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Afghanistan. Taliban raids Afghan state offices "About 30 fighters, some with suicide vests, hit state and police targets in Khost." Afghan villagers get payments for battle that killed civilians "A government commission concluded that 140 civilians died, more than twice the figure cited by the United States." At Least Six Dead in Taliban Attack "Four Taliban suicide bombers and a group of militant gunmen attacked two government buildings in an eastern province on Tuesday, officials said."
Pakistan. Pakistan 'captures Taliban hideout' "Military says it has taken a base used by local leader as the offensive continues." Pakistan diary: Peshawar protests "Refugees flee Swat in 'the biggest movement of people since 1947 partition.'" Pakistan flight resembles Darfur, U.N. official says "Thousands more displaced people pour out of the conflict area, further straining humanitarian organizations."
Pope visits Jerusalem. Pope affirms Jewish reconciliation "Pontiff says Vatican is 'irrevocably committed' to mending ties with Jews." Pope visits Jerusalem holy sites "Pope Benedict visits sites holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem before celebrating an open-air Mass." Pope arrives in Israel and already rankles Israelis "Pope Benedict XVI waded straight into Middle East politics Monday as he began an historic five-day pilgrimage meant to strengthen the Vatican's strained relationship with Israel and boost his profile as a beacon of peace in the Holy Land." Chief Rabbi to Pope: Tell the world Jews belong in Israel "Pontiff meets with chief rabbis after placing note in Western Wall calling for peace in Holy Land" Pope's speech on Holocaust receives lukewarm response "At the memorial in Israel, Benedict XVI declares that Jews' suffering must 'never be denied.' But Jewish leaders say the pontiff avoided questions of responsibility for the Holocaust." Pope Visits Holy Sites in Jerusalem "On Tuesday, Pope Benedict XVI continued what he called a 'journey of faith' through the tinderbox of the Middle East."
Iran frees journalist. Iran frees U.S. journalist Roxana Saberi "A letter from Ahmadinejad is thought to have helped sway the court decision, despite objections from intelligence officials. Saberi is said to have had a classified Iranian report in her possession." Journalist's Release Shows Iran Divisions "The Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi spoke in Tehran on Tuesday (video via Reuters). Her release illustrates the volatility of the Iranian government."
U.S. soldier shooting. Iraq shooting leaves 5 U.S. soldiers dead; fellow GI suspected "Military officials have taken a U.S. soldier into custody after the deadly shooting at a combat stress center at Camp Liberty, outside Baghdad." U.S. Soldier Charged in Shooting "Sergeant from the 54th Engineer Battalion is accused of opening fire on comrades in Iraq."
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka war zone hospital 'hit' "The Sri Lankan government has shelled a hospital in the war zone, killing at least 49 people, rebel and hospital sources say."
New Afghanistan commander. Obama hires new commander for new Afghanistan strategy "Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Pentagon sought 'fresh thinking' to implement its new strategy for the worsening conflict in Afghanistan, replacing Army Gen. David McKiernan with Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a veteran counterinsurgency expert." A new U.S. approach expected in Afghanistan "Gen. David D. McKiernan, replaced as commander by Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, lacked bold, new plans, officers and officials say. McChrystal is expected to aggressively overhaul the war effort." Pentagon replaces top Afghanistan general "The Defense secretary said he asked for the resignation of Gen. David McKiernan so the U.S. could take a fresh approach to the conflict." Commander's Ouster Is Tied to Shift in Afghan War "The replacement of Gen. David D. McKiernan less than a year after he took over marks a major change in leadership in a worsening war environment."
Postville immigration raid. Postville raid remains a flashpoint in immigration debate "If there is an epicenter in the shifting, emotionally charged debate over U.S. immigration policy, it is Postville, Iowa. One year ago today, two government helicopters and some 900 immigration agents descended on this town of 2,200 and rounded up nearly 400 illegal immigrants working at a nearby meatpacking plant." A year later, Iowa raid still marks a flashpoint "If there is an epicenter in the shifting, emotionally charged debate over U.S. immigration policy, it is here, amid some of the richest soil on Earth." Immigration raid leaves damaging mark on Postville, Iowa "While advocates of stricter immigration laws argue that towns like Postville shouldn't be allowed to grow so dependent on illegal labor, critics see the raid as a symbol of greater problems with U.S. enforcement. And the fallout has helped spur changes in federal policy."
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