Meanwhile in Iraq

Iraq: At least 13 killed in another bloody day in Iraq: Clashes between Iraqi security forces and a powerful Shi'ite militia left five people, including four policemen, dead and wounded 17 others in Samawa, police sources said.

US air strike kills five: Two women and a 4-year-old child were reportedly among the dead.

U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq: Three U.S. Marines and one sailor were killed in Iraq's overwhelmingly Sunni Islamic Anbar Province Saturday, the U.S. military said.

U.S. commanders in Iraq push troop increase: Top U.S. military commanders in Iraq have decided to recommend an increase in the number of U.S. occupation forces there, the Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday, citing a defense official familiar with the plan.

Troop Levels Unknown: - Despite all the talk about just what kind of troop levels the U.S. should maintain, it's not clear anyone knows the size of the Iraqi force, Rep. Christopher Shays said today in his report to the White House and Pentagon on findings from his trip to Iraq.

Iraqi Shiites seize Sunni neighborhoods in Baghdad: As the United States debates what to do in Iraq, this country's Shiite majority is already moving toward its own solution

Shiite Cleric Won't Support Coalition: Iraq's most revered Shiite cleric withheld support Saturday for a U.S.-backed plan to build a coalition across sectarian lines, Shiite lawmakers said, jeopardizing hopes that such a show of political unity could help stem the country's deadly violence.

Archbishop attacks US, Britain on Iraq: THE spiritual head of the Anglican Church launched an outspoken attack on the British and US governments on Saturday, saying their "ignorant" policy in Iraq has put Christians in the region at risk.

U.S. to maintain long presence in Gulf region: Gates: An increased U.S. naval presence in the Gulf is not a response to any action by Iran but a message to all countries that the United States will keep its regional footprint "for a long time", Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday.

Will Iraq's Oil Blessing Become a Curse?: The Iraqi government is considering a new oil law that could give private oil companies greater control over its vast reserves. In light of rampant violence and shaky democratic institutions, many fear the law is being pushed through hastily by special interests behind closed doors.

Iraq: At least 27 killed in ongoing violence in Iraq: Two policemen were killed when a roadside bomb targeted their patrol in central Samarra, 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.

Five more US soldiers die; Gates ends Iraq visit: The U.S. military reported the deaths of five more soldiers in Iraq on Friday as Defense Secretary Robert Gates ended a visit aimed at finding a new strategy to curb violence and allow U.S. troops to withdraw.

Iraq town has little faith in US trial of Marines: "This is a show trial just to show that the Americans are doing something to be fair with Iraqis but it's nothing more than that," he said.

Did an American fire on Iraqis for sport?: U.S. security contractors allege their supervisor was ‘out of control’.