the next
chapter in Basras history can be written by Iraqis, Blair said.

Canada Court Strikes Down Law on Detention of Terror Suspects (Feb. 23): Countrys
Supreme Court nullifies a law that permits foreign terrorism suspects to be detained indefinitely
without charges while waiting for deportation. The Courts decision is in stark contrast to a U.S.
ruling that upheld such detentions.

International Court Calls Bosnian Massacre Genocide (Feb. 26): International Court of
Justice rules that the slaughter of some 8,000 Bosnian Muslims by Bosnian Serbs in Srebrenica
in 1995 was genocide, but stops short of saying Serbia was directly responsible. The courts
president, Judge Rosalyn Higgins, criticizes Serbia for not preventing the genocide. Court also
orders Serbia to turn over Bosnian Serb leaders, including Ratko Mladic and Radovan Karakzic,
who are accused of genocide and other crimes.

Cheney Tells Pakistan to Control al-Qaeda and the Taliban (Feb. 26): U.S. vice president
travels to Pakistan and urges Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to rein in terrorists that are
operating from remote tribal areas in Pakistan. Musharraf responds, Pakistan does not accept
dictation from any side or any source.

Iraqi Cabinet Passes Draft on Oil Revenues (Feb. 26): Law calls on government to distribute
oil revenues to regions based on their populations and allows regions to negotiate contracts with
foreign companies to explore and develop oil fields.

U.S. Agrees to Talks With Iran and Syria (Feb. 27): In a policy shift, U.S. officials say they
will participate in high-level talks with Iran and Syria at a meeting about Iraq.

Cheney Escapes Assassination Attempt in Afghanistan (Feb. 27): A suicide bomber attacks a
United States base near Kabul, about a mile away from where the vice president was staying.
The Taliban claims responsibility for the attack which killed more than 20 people.

Court Names Suspects in Darfur Atrocities (Feb. 27): International Criminal Court at the
Hague names Ahmad Harun, Sudans deputy minister for humanitarian affairs, and Ali Abd-al-
Rahman, a militia leader, as suspects in the murder, rape, and displacement of thousands of
civilians in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Nation

US Intelligence Chief: Al-Qaida Grows Stronger in Pakistani Safe Havens VOA 27 Feb
2007 -- The top U.S. intelligence officer says Pakistan could make more energetic anti-terrorist
efforts along the Afghan border

US Vice President Presses Pakistan on Taleban VOA 26 Feb 2007 -- Vice President Dick
Cheney has made unannounced stops in Pakistan and Afghanistan

US Vice President Presses Pakistan on Taleban VOA 26 Feb 2007 -- Vice President Dick
Cheney has made unannounced stops in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Analysis: Cheney Presses Pakistan cfr.org 26 Feb 2007 -- Vice President Dick Cheney made a
surprise stop in Islamabad to deliver a stern warning (NYT) to President Pervez Musharraf that
Washington may reduce aid to Islamabad if he does not take a more offensive approach toward
terrorists that have allegedly sought refuge close to the Afghan border

Pakistan Key Counterterrorism Ally, Says White House Washington File 26 Feb 2007 --
The United States considers Pakistan a vital ally in the struggle against terrorism and will look to
its government for continued support as al-Qaida and the Taliban gear up to target neighboring
Afghanistan in a new spring offensive, says White House spokesman Tony Snow.

Cheney, Musharraf Discuss War on Terrorism During Surprise Visit to Pakistan VOA 26 Feb
2007 -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney made an unannounced visit to Pakistan Monday, and
warned of U.S. concerns that al Qaida militants might be regrouping inside Pakistan

U.S. Vice President Makes Surprise Visit To Pakistan RFE/RL 26 Feb 2007 -- U.S. Vice
President Dick Cheney made an unannounced visit today to Pakistan, where he went straight into
security-related talks with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

India, Pakistan Sign Pact on Nuclear Weapons Security VOA 21 Feb 2007 -- India and
Pakistan have signed a pact on nuclear weapons security and pledged their renewed commitment
to a peace process

Pakistan Rejects Fresh Reports of Al-Qaida Activity VOA 20 Feb 2007 -- Pakistan is sharply
rejecting new U.S. reports that the terrorist group al-Qaida has reestablished training bases inside
the country's remote tribal areas.

Terrorism Suspected in Blasts Aboard India-to-Pakistan 'Peace Train' VOA 19 Feb 2007 --
More than 66 people, including many Pakistani nationals, have been killed in a fire aboard the
only train linking India's capital with the Pakistani border

US Officials Urge Pakistan To Help Fight Taleban Threat Against Afghanistan VOA 14
Feb 2007 -- U.S. defense and military officials have told Congress Pakistan needs to do more to
eliminate Taleban insurgents along the border with Afghanistan
LOCKHEED MARTIN AWARDED $186 MILLION CONTRACT TO UPGRADE P-3C
MARITIME SURVEILLANCE AIRCRAFT MISSION SYSTEMS FOR PAKISTAN NAVY
Lockheed Martin 13 Feb 2007 -- The U.S. Navys Naval Air Systems Command has awarded
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $186.5 million Foreign Military Sale contract to continue
providing mission system upgrades and sustainment work for seven P-3C Orion maritime
surveillance aircraft for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Gates, Pakistani President Discuss Border Issues AFPS 12 Feb 2007 -- Defense Secretary
Robert M. Gates met with President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan this morning at the presidents
Camp Office in Rawalpindi.

PAKISTAN: ICRC to continue operations despite attack VOA 12 Feb 2007 -- The
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday confirmed that the agency would
continue its work in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), having briefly suspending
operations after an attack on its office on Saturday.

Pakistan Concerned about Possible Arms Race with India VOA 10 Feb 2007 -- A top
Pakistani diplomat says rival India's spending spree on fighter jets and other state-of-the-art
weaponry could start a regional arms race

Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes IRNA 07 Feb 2007 -- A Mirage fighter aircraft of the
Pakistan Air Force crashed in the eastern province of Punjab on Wednesday but the pilot was
able to eject safely, an official said.

Vice Chairman: Pakistan Strong, Dedicated Ally in War on Terror AFPS 07 Feb 2007 -- Pakistan
has proven to be a dedicated ally of the United States since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001,
the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in an interview.

Bush Seeks Aid Increases For Afghanistan, Pakistan RFE/RL 06 Feb 2007 -- U.S. President
George W. Bush has submitted his proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 to the U.S. Congress.

Iran: Pakistani President Seeks Support To Curb Mideast Conflict RFE/RL 05 Feb 2007 --
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is in Iran today for talks with President Mahmud
Ahmedinjad and other Iranian leaders on how to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East
region.

Pakistan to go ahead with Pak-Afghan border fencing: Musharraf IRNA 04 Feb 2007 --
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, announcing selective fencing of 35 kilometers of the
Pakistan-Afghan border, called for joint control of the border, immediate repatriation of Afghan
refugees and checking of finances to curb the resurgence of the Taliban.

Pakistan Admits Security Forces Allowed Taleban Raids VOA 02 Feb 2007 -- Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf has acknowledged that some members of his security forces have
turned a "blind eye" to Taleban raids into neighboring Afghanistan
US Gives Eight Attack Helicopters to Pakistan VOA 02 Feb 2007 -- The United States has given
Pakistan eight attack helicopters, bolstering the key U.S. ally's ability to combat Taleban and al-
Qaida militants.

Business/Science/Society

Scientists Confirm Global Warming (Feb. 2): Three-year study by the influential
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says global warming is very likely caused by
human activityspecifically the emission and buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Report also says that the rise in temperatures and rising seas can be curtailed with quick action.

Florida Twister Kills Several (Feb. 2): Some 20 people die when tornadoes and thunderstorms
rip through central Florida.

Harvard Names Its First Woman President (Feb. 11): Board of Overseers votes to name
Drew Gilpin Faust, a historian, as the universitys first female president in its 371-year history.

U.S. Mint Debuts New Dollar Coin (Feb. 15): The first coin features President Washington. The
Mint plans to introduce a new dollar coin four times a year, one for each president of the United
States, from Washington to Ford.

Stock Market Plummets (Feb. 28): Dow Jones industrial average falls 416 points, or 3.3% after
the market in China takes a plunge of nearly 9%. U.S. economists blame the drop on anxiety
about the economy.
 March 2007

U.S. Troops Kill Several Civilians in Afghanistan (March 4): After a suicide attack near
Jalalabad, American soldiers open fire on a road filled with civilians and kill 16 of them.

Dozens of Shiites Are Killed (March 6): Sunni insurgents attack pilgrims as they make their
way to a religious ceremony in Karbala, killing about 120 people and wounding as many as 200.

Britain Moves to Introduce Elections to the House of Lords (March 7): House of Commons
votes in favor of electing legislators to the upper chamber of Parliament, replacing current
system of inherited or appointed seats.

Sept. 11 Organizer Said to Have Confessed (March 10): Khalid Shaikh Mohammed reportedly
assumes responsibility for the attacks on the United States and a role in many others, including
the 1993 bombing of New York's World Trade Center, a failed plan to bomb Big Ben in London,
and assassination attempts on Pope John Paul II and former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill
Clinton.

French President Announces Plans to Retire (March 11): President Chirac announces his
retirement after more than 40 years in politics. He did not, however, endorse a presidential
candidate in the upcoming elections.

Iraq Failing to Meet Timecap Set by U.S. (March 14): Pentagon report finds Iraq is lagging
behind on meeting major political objectives, including holding local elections, ending de-
Baathification laws, reforming the Constitution, and passing a law on distributing oil revenues.

Palestinians Form Unity Government (March 15): Leaders of Hamas and Fatah agree on a
coalition government. The platform that outlines the government does not recognize Israel,
accept earlier Israeli-Palestinian accords, or renounce violence, conditions required by Western
countries before they resume aid to the Palestinian government. (March 17): The Palestinian
legislature approves the Hamas-dominated unity government. Palestinian prime minister Ismail
Haniya, who is also the leader of Hamas, and Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian
Authority and the leader of Fatah, remain divided on important issues regarding Israel.

UN Security Council Approves Stricter Sanctions on Iran (March 24): Unanimously votes in
favor of resolution that bans the sale or transfer of weapons and freezes the assets of 15 Iranians
and 13 groups, many of which are associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, an elite
military corps. Sanctions are meant to push Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program.

Iran Detains British Sailors (March 26): Iranian troops claim that the Britons, eight sailors and
seven marines, were in Iranian territorial waters. British officials deny the allegation, saying they
were in Iraqi waters. (March 28): Britain suspends all "bilateral business" with Iran in response
to the crisis.

First Guantnamo Detainee Is Convicted (March 26): David Hicks, an Australian, pleads
guilty to providing material support to al Qaeda. He's the first person to be convicted by a
military commission set up by the Bush administration in late 2006. Hicks had trained at an al
Qaeda camp.

Leaders of Northern Ireland Reach Historic Agreement (March 26): For the first time, Gerry
Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, and Rev. Ian Paisley, the head of the Democratic Unionist Party,
meet face-to-face and hash out an agreement for a power-sharing government. The new
administration is set to take control in May.

New Ambassador Takes Over in Iraq (March 28): Seasoned diplomat Ryan Crocker replaces
Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been nominated to become the U.S. ambassador to the United
Nations. Crocker previously served as the ambassador to Pakistan.

Arab Leaders Weigh In on Iraq and Israel (March 28): At the opening of the Arab League
meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saudi King Abdullah calls the American occupation of Iraq
"illegal." (March 29): The leaders of 21 Arab governments offer to normalize relations with
Israel if it agrees to withdraw from the land it captured in the 1967 Middle East war, allows
Palestinian refugees the right to return to the homes they lived in before the 1948 war, which are
in what is now Israel, and agrees to the establishment of a Palestinian state with the capital in
Jerusalem. (March 30): Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert says that Israel will not give
Palestinian refugees the right to return to their original homes.

Dozens Are Killed in Iraq (March 29): Sectarian violence escalates as some 60 people are
killed in a suicide attack in a Shiite neighborhood in Baghdad. More than 30 others die in
coordinated attacks in Khalis, a Shiite town. The attacks follow intense violence in Tal Afar,
which claimed about 140 people in two days.

Nation

Pakistan Tries to Negotiate Peace in Tribal Areas VOA 29 Mar 2007 -- Pakistan is trying a
new approach of negotiations and development projects to secure its volatile tribal regions

Pakistan: Crackdown Could Pose Threat To Central Asia RFE/RL 28 Mar 2007 -- While reports
say that more than 150 people have been killed this month in Waziristan in fighting between
Uzbek militants and local tribesmen, it is difficult to obtain precise information on events in an
area where the Pakistani government has almost no presence and exerts little influence.

Pakistani Militants Overwhelm Village Near Volatile Afghan Border VOA 28 Mar 2007 --
A large force of well-armed militants has overwhelmed a Pakistani village near the country's
volatile border with Afghanistan

Analysis: Musharrafs Faltering Grip cfr.org 27 Mar 2007 -- A few weeks after Pakistani
President Pervez Musharraf suspended Iftikar Chaudhry, Pakistans chief justice, demonstrations
boil on around the country

Pakistan: Judicial Crisis Adds To Pressure On President RFE/RL 23 Mar 2007 -- President
Pervez Musharraf's recent suspension of the Pakistani Supreme Court's chief justice has been met
with protests by lawyers and judicial officials across the country, increasing pressure on
Musharraf's embattled government.

Pakistan test-fires Cruise Missile IRNA 22 Mar 2007 -- Pakistan on Thursday successfully
test-fired nuclear capable indigenously developed cruise missile, the military said.

Pakistan successfully tests nuclear-capable missile RIA Novosti 22 Mar 2007 -- Pakistan has
carried out a successful launch of a cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the
country's television channels reported Thursday.

Fighting Intensifies in Pakistan's Tribal Border Area VOA 22 Mar 2007 -- Pakistani
officials say at least 135 people have been killed after four days of sometimes intense fighting
between local and foreign militants in the country's remote tribal region

Pakistan tribesmen clashes kill 46: reports IRNA 21 Mar 2007 -- Latest clashes between
Pakistani tribesmen and foreign militants have killed at least 46 people, including 35 militants in
Pakistan's tribal areas, it was reported on Wednesday.

Dozens Dead In Clashes In Pakistan Tribal Region RFE/RL 21 Mar 2007 -- Reports say at
least 50 people have been killed in continuing clashes between Al-Qaeda-linked militants -- most
of them Uzbeks -- and tribesmen near the Pakistani border with Afghanistan.

United States Urges Utmost Restraint After Pakistan Protests Washington File 16 Mar
2007 -- The Bush administration urged Pakistani authorities and protesters to exercise the
utmost degree of restraint in the wake of violent clashes that followed the suspension of the
countrys chief justice.

US Diplomat Reafirms Ties to Pakistan in Anti-Terror Effort VOA 15 Mar 2007 -- The top
U.S. diplomat dealing with South Asia, Richard Boucher, defended Pakistan's record on the war
against terrorism

Pakistan for continued engagement with NATO: Kasuri IRNA 14 Mar 2007 -- Foreign
Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri said on Wednesday that Pakistan looked forward to a
continued and constructive engagement with NATO.

Pakistan-India Peace Talks Make Slow But Steady Progress VOA 14 Mar 2007 -- Pakistan
and India have completed their latest round of peace talks in Islamabad on a decidedly upbeat
note

Pilot dies as Pakistan Air Force fighter plane crashes IRNA 13 Mar 2007 -- A Pakistan Air
Force fighter aircraft crashed in southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, killing the pilot,
TV channels reported.

Pakistan's top nuclear scientists in Taliban Custody IRNA 08 Mar 2007 -- Two top nuclear
scientists of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) are currently in Taliban custody
Pakistan plays down U.S general's remarks on operations inside country IRNA 04 Mar 2007 --
Pakistan on Saturday played down remarks from senior U.S military officials that American
forces in Afghanistan routinely pursue and fire upon Taliban enemies into Pakistan.

Pakistan test-fires short-range ballistic missile IRNA 03 Mar 2007 -- Pakistan on Saturday
carried out "a successful" test of a surface-to-surface nuclear-capable missile with a 200-
kilometer range in an undisclosed location, the military said.

South Asia: Pashtun Elders In Pakistan Want NATO, U.S. Troops In Tribal Regions
RFE/RL 02 Mar 2007 -- About 60 Pashtun tribal elders from Pakistan's tribal regions met with
Afghan authorities in the Afghan city of Jalalabad on March 1 to discuss how to bring security to
the border regions.

US Links Pakistan Agreement With Tribal Leaders to Upsurge in Afghan Attacks VOA 01
Mar 2007 -- Senior U.S. defense officials said Thursday Pakistan's agreement last year with
tribal leaders along the Afghan border has led to an increase in cross-border attacks, and that
Pakistan needs to do more to address the problem

Business/Science/Society

Tornadoes Ravage Several States (March 1): Storms hit Alabama, Minnesota, Missouri, and
Georgia, killing about 20 people, including eight high school students.

U.S. Says It Will Impose Duties on Chinese Goods (March 30): In a policy shift, Commerce
Secretary Carlos Gutierrez announces the U.S. will impose duties on some manufactured
materials, claiming the Chinese government is illegally subsidizing some exports.

Afghan, Pakistani Troops Battle Over Border Fence RFE/RL 20 Apr 2007 -- The Afghan
Defense Ministry says Afghan troops were tearing down the fence near the Durand Line that
separates the two countries when they were fired on by Pakistani forces early yesterday.
Pakistan, Afghan Forces Exchange Fire Along Disputed Border VOA 20 Apr 2007 -- Pakistani-
Afghan relations have taken a dramatic turn for the worse after the countries' forces exchanged
fire along a remote stretch of their ill-defined border

Pakistan has no agreements with US on joint operation: spokesperson IRNA 16 Apr 2007 --
Pakistan said on Monday that it has no agreement with the United States for any agreement on
joint operation on its soil.

Pakistan conducts live missile firing exercise IRNA 16 Apr 2007 -- Pakistan Air Force (PAF)
on Monday completed a three-day live missile firing exercise at Somniani Range, the PAF said.
India declares readiness to discuss Nuclear-doctrines military CBMs, with Pak IRNA 13 Apr
2007 -- India has declared readiness to discuss nuclear doctrines and military confidence-
building measures (CBMs) with Pakistan as it emphasised that the two neighbours had an
opportunity to "remake" their relationship "fundamentally".
Protests Over Suspended Judge Continue in Pakistan VOA 13 Apr 2007 -- Protests against
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the country's chief justice are continuing,
despite the detention Thursday of about 200 lawyers and other critics of the suspension

Pakistan to get F-22 P frigate from China: official IRNA 13 Apr 2007 -- Pakistan would get
F-22 P frigate from China, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Nisar A. Memon
said on Thursday.

Pakistani tribesmen have killed 300 militants, says Musharraf IRNA 13 Apr 2007 -- Pakistani
President General Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday that tribesmen have killed some 300
foreign militants in a tribal region near the Afghan border.

Pakistan President Defends Record on War Against Terror VOA 12 Apr 2007 -- Senior
military commanders from 21 countries, including the United States, Egypt and Saudi Arabia,
have completed Thursday a two-day anti-terrorism conference in Islamabad

Musharraf: 300 Foreign Militants Killed in Pakistani Tribal Offensive VOA 12 Apr 2007 --
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says local tribesmen have killed about 300 foreign
militants in weeks of fighting near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan Government Touts Success in Fight Against Foreign Militants VOA 11 Apr 2007 -
- Pakistani tribal forces near the Afghan border say they have defeated hundreds of Uzbek
militants after several weeks of sometimes intense combat

PAKISTAN: UN refugee agency faces deficit in Afghan repatriation funds IRIN 10 Apr
2007 -- After recently announcing that it was tripling its cash assistance for repatriating Afghans,
the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said it may need to raise funds to live up to its
promise in the last five days of the offer.

Anti-Musharraf Protests in Pakistan Show No Sign of Abating VOA 03 Apr 2007 --

Pakistan's suspended chief judge has appeared before a judicial panel in the capital, as a political
street battle over his fate enters its fourth week

Business/Science/Society

Earthquake and Tsunami Strike the Solomon Islands (April 3): Magnitude 8.0 earthquake
and tsunami that follows kill at least 20 people and destroy villages.

UN Panel Reports Consequences of Emissions of Greenhouse Gases (April 6): Group,

composed of several of the world's top scientists on climate change, finds that Earth's climate
and ecosystems are already being affected by the accumulation of greenhouse gases and warns
that without immediate action to slow the buildup of such emissions, droughts, flooding, and the
extinction of species are imminent. Panel also says that poor regions are most vulnerable.
North Carolina Prosecutor Dismisses Assault Case Against Duke Students (April 11): State
attorney general Roy Cooper says lacrosse players who were accused of sexually assaulting a
stripper in March 2006 are innocent and had been falsely accused. He also criticizes the
prosecutor in the case, Michael Nifong, calling him a "rogue prosecutor."
 May 2007

Rice Meets With Syrian Counterpart (May 3): At a meeting in Egypt about Iraq, U.S.
Secretary of State asks Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem to move to stem the flow of
foreign fighters into Iraq from Syria, and he asks Condoleezza Rice to reinstate the U.S.
ambassador to Syria who was withdrawn after the assassination of Syrian prime minister Rafik
Hariri in 2005. It was the first high-level meeting between the two countries in two years.

Senior Sunni Insurgent Is Killed in Iraq (May 3): Muharib Abdul Latif al-Jubouri, a leader of
al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, dies in a raid north of Baghdad. U.S. officials say that Jubouri was
involved in the kidnapping of American reporter Jill Carroll.

Labor Party Suffers Stunning Defeat in Scotland (May 4): The separatist Scottish National
Party, which supports Scotland's independence from Britain, prevails in parliamentary elections,
taking 47 seats in the 129-seat Scottish parliament. The Labor Party wins 46 seats. Prior to the
election, the Scottish National Party held 25 seats.

Sarkozy Wins French Presidential Election (May 6): Conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy
defeats Socialist candidate Sgolne Royal, 53.1% to 46.9%, in the runoff election. He is the first
French president to be born after World War II.

World Bank Panel Finds Wolfowitz Guilty (May 6): A committee of directors of the World
Bank reports that it has found Paul Wolfowitz , president of the bank, guilty of conflict of
interest for setting up a lucrative pay raise for his girlfriend, Shaha Ali Riza. (May 14): A report
issued by the committee says Wolfowitz violated bank rules and ethical guidelines in his
treatment of Shaha Ali Riza. (May 17): Wolfowitz resigns from the World Bank. The bank's
board releases a statement saying of Wolfowitz, "he assured us that he acted in good faith in
what he believed were the best interests of the institution, and we accept that."

Former Enemies Resume Power-Sharing Government in Northern Ireland (May 8): Local
government is restored to Northern Ireland as Rev. Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic
Unionists, and Martin McGuinness, of Sinn Fein, are sworn in as leader and deputy leader,
respectively, of the Northern Ireland executive government.

British Prime Minister Announces Plan to Step Down (May 10): Tony Blair says he will
resign as prime minister of June 27 after ten years in the post. Gordon Brown, the chancellor of
the exchequer, is widely expected to succeed Blair.

Protests Over Suspended Judge Turn Deadly (May 12): Thirty-nine people are killed in
Karachi when dueling ralliesthose in support of ousted Supreme Court chief justice, Iftikar
Mohammad Chaudhry, and others of the governmentturn violent.

U.S. Soldiers Are Abducted after an Ambush in Iraq (May 12): Four soldiers die and three
are captured in an attack near Mahmudiya, a mostly Sunni area. The Islamic State of Iraq, an
insurgent group that includes al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, says it is holding the soldiers. (May 23):
The body of one of the missing soldiers, Pfc. Joseph Anzack, is found in the Euphrates River.
 Inspectors Report Iran Has Made Progress in Uranium Enrichment (May 14): The
International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran is using about 1,300 centrifuges and
producing fuel for nuclear reactors. The fuel would have to be further enriched to make it
weapons grade.

Top Taliban Leader Is Killed in Joint Operation (May 13): Mullah Dadullah, an operational
commander who has organized assassinations and abductions, dies in a raid in Helmand Province
carried out by Afghan security forces, NATO troops, and American soldiers.

Bush Nominates War Czar (May 15): White House selects Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute to oversee
war policy in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lute serves as the top operations officer for the Joint Chiefs
of Staff. The Senate must confirm Lute's nomination.

Israelis, Palestinians Trade Rocket Fire (May 18): Seven Palestinians are killed when Israeli
troops fire on Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for strikes on Israel by Hamas. The violence
caps a week in which some 40 Palestinians die in factional fighting between members of Hamas
and Fatah. (May 24): Israel officials arrest 33 West Bank Palestinians, including seven public
officials, claiming they are involved in terrorism against Israel.

Fighting in Lebanon Kills Dozens (May 20): About 60 people are killed in battles between
government troops and members of Islamic militant group Fatah al-Islam, which is based in a
Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. The group is similar in philosophy to al-Qaeda.

Former Serb Officers Convicted in Killing of Prime Minister (May 23): Serbian court
convicts 12 Serbs, including former paramilitary police officers, in the 2003 assassination of pro-
reform prime minister Zoran Djindjic.
Powerful Shiite Cleric Returns to Public Eye in Iraq (May 25): Moktada al-Sadr, leader of the
Mahdi Army militia and an opponent of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, reemerges from hiding for the
first time since January. In a speech, he calls for a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops
from Iraq.

U.S. and Iranian Diplomats Discuss Iraq (May 28): U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Iran's
ambassador, Hassan Kazemi Qumi, meet at the office of Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki to
discuss security issues in Iraq. Little progress is made, but the meeting is notable for merely
taking place.
Bush Nominates Wolfowitz Replacement (May 29): President Bush nominates Robert Zoellick
as the president of the World Bank to succeed Paul Wolfowitz, who resigned in a conflict of
interest scandal. Zoellick served as Bush's deputy secretary of state and held high-ranking
positions in the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations.

Bush Administration Expands Sanctions on Sudan (May 29): Measure bans 31 Sudanese
companies and four individuals from doing business in the U.S.

Britons Are Abducted in Iraq (May 29): Five British civilians are abducted from the Finance
Ministry by masked gunmen in Baghdad.
 UN Approves Special Court to Try Suspects in Assassination of Lebanese Leader (May 31):
Security Council narrowly approves a resolution to create a tribunal to prosecute suspects in the
2005 slaying of Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.

Nation

Pakistan Defends Terror Stance, US Senator Demands More VOA 27 May 2007 -- The
Pakistani government is defending its stand on combating terrorism at a time of growing concern
in Washington about the depth of Islamabad's commitment to the cause

Pakistan confirms new bird flu outbreak - Agriculture Ministry RIA Novosti 23 May 2007 -
- Pakistan confirmed Wednesday an outbreak of the deadly H5N1 virus among poultry on farms
near the capital, but said no cases of human infection had been registered.

Pakistani Authorities Negotiate with Pro-Taleban Islamists for Captives' Release VOA 19
May 2007 -- Pakistani authorities are trying to secure the release of four police officers taken
hostage by pro-Taleban Islamic students in the capital, Islamabad.

Pakistan, Afghan Troops Again Clash Along Border VOA 17 May 2007 -- There has been
another exchange of fire between soldiers of Pakistan and Afghanistan along the countries'
border

Afghan, Pakistani Troops Break Brief Border Silence RFE/RL 17 May 2007 -- A May 14
cease-fire between Afghan and Pakistani government troops was shattered this morning by the
sound of mortars and machine-gun fire.

PAKISTAN: UNHCR appeals for calm after refugee camp violence IRIN 17 May 2007 --
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed for calm after an outbreak of
violence at an Afghan refugee camp earmarked for closure in Pakistans southwestern
Balochistan province.

Bomb Blast Kills at Least 25 in Pakistan VOA 15 May 2007 -- A powerful bomb blast in
northwestern Pakistan has killed at least 25 people and seriously injured more than 25 others
U.S., Pakistani Soldiers Reported Killed In Border Incident RFE/RL 14 May 2007 -- At least one
U.S. soldier and one Pakistani soldier were killed when shooting broke out during an effort today
to bring an end to violent clashes between Afghan and Pakistani government troops around their
common border.

US, Pakistan Troops Killed in Meeting on Afghan Border VOA 14 May 2007 -- A firefight
along the Pakistan Afghan border has left at least one U.S. and one Pakistani soldier dead and
several others wounded

Afghan, Pakistani Forces Clash For Second Day RFE/RL 14 May 2007 -- Afghan and
Pakistani troops today clashed for a second consecutive day on their common border.
 PAKISTAN SELECTS LOCKHEED MARTIN'S SNIPER ADVANCED TARGETING
POD Lockheed Martin 14 May 2007 -- The U.S. government has awarded a contract to
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for 18 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP), a part of the
new Advanced Block 52 F-16 aircraft program for Pakistan

Pakistan Officials Try to Stem Violence VOA 14 May 2007 -- Pakistani troops have been told
to "shoot on sight" if need be to control political violence in the southern city of Karachi

PAKISTAN: Hundreds missing in conflict-torn Balochistan IRIN 10 May 2007 -- Dr Hanif

Sharif, 29, was regarded until 2005 as one of the most gifted young writers in the Balochi
language.

NATO Secretary-General Meets With Pakistan President Over Regional Security VOA 08
May 2007 -- NATO's secretary-general says there are no plans for NATO troops to pull out of
Afghanistan

Business/Science/Society

UN Report Urges Immediate Action on Reducing Heat-trapping Gases (May 4): Report by
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that the technology now exists to produce
more efficient cars, appliances, and buildings. It also encourages investment in alternative fuels.

Tornado Levels a Kansas Town (May 6): A Category F-5 enhanced tornado leaves behind a
trail of rubble in Greensburg, Kansas. Ten people are killed in the disaster
 June 2007

Former Liberian Dictator Refuses to Appear at Trial (June 4): Charles Taylor, the former
president of Liberia, boycotts the first day of his trial at the International Criminal Court. He's
facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity for supporting rebel troops in Sierra Leone's
brutal civil war that claimed the lives of about 300,000 people in the 1990s.

Putin Proposes Joint Missile Shield with the U.S. (June 7): Russian president introduces plan
during a meeting with President Bush at the G8 meeting in Germany. The proposal calls for
using an early warning radar system in Azerbaijan as part of a missile defense system to protect
against an attack by Iran.

World Leaders Reach Agreements at the G8 Conference (June 7): Leaders of the eight
industrialized nations meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany, agree to consider ways to halve
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In a nod to President Bush's recent proposal, the leaders
endorse his plan to have the world's top polluter set their own goals for reducing emissions. Bush
also agrees to participate in negoiations to establish a new global climate policy by 2009, a
potenial succesor to the Kyoto Protocol. (June 8): G8 meeting participants promise to spend $60
billion to treat AIDS and other diseases in the third world. Critics say the plan is weak because it
does not include a definitive timetable and falls short of the actual need.

Iraqi Parliament Votes to Remove Speaker (June 11): The speaker, Mahmoud Mashhadani, a
Sunni, has been criticized for intimidating, often physcially, other members of Parliament.

Fighting Escalates Among Palestinian Factions (June 12): About three dozen Palestinians die
in battles between members of rival parties Hamas and Fatah. The homes and offices of Prime
Minister Ismail Haniya and President Mahmoud Abbas are attacked. Both sides accuse each
other of coup attempts. (June 13): Hamas succeeds in taking control of much of the Gaza Strip.
With Fatah holding sway over the West Bank, many fear a civil war is imminent. (June 14):
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas dissolves the government, fires Prime Minister Ismail
Haniya, the leader of Hamas, and declares a state of emergency. The violence continues in the
Gaza Strip and West Bank. (June 15): Abbas swears in an emergency government. Salam
Fayyad, an economist, takes over as interim prime minister. (June 18): The U.S.and European
Union announce they will resume aid to Palestinians.
Sudanese Government Agrees to Peacekeeping Force (June 12): Officials agree to allow a joint
peacekeeping force of about 19,000 troops from the African Union and the United Nations be
deployed to Darfur, but require that most of the soldiers be African.

Shiite Shrine Is Attacked in Iraq (June 13): The revered Shiite Askariya mosque at Samarra is
bombed for the second time in 16 months. Sunni militants connected to al-Qaeda are suspected
in the attack. (June 15 and 16): Shiites blow up two Sunni mosques in retaliation.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Is Elected Leader of Labor Party (June 13): Former prime
minister Ehud Barak returns to politics, defeating Parliament member Ami Ayalon in the race to
head the Labor Party. In addition, Shimon Peres, of the Kadima Party, is elected president by
Parliament.
Deaths Mount in Afghanistan (June 17): At least 22 police academy instructors are killed
when a suicide bomber attacks a police bus in Kabul. (June 18): Seven children die during an
airstrike by U.S.-led forces in eastern Afghanistan. The attack was targeting what officials say
was an al-Qaeda compound.

Dozens Die in Attack on a Shiite Mosque (June 19): Nearly 80 people are killed and more than 130
are wounded when a suicide bomber drives an explosive-filled truck blows in front of the
Khalani Mosque in central Baghdad.

U.S. Diplomat Sees Progress with North Korea (June 22): At a meeting in North Korea, Christopher
Hill, assistant secretary of state for East Asian affairs, is told by North Korean officials that the
country is prepared to shut down its primary nuclear reactor. The meetingthe first time a high-
ranking U.S. official has visited the country in five yearsfollows the return of $25 million in
North Korean funds that had been held in a Macao bank and had been frozen by the U.S. (June
28): International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors visit the Yongbyon nuclear reactor
complex. It's the first such visit since 2002, when North Korean officials expelled the inspectors
from the country.

Three Are Sentenced to Death for Role in Anfal Campaign (June 24): Three Iraqi army officials, including
Ali Hassan al-Masjid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein who was known as "Chemical Ali, are convicted for
carrying out the murder of about 50,000 Kurds in 1988what was called the Anfal campaign.

Peacekeepers Are Killed in Lebanon (June 24): Five UN peacekeepersthree from Colombia and two
from Spaindie when they are attacked in southern Lebanon. They were stationed at the border with
Israel.

Leadership Transition Begins in Britain (June 24): Gordon Brown takes over as head of the Labor Party,
succeeding British Prime Minister Tony Blair. (June 27): Gordon Brown replaces Tony Blair as the prime
minister of Great Britain.

Several Sunni Sheiks Die in Attack (June 26): The victims were among a group of sheiks from the
troubled Anbar Province who had been helping U.S. troops in their fight against al-Qaeda.

Israeli President Reaches Plea Deal in Rape Case (June 28): Moshe Katsav agrees to resign and plead
guilty to committing indecent acts without consent, sexual harassment, and harassing a witness. In
exchange, the governments drops rape charges against Katsav, who maintains his innocence and says
he, plead guilty to avoid a long and embarrassing trial. He was accused of raping and sexually assaulting
several female coworkers.

British Police Find Bombs in Two Cars (June 29): Police defuse two bombs found in cars parked in the
West End section of London. The attackers, who officials say are linked to al-Qaeda, fail to detonate the
bombs using cell phones. (June 30): An SUV carrying bombs bursts into flames after it slams into an
entrance to Glasgow Airport. Officials say the attacks are connected.
Nation

Pakistan protests NATO attack that killed 10 civilians RIA Novosti 25 Jun 2007 -- Pakistan has protested
the killing of 10 civilians near its border with Afghanistan during a NATO operation and has demanded
better coordination among international forces in the future, a senior Foreign Ministry official said
Monday.

Despite Peace Talks With Pakistan, India Maintains Tight Grip on Kashmir VOA 25 Jun 2007 -- There
has been a slow but steady thaw in relations between India and Pakistan in the past two years, with
improvements in intergovernmental communication and cross-border transportation

NATO Admits Civilians Killed In Pakistan Strikes RIA Novosti 24 Jun 2007 -- NATO-led forces in
Afghanistan today admitted that civilians were among those killed in weekend strikes in Pakistan's
Waziristan region.

Pakistan army backs Musharraf in judicial crisis IRNA 01 Jun 2007 -- Senior army commanders in a
meeting on Saturday threw weight behind President General Musharraf in the present judicial crisis and
condemned those who have launched anti-Musharraf campaign.

Business/Science/Society

Court Strikes Down FCC Indecency Policy (June 4): A federal appeals court overturns a Federal
Communications Commission rule that fines networks that broadcast profanities blurted out on live
television, known as "fleeting expletives."

Several Firefighters Are Killed in Blaze (June 19): Nine firefighters die when a roof collapses during a fire
in a furniture warehouse in Charleston, S.C. Aside from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the fire was
the deadliest for firefighters in 30 years.

Zoellick Is Elected Head of the World Bank (June 25): Robert Zoellick, who served as President Bush's
deputy secretary of state and held high-ranking positions in the Reagan and George H. W. Bush
administrations, takes over as the president of the World Bank, succeeding Paul Wolfowitz.
 July 2007

Israel Releases Money to Palestinians (July 1): With members of Hamas no longer part of the
Palestinian government, Israel resumes financial ties to the Palestinian Authority and begins to
transfer tax revenue to the government.

U.S. Official Says Iran Trained Iraqi Soldiers (July 2): Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a military
spokesman, accuses Iran's Revolutionary Guards of helping Iraqis plan and execute an attack in
Karbala in January 2007 in which five American soldiers were killed.

Iraqi Cabinet Makes Progress on Oil Law (July 3): Cabinet approves the hydrocarbon
framework law, one component of a larger legislative package, which states that the revenue
from oil sales belongs to all Iraqis and outlines the function of the oil and gas council. Parliament
must also approve the legislation.

British Journalist Is Freed in Gaza (July 4): Alan Johnston, a BBC correspondent who was
abducted on March 12 in Gaza by a radical clan called Army of Islam, is released.

Pakistani Government and Militants Face Off at Mosque (July 3): Government security
officers and radical Islamist clerics and students at Islamabad's Red Mosque exchange gunfire.
The militants advocate the imposition of Shariah, or Islamic law, in Pakistan. (July 10): After
negotiations between government officials and mosque leaders fail, troops storm the compound
and kill Abdul Rashid Ghazi, who took over as chief of the mosque after the earlier capture of
Maulana Abdul Aziz, his older brother. More than 60 people die in the violence.

Suicide Bomber Kills 150 in Iraq (July 7): A truck filled with explosives destroys dozens of
homes and shops in Amerli, a Shite village north of Baghdad. Hundreds are wounded in the
attack. About 250 people are killed in three days in Iraq by insurgent attacks.

Millions Stolen in Baghdad Bank Robbery (July 11): Guards at the Dar Es Salaam bank make
off with $282 million in U.S. dollars.

Suspected Bombers Are Convicted in London (July 11): Four Islamist men, all originally
from the Horn of Africa, are sentenced to life in prison by a British judge for attempting to bomb
the London transit system in July 2005. Their failed plot followed the July 7, 2005, attack that
killed 56 people.

Russia Pulls Out of Arms Treaty (July14): Russian president Vladimir Putin announces that
the country will suspend its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty, a cold-
war era agreement that limits the deployment of heavy weaponry.

Dozens Die in Attack in Kirkuk (July 16): A suicide bomber drive a bomb-laden truck into a
compound that housed offices of Kurdish politicians, killing 85 people. Victims include shoppers
at a nearby market.
North Korea Shuts Down Reactor (July 16): Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy
Agency verify that North Korea has shut down its weapons-making nuclear reactor at Yongbyon,
one part of an agreement reached in February 2007.

Intelligence Report Shows al-Qaeda Remains Strong (July 17): National Intelligence
Estimate concludes that al-Qaeda has gained strength in the past two years and that the United
States faces "a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years." The report says
the 2006 cease-fire between the Pakistan government and tribal leaders has allowed al-Qaeda to
flourish.

Pakistani Court Rules in Favor of Suspended Judge (July 20): Countrys Supreme Court
rules that President Pervez Musharraf acted illegally when he suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhry. The court reinstates Chaudhry, who may hear legal challenges involving
Musharrafs continued rule as president and head of the military.

Ruling Party Prevails in Turkish Elections (July 23): The Justice and Development Party, the
Islamic party headed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, wins 46.6% of vote in
parliamentary elections.

Euphoria Over Soccer Win Gives Way to Grief (July 25): Iraqis take to the streets celebrate
the national team's win over South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Cup soccer match. The
festivities give way to panic after two suicide bombers attack crowds in Baghdad, killing at least
50 people and injuring about 140.

India and U.S. Reach Accord on Civilian Nuclear Power (July 27): Deal allows India, which
has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferatin Treaty, to buy nuclear fuel from the U.S. to expand
its civilian nuclear energy program and reprocess its spent fuel. India agrees to open the
reprocessing facility to international inspectors.

Security Council Approves Resolution on Darfur (July 31): Votes unanimously to deploy as
many as 26,000 peacekeepers from the African Union and the United Nations forces to help end
the violence in Darfur that has killed about 200,000 people since 2003. The operation, the
world's largest, will cost some $2 billion.

Tribunal Charges Khmer Rouge Figure (July 31): Kang Kech Iev, alias Duch, who ran the
notorious Tuol Sleng prison, is indicted for crimes against humanity. Khmer Rouge rule from
1975 to 1979 led to the state-sponsored extermination of between 1 million and 2 million
citizens.

Nation

Pakistani Officials: Musharraf And Rival Former PM Benazir Bhutto Met in Secret VOA
28 Jul 2007 -- Government officials in Pakistan acknowledged Saturday that the country's
president, General Pervez Musharraf, held secret talks with his political arch-rival Benazir
Bhutto Friday
Red Mosque reopens in Islamabad after bloody siege RIA Novosti 27 Jul 2007 -- The Red
Mosque in Pakistan's capital reopened for Friday prayers after a bloody army siege earlier in July
that killed over 100 people.

Pakistan: Radio Free Afghanistan -- Al-Qaeda Regroup Poses Dual Threat RFE/RL 27 Jul
2007 -- The attempted reopening today in Islamabad of the Red Mosque complex that saw a
bloody confrontation between security forces and militant Islamic radicals on July 10-11 is a
reminder of the challenges confronting Pakistan's embattled President Pervez Musharraf
Suicide Bomber Strikes Near Islamabad's Red Mosque RFE/RL 27 Jul 2007 -- Reports from
Islamabad say a suicide bomber blew himself up close to a group of police officers today near
the Red Mosque

Suicide Bomb Goes Off in Islamabad; Religious Students Stage Demonstrations Outside Mosque
VOA 27 Jul 2007 -- A powerful bomb has ripped through a hotel restaurant near Islamabad's Lal
Masjid, or Red Mosque

Pakistan successfully test fires cruise missile IRNA 26 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan Thursday
conducted a successful test fire of the indigenously developed Cruise Missile Babur (Hatf-VII),
said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.

Pakistan successfully tests nuclear-capable missile RIA Novosti 26 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan
successfully tested its Babur Hatf VII cruise missile, capable of carrying a variety of warheads,
including nuclear, local television channels said citing military sources Thursday.

Pakistan Indispensable in Global Anti-Terrorism Fight Washington File 25 Jul 2007 --

Despite impressive achievements fighting terrorism, Pakistan still needs to do more to defeat
terrorist forces on its soil, says R. Nicholas Burns, the State Departments under secretary of
state for political affairs.

Rocket Attack Kills 8 in Northwest Pakistan VOA 25 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani police say
militants have fired four rockets in a town in the northwest of the country, killing at least eight
people.

Pakistani Taleban Leader Kills Himself to Avoid Capture VOA 24 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani
authorities say a top Taleban militant and former Guantanamo Bay prisoner has blown himself
up to avoid arrest by Pakistani forces.

Clashes Erupt Between Militants, Soldiers in Northern Pakistan VOA 23 Jul 2007 -- At
least 35 militants and two Pakistani soldiers have been killed in heavy fighting in Pakistan's
North Waziristan region.

Pakistan Says Any US Strike Against Militants on Its Soil 'Unacceptable' VOA 23 Jul 2007
-- Pakistan says any U.S. action against militant targets on Pakistani soil would be unacceptable.
Bush Says Pakistan Moving Against Al-Qaida VOA 21 Jul 2007 -- President Bush says Pakistan
is taking steps to oust al-Qaida terrorists from their safe haven in tribal areas near the border with
Afghanistan
Pace: U.S. Working With Pakistan to Solve Cross-Border Terrorism Problem AFPS 20 Jul
2007 -- The U.S. is working with Pakistan to find a way to counter al Qaeda and Taliban
terrorists who operate inside Pakistan, along the Afghan border, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace said here today.

Pakistani Supreme Court Reinstates Suspended Chief Justice VOA 20 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan's
Supreme court has reinstated its chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, four months after Pakistani
President General Pervez Musharraf suspended him

Suicide Bombings Strike Pakistan as President Calls for Unity Against Extremism VOA 19
Jul 2007 -- Separate bomb blasts have killed more than 52 people in Pakistan, and the country is
bracing for more violence

Deadly Violence Continues in Pakistan VOA 19 Jul 2007 -- Separate bomb blasts have killed
more than 30 people in Pakistan, and the country is bracing for more violence
Analysis: Musharraf and his Labyrinth cfr.org 18 Jul 2007 -- As the Pakistani government
scrambles to salvage a peace accord (BosGlobe) with tribal leaders along the countrys lawless
northwest frontier, unrest elsewhere in Pakistan has raised new questions about the stability of
Pervez Musharrafs military government

White House Presses Pakistan on al-Qaida Havens VOA 18 Jul 2007 -- The White House is
stepping up pressure on Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf to oust al-Qaida
terrorists from remote areas along the border with Afghanistan

Pakistan Wants Proof Al-Qaida Regrouping in Northwest VOA 19 Jul 2007 -- The Pakistan
government is rejecting a U.S. intelligence report saying al-Qaida terrorists have received safe
haven in northwest Pakistan, calling it unsubstantiated.

Pakistan: Can Musharraf Reform Militant Madrasahs? RFE/RL 18 Jul 2007 -- In the
aftermath of Pakistan's Red Mosque crisis, President Pervez Musharraf has renewed his pledge
to prevent any mosque or madrasah in the country from being used by terrorists.

Violence Continues to Spread in Pakistan; Musharraf Refuses to Call State of Emergency VOA
18 Jul 2007 -- Militants in northwestern Pakistan have ambushed a security convoy and killed at
least 17 soldiers - less than a day after a suicide bomber killed 16 people in Islamabad

US Supports Pakistani Government Moves Against Extremists VOA 17 Jul 2007 -- The
Bush administration said Tuesday the United States is prepared to back Pakistani government
actions against extremism with as a much as $1 billion in economic and military aid over the
next several years

Russian space firm signs 14 deals for commercial rocket launches RIA Novosti 15 Jul 2007
-- A leading Russian space company said Sunday it had signed 14 deals for the commercial
launches of its Proton carrier rockets.
Militants Attack, Threaten Government in Pakistan VOA 15 Jul 2007 -- A wave of deadly
attacks in Pakistan is raising fears of a widespread militant backlash days after government
forces raided a radical mosque in the capital

US Lawmakers Urge Action by Musharraf Against Extremists VOA 13 Jul 2007 -- U.S.
lawmakers have told a senior State Department official that Pakistan's President Pervez
Musharraf must act to eliminate Taleban, al-Qaida forces and extremists in his country
Afghan-Pakistani Border Stability Operations Focus of U.S. Aid Washington File 12 Jul 2007 --
The United States is working with the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to build stability
along the rugged border between those two nations.

Musharraf Addresses Nation in Wake of Pakistan Mosque Seige VOA 12 Jul 2007 -- In a
televised address to the nation, Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf vowed to
eliminate extremism and terrorism from "every corner of the country."

Pakistan's President Defends Deadly Raid on Radical Mosque VOA 12 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani
President Pervez Musharraf says he launched a deadly raid on a radical mosque in Islamabad
only after all efforts to negotiate the crisis failed.

Mosque storming over, Pakistan Army leaves site RIA Novosti 12 Jul 2007 -- The Pakistani
Army began withdrawing from Islamabad after completing a 36-hour operation to retake the Red
Mosque, seized and held by Islamic radicals for a week, local television said citing military
sources.

Pakistan's President to Address Nation in Wake of Mosque Siege VOA 12 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf is to address the nation Thursday as al-Qaida issues calls to Pakistani
Muslims to revolt against the government for its raid against militants in Islamabad's Red
Mosque

Al-Qaida Deputy Leader Calls for Revenge Over Raid at Pakistan Mosque VOA 11 Jul
2007 -- The deputy leader of al-Qaida has urged Pakistanis to revolt against the government in
retaliation for a raid on the Red Mosque in Islamabad that left more than 80 people dead.
Pakistan: Musharraf's Position Precarious After Red Mosque Storming RFE/RL 11 Jul 2007 --
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf angered many Pakistanis four months ago by ordering the
removal of a Supreme Court justice on charges of corruption

Red Mosque assault over, 160 hostages freed - Pakistani general RIA Novosti 11 Jul 2007 -- The
Pakistani military regained control of the Red Mosque Wednesday, freeing at least 160 students
held hostage there during a weeklong standoff, the army spokesman said.
Pakistani Authorities Searching for Explosives Left Behind in Red Mosque VOA 11 Jul 2007 --
Pakistani officials say the fight to clear Islamabad's Red Mosque of well-armed militants is
complete

Pakistani Forces Search Militant Holdouts In Mosque RFE/RL 10 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani
security forces say 80 percent of Islamabad's Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque complex, has been
cleared of militants, but fighting continues to flush out the remaining holdouts.
Red Mosque in Islamabad stormed, at least 60 militants killed RIA Novosti 10 Jul 2007 -- At
least 60 Islamic militants have been killed and as many captured when troops stormed the
besieged Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) compound in Islamabad early Tuesday in a bid to end a tense
weeklong standoff.

Pakistani Government: Cleric at Radical Mosque Killed VOA 10 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan's
interior ministry says the cleric leading resistance at a radical mosque stormed by Pakistani
troops has been killed.

Death Toll Mounts as Pakistan Military Tries to Oust Terrorists From Mosque VOA 10 Jul 2007
-- Pakistani security forces have launched an assault on militants who have been holding
Islamabad's Red Mosque for the past week

Pakistan: Who Is Abdul Rashid Ghazi? RFE/RL 09 Jul 2007 -- The Pakistani authorities
have given what they say is their "final warning" to Abdul Rashid Ghazi and his supporters
inside the Red Mosque to surrender or face an all-out assault.

Negotiations With Pakistani Mosque Rebels Fail to Make Progress VOA 09 Jul 2007 -- Attempts
to negotiate an end to a standoff at an Islamabad mosque have failed to make progress.
Cleric At Pakistan's Red Mosque Agrees To Limited Talks RFE/RL 09 Jul 2007 -- A Pakistani
cleric under siege at Islamabad's Red Mosque has reportedly agreed to hold talks via loudspeaker
in a bid to end the crisis.

Bloody Standoff Continues Outside Pakistan's Red Mosque VOA 09 Jul 2007 -- Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf has reportedly authorized a final assault on armed militants
barricaded inside Islamabad's Red Mosque

Pakistan Mosque Leader Vows to Continue Standoff VOA 08 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani
commandos blasted new holes in the walls around an Islamabad mosque where armed militants
are reportedly holding hundreds of women and children hostage

Siege Continues Around Islamabad's Red Mosque VOA 07 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani security
forces are intensifying their operations outside the Red Mosque in Islamabad where radical
clerics are refusing to surrender to government forces

Fresh gunfire heard near besieged Red Mosque in Pakistan RIA Novosti 06 Jul 2007 --
Fresh gunfire and powerful explosions were heard last night from the direction of the radical Red
Mosque, which has been besieged by government forces in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, but
authorities said Friday an assault to capture it had not been launched.

Military Siege of Radical Pakistani Mosque Intensifies VOA 06 Jul 2007 -- The military siege of
a radical mosque in the Pakistani capital has intensified, after the group's chief cleric says he
would now rather die than surrender

Religious Militants in Islamabad Set Conditions For Surrender VOA 05 Jul 2007 --
Pakistani security forces say time is running out for more than 1,000 militants inside the capital's
radical Lal Masjid or Red Mosque

Pakistani Police Battle Religious Militants in Islamabad VOA 05 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani security
forces say time is running out for more than 1,000 militants inside Islamabad's radical Lal Masjid
or Red Mosque

Pakistan Police Battle Religious Militants in Capital VOA 04 Jul 2007 -- A standoff between
Pakistani troops and students at a radical mosque has headed into a second night, with more than
1,000 people still holed up in the mosque in Islamabad

Pakistan court bans intelligence agents' entry in premises IRNA 03 Jul 2007 -- The Supreme
Court of Pakistan on Monday banned the entry of the officials of intelligence agencies in the
court's premises after a senior defense lawyer of the suspended chief justice informed the court
that intelligence agencies are involved in spying on judges.

Pakistan Police Battle Religious Militants in Capital VOA 03 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani security
forces have exchanged gunfire with hundreds of students holed up inside a radical mosque in
central Islamabad

Pakistan Denies Reports Nuclear Scientist Has Been Freed VOA 02 Jul 2007 -- Pakistani
officials are denying reports that the government has eased travel restrictions on disgraced
nuclear scientist AQ Khan

Business/Science/Society

Russia Is Awarded 2014 Olympics (July 4): The International Olympic Committee announces
that Sochi, Russia, a Black Sea resort, will host the Winter Games in 2014. It will be the first
time Russia or the former Soviet Union hosts the Winter Games.

Argentina Experiences Unusual Snowfall (July 10): Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina,
experiences its first snowfall in 89 years.
Plane Crashes into Building in Brazil (July 17): An Airbus 320 skids off a runway in So Paulo
and crashes into an office building, killing about 180 people. It is the worst aviation accident
ever in Brazil.

Harry Potter Sales Brisk (July 21): In its first day on bookshelves, Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final installment in J. K. Rowling's best-selling series, more
than 8.3 million copies are sold.

Murdoch Wins Approval to Buy Dow Jones (July 31): The Bancroft family, owner the Dow
Jones & Company, which publishes the Wall Street Journal, agrees to sell the company to media
magnate Rupert Murdoch, who owns the News Corporation. The purchase values Murdoch's
media holdings at $28 billion.
 August 2007

Sunni Block Withdraws from Iraqi Cabinet (Aug. 1): The Iraqi Consensus Front, the largest
Sunni faction in Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's cabinet, resigns, citing the Shiite-led
government's failure to stem violence by militias, follow through with reforms, and involve
Sunnis in decisions on security.

Independence Hero Named Prime Minister of East Timor (Aug. 6): President Ramos-Horta
names independence activist Xanana Gusmo as prime minister. Violent protests led by
supporters of the Fretilin party, the former governing party, follow. Fretilin won the most seats in
elections, but Gusmo formed a majority coalition, called the Alliance of the Parliamentary
Majority (AMP).

UN Passes Resolution on Iraq (Aug. 10): Security Council resolution, passed unanimously,
expands the UN's role in Iraq to help promote reconciliation, safety of citizens and workers, and
civil rights.

Taliban Releases Two Hostages (Aug. 13): Two female hostages are released to the Red Cross
following days of talks between the Taliban and South Korean negotiators. The women were
members of a group of 23 church volunteers abducted from a bus on July 19. Two male hostages
have been shot, and the Taliban has threatened to kill more if their demands for a prisoner
exchange are not met. Fourteen women and five men are still being held.

Coalition Forces Launch Operation Phantom Strike (Aug. 13): US-led forces attack
insurgent hide-outs, weapons caches, and bomb-building sites in a series of simultaneous raids.
The operation follows the deployment of nearly 30,000 more US troops into Iraq.

Quadruple Bombing Leaves at Least 500 Dead in Iraqi Villages (Aug. 14): Two pairs of
truck bombs explode about five miles apart in the remote, north-western Iraqi towns of
Qahtaniya and Jazeera. At least 500 members of the minority Yazidi community are reported
killed and hundreds more are wounded, making it the single deadliest insurgent attack of the war.

Thailand Votes in Favor of New Constitution (Aug. 20): In the country's first referendum,
voters approve a new constitution that was drafted by a panel selected by the military
government. Elections are expected to be held in December, ending a year of military rule that
followed the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

U.S. Ambassador Criticizes Iraqi Leadership (Aug. 22): As sectarian violence continues
unabated in Iraq, Ryan Crocker, the ambassador to Iraq, says political progress in Iraq has been
"extremely disappointing."

Iraqi Government to Allow Former Baathists to Resume Jobs (Aug. 26): In an attempt at
national reconciliation, a group of Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish Iraqi leaders, including Prime
Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Vice President Tarqi al-Hashemi, and President Jalal Talabani,
announce that former Baathists, members of the party loyal to Saddam Hussein, could regain
their government jobs that were lost in 2003's de-Baathification process. Hashemi, however, says
the move is not enough to have Sunnis leaders resume their cabinet positions, which they quit in
early August.

Former Islamist Elected President of Turkey (Aug. 28): Abdullah Gul, of the Justice and
Development Party, is elected president in the third round of voting by the country's parliament.
He is the first Islamist president in the country's modern history. The military, which is highly
protective of a secular state, opposed Gul's candidacy.

Deadly Violence Breaks Out Among Rival Shiite Groups (Aug. 28): More than 50 people are
killed and hundreds are wounded when members of the Mahdi Army, the militia loyal to radical
Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr, and the Badr Organization, a group of fighters that supports Prime
Minister Nuri al-Maliki battle in the streets of Karbala during a pilgrimage celebrating the birth
of Muhammad al-Mahdi. (Aug. 29): Moktada al-Sadr announces that he has ordered the Mahdi
Army to suspend its military operations for six months.

Pakistani Leader to Surrender Role as Military Chief (Aug. 29): According to exiled former
prime minister Benazir Bhutto, President Pervez Musharraf has agreed to step down as army
chief and run for reelection as president. In addition, Bhutto will be allowed to return to Pakistan
and run for prime minister.

Nation

Musharraf close to power sharing deal with opposition leader IRNA 29 Aug 2007 --
President Pervez Musharraf is set to strike a power sharing deal with exiled opposition leader
Benazir Bhutto, a cabinet minister said on Wednesday.

Pakistan Minister Says Musharraf-Bhutto Alliance Nearly Complete VOA 29 Aug 2007 --
Pakistani officials say the country's embattled president, General Pervez Musharraf, has nearly
completed a power-sharing agreement with rival Benazir Bhutto

Pakistan test-fires new cruise missile IRNA 25 Aug 2007 -- Pakistan said on Saturday it has
successfully test fired a new cruise missile with the range of 350 kilometers.
Musharraf says ex-PM Sharif can return to Pakistan IRNA 24 Aug 2007 -- President
General Pervez Musharraf has said that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can return home.
Pakistan President Faces Political Uncertainty VOA 24 Aug 2007 -- Pakistani political experts
say the country's president, General Pervez Musharraf, faces a decidedly uncertain future a day
after the Supreme Court ended his chief rival's seven-year exile

Pakistan Supreme Court Ends Former Prime Minister's Exile VOA 23 Aug 2007 --
Pakistan's supreme court has ruled exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can return to
Pakistan and resume his political career

Pakistan Releases Al-Qaida Operative VOA 20 Aug 2007 -- Pakistan has released an alleged
al-Qaida operative without charge three years after his arrest

Pakistan, Turkey to hold joint exercises IRNA 20 Aug 2007 -- A contingent comprising
troops of Pakistan Army and Navy left here today for Turkey to participate in Pakistan Turkey
Joint Special Services Group Exercise Jinnah-V, the army said.

Pakistan frees alleged al-Qaeda operative: Supreme Court told IRNA 20 Aug 2007 --
Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan, an alleged al-Qaeda operative and computer expert has been
freed, the Supreme Court was told on Monday.

Russia blocks deliveries of Chinese fighters to Pakistan - paper RIA Novosti 13 Aug 2007 --
Russia is not allowing China to re-export its RD-93 engines for Chinese-made fighters to
Pakistan, an Indian newspaper said Monday on its website.

Afghan, Pakistan Talks End with Calls to Fight Terrorism VOA 13 Aug 2007 -- Four days
of talks involving government and tribal leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan ended Sunday
with calls to confront militancy and improve security along the countries' border.

Pakistan's Musharraf Calls for Cooperation to Fight Extremism VOA 12 Aug 2007 --
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has called for improved ties with neighbor Afghanistan,
and says both countries have to cooperate to defeat the rise of religious extremism and militancy

Musharraf Calls for Better Ties with Afghanistan to Defeat Extremism VOA 12 Aug 2007 --
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has called for improved ties with neighbor Afghanistan,
and says both countries have to cooperate to defeat the rise of religious extremism and militancy

Musharraf Rethink Ushers In Day Three Of Peace Jirga RFE/RL 11 Aug 2007 -- Pakistan
President Pervez Musharraf looks set to attend a "peace jirga" in the Afghan capital aimed at
combating Taliban and Al-Qaeda violence in the two neighboring countries, after originally
bowing out.

Bush Confident Pakistan Will Target Al-Qaida VOA 09 Aug 2007 -- U.S. President George
Bush says he is confident that Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf has both the desire
and the ability to hunt down al-Qaida terrorists along the border with Afghanistan

Afghan, Pakistani Leaders Urge Stepped Up Fight Against Extremism VOA 09 Aug 2007 --
Pakistani and Afghan leaders issued renewed calls for greater cooperation in the fight against
religious extremism

Afghan, Pakistani Tribal Leaders Launch 'Peace Jirga' RFE/RL 09 Aug 2007 -- Some 650 tribal
leaders and other representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan today opened an assembly in
Kabul to boost security and seek an end to militancy undermining both governments.

Musharraf Makes No Moves On State Of Emergency RFE/RL 09 Aug 2007 -- A spokesman for
Pakistan's government has told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that Islamabad will not declare
a state of emergency today.

Despite Rumors, Pakistan's President Does Not Impose Emergency Rule VOA 09 Aug 2007 --
Senior officials in Pakistan have dismissed reports as mere "rumors and speculations" that
President Pervez Musharraf is planning to impose emergency rule in the country. Ayaz Gul
reports from Islamabad.

Schaffer: Pakistan Facing Question on How to Handle Extremists cfr.org 08 Aug 2007
Pakistan tribesmen decline to attend jirga IRNA 08 Aug 2007 -- Parliamentarians and tribal
elders from Pakistan's troubled Waziristan region Wednesday insisted that they can not attend
the jirga or council in Kabul when their own house is burning.

Musharraf not to attend jirga in Kabul: spokesperson IRNA 08 Aug 2007 -- President General
Pervez Musharraf will not attend the 3-day joint Afghanistan-Pakistan jirga or council of elders
which begins in Kabul on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said.

Pakistani President Withdraws From Peace Conference in Afghanistan VOA 08 Aug 2007 --
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has pulled out of a peace assembly in Afghanistan
designed to unite local leaders in the fight against Taleban militants.

Musharraf Pullout From Afghan-Pakistan Tribal Conference Puzzles Analysts VOA 08 Aug
2007 -- Tribal leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to meet in Kabul Thursday to
discuss the growing problem of extremist violence in both countries
Pakistan Opposition Leader Says Musharraf Must Give Up Military Position VOA 07 Aug
2007 -- Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto says President Pervez Musharraf will
have to relinquish his role as military chief if he wants to reach a political accommodation with
the opposition

Anti-Government Forces Intensify Attacks in Pakistan's Northwest VOA 04 Aug 2007 -- A

series of deadly attacks rocked Pakistan's volatile tribal region Saturday.

Pakistan says US-India Nuclear deal to have implications on strategic stability IRNA 03
Aug 2007 -- Pakistan said on Thursday that the US-India Nuclear Agreement would have
implications on strategic stability as it would enable India to produce significant quantities of
fissile material and nuclear weapons from un-safeguarded nuclear reactors.

Pakistan: 'Economic Development' Needed To Fight Taliban RFE/RL 03 Aug 2007 -- Philip H.
Gordon is a senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy with the Washington-based Brookings
Institution who has authored numerous books or articles on counterterrorism and security in the
broader Middle East.

Pakistan Supreme Court Frees Jailed Opposition Leader, Increases Pressure on Musharraf
VOA 03 Aug 2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the release of a leading opposition
politician, who was jailed four years ago after criticizing the country's powerful military

Business/Science/Society

Bridge Collapses into the Mississippi River (Aug. 1): An eight-lane interstate bridge packed
with cars breaks into sections and falls into the river, killing at least four people and injuring at
least 60. The bridge was in the midst of repairs when it buckled and broke apart.

Coal Miners Are Trapped Inside Shaft (Aug. 6): Six miners are trapped 1,500 feet below
ground after a shaft collapses at the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah.(Aug. 23): The owner of the
mine says that finding survivors is "virtually, totally unlikely."

Educator Lifts Off to the Space Station (Aug. 8): Barbara Morgan, a former teacher from
Idaho, is part of a mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavour to the International Space Station,
where additional trusses will be added and supplies delivered. Morgan was the backup to Christa
McAuliffe, the teacher who died in 1986 when the shuttle Challenger disintegrated shortly after
takeoff. (Aug. 8): Following the discovery of a small gash on the underside of the Endeavour,
NASA considers whether to direct the crew to attempt a repair, or to allow them to fly home as
is. The gash is believed to have occurred when a piece of foam fell off the fuel tank and struck
the underside of the shuttle. (Aug. 21): Endeavour lands safely after a 12 day, 17 hour mission.
Federal Reserve Pumps Billions into Financial System (Aug. 10): Fed puts $72 billion into
the U.S. financial system over two days to steady the volatile markets that plummeted in
response to losses in the American mortgage market.

NBA Referee Pleads Guilty in Betting Scandal (Aug. 14): Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy
pleads guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting waging information through
interstate commerce. Donaghy, once known as one of the NBA's best referees, sold inside
information pertaining to NBA games to bettors before being investigated by the FBI and
resigning on July 9. Donaghy, who faces up to 25 years in prison, must pay a $500,000 fine and
at least $30,000 in restitution.

Quake Near Lima, Peru, Kills Hundreds (Aug. 15): A 8.0-magnitude earthquake occurs 90
miles southeast of Lima, Peru, killing at least 500 people dead and injuring hundreds more. The
cities of Pisco, Chincha, and Ica are among those reporting the most damage.

Hurricane Dean Slams the Caribbean (Aug. 21): Dean makes landfall in Mexico as a
Category 5 hurricane, the third most intense Atlantic hurricane since the 1850s. The storm killed
more than 20 people.
 September 2007
World

North Korea Agrees to Disable Nuclear Fuel Plants (Sept. 2): After a two-day meeting
between Christopher Hill, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs,
and North Korean negotiators, North Korea says it will disable its nuclear fuel production facility
and disclose to international monitors an accounting of all of its nuclear programs by the end of
2007.

Myanmar Completes Constitutional Convention (Sept. 3): Representatives to the convention,

which has met on and off since 1993, release a draft constitution that ensures the military will
continue to control the ministries and legislature and have the right to declare a state of
emergency. The document also limits the rights of political parties.

Bush Makes Surprise Visit to Iraq (Sept. 3): President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates travel to Anbar Province, a Sunni stronghold, and
meet with Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki and other leaders. Bush stresses that progress in
security and reconciliation have been made in Anbar and hints that a troop withdrawal may start
if such gains continue.

Report Says Iraq Lags in Meeting Benchmarks (Sept. 4): Government Accountability Office
report finds that while violence in Iraq seems to be abating, the Iraqi government has failed to
stem the sectarian violence and has three of the 18 benchmarks outlined by Congress in May.

German Officials Arrest Terror Suspects (Sept. 5): Three Islamic militants are arrested and
authorities confiscate large amounts of explosive materials and detonators. Officials say the
suspects were planning to attack the Ramstein Air Base and the Frankfurt International Airport.

Panel Says Iraq's Army and Police Ill Prepared to Take Control (Sept. 5): Independent
commission, led by Gen. James Jones, a retired Marine, declares that while Iraq's armed forces
are improving, it will be 12 to 18 months before the police and army can assume control over the
country.
Bin Laden Releases a Video (Sept. 7): In his first video message in nearly three years, bin Laden
says promises to "continue to escalate the killing in Iraq."

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Is Arrested (Sept. 10): Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted in a
coup in 1999 by Pervez Musharraf, is arrested and deported after trying to re-enter Pakistan from
exile in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Supreme Court recently ruled that Sharif could return to the
country.
Japanese Prime Minister Quits (Sept. 12): Shinzo Abe abruptly announces his resignation.
The move follows a string of scandals and July's stunning defeat in parliamentary elections, in
which his Liberal Democratic Party lost control of the upper house to the opposition Democratic
Party.

Russian President Nominates New Prime Minister (Sept. 12): Hours after the resignation of
Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, Vladimir Putin names Viktor Zubkov, a cabinet official, as the
next prime minister.

Sunni Sheik Allied with the U.S. Is Killed in Iraq (Sept. 13): Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al-
Rishawi, a leader of Sunni tribes in Anbar Province that have joined forces with the U.S. to fight
Sunni militants, such as al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, dies in a bombing. Such cooperation is
credited with bringing relative peace and stability to Anbar Province.

Influential Cleric Says He Will Withdraw from Governing Coalition (Sept. 15): The
political movement led by Moktada al-Sadr announces that it plans to withdraw from the United
Iraqi Alliance, the largest bloc in Parliament. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki would lose his
majority in Parliament if the Sadrists follow through.

Iraqi Civilians Are Killed by U.S. Security Company (Sept. 16): Seventeen Iraqi civilians,
including a couple and their infant, are killed when employees of private security company
Blackwater USA, which was escorting a diplomatic convoy, reportedly fire on a car that failed to
stop at the request of a police officer. Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki threatens to evict
Blackwater employees from Iraq.

Pakistani President Says He Will Resign as Military Leader if Reelected (Sept. 18): If
elected to a second term as president, Pervez Musharraf announces he will step down from his
post as army chief before taking the oath of office. Some opposition leaders, however, question
whether he would follow through on his promise.

Lebanese Politician Is Killed in Attack (Sept. 19): A car bomb kills Parliament member
Antoine Ghanem of the Christian Phalange Party, which is part of the governing coalition. He is
the eighth anti-Syrian leader to be killed since the 2005 assassination of former prime minister
Rafik Hariri.

Khmer Rouge Leader Is Arrested (Sept. 19): Nuon Chea, who was second-in-command to Pol
Pot during the four years of Khmer Rouge rule that led to the state-sponsored massacre of
between 1 million and 2 million, is charged with war crimes.
Japanese Lawmakers Select New Prime Minister (Sept. 23): The governing Liberal
Democratic Party elects Yasuo Fukuda as prime minister, replacing Shinzo Abe, who resigned
after a disappointing year in office. Fukuda was elected to Parliament in 1990 and held the post
as chief cabinet secretary under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Iranian President Stirs Protets at Columbia Speech (Sept. 25): In his controversial speech,
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists there are no homosexuals in Iran, says the U.S. supports
terrorism, and calls U.S. and European efforts to halt Iran's nuclear weapons program
hypocritical. Columbia's president, Lee C. Bollinger, preceded Ahmadinejad's speech with an
attack of his own. "Mr. President, you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator,he said.
You are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated."

Government Cracks Down on Protesters in Myanmar (Sept 26): After a month of peaceful
pro-democracy demonstrations, which saw steady increases in participation and recently drew in
hundreds of monks, protesting sharp prices in fuel, government forces shoot at crowds, raid
pagodas, and arrest monks. Dozens of people are killed. The protests are the largest in the
country in 20 years. The brutally of the attacks spark international outrage.

Court Rules in Favor of Musharraf's Election Bid (Sept. 28): Pakistan's Supreme Court rules
that President Pervez Musharraf can run for re-election while maintaining his role as military
chief.

Rebels in Darfur Kill Peacekeepers (Sept. 30): Hundreds of rebels attack an African Union
base in Haskanita, a town in the Darfur region of Sudan, and kill at least 10 peacekeeping troops.

Nation

Pakistan President Musharraf Approved to Run For Re-Election, Police Clash With
Protesters and Media VOA 29 Sep 2007 -- Pakistan's election commission has approved
President Pervez Musharraf's re-election bid a day after the Supreme Court dismissed challenges
to his candidacy

Pakistan Court Dismisses Challenges to President Musharraf's Re-Election Bid VOA 28 Sep
2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed a series of challenges to President Pervez
Musharraf's re-election bid, paving the way for Mr. Musharraf to run in the October presidential
election while still holding his post as chief of the military

Pervez Musharraf to run for re-election in Pakistan 27 Sep 2007 -- Pakistan's President General
Pervez Musharraf registered Thursday to run in presidential elections due on October 6,
Pakistani media reported.
Pakistan Chief Justice Orders Release of Detained Opposition Supporters VOA 27 Sep 2007 --
Pakistan's chief justice has ordered the government to release dozens of activists detained last
week during a crackdown on protesters opposed to the re-election of President Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan: How Are Domestic Crises Impacting War Against Terrorism? RFE/RL 26 Sep 2007 --
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is facing crisis from within and without his country.

Bhutto Says Pakistan at a Crucial Point VOA 25 Sep 2007 -- Exiled former Pakistani Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto says she plans to return home, even without reaching a political deal
with the country's military ruler

Pakistan Supreme Court Dismisses Two Challenges to Musharraf VOA 24 Sep 2007 --
Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed two challenges to President Pervez Musharraf's bid for
reelection, but the justices are still considering several others

Pakistan Police Arrest Opposition Party Leaders Ahead of Election VOA 23 Sep 2007 --
Police in Pakistan have arrested at least four leading figures in political parties opposed to the re-
election of President Pervez Musharraf
Pakistan appoints new spy chief IRNA 21 Sep 2007 -- Pakistan on Friday appointed Major
General Nadeem Taj as the new chief of the country's spy agency with several other top level
promotions and appointments, the army said.

Calls For Jihad By Bin Laden Add To Musharraf's Woes RFE/RL 21 Sep 2007 -- Al-Qaeda
leader Osama bin Laden has vowed to retaliate against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for
the killing of a radical cleric during a raid on Islamabad's Red Mosque in July

Islamists Demonstrate Against Pakistan's President VOA 21 Sep 2007 -- Islamist political
parties have added their voice to charges that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's bid for re-
election is unconstitutional

Islamic Web Site Says Bin Laden to Declare War on Pakistani Leader in New Video VOA
20 Sep 2007 -- An Islamist web site says it will soon carry a new video from al-Qaida leader
Osama bin Laden declaring war on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and the country's army.
PAKISTAN: Illegal arms threaten peace across troubled NWFP IRIN 20 Sep 2007

Pakistan's Presidential Election Scheduled Despite Court Challenges to Musharraf

Candidacy VOA 20 Sep 2007 -- Pakistan's Election Commission says the presidential election
will take place on October 6, despite legal challenges to President Pervez Musharraf's re-election
bid
Pakistan president to quit military if re-elected - lawyer RIA Novosti 18 Sep 2007 -- Pervez
Musharraf is poised to give up his post as army chief if re-elected as Pakistan's president, his
chief lawyer said Tuesday.
Musharraf to Step Down as Military Leader After Election VOA 18 Sep 2007 -- A lawyer for
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has said Mr. Musharraf plans to give up his post as chief
of the military if he wins forthcoming presidential elections

Pakistan Court Hears Challenge to Musharraf Re-Election Bid VOA 17 Sep 2007 --
Pakistan's Supreme Court has begun hearing challenges to President Pervez Musharraf bid for re-
election

Former PM Announces Return to Pakistan But May Face Corruption Charges VOA 14
Sep 2007 -- The political party of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has announced
she will return to the country in October to take part in elections

Ex-Premier Bhutto to return to Pakistan October 18 - Pakistan People's Party RIA Novosti 14
Sep 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is set to return home after eight
years in self-imposed exile, a spokesman for her Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said Friday.

Analysis: U.S. Nervously Eyes Pakistani Impasse cfr.org 13 Sep 2007 -- Every day that
passes without a settlement to Pakistans political crisis raises concerns about escalating violence
and instability

Pakistani Military: Troops, Gunships Pound Militant Hideouts VOA 13 Sep 2007 -- A
Pakistani military spokesman says troops backed by helicopter gunships have pounded militant
hideouts in a tribal region of northwest Pakistan.

Pakistani ex-PM Sharif to challenge deportation in Supreme Court RIA Novosti 11 Sep
2007 -- Former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif has filed a petition with the country's
Supreme Court protesting his deportation, local media quoted Sharif's lawyers as saying.

Sharif Appeals Expulsion from Pakistan VOA 11 Sep 2007 -- A lawyer for Pakistan's former
Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has filed a legal challenge against the government for deporting
him from Pakistan

Nawaz Sharif deported again IRNA 10 Sep 2007 -- Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif, who returned to the country on Monday morning after ending seven year of exile, was
again deported after four-hour stay at the Islamabad International Airport, officials said.
Former Prime Minister Sharif Deported From Pakistan RFE/RL 10 Sep 2007 -- Pakistani
officials say former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been sent back to Saudi Arabia, where he
had been living in exile since 2000.

Ex-PM Sharif deported soon after return to Pakistan RIA Novosti 10 Sep 2007 -- Pakistani
former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was arrested at Islamabad airport after returning from a long
exile Monday, and deported to Saudi Arabia, Pakistani TV reported.

Former Pakistan PM Sharif Deported After Arrival in Pakistan VOA 10 Sep 2007 -- Former
prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has been deported from Pakistan after attempting to
enter the country

Pakistan Strengthens Security Ahead of Former Prime Minister's Return VOA 09 Sep
2007 -- Pakistan has tightened security at all major airports and banned rallies one day before the
arrival of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the leader deposed by Pakistan President
Musharraf. As of last reports, Mr. Sharif is about to arrive in Pakistan

Saudi Intelligence Chief urges Pakistani Sharif to honor exile deal IRNA 08 Sep 2007 --
Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Saturday urged former
Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif to honor his exile agreement brokered by the Saudi King
in 2000.

Pakistan Reopens Corruption Charges Against Sharif VOA 07 Sep 2007 -- The Pakistani
government has reopened a corruption case against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and a
court has ordered the arrest of Mr. Sharif's brother

Musharraf to remain President till November 15: Court told IRNA 06 Sep 2007 -- The
Supreme Court of Pakistan was told on Thursday that General Pervez Musharraf's term as
President will expire on November 15.
Old Rivals Poised to Re-enter Pakistan Political Stage VOA 05 Sep 2007 -- Two former prime
ministers of Pakistan say they will return from their self-imposed exiles

Bombs Kill Dozens In Pakistan Army City RFE/RL 04 Sep 2007 -- Two bombs have
exploded in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi amid morning rush-hour traffic, killing at least 24
people and injuring more than 60.

Suicide Attacks Kill 25 Outside Pakistani Capital VOA 04 Sep 2007 -- Twin suicide bomb blasts
have rocked the garrison town outside Pakistan's capital city
Former Pakistani Leader Bhutto Vows Return From Exile Soon VOA 01 Sep 2007 --
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says that despite stalled power-sharing talks,
she will be heading back to her country soon

Business/Science/Society

Job Losses Spark Worries about the Economy (Sept. 6): A Labor Department report that
shows that 4,000 jobs were lost in August, the first such decline since 2003, leads some
economists to say a recession may follow.

Federal Judge Endorses States' Rights to Cut Emission (Sept. 12): Vermont judge William
Sessions III rules that standards set by the state to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases by
cars and light trucks do not intrude upon federal law. The standards are based on those set by
California in 2002.

Three Earthquakes Strike Indonesia (Sept. 12 and 13): More than a dozen people die on the
island of Sumatra when three quakes, one with a magnitude of 8.4, hit.

Fed Cuts Interest Rate (Sept. 18): In an attempt to bring stability to the economy, which has
been rocked by turbulence in the housing and financial markets, the Federal Reserve cuts
benchmark interest rate to 4.75% from 5.25%.

United Auto Workers Strike against General Motors (Sept. 24): Some 73,000 workers take
to the picket lines when contract negotiations over wages and benefits reach a stalemate. (Sept.
26): The UAW and GM reach a deal that has the auto maker creating a $55 million trust, called a
voluntary employee benefit association (VEBA) that will administer health benefits for retirees.
 October 2007
World

Blackwater Faces Criticism and Monitoring (Oct. 1): House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform finds that employees of Blackwater USA, the security firm involved in the
deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians in September, have been involved in some 200 shootings in Iraq. The
report says the company paid some families of victims and tried to cover up other incidents.
According to the report, Blackwater's use of force has been "frequent and extensive, resulting in
significant casualties and property damage." (Oct. 5): The State Department announces that its
own monitors will accompany Blackwater employees on all security convoys. (Oct. 23): Two
separate reviews of security practices by private companies in Iraq and Afghanistan under State
Department control find disarray, a lack of coordination, and accountability.

North Korea Agrees to Disable Its Nuclear Facilities (Oct. 3): As part of the breakthrough
deal, North Korea will disclose details about its nuclear facilities, including how much plutonium
it has produced, and dismantle all of its nuclear facilties by the end of 2007. In exchange, it will
receive some 950,000 metric tons of fuel oil or financial aid. The Bush administration will also
start the process of removing North Korea from its list of nations that sponsor terrorism.

Musharraf Breezes to Victory (Oct. 6): Pakistani president is easily reelected to a third term by
the country's national and provincial assemblies. The opposition boycotts the vote, however, and
only representatives from the governing party participate in the election. In addition, the
Supreme Court has yet to rule if he was constitutionally eligible to run for president while still
head of the military.

Britain to Sharply Reduce Force in Iraq (Oct. 8): Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces
that half of the 5,000 British troops stationed in Basra will be removed by the end of 2008.

Turkish Parliament Authorizes Incursion into Iraq (Oct. 17): Votes, 507 to 19, to allow the
deployment of troops into northern Iraq to deal with attacks on Turkey by Kurdish rebels in Iraq.
(Oct. 21): Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, members of the Kurdistan Workers Party, attack
and kill 12 Turkish soldiers about three miles inside Turkey.

Former Prime Minister Returns to Pakistan (Oct. 18): Benazir Bhutto arrives in Pakistan
after eight years in exile to much fanfare and jubilation by her supporters. The triumphant mood
gives way to panic when a suicide bomber attacks her convoy, killing as many as 135 people.
Bhutto survives the attack.

Bush Administration Extends Sanctions on Iran (Oct. 25): U.S. designates Iran's military, the
Quds force of the Revolutionary Guard, and four state-owned Iranian banks sponsors of
terrorism and accues the Guard of exporting weapons of mass destruction.

First Lady of Argentina Is Elected President (Oct. 28): Cristina Fernndez de Kirchner takes
45% of the vote. Elisa Carri, a congresswoman, comes in second, with 23%. De Kirchner is the
first woman in Argentina to be elected president. She succeeds her husand, Nstor Kirchner.

Suicide Bomber Attacks Police Brigade (Oct. 29): Bomber on a bicycle blows himself up in
Baquba, killing 29 people, including 26 police officers.

Nation

Benazir Bhutto demands US-UK assistance on terror probe IRNA 29 Oct 2007 -- Former
Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto formally asked the government of Pakistan through a
letter asking it to request assistance from the US and the Britain in carrying out investigations in
the October 19 bombing of her rally.

Pakistan Army and militant groups agree ceasefire RIA Novosti 28 Oct 2007 -- Militants
and government troops in northwestern Pakistan have agreed a ceasefire in the mountainous
region of Swat, where over 50 extremists died over the weekend in clashes, Pakistan TV said
Monday.
At least 20 killed in bomb attack on army convoy in Pakistan RIA Novosti 25 Oct 2007 -- At
least 20 soldiers were killed and 25 injured in a bomb attack on an army convoy in northwest
Pakistan on Thursday, national TV reported.
Blast Targeting Military in Northwest Pakistan Kills 30 VOA 25 Oct 2007 -- Local officials in
Pakistan's northwestern Swat district say a roadside blast targeting a military transport has killed
at least 30 people

Pakistan/Iran: The Baluchi Minority's 'Forgotten Conflict' RFE/RL 25 Oct 2007 -- The
Baluchi minority in southwestern Pakistan and southeastern Iran is increasingly marginalized,
discriminated against by the state, and suffers from limited access to the benefits of citizenship,
according to political observers and human rights groups.

Pakistani deploys troops to fight pro-Taliban militants RIA Novosti 24 Oct 2007 -- Around
2,500 Pakistani troops have been sent to Swat, a northeast mountain valley, following a roadside
bomb explosion injuring four soldiers late on Tuesday, an army spokesman said on Wednesday.

Pakistan Sends Troops to Counter Pro-Taliban Militants VOA 24 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's military
says it has sent more than 2,000 paramilitary troops to reinforce security forces in Swat district, a
stronghold of pro-Taliban groups in the country's northwest

Analysis: Pakistan's Riddles cfr.org 23 Oct 2007 -- Serious questions loom over Pakistans
efforts to return to a democratic form of government as its inability to rein in violent militants
and its dissident security institutions grow increasingly apparent

Pakistani Investigators Suspect Two Suicide Bombers in Bhutto Attack VOA 22 Oct 2007 -
- Pakistani investigators now suspect two suicide bombers were responsible for Thursday's attack
on the procession of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

PAKISTAN: Thousands displaced by renewed fighting in Waziristan IRIN 21 Oct 2007 --

After over a week of fierce fighting in and around the town of Mirali, in Pakistans tribal North
Waziristan Agency, lying along the countrys mountainous north-western border with
Afghanistan, some semblance of normal life is returning slowly.

Pakistan's Bhutto Seeks International Help for Bomb Investigation VOA 21 Oct 2007 --
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is calling for international assistance in the
investigation into the bomb attack that killed more than 130 of her supporters in Karachi on
Friday

India, Pakistan reiterate to uphold 4 year old cease-fire agreement IRNA 20 Oct 2007 --
India and Pakistan have reiterated their commitment to uphold the four year old bilateral cease-
fire agreement in place.

The ISI and Terrorism: Behind the Accusations cfr.org 19 Oct 2007 -- Pakistans
intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has long faced accusations of meddling
in the affairs of its neighbors

Fallout From Karachi Bombing Felt In Afghanistan RFE/RL 19 Oct 2007 -- Between Karachi
and Kabul stand the vast deserts and mountains of Balochistan

Pakistan's Bhutto Undeterred by Deadly Attacks VOA 19 Oct 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto says the deadly bomb attacks targeting her motorcade will not dissuade
her struggle to bring democracy to Pakistan.

Blasts cause carnage as ex-premier Bhutto returns to Pakistan RIA Novosti 19 Oct 2007 -- Up to
140 people died and hundreds were injured in two explosions early on Friday that overshadowed
the return of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan's Bhutto Says She Had Forewarning of Attack VOA 19 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's former
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says she had prior warning of an assassination plot against her,
but insisted on carrying through with her homecoming on Thursday

Can Bhutto's Return To Pakistan Boost Afghan Security? RFE/RL 18 Oct 2007 -- Defying
threats from Taliban militants, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has returned
home after eight years of exile, vowing to help push Pakistan in a democratic direction -- and
win the war on terrorism.

Pakistan's Bhutto Ends 8-Year Exile with Jubilant Homecoming VOA 18 Oct 2007 -- Hundreds
of thousands of supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto are cheering her
homecoming after eight years in self-imposed exile

Bhutto Pledges Return to Democracy on Eve of Homecoming VOA 17 Oct 2007 -- Former
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says her arrival in Pakistan on Thursday will mark the country's
transition from dictatorship to democracy
Putin: US May Be Softening Its Position on Missile Defense VOA 16 Oct 2007 -- Russian
President Vladimir Putin says the United States may be ready to soften its position on plans for a
missile defense system in Europe and stressed that talks on the issue should continue.

Pakistan lifts curfew in tribal town IRNA 16 Oct 2007 -- Authorities in Pakistan's tribal
region on Tuesday lifted curfew from a major town after 10-day of clashes with militants, which
has killed more than 200 people, the army spokesman said.

Pakistan's Bhutto Prepares to Return Home VOA 16 Oct 2007 -- The political turmoil that
has gripped Pakistan for weeks could take several more turns this week, with key hearings in the
nation's Supreme Court and the expected return of exiled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

Army backs Musharraf's civilian president plan RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2007 -- The Pakistani
Army supports General Pervez Musharraf's decision to become a civilian president if elected to a
new term, an Army spokesman said Monday.

Pakistan does not know whereabouts of Osama bin Laden RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan
has no information on where terrorist No. 1 Osama bin Laden, the head of the al-Qaeda terrorist
network, is hiding, the chief spokesman of the Pakistani Army told RIA Novosti.

Pakistan's PM Defends Government's Anti-Terrorism Efforts VOA 14 Oct 2007 --

Pakistan's prime minister says a recent surge in fighting in the country's tribal regions bordering
Afghanistan is the result of the government's more aggressive stance against terrorists

Pakistan's Parliamentary Elections Viewed as Credibility Test for Musharraf VOA 11 Oct
2007 -- Pakistan's parliamentary elections scheduled for early January are expected to be a key
indicator of the country's political future and an important credibility test for Pakistan's President
General Pervez Musharraf

Analsysis: Pakistans Tribal Warfare cfr.org 10 Oct 2007 -- Violent clashes with militants in
the mountainous border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan come at a politically sensitive
time for Pakistans embattled president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf

Pakistani Jets Bomb Militants in Border Clash VOA 09 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani jets have
bombed Islamic militants near the border with Afghanistan bringing a four-day death toll to 250
people killed in fierce battles
Civilians Flee Fighting in Pakistan's Northwest as Warplanes Target Militants VOA 09 Oct 2007
-- Pakistani families are fleeing their homes in North Waziristan as government warplanes pound
the restive tribal region on the fourth day of fighting with militants.

More than 175 Dead as Militants Clash With Troops in Northern Pakistan VOA 08 Oct
2007 -- Pakistan's military say at least 130 militants and 45 soldiers are dead after three days of
clashes in the troubled tribal region of North Waziristan.

Helicopter escorting Pakistan president crashes in Kashmir RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2007 -- Four
soldiers were killed on Monday when an army helicopter escorting President Pervez Musharraf
crashed over the Pakistan-controlled portion of Kashmir, local television said.
Pakistan army copter crashes, 4 troops die IRNA 08 Oct 2007 -- At least four Pakistani security
officers of were killed when an army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on
Monday, the army spokesman said.
Army says 60 militants, 20 soldiers killed in Waziristan clashes IRNA 08 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani
security forces have killed have killed around 60 pro-Taliban militants in fighting in North
Waziristan, the military spokesman said on Monday.

At Least 50 Soldiers Missing After Violent Clashes in North Pakistan VOA 08 Oct 2007 --
Pakistan's military says at least 50 soldiers are missing Monday after clashes with Islamic
militants in the North Waziristan tribal region.
Musharraf Wins Presidential Vote as Expected, Victory Not Yet Official VOA 06 Oct 2007 --
Pakistani legislators have cast their votes for president in a controversial election, and President
Pervez Musharraf is the victor, as expected

Musharraf Wins Presidential Vote as Expected, Victory Not Yet Official VOA 06 Oct 2007
-- Pakistani legislators have cast their votes for president in a controversial election, and
President Pervez Musharraf is the victor, as expected

Pakistan Politics Mired in Uncertainty VOA 05 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's president, General
Pervez Musharraf, signed an order dropping corruption charges against former Prime Minister
Benazir Bhutto Friday, paving the way for her to return home from self-imposed exile

Bhutto, Musharraf strike last-minute deal before polls RIA Novosti 05 Oct 2007 --
Pakistan's government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), headed by exiled ex-premier
Benazir Bhutto, reached a national reconciliation deal on the eve of polls slated October 6, local
press said Friday.
Pakistan's Presidential Election, Power-Sharing Deal Set to Proceed VOA 05 Oct 2007 --
Pakistan's Supreme Court has rejected requests to postpone Saturday's presidential election, but
says the results will be kept secret until the court decides whether President Pervez Musharraf
can legally run for re-election

Analysis: A Rough Ride for Pakistan cfr.org 04 Oct 2007 -- Gen. Pervez Musharraf, by most
accounts, appears set to win (Reuters) a new term as president

President Musharraf ready to launch reconciliation policy RIA Novosti 04 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's
President General Pervez Musharraf is ready to resign as Armed Forces chief next month and
launch a national reconciliation policy if re-elected president, Pakistani media said on Thursday.

Former Pakistan PM Bhutto Hints at Power-Sharing Deal VOA 04 Oct 2007 -- Former Pakistani
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says she expects to reach a power-sharing agreement with
President Pervez Musharraf by the end of the day.

Weinbaum: On Eve of Reelection Musharraf Has Bought Some Time cfr.org 03 Oct 2007
Pakistan Re-Opens Red Mosque Three Months After Deadly Raid VOA 03 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan
has re-opened a mosque where a raid three months ago against militants left more than 100
people dead
Bhutto Says Charges Against Her Remain, Talks With Musharraf Stalled VOA 03 Oct 2007 --
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto says there is no agreement on granting her
amnesty from corruption charges and that power-sharing talks with Pakistan's President General
Pervez Musharraf are totally stalled

Pakistan to Grant Amnesty to Benazir Bhutto VOA 02 Oct 2007 -- Pakistan's government
has agreed to drop corruption charges against former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

President Musharraf names his Army chief successor RIA Novosti 02 Oct 2007 -- Pakistani
President General Pervez Musharraf has nominated a new Army commander, Pakistani
television reported on Tuesday.
Musharraf Opponents Resign From Parliament, File Last-Minute Challenge VOA 02 Oct 2007 --
Pakistani lawmakers have resigned and opposition lawyers filed a last-minute petition against
General Musharraf's re-election bid as president

Pakistan Court Orders Suspension of Top Police Chief, Other Officials VOA 01 Oct 2007 --
Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of Islamabad's police chief and other city
officials in the wake of a widely condemned crackdown that wounded dozens of journalists and
lawyers on Saturday.

Business/Science/Society

Track Star Admits Steroid Use (Oct. 5): Marion Jones, who won five medals at the 2000
Olympics, three of them gold, pleads guilty to making false statements to federal agents about
her use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Utility Settles Lawsuit with States and Environmental Groups (Oct. 9): American Electric
Power agrees to spend $4.6 billion to cut 813,000 tons of emissions each year from its coal-
powered facilities. The settlement ends an 8-year-old lawsuit brought by eight states and 14
environmental groups. It is the largest-ever environmental settlement.

Gore Shares Nobel Peace Prize (Oct. 12): Former vice president Al Gore and the United
Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are awarded the prize for their work
educating the world about human-caused climate change and for outlining ways to reverse global
warming.

Wildfires Devastate Southern California (Oct. 21): Fifteen wildfires in seven counties are
fanned by 50 to 60 m.p.h. winds burning over 267,000 acres. Nearly 600 homes and 100
commerical buildings are destroyed. One person dies and at least 20 firefighters and 25 civilians
are injured. More than 500,000 people evacuate their homes.

Space Shuttle Heads for Space Station (Oct. 23): Discovery takes off for a 14-day mission to
the International Space Station where astronauts will add a "room" to the station and move a
17.5-ton solar array and truss.
 November 2007

World

Pakistani President Declares State of Emergency (Nov. 3): Pervez Musharraf suspends the
country's constitution and fires Chief Justice Iftakar Mohammed Chaudhry and the other judges
on the Supreme Court. In addition, police arrest at least 500 opposition figures. Analysts suggest
that Musharraf was trying to preempt an upcoming ruling by the Supreme Court, which is
expected to declare he could not constitutionally run for president while head of military.
Musharraf, however, says he acted to stem a rising
Islamist insurgency and to "preserve the democratic transition. (Nov. 5): Thousands of lawyers
take to the streets to protest the emergency rule. Many clash with baton-wielding police. As
many as 700 lawyers are arrested, including Chaudhry, who is placed under house arrest. (Nov.
8): Musharraf says elections will be held by Feb. 15, 2008. (Nov. 9): Thousands of police
officers barricade the city of Rawalpindi, the site of a protest planned by opposition leader
Benazir Bhutto. (Nov. 13): Bhutto is placed under house arrest so she cannot organize another
rally. (Nov. 16): On the day that Parliament's term ends its five-year term, Musharraf swears in a
caretaker government, with Mohammedmian Soomro, the chairman of Pakistan's senate, as
prime minister. He also lifts Bhutto's house arrest. (Nov. 22): The Supreme Court, filled with
judges loyal to Musharraf, dismisses the case challenging the constitutionality of Musharraf
being elected president while head of the military. (Nov. 25): Former prime minister Nawaz
Sharif returns to Pakistan after eight years in exile and demands that Musharraf lift the
emergency rule and reinstate the Supreme Court justices that were dismissed on Nov. 3.
Musharraf overthrew Sharif in a coup in 1999. (Nov. 28): Musharraf steps down as military
chief. He is replaced by Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the former head of Pakistans intelligence
agency, Inter-Services Intelligence. (Nov. 29): Musharraf is sworn in as a civilian president.
Since he no longer controls the military, his power over Pakistan is significantly diminished.

U.S. Suffers More Casualties in 2007 Than Any Other Year (Nov. 6: ) Six American soldiers
are killed in Iraq, bringing the total deaths in 2007 to 852, the highest annual total since the war
began in 2003.

Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Afghanistan (Nov. 7): More than 50 people, including 18
children, four teachers, and six members of Parliament, die in the attack in Baghlan. Members of
Parliament were visiting the city in northern Afghanistan. It is the worst single suicide attack
since 2001.

Georgian President Declares State of Emergency (Nov. 7): After days of protests by
opposition parties, President Mikheil Saakashvili imposes a state of emergency. The opposition
calls for early elections and the resignation of Saakashvili, who demonstrators accuse of abusing
power and stifling the opposition. Earlier in the day, riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets
to break up the demonstrations. (Nov. 8): Saakashvili announces that presidential elections will
be held in January 2008. (Nov. 10): Parliament votes, 149 to 0, to approve the state of
emergency. The opposition in the 235-seat Parliament boycotts the vote, however.

Hamas Police Kill Civilians at Gaza Rally (Nov. 12): Fighting breaks out between members of
Hamas and Fatah at a Fatah-led rally commemorating the third anniversary of Yarsir Arafat's
death. Hamas police shoot and kill at least seven civilians.

FBI Investigation Finds Killings by Blackwater Guards Were Unjustified (Nov. 13): Report
says 14 of the 17 shootings of Iraqis on Sept. 16 were unjustified and the guards were reckless in
their use of deadly force.
Number of Weekly Attacks Falls in Iraq (Nov. 18): U.S. military reports that for three
consecutive weeks, the number of car bombs, roadside bombs, mines, rocket attacks, and other
violence have fallen to the lowest level since January 2006.

Khmer Rouge Leader Appears in Court (Nov. 20): Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, who ran the
notorious Tuol Sleng prison and is the first Khmer Rouge defendant to appear in court, seeks bail
on charges against humanity.
Troop Withdrawal Begins in Iraq (Nov. 24): A brigade of 5,000 U.S. troops starts to leave Diyala
Province, the first significant pullback of troops. Once the withdrawal is complete, there will be
157,000 soldiers in Iraq, from a high of 162,000.

Australian Prime Minister Is Defeated (Nov. 24): John Howard, the leader of the Liberal Party
and a close ally of President Bush, loses to the Labor Party's Kevin Rudd. Howard had been in
power for 11 years.
Presidential Vote Is Delayed in Lebanon (Nov. 24): A caretaker government, led by Prime
Minister Fouad Siniroa, takes over after President mile Lahoud's term expires and Parliament
for the fourth time postpones a vote on his successor.

Bush Hosts Middle East Peace Conference (Nov. 27): At a meeting in Annapolis, Md., Israeli
prime minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas agree to work together
to broker a peace treaty by the end of 2008. Officials from 49 countries attend the conference.
Nation

Analysis: Pakistans Tricky Transition cfr.org 29 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez
Musharraf has stepped down as army chief and is set to rule as a civilian president (WashPost)
for the next five years

Backgrounder: The Troubled Afghan-Pakistani Border cfr.org 29 Nov 2007

White House Welcomes Musharraf Announcement to Lift Emergency Rule VOA 29 Nov
2007 -- The White House has welcomed word from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that he
intends to lift emergency rule on December 16

Pakistan's Musharraf sworn in as civilian president RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2007 -- Pervez
Musharraf was sworn in for a second presidential term in Pakistan on Thursday as a civilian
leader, a day after he stepped down as military commander.

Pakistan's Musharraf Sworn In as Civilian President; Plans to Lift Emergency Rule VOA 29 Nov
2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has been sworn in for a second five-year term, a
day after he kept his promise to step down as army chief

Pakistan's president steps down as army chief RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2007 -- President General
Pervez Musharraf stepped down as Pakistan's army chief on Wednesday, fulfilling his pledge a
day before he is to be sworn in as civilian leader for a new term.

Pakistan's Musharraf Steps Down as Army Chief VOA 28 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani President
Pervez Musharraf has stepped down as chief of the army in a ceremony transferring power to his
hand-picked successor, General Ashfaq Kayani

Musharraf to handover command of Army to General Kayani IRNA 27 Nov 2007 --

President General Pervez Musharraf Tuesday began a two-day blitz of farewell calls to the
Services Chiefs at the end of his around 43-year career with the Pakistan Army, including his
nine years as the chief of Army Staff, an army statement said Tuesday.

Pakistan frees all political prisoners: spokesman IRNA 27 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan government has
freed more than 5,000 political prisoners and lawyers who were arrested after President General
Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency on November 3, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday.

Musharraf pays farewell visits to military headquarters IRNA 27 Nov 2007 -- General Pervez
Musharraf, who is to relinquish charge of army chief on November 28, paid farewell visits to
various military headquarters on Tuesday.
Pakistan's Musharraf Attends Military Farewell Ceremonies VOA 27 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's
President Pervez Musharraf has attended military farewell ceremonies before his expected
retirement as head of the country's armed forces

Nawaz says he will not work under Musharraf IRNA 26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that he will not work as Prime Minister under President
General Pervez Musharraf.

Officials Say Musharraf to Take Oath as Civilian President on Thursday VOA 26 Nov 2007 --
Senior Pakistani officials say President Pervez Musharraf will resign as army chief and take the
oath of office as a civilian president on Thursday.

Former PM Sharif applies to run in Pakistan polls RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who returned to the country on Sunday after eight years exile, has
applied for registration to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Pakistani Opposition Figure Nawaz Sharif Files Papers to Participate in January Elections VOA
26 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif filed nomination papers in
Pakistan Monday for general elections set for early January.

Former Pakistani PM Receives Boisterous Homecoming Celebration VOA 25 Nov 2007 --

Pakistan's exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan, ending seven
years in exile in Saudi Arabia

20 Killed in Suicide Attacks on Pakistani Military Targets in Rawalpindi VOA 24 Nov 2007
-- Two suicide bombers in Pakistan have killed at least 20 people and wounded many more in
separate blasts on military targets in Rawalpindi, outside the capital, Islamabad

Exiled Pakistani Opposition Leader Plans Return VOA 23 Nov 2007 -- Former Prime
Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Sharif is planning to return to
Pakistan, ending his seven-year exile in Saudi Arabia
Pakistan expected to be suspended from Commonwealth IRNA 22 Nov 2007 -- Commonwealth
foreign ministers were meeting in Uganda Thursday ahead of the 53-member nations' biennial
summit, which is expected to confirm the suspension of Pakistan following the imposition of
emergency rule earlier this month.

Pakistani Court Dismisses Final Challenge to Musharraf Re-Election VOA 22 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's newly appointed Supreme Court has dismissed the final legal challenge to President
Pervez Musharraf's re-election victory, clearing the way for him to step down as army chief in
the coming days
Pakistani Authorities Release More Political Detainees, Including Former Cricket Star VOA 21
Nov 2007 -- Hundreds of Pakistani political activists, including former cricket star and
opposition leader Imran Khan, were released from prison Wednesday.

Pakistani Officials Predict Musharraf May Soon Abandon Army Post VOA 21 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's attorney general says conditions may be appropriate in the coming days for President
Pervez Musharraf to honor his pledge to step down as army chief

Leader of Banned Baloch Rebel Group Killed by Pakistani Security Forces VOA 21 Nov 2007 --
The leader of a banned rebel group in Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan has been
killed by security forces.
Pentagon Wants More Funding For Pakistan Frontier Corps RFE/RL 20 Nov 2007 -- The U.S.
military wants to nearly double its funding to train and equip Pakistan's Frontier Corps, a
paramilitary force with members who are the same ethnicity as pro-Taliban tribal fighters near
the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan to hold parliamentary elections on Jan. 8 RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2007 -- General
parliamentary elections in Pakistan will be held on January 8, 2008, Mohammad Farooq, head of
the Electoral Commission, said on Tuesday.
Pakistan Releases Over 3,000 Prisoners Detained During Emergency Rule VOA 20 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's Interior Ministry says about 3,400 hundred prisoners detained since emergency rule
was decreed on November 3 have since been released

Pakistani Army Continues Offensive in Restive Swat Valley; Residents Evacuate VOA 20
Nov 2007 -- The Pakistani army is continuing its offensive against pro-Taliban militants in the
restive northern Swat Valley region, as residents evacuate the area ahead of a major operation.
State's Negroponte Urges Lifting of Emergency Rule in Pakistan Washington File 19 Nov 2007 -
- Emergency rule in Pakistan is undermining years of successful reforms, says Deputy Secretary
of State John Negroponte, who met with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf November 16-17
to underline U.S. concerns about a key regional ally.

US Looks at Ways to Get Help From Pakistani Tribal Leaders VOA 19 Nov 2007 -- The
U.S. Defense Department says a series of ideas for a new effort to try to get Pakistani tribal
leaders to cooperate in the fight against terrorists is just a staff document and is far from any
senior level consideration

US Continues Push for Immediate Lifting of Pakistan Emergency VOA 19 Nov 2007 -- The
Bush administration says it is continuing to push for an immediate end to the state of emergency
in Pakistan, despite President Pervez Musharraf's refusal to heed such a call Saturday from
visiting Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte
Musharraf-Appointed Court Dismisses Main Challenges to Presidential Re-Election VOA 19
Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed the main legal challenges to General
Pervez Musharraf's presidential re-election on October 6

Pakistan's Bhutto Pessimistic on Chances for Free Elections VOA 18 Nov 2007 -- Former
Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says the recently-concluded visit of a top U.S. envoy
played a critical role in securing her release from house arrest, but adds that more steps need to
be taken if Pakistan is to hold free and fair elections, as the country's military ruler has pledged

US Envoy Voices Support for Musharraf, Urges End to Emergency Rule VOA 18 Nov 2007 --
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte has urged Pakistan's President to end
emergency rule, free political prisoners and step down as army chief

Pakistani Media Networks Close After Government Pressure Ends Overseas Broadcasts
VOA 17 Nov 2007 -- Two leading Pakistani media outlets that had their television broadcasts
shut down inside Pakistan have now been forced to end international broadcasts

Senior US Diplomat Begins Pakistan Mission, Calls Bhutto VOA 16 Nov 2007 -- U.S.
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, beginning a critical political mission to Pakistan late
Friday, held a telephone discussion with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

Pakistan's Opposition Rejects New Caretaker Government VOA 16 Nov 2007 -- A caretaker
government has been installed in Pakistan to oversee parliamentary elections in January

Pakistani Nuclear Safeguards in Place, Mullen Says AFPS 15 Nov 2007 -- U.S. officials are
satisfied that Pakistani nuclear weapons are under sufficient security, the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff said today.
US Defense Chief Says Coming Weeks Could Determine US Future With Musharraf VOA 15
Nov 2007 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says developments in Pakistan in the coming
weeks will determine whether Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf can continue to be a U.S.
partner in the global war on terrorism

Musharraf to step down as army chief before December RIA Novosti 15 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani
President Pervez Musharaff intends to resign as commander-in-chief before the start of
December, the country's prosecutor general said.
Caretaker Government to Take Office in Pakistan Ahead of Elections VOA 15 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's parliament is scheduled to dissolve itself at midnight Thursday to make way for a new
caretaker government to oversee January elections
Pakistani Army Claims Success in Battles Against Swat Valley Militants VOA 15 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's army says troops killed 20 militants Thursday, in the northwestern Swat Valley as
security forces stepped up a campaign to drive Islamic rebels out of the scenic ski resort area.

Analysis: Tremors Worry India cfr.org 14 Nov 2007 --Pakistans political crisis has elicited
little official response from its eastern neighbor so farPakistans

Pakistani Police Arrest Former Cricket Star, Opposition Leader, Imran Khan VOA 14 Nov 2007
-- Pakistani police have arrested former cricket star and opposition politician Imran Khan, after
he made his first public appearance since the imposition of emergency rule.

Analysts Say Hopes for Pakistan Political Truce Slim VOA 14 Nov 2007 -- U.S. Deputy
Secretary of State John Negroponte is heading to Pakistan late this week to meet with President
Pervez Musharraf

Pakistani Opposition Considers Alternatives After Protests Thwarted VOA 14 Nov 2007 --
Security forces in Pakistan have largely succeeded in preventing mass protest rallies since
emergency rule was imposed on November 3.

Pakistani opposition leader Bhutto again put under house arrest RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2007
-- Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was placed under house arrest on Tuesday for the
second time in a week ahead of a new rally against the current state of emergency.

Pakistan's Bhutto Detained, Calls for Musharraf's Resignation VOA 13 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's
former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been placed under house arrest ahead of a planned
protest march against the emergency law imposed by President Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan's Bhutto Placed Under Seven-Day House Arrest VOA 12 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani
police have placed opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto under house
arrest for the second time in less than a week to stop her from leading a mass rally against
emergency rule.

Commonwealth Gives Musharraf November 22 Deadline VOA 12 Nov 2007 -- Foreign

ministers from the Commonwealth of Britain and its former colonies said Monday it would
suspend Pakistan from the organization unless President Pervez Musharraf lifted the state of
emergency by November 22

Pakistan's Bhutto Prepares 'Long March' Against Emergency Rule VOA 12 Nov 2007 --
Opposition calls for an end to emergency rule in Pakistan grew louder Monday as former Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto prepared a 300-kilometer protest tour against President Pervez
Musharraf.

Rice Welcomes Musharraf's Pledges, Calls for Lifting Emergency Rule VOA 11 Nov 2007 -
- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has welcomed Pakistani President Pervez
Musharraf's promise to hold elections by early January and give up his military post

Bhutto Able to Leave Home, Meets Party Officials VOA 11 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani police have
allowed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to move around the capital, Islamabad, for
meetings with protesters and political party officials.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Allowed to Meet Party Officials VOA 10 Nov 2007 --
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto joined protests in the capital against emergency
rule Saturday and tried to meet with the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Bush: Musharraf Promises 'Positive Steps' VOA 10 Nov 2007 -- President Bush says Pakistan's
President General Pervez Musharraf has taken "positive steps" by promising to lift the state of
emergency, step down as army chief, and hold elections early next year

Pakistan Withdraws Arrest Order Against Former PM Bhutto VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- The
government of Pakistan freed former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from house arrest late
Friday, after earlier blocking her from leading a rally against emergency rule.

White House Seeks Release of Pakistani Detainees VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- The Bush
Administration is calling for an end to emergency rule in Pakistan and the release of political
opponents.

Pakistani Police Prevent Bhutto-led Protest Rally VOA 09 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani forces have
stopped former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from leaving her home to lead a demonstration
against the country's emergency laws

Bhutto pledges to continue fight for democracy in Pakistan RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 --
Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who has been placed under house arrest, said on
Friday she was determined to continue the struggle for democratic reform in the country.

Pakistan's Bhutto under house arrest - opposition RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan
opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been placed under house arrest prior to her planned rally
against the current state of emergency, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) said on Friday.

More Arrests Reported in Pakistan; Bhutto Prepares For Friday Protest VOA 08 Nov 2007
-- The Pakistan People Party of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto says police have arrested
hundreds more of its supporters
Pakistan's Musharraf Announces Elections Before February 15 VOA 08 Nov 2007 -- Pakistan's
President Pervez Musharraf has announced national elections will be held before February 15

Pentagon: US-Pakistan Military Cooperation Unaffected by Emergency Rule VOA 08 Nov 2007
-- A senior U.S. military officer says there has so far not been any impact on U.S.-Pakistani
military cooperation, since the declaration of a State of Emergency in Pakistan on Saturday

Analysis: Bhutto-Musharraf Faceoff cfr.org 07 Nov 2007 -- President Pervez Musharrafs

main political opponent, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, has demanded that he end
emergency rule, step down as army chief, and promise to hold elections by January 2008

Backgrounder: Pakistans Institutions and Civil Society cfr.org 07 Nov 2007

Bush Tells Musharraf to Hold Elections and Resign as Army Chief VOA 07 Nov 2007 --
President Bush says he has personally told Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that he must
hold parliamentary elections and resign his post as head of the nation's army

Bush Calls Musharraf, Urges Elections in Pakistan VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- President Bush has
personally contacted Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for the first time since the imposition
of emergency rule in Pakistan
Pakistan's Bhutto Vows Uprising Unless Musharraf Reverses Emergency Rule VOA 07 Nov
2007 -- Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has vowed to launch a massive protest
march unless President Pervez Musharraf steps down as head of the army and restores the
constitution by next Tuesday
Deposed Top Judge in Pakistan Urges Resistance VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Protests continue in
Pakistan against President Pervez Musharraf's state of emergency

Islamic Militants Seize More Territory in Pakistan's Swat Valley VOA 07 Nov 2007 -- Fighters
loyal to a radical Islamic cleric have seized more territory in Pakistan's Swat Valley, taking over
police stations and checkpoints in several towns.

PAKISTAN: Militants threaten to burn Swat camp IRIN 08 Nov 2007 -- Efforts to establish a
displaced persons camp in Pakistans Swat Valley are under threat from militants fighting the
government, according to aid officials.
Pakistans Musharraf Urged To Hold Elections, Shed Uniform Soon Washington File 06 Nov
2007 -- Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, should lift the state of emergency in the
country and hold elections as soon as possible, President Bush and other administration officials
say.
Bhutto Arrives in Islamabad VOA 06 Nov 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto arrived in Islamabad Tuesday, saying she has no plans to meet or negotiate with President
Pervez Musharraf.

About 670 Pakistanis killed by terrorists so far this year RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2007 -- About 670
people in Pakistan have been killed and over 1,800 injured in a total of 157 terrorist attacks since
the start of the year, the country's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

PAKISTAN: Government cracks down on civil society IRIN 05 Nov 2007 -- A senior UN
expert has condemned the rounding-up of civil society leaders and activists in Pakistan after the
declaration of emergency rule in the country.

Markey: Crucial To Hold Pakistan Elections on Time in January cfr.org 05 Nov 2007

Analysis: U.S. Officials Mull Pakistan Position cfr.org 05 Nov 2007 -- The United States
responded cautiously to the November 3 news that Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf had
declared a state of emergency (Dawn), suspending the country's constitution and giving himself
the right to rule by decree

Pakistani Police Arrest Protesters; US Blasts Military Rule VOA 05 Nov 2007 -- Security forces
in Pakistan have fired tear gas and clubbed demonstrators who are objecting to President Pervez
Musharraf's decision to suspend the constitution

US Urges Pakistan's Musharraf to Remove Army Uniform, Restore Civilian Rule VOA 05 Nov
2007 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf
should resign as army chief and restore civilian rule.

Pakistani Supreme Court Justice Describes Last-Minute Attempt to Stop Emergency Order VOA
05 Nov 2007 -- When Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf abruptly ordered a state of
emergency and suspended the Constitution on Saturday, military forces quickly surrounded the
Supreme Court and detained judges, including the chief justice

U.S. to Review All Military Support to Pakistan AFPS 05 Nov 2007 -- U.S.-Pakistani military
cooperation along Pakistans border with Afghanistan is continuing unfettered despite the crisis
thats led to widespread arrests in Pakistan and has U.S. officials reviewing assistance programs
to Pakistan, a senior defense official told reporters today.

U.S. Postpones Defense Meetings With Pakistan AFPS 05 Nov 2007 -- The United States is
watching the developing situation in Pakistan closely and will review all assistance programs to
the country, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Musharraf targets opposition after imposing emergency rule RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2007 --
Some Pakistani opposition leaders and activists were detained on Sunday following President
Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose emergency rule and suspend Pakistan's Constitution.

Suicide Bomber Targets Pakistani Air Force Bus VOA 01 Nov 2007 -- Pakistani officials say
a suicide attack on an Air Force bus has killed at least eight people and wounded about 40 others.

Business/Science/Society

Mexican City Paralyzed by Floods (Nov. 4): Villahermosa, the capital of the southeastern state
of Tabasco, has no clean drinking water and electricity after severe flooding caused by five days
of torrential rain. At least 300,000 people evacuate their homes, 70,000 people are in shelters,
and one person dies. Most of the state's crops are destroyed and 4,000 schools are damaged.

Space Shuttle Lands Safely After Challenging Mission (Nov. 7): During its 14-day mission to
the International Space Station, astronauts aboard Discovery add a "room" to the station and
move a 17.5-ton solar array and truss. They unexpectedly had to repair a rotary joint and a solar
array on the left side of the space station.

Cyclone Ravages Bangladesh (Nov. 15): Cyclone Sidr, with winds over 100 miles per hour,
kills nearly 3,500 people in southern Bangladesh. The United Nations reports that a million
people are left homeless.

UN Report on Climate Change Details Imminent Perils (Nov. 16): In its last of four reports
on climate change, th UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007
Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore, says global warming of one to three degrees will lead to a rise
in sea levels that will swallow up island nations, the decimation of one-quarter or more of the
worlds species, famine in Africa, and increasingly violent hurricanes.

Scientists Devise New Method to Create Embryonic Stem Cells (Nov. 20): Two teams of
scientists, one in Wisconsin the other in Japan, announce they have discovered a way to make
embryonic stem cells without using embryonic stem cells. By adding four genes to skin cells,
they were able to reprogram skin cells into any of the body's 220 types of cells.
 December 2007
World

Putin's Party Dominates Parliamentary Elections (Dec. 2): United Russia takes 64.1% of the
vote, far ahead of the Communist Party of Russia, which wins 11.6%. Opposition parties
complain that the election was rigged, and European monitors say the vote wasn't fair. Putin used
his sway over the media to stifle the opposition and campaign for United Russia, making the
election a referendum on his popularity.

Venezuela Rejects Referendum (Dec. 2): Voters, 51% to 49%, reject referendum put forward
by President Hugo Chvez that proposed 69 amendments to the constitution, including the
abolishment of presidential term limits, removal of the Central Bank's autonomy, which would
have given Chvez new power to build a socialist economy, and others that enjoyed wide
support, including reducing the work day to six hours and offering pensions to street vendors and
housewives.

Intelligence Report Concludes Iran Has Halted Weapons Program (Dec. 3): A National
Intelligence Estimate compiled by the 16 agencies of the U.S. intelligence community says "with
high confidence" that Iran froze its nuclear weapons program in 2003. The report contradicts one
written in 2005 that
stated Iran was determined to continue developing such weapons. (Dec. 4): Despite the report,
President Bush says ran remains a threat and can not be trusted to pursue enriching uranium for
civilian use. "Look, Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous, and Iran will be dangerous, if they
have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon," he said. "Whats to say they couldn'tt
start another covert nuclear weapons program?"

CIA Destroyed Interrogation Tapes (Dec. 6): New York Times reports that in 2005 the CIA
destroyed videotapes of the interrogation of two al-Qaeda suspects. The tapes reportedly
included agency operative using harsh interrogation techniques. The tapes, the paper said, were
not given to members of the Sept. 11 commission, which had requested such evidence, or to the
defense team of terrorism suspect Zacarias Moussaoui. CIA director Michael Hayden said the
tapes, if released, posed a "serious security risk" and could have jeopardized the safety of CIA
officials and their families.

Putin Names His Choice for Successor (Dec. 10): Russian president Vladmir Putin endorses
Dmitri Medvedev in March 2008's presidential election. A Putin loyalist who is said to be
moderate and pro-Western, Medvedev serves as a first deputy prime minister and the chairman
of Gazprom, the country's oil monopoly. He has never worked in intelligence or security
agencies, unlike Putin and many members of his administration. (Dec. 11): Medvedev says he
will name Putin as prime minister if elected president.
Car Bombs Explode in Algiers (Dec. 11): As many as 60 people are killed in two suicide attacks
near United Nations offices and government buildings in the capital of Algeria. The bombings
occur within minutes of each other. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, formerly called the
Salafist Group for Preaching, claims responsibility. It's the worst attack in the Algeria in more
than 10 years.

City in Southern Iraq Hit By Bombs (Dec. 12): In the worst violence in months, nearly 30
people are killed and 150 wounded when three car bombs explode in Amara. Local officials had
recently assumed control of security.
European Union Votes to Adopt New Treaty (Dec. 13): Treaty, if ratified by all 27 members,
would have the president of the EU in office for two-and-a-half years rather than the current six-
month term, and allows most decisions to be reached with a majority vote instead of unanimity,
as is currently required.

Musharraf Ends Emergency Rule (Dec. 14): Pakistani president also restores the Constitution,
but he also issues several executive orders and constitutional amendments that preclude any legal
challenges related to his actions during and after emergency rule was established and bars the
judges who he fired from resuming their positions. "Today I am feeling very happy that all the
promises that I have made to the people, to the country, have been fulfilled," he said.

Turkey Attacks Kurdish Targets in Iraq (Dec. 16): With the help of the U.S. military, Turkish
fighter jets bomb areas in Dohuk Province in northern Iraq, targeting the Kurdish militant group,
the Kurdistan Workers' Party. At least one civilian is reported to have died in the attack.

Britain Transfers Control of Basra to Iraqis (Dec. 16): Iraqi government takes military
control of Basra, the last region that was still under British control.

Russia Delivers Nuclear Fuel to Iran (Dec. 17): Russia says Iran has promised to use the
enriched-uranium fuel rods for a power plant at Bushehr. The International Atomic Energy
Agency will monitor and control the fuel.
African National Congress Selects New Leader (Dec. 18): Delegates choose Jacob Zuma as their
leader, ousting South African president Thabo Mbeki, who had been in control of the party for
the last ten years. With the victory, Zuma is poised to become president when Mbeki's term
expires in 2009. Zuma was acquitted of rape charges in 2006 and faces corruption charges.

Conservative Politician Wins Presidential Election in South Korea (Dec. 19): Lee Myung-
bak, of the opposition Grand National Party, wins 48.7% of the vote. Chung Dong-yong, who
was endorsed by outgoing president Roh Moo-hyun, takes 26.1%. Lee has been dogged by
allegations of ethical improprieties, and the National Assembly voted two days before the
election to reopen an investigation into whether he manipulated the stock of an investment
company.

Dozens Die in Suicide Bombing at Pakistan Mosque (Dec. 21): About 50 people die in an
assassination attempt on Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Pakistan's former interior minister, during
a celebration of Id al-Adha at a mosque in the northwest part of the country.

Backers of Ousted Prime Minister Win Parliamentary Elections in Thailand (Dec. 23):
People Power Party, which supports former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, takes 233 out of
480 seats in parliamentary elections, a clear rebuke to the military, which ousted Thaksin in a
coup in 2006.

Bhutto Killed in Suicide Attack (Dec. 27): Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto
dies at a campaign rally in Rawalpindi. President Pervez Musharraf blames al Qaeda for the
attack, which kills 23 other people. Bhutto's supporters, however, accuse Musharraf's
government of orchestrating the bombing. Rioting throughout the country follows the attack.
(Dec. 30): The Pakistan People's Party selects Bhutto's eldest son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, as its
chairman to succeed his mother.

Disputed Kenyan Election Sparks Deadly Tribal Violence (Dec. 27): Preliminary results have
opposition candidate Raila Odinga, of the Orange Democratic Movement, defeating incumbent
Mwai Kibaki, 57% to 39%, in Kenya's presidential election. In addition, several of Kibaki's
closest allies, including the vice president, lose their seats in Parliament. Odinga, a champion of
the poor, had promised to eliminate corruption and tribalism. (Dec. 30): Odinga's lead
diminishes, and Kenya's election commission declares Kibaki the winner, 46% to 44%. Violence
breaks out among members of the Luo and Kikuyu tribes. Odinga is Luo, and Kibaki is Kikuyu.
International observers say the vote was rigged.

Attacks in Iraq Fall Significantly (Dec. 29): Gen. David Petraeus reports that car bombs and
suicide attacks dropped by 60% since June 2007. He also says that al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia
remains the greatest threat to Iraq's security.

Nation

US Would Oppose Indefinite Pakistan Election Delay VOA 31 Dec 2007 -- The United States
said Monday it would oppose an indefinite delay in parliamentary elections in Pakistan in the
wake of last week's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

Afghanistan: Khalilzad Hopes Response To Pakistan's 'Huge Loss' Is Renewed Effort To

Counter Extremism RFE/RL 28 Dec 2007 -- The assassination of Pakistani opposition leader
Benazir Bhutto prompted quick international condemnation, as well as intense examination of its
effect on South Asia and the rest of the world.

Pakistan Should Move Forward with Democratic Process, U.S. Says Washington File 28
Dec 2007 -- The United States is reaching out to political leaders across Pakistan in the wake of
former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination, urging them to move forward with the
democratic process.

Benazir Bhutto laid to rest IRNA 28 Dec 2007 -- Hundreds of thousands of people attended
funeral of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated on Thursday.

India to review situation following assassination of Benazir IRNA 28 Dec 2007 -- In the
wake of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto's assassination, the Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh will hold a meeting with political leaders Friday to discuss the situation in
Pakistan.
Pakistani Government Blames Al-Qaida for Bhutto Assassination VOA 28 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan's government says al-Qaida terrorists were behind the assassination of opposition leader
and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan Tightens Security to Thwart Violence as Bhutto is Buried VOA 28 Dec 2007 --
Hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered to at the family graveyard where former Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto was being laid to rest.

Pakistan Plans to Hold General Elections on January 8 VOA 28 Dec 2007 -- Pakistan's
caretaker prime minister says the government has no immediate plans to postpone general
elections scheduled for January 8, 2008.

Asian Leaders Express Concerns About Pakistan's Future VOA 28 Dec 2007 -- Leaders
across Asia are voicing condemnation and shock over the killing of Pakistani opposition leader
Benazir Bhutto, and their fears for the future stability of the country.

Remembering Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto VOA 28 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan's former prime minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated.

Bhutto Assassination Condemned by World Leaders Washington File 27 Dec 2007 --

President Bush joined world leaders in shocked condemnation of the assassination of former
Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and called for continued progress toward democratic
reforms in Pakistan.

Security Council urges calm following reprehensible terrorist attack in Pakistan UN

News Centre 27 Dec 2007 -- Condemning the deadly terrorist attack that killed former Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto and at least a dozen others in the northern city of Rawalpindi, the
United Nations Security Council called on all Pakistanis to show restraint in the wake of todays
tragedy.
Bhutto Assassination Condemned by World Leaders Washington File 27 Dec 2007 -- President
Bush joined world leaders in shocked condemnation of the assassination of former Pakistani
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and called for continued progress toward democratic reforms in
Pakistan.

Security Council urges calm following reprehensible terrorist attack in Pakistan UN

News Centre 27 Dec 2007 -- Condemning the deadly terrorist attack that killed former Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto and at least a dozen others in the northern city of Rawalpindi, the
United Nations Security Council called on all Pakistanis to show restraint in the wake of todays
tragedy.

World Leaders Condemn Bhutto Assassination VOA 27 Dec 2007 -- Leaders from around the
world have condemned the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
Riedel: Bhuttos Assassination Almost Certainly Work of Al-Qaeda cfr.org 27 Dec 2007
Backgrounder: Pakistans Institutions and Civil Society cfr.org 27 Dec 2007
Analysis: Pakistan After Bhutto cfr.org 27 Dec 2007 -- Pakistans former Prime Minister Benazir
Bhutto was killed December 27 in a gun and bomb attack (NYT) following a preelection rally
near Islamabad.

Iran strongly condemns assassination of Benazir Bhutto IRNA 27 Dec 2007 -- Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini here on Thursday strongly condemned
assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto who was killed in a suicide attack at a
campaign rally.

India expresses shock over Benazir's assassination IRNA 27 Dec 2007 -- Expressing shock
over the brutal assassination of Pakistan former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, India Thursday
described Benazir as an 'outstanding woman leader of the subcontinent'.

Secretary-General voices outrage at assassination of ex-leader of Pakistan UN News Centre

27 Dec 2007 -- Expressing his shock and outrage at the assassination of former Pakistani Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today strongly
condemned the heinous crime and called for those behind the attack to be brought to justice.

Pakistan's Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Assassinated VOA 27 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan's former prime minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated
Thursday at a campaign rally just two weeks before parliamentary elections.

Bush Condemns Bhutto Assassination VOA 27 Dec 2007 -- President Bush has condemned
the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. President and Mrs. Bush
Extend Condolences Regarding Assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Condemn Violence The White
House 27 Dec 2007

Bhutto's Death Felt Keenly In Kabul RFE/RL 27 Dec 2007 -- The death of Pakistani
opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in an apparent suicide attack outside the capital, Islamabad, has
shaken the country's political landscape and underscored the threat that politically motivated
violence poses in Pakistan and the region.

Pakistan, Afghanistan Governments Pledge Enhanced Cooperation VOA 26 Dec 2007 --

Pakistan and Afghanistan have pledged to enhance cooperation between their spy agencies and
tighten border controls in an effort to curb militant activities on both sides of the border.

Opposition Leaders Target Musharraf During Campaign VOA 24 Dec 2007 -- Former
Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif says the country's president has made Pakistan a laughing
stock of the world by removing the judiciary.

Pakistani Authorities Arrest 2 Police Officers After Terror Suspect's Escape VOA 18 Dec
2007 -- Pakistani authorities have arrested two police officers in connection with Saturday's
escape of a British terror suspect.

PAKISTAN: Swat Valley picks up the pieces after clashes IRIN 17 Dec 2007
Pakistan Confirms 1st Human Bird-Flu Death VOA 16 Dec 2007 -- Health officials in
Pakistan have confirmed the country's first human fatality caused by bird flu.
Pakistan air force fighter aircraft crashes IRNA 15 Dec 2007 -- A fighter aircraft of the
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed in the country's eastern Punjab province, the PAF said.

Pakistani President lifts emergency IRNA 15 Dec 2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez
Musharraf on Saturday lifted the state of emergency, proclaimed by him on November 3,
according to a Presidential order.

Pervez Musharraf lifts state of emergency in Pakistan RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2007 -- Pakistani
President Pervez Musharraf has lifted the state of emergency in the country and restored the
Constitution in full, local television said Saturday.

Musharraf Promises Free, Fair Elections after Altering Constitution VOA 15 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has promised upcoming parliamentary elections will be
free and fair after he quashed what he said was a conspiracy among the judiciary against
democracy.

Pakistan President Amends Constitution; Prepares To Lift Emergency Rule VOA 14 Dec
2007 -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf made last-minute changes to the constitution on
Friday, just a day before lifting the six-week-old state of emergency.

Pakistan Opposition Leader Bhutto Leaves Door Open to Compromise VOA 14 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto says she remains open to working with President
Pervez Musharraf, but only if next month's parliamentary elections are free and fair.

New Poll Finds Pakistanis Want President Musharraf to Quit VOA 13 Dec 2007 -- A new
opinion poll indicates more than two-thirds of Pakistanis are angry at the current state of affairs
and want President Pervez Musharraf to resign.

Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable cruise missile - media RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2007 --
Pakistan has successfully conducted a test launch of a cruise missile capable of carrying nuclear
warheads, national television said on Tuesday.

Sharif's Party Decides to Participate in Pakistan Elections VOA 10 Dec 2007 --

Campaigning for January elections has begun following the decision by the political party of
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to participate

Pakistan's Musharraf Promises Fair Vote; Opposition Boycott Crumbles VOA 09 Dec 2007
-- Pakistan's President is again promising that next month's elections will be free and fair, as
efforts by opposition parties to present a united front appear to have crumbled.

Pakistan's Army: Most of Swat Valley Cleared of Pro-Taliban Militants VOA 08 Dec 2007
-- Pakistan's army says it has cleared almost all pro-Taliban militants from the country's
northwestern Swat Valley, after killing nearly 300 militants in recent weeks.

U.S. Lawmaker Questions Approaches To Pakistan, Afghanistan RFE/RL 07 Dec 2007 -- A

U.S. congressman who once traveled with mujahedin fighters as they battled Soviet forces in
Afghanistan says Pakistan has been exerting a negative influence on stability in the region.

Pakistani Opposition Party Deadlocked Over Electoral Demands VOA 07 Dec 2007 -- Pakistan's
two main opposition parties remain deadlocked over a list of demands the government must meet
to prevent an election boycott.
Pakistani Police Prevent Ex-PM from Visiting Ousted Chief Justice VOA 06 Dec 2007 --
Pakistani riot police Thursday prevented opposition leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif from meeting the country's ousted chief justice, who is under virtual house arrest.

Pakistani Army Claims Major Gains Against Pro-Taliban Militants in Swat Valley VOA
06 Dec 2007 -- The Pakistani army says its troops have recaptured two militant-held towns in
northwestern Swat Valley and destroyed the headquarters of a radical pro-Taliban cleric.

Musharraf to meet opposition demands or face poll boycott RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2007 --
ISLAMABAD, December 4 (RIA Novosti) - Media said on Tuesday opposition leaders are
threatening to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections due January 8, if President Pervez
Musharraf does not meet their demands.

Former Pakistani PM Bhutto Launches Election Campaign; Still Considering Boycott

VOA 01 Dec 2007 -- Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto launched her election
campaign Saturday, traveling to Pakistan's northern tribal area to appeal to voters.

Business/Science/Society

Gunman Opens Fire at Omaha Mall (Dec. 5): Robert Hawkins, 19, of Bellevue, Nebraska,
kills eight people before turning the gun on himself at the Von Maur department store in the
Westroads Mall in Omaha. Five people are also wounded.

Report on Steroids Rocks Professional Baseball (Dec. 13): Document, the result of a
thorough, far-reaching investigation led by former U.S. senator George Mitchell, accuses 89
current and former Major League Baseball players of using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
Players include Roger Clemens, Chuck Knoblauch, and Eric Gagne.

U.S. Resists Pressure at Climate Change Conference (Dec. 15): At the end of a two-week
conference on climate change in Bali, Indonesia, delegates from 187 countries agree to formulate
a follow-up to the Kytoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. The U.S. concedes that a new
agreement is necessary, but refuses to make a firm commitment to reduce emissions.

EPA Says States Can't Set Own Emissions Standards (Dec. 19): Environmental Protection
Agency administrator Stephen Johnson declares that 17 states, including California, do not have
the authority to implement their own standards. The states had sought to impose tougher
restrictions than those in place under federal law.
 Current Affairs 2007

JANUARY
10 Biometric systems introduced to screen travelers in Chaman area along Pak-Afghan border.
Prime Minister Shaukat aziz approves the constitution of a commission for organizing jirgas with
Afghanistan.
12 President Musharraf rules out political alliance with PPP.
16 Army helicopter gunships strike suspected militant hideout in South Waziristan killing 20
militants.
21 Women students of Jamia Hafsa madressah in Islamabad occupy childrens library in protest
against
demolition of mosques constructed illegally.
22 Four security personnel die when suicide bomber rams explosive-laden car into military
convoy in
North Waziristan.
26 One person dies when suicide bomber blows himself up outside Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.
27 Suicide bomber strikes Peshawars people, including police chief.

FEBRUARY
01 The Economic Coordination Committee grants 40-years tax relief to Gwadar port operators.
03 Suicide bomber rams jeep into military convoy in Barakhel area of Tank Killing two soldiers.
05 In Tehran President Musharraf holds talks with Iranian leaders proposing plan for Muslim
world unity.
07 Wapda signs agreement with Iranian company for purchase of electricity for Gwadar.
In Punjab, armed men attack a group of PPP (parliamentarian) killing six activists.
13 Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Bill is introduced in National Assembly.
14 Federal cabinet approves promulgation of Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues
Ordinance,
2007.
15 National Assembly passes law reforms and Pemra bills.
Supreme Court suspends Sindh High Court order to annul provincial government decision to
impose ban
on teachers unions.
17 Sixteen people are killed in Quetta suicide attack outside a court.
Khokhrapar-Munabao train resumes operations after a break of six months.
18 Government seals officers of Al Rashid Trust and Al Akhtar Trust across the country.
19 Two bomb explosions inside Samjhota Express kill 68 passengers.
20 Punjab minister for social welfare Zille Huma Usman shot dead by a religious fanatic.
Supreme Court says a few clauses need to be modified in Hasba Bill.
23 In Islamabad, the government signs agreement with Indian on gas-sharing formula for IPI.

MARCH

01 Security forces capture Mullah Omers deputy Obaidullah Akhund in Quetta.

02 US Senate members urge Bush to launch military strikes on Al Qaeda targets inside Pakistan.
04 US Vice-President Dick Cheney says Pakistan should act to destroy Al Qaeda hideouts in
tribal zone
or let the Americans do the job.
06 Fierce clashes erupt between local tribesmen and foreign militants in South Waziristan
leaving 17
dead.
Government gives comprehensive dossier to Indian delegation about involvement of its security
agencies
in terrorist acts in Balochistan.
09 President Musharraf suspends Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.
12 Supreme Judicial Council takes up reference in camera against Chief Justice Iftikhar
Chaudhry.
Fourth round of composite dialogue between Pakistan and India begins in Islamabad.
14 US Senate approve legislation featuring restrictions on US military aid to Pakistan.
16 Armed policemen attack Geo News office in Islamabad.
20 Forty-two Uzbeks militants and 16 tribespeople die in two-day clashes in South Waziristan.
President Musharraf inaugurates Gwadar Port.
Anti-terrorism court sentences Zille Humas killer to death.
27 Senior ISI officer and subordinate, including two tribesmen, die in Bajaur ambush.
28 In Tank, the army is called out after fierce overnight clashes between paramilitary forces and
militants.
30 clashes between militants and security forces in South Waziristan kill 54 people including 45
foreigners.

APRIL
02 In South Waziristan, religious leaders declare jihad against Uzbek militants.
04 Dozens are killed as tribesmen attack foreign militants in South Waziristan.
In Islamabad, talks between Pakistan and Indian officials on demilitarisation of Siachen glacier
begin.
07 Siachen talks end without making headway.
11 At least 15 people are killed in attacks by militants on two villages in Kurram Agency.
Russian prime minister arrives in Islamabad on three-day visit.
17 During the visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz 17 pacts are signed with China.
18 Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry files constitutional petition in Supreme Court in response to
Pervez
Musharrafs move to file a reference against him.
19 Supreme Court serves notice on Pervez Musharraf regarding chief justices position.
27 At least 28 people are killed in suicide bomb attack in Charsadda, NWFP.

MAY
02 The government asks Supreme Court to expand five-member bench in chief justice case to
full court.
07 Supreme Court halts proceedings against chief justice accepting the plea for full court.
08 Visiting Nato Secretary General Jaap de Hoop sees ties with Islamabad beyond the war on
terror.
12 Riots disrupt Karachi as rival political groups clash on arrival of chief justice leaving 40
people dead.
Full court takes up chief justices petition.
15 Suicide blasts kill 22 people in Peshawar.
18 Talks with India on Sir Creek end in Islamabad without making progress.
22 Security forces clash with militants in Zakerkhel village in North Waziristan, killing three
Uzbeks and
one tribesman.
23 Amnesty International Demands an inquiry into May 12 killings in Karachi.
24 Waziristan peace panel members resign in protest against operation in Zakerkhel.
26 Chief justice of Sindh High Court constitutes seven-member bench to hear May 12 petition in
a suo
motu exercise.
31 Militants attacks political agents house in Tank killing 13 people.

JUNE
02 Government stops TV channels from telecasting live talk shows and discussions on chief
justice issue.
04 President Musharraf imposes fresh curbs on electronic media by promulgating amended
Pemra
Ordinance 2007.
07 Heads of two intelligence agencies and affidavit in Supreme Court against Justice Chaudhry.
09 President Musharraf with draws amended Pemra ordinance.
13 Visiting US assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher assures politicians
that the US
is pressurizing President Musharraf to hold fair polls.
14 Men in car open fire in Quetta killing nine people including seven army men.
19 Missile hits seminary in Datakhel, North Waziristan, killing 22 people.
21 Opposition in National Assembly files reference against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz
accusing him of
wrong wording in stock market crash and sale of Pakistan Steel Mills.
22 Lal Masjid brigade raids Chinese massage parlour in Islamabad kidnapping six Chinese
nationals
among others.
23 Dust storm and rain kill at least 44 people in Karachi.
Chinese hostages are freed.
26 Cyclone Yemyin hits coastal areas of Balochistan. Thousands flee for safety.
28 Rains kill 56 in NWFP.

JULY
03 Rangers and riot police fight gunbattle with Lal Masjid militants, killing 10.
07 President Musharraf warns lal Masjid militants to surrender or be prepared to die.
Multi party Conference starts in London.
08 MPC declaration asks president Musharraf to resign.
10 Abdul Rashid Ghazi and 50 Lal Masjid militants are killed in battle with army commandos.
11 MPC launches the All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM).
12 Supreme Court Stays PSO sale.
13 Local Taliban announce enforcement of Sharia in Khaar, bajaur Agency.
14 Suicide bombing kills 24 soldiers in North Waziristan.
15 Suicide bombing kills 49 in the NWFP; 28 are security personnel.
16 Pakistan Cricket Board names Geoff Lawson as new national coach.
17 Suicide bomber strikes outside bar council convention venue in Islamabad killing 17.
19 suicide bomber strikes Chinese engineers van killing 30 in Hub.
Eighteen die in bomb attack at Kohat cantonment mosque.
20 Supreme Court rejects presidential reference against chief justice.
21 Thunderstorm kills 48 people in Dir.
23 militants and security personnel fight in North Waziristan; 35 militants and two soldiers die.
24 Militant Abdullah Mehsud blows himself up during raid by security personnel in Zhob.
27 President Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss politics.

AUGUST
01 President Musharraf appoints Justice (retd) Malik Mohammed Qayyum as attorney-general of
Pakistan.
02 The Us under-secretary of state for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns Threatens to use in force in
Pakistans tribal areas against Al Qeada.
04 Opposition leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi is released from Kot Lakhpat jail on Supreme Court
orders.
08 A three-day Pakistan-Afghanistan joint peace jirga begins in Kabul.
10 Supreme Court admits constitutional petition of Nawaz Sharif seeking to return to Pakistan.
Rains leave 21 dead in Karachi.
12 President Musharraf attends joint peace jirga in Kabul.
18 Militant commander Baitullah Mehsud scraps 2005 six-point peace agreement with government.
19 Fire rages through Karachis PNSC building destroying valuable documents.
22 Rains and storm kill 10 in Karachi.
23 Supreme Court allows Nawaz Sharif to return home.
30 Militants capture over 200 army personnel in South Waziristan.

SEPTEMBER
01 Shershah bridge collapses in Karachi killing six people.
03 President Musharraf inaugurates Sabakazi Dam in Zhob.
Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Ordinance 2007 promulgated.
04 Two Suicide bombers strike at two locations in Rawalpindis high security zone killing 27 people.
06 Supreme Court admits petition against dual post of President Musharraf.
10 The government sends Nawaz Sharif back to Suadi Arabia after his arrival in Islamabad.
11 Suicide bomber attacks in D.I.Khan killing 18 people.
PML (N) files court petition against government for deporting Nawaz Sharif.
12 Clashes between militants and army in Waziristan kill 40 militants.
13 suicide bomber attacks commando base in Tarbela killing 15 soldiers.
15 Election Commission amends rules for presidential poll making Article 63 irrelevant.
18 Supreme Court is informed by president Musharraf through his counsel that he will step down as
army
chief if re-elected president for second term.
20 Supreme Court rejects Imran Khans application seeking revocation of amendment to Presidential
Election Riles by chief election commissioner.
At least 18 people die after drinking toxic liduor in Karachi.
28 Supreme Court dismisses petition against President Musharraf for holding two offices, allowing him
to contest presidential poll.
30 Government signs $750m accord with US for Fata uplift.

OCTOBER
01 President Musharrafs candidature is challenged in Supreme Court.
Suicide bomber in burqa strikes in Bannu killing 16 people.
05 Supreme Court declines to stay presidential election; directs Election Commission not to notify result
until its verdict.
President Musharraf promulgates National Reconciliation Ordinance 2007.
06 President Musharraf wins presidential election from a parliamentary electoral college.
Militants kidnap 28 soldiers in North Waziristan.
07 Clashes break out between security forces and militants and 20 troops.
09 Fighter jets bomb a village in North Waziristan killing 50 people.
10 NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai dissolves provincial assembly; names Shamsul Malik
as caretaker chief minister.
17 Inzamamul Haq plays last Test innings at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
18 Suicide bombers attack welcome procession of Benazir Bhutto killing more then 140 people.
23 President Musharraf unveils political, administrative and development package for the Northern
Areas.
25 Bomb blast kills 20 including 17 security personnel in Swat.
26 Militants publicly execute four security personnel in village near Mingora.
30 Suicide bomber attacks police check post in Rawalpindi less than a kilometer from President
Musharrafs camp office, killing seven people.

NOVEMBER
01 Suicide bomber attacks PAF bus in Sargodha killing 11 people.
Sixty militants are killing in swat.
03 President Musharraf promulgates emergency suspending the Consitution Hameed Dogar is sworn in
as
new chief justice; several judges refuse to take oath under PCO.
04 In South Waziristan, militants free 213 army personnel after two months, in exchange for 25
militants.
06 Supreme Court overrules a seven-judge decision against PCO.
07 National Assembly endorses proclamation of emergency and suspension of Constitution.
10 The government amends Army Act giving power to army to court-martial civilians.
12 Free trade pact signed with Malaysia.
Army takes over command of security forces in Swat.
13 In NWFP, militants take over district headquarters of Shangla in Malakand Division.
14 Security forces attacks Shangla district killing 14 people.
Islami Jamiat-i-Tulaba students at Lahores Punjab University hand over Imran Khan to police.
16 Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmain Soomro takes oath of office.
US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte arrives in Islamabad.
News channels Geo and ARY are shut down.
Sectarian clashes erupt in Parachinar killing 10.
17 in meeting with John Negroponte, president Musharraf refuses to set date for lifting emergency.
18 Security forces use Cobra helicopters in a bid to end sectarian clashes in Parachinar. The clashes killed
80 people in three days.
19 Caretaker governments of Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh take oath.
Sectarian clashes in Parachinar kill 28.
20 In clashes in Shangla district, 19 militants and six civilians are killed.
21 President Musharraf amends Constitutions through executive order providing constitutional cover to
all actions taken during emergency period.
Baloch leader Balach Marri is killed.
22 commonwealths suspends Pakistans membership.
23 Supreme Court validates imposition of emergency and suspension of Constitution.
Supreme Court certifies presidential election of October 6.
24 Two suicide bombers strike in Rawalpindi targeting military personnel and installations, killing 18.
25 Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returns to Lahore from exile.
Army claims killing 30 militants in Swat and Capturing strategic mountain positions of militants.
26 Clashes between security forces and militants kill 20 militants and four soldiers.
28 President General Musharraf retires as army chief. General Ashfaq Kayani takes over.
29 President Musharraf takes oath as civilian president

DECEMBER
02 Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrives in Islamabad for two-day visit.
03 Nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif rejected on grounds of his conviction.
04 Interior ministry spokesman Brig (retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema says 230 militants are killed and 90 in
custody since operation in Swat.
Suspected women suicide bomber blows herself up at military checkpoint in Peshawar.
09 APDM fails to evolve consensus on election boycott issue.
10 Pakistan oil reserves drop to lowest ever level.
11 Presidents Musharraf inaugurates Sialkot International Airport.
12 Caretaker cabinet raises electricity tariff.
Roadside explosions in North Waziristan kill 15 soldiers.
13 President Musharraf sanctions the creation of National Command Authority, authorizing it to ensure
security and safety of unclear establishments.
15 President Musharraf introduces more constitutional amendments through executive orders.
Authorities confirm countrys first death due bird flu.
16 suicide blast kills at least 12 army recruits in Kohat.
Suspected militants Rashid Rauf escapes from police custody.
19 Lahore-board Karachi express derails near Mehrabpur killing 50 passengers.
Us senate approves a $785mn aid package for Pakistan.
21 Charsadda mosque suicide attack kills 56, injuries 100.
23 Us official says there are no restrictions on sale of F-16, TWO missiles to Pakistan.
Suicide bomber attacks army convoy in NWFP, killing four soldiers and six others.
27 Benazir Bhutto assassinated.