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 alQaeda 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 AIM9M 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-ofthe-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 371year 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
__________________
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April 2007

Ukrainian President Dissolves Parliament (April 2): President Viktor Yushchenko

accuses Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, his bitter rival, of attempting to consolidate
power. Yushchenko sets elections for May 27.
British Sailors Captured in Iran Are Freed (April 4): The 15 sailors and marines who
were seized in disputed waters on March 23 by Iranian troops are freed. Iran claimed the
sailors illegally entered Iranian waters, while British officials maintained they were in Iraqi
territory.
Thousands of Iraqis Protest American Occupation (April 9): Iraqis loyal to the
radical Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr rally in the streets of Najaf against the foreign
occupation of Iraq.
Iranian President Announces Ability to Enrich Uranium (April 9): President

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the country has the ability to enrich uranium on an industrial
scale, which is part of the process to make fuel for a nuclear bomb or reactor.
Serbian Court Convicts Four of War Crimes (April 10): Four Serbsformer
paramilitary officersare found guilty of executing six Bosnian Muslims from Srebrenica in
Trnovo.
Bombs Kill Dozens in Algeria (April 11): Some 35 people are killed and hundreds are
wounded when suicide bombers attack a government building in the capital, Algiers, and a
police station on the outskirts of the capital. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claims
responsibility for the attack.
Iraq Parliament and Beloved Bridge Are Attacked (April 12): Eight people, including
two Iraqi legislators, die when a suicide bomber strikes inside the Parliament building,
which is located in Baghdad's fortified International Zone. An organization that includes alQaeda in Mesopotamia claims responsibility for the bold attack. In another attack, the
Sarafiya Bridge that spans the Tigris River is destroyed.
Bombs Kill Nearly 200 in Baghdad (April 18): Five bombs targeting Shiite
neighborhoods ravage the Iraqi capital in the worst violence in weeks. One bomb alone
kills about 140 in Sadr City area.
Atomic Agency Confirms Iran's Progress in Uranium Enrichment (April 18):
International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran is enriching uranium in some 1,300
centrifuges.
Nigerian Presidential Election Is Called Deeply Flawed (April 21): Umaru YarAdua,
the candidate of the governing party, wins the election in a landslide, taking more than
24.6 million votes. Second-place candidate Muhammadu Buhari tallies only about 6 million
votes. International observers call the vote flawed and illegitimate. The chief observer for
the European Union says the results cannot be considered to have been credible. Many
expect a prolonged legal battle to determine the next step in the process.
Conservative and Liberal Candidates Top Vote in French Elections (April 22): Nicolas
Sarkozy, the conservative candidate, prevails over Sgolne Royal, of the Socialist Party,
taking 30.7% of the vote to Royals 25.2%. They will face each other in a second and final
round in May. Centrist candidate Franois Bayrou places a distant third, with 18.4%.
U.S. Squadron Hit by Suicide Bombers in Iraq (April 24): Nine U.S. soldiers are
killed and at least 20 are wounded by two bombers attacking an American post in Diyala.
Russia Says It Will Suspend Weapons Treaty (April 26): President Vladimir Putin
announces Russia will suspend the 1990 Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty,
which limits conventional weapons in Europe. Several U.S. officials speculate that Putin
was acting in response to U.S. plans to build a missile shield in Europea move strongly
opposed by Russia.
Inspectors Report Rebuilding Projects in Iraq Are Deteriorating (April 30): Stuart Bowen,
Jr., head of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, faults both
the U.S. and Iraq, criticizing the construction and maintenance of several projects
throughout Iraq. Problems include power generators that don't work, overflowing sewage
systems, and faulty electrical systems.
Israeli Prime Minister Reprimanded for Handling of Lebanon War (April 30): A

commission that investigated 2006's war between Israel and Lebanon says Ehud Olmert
was responsible for "a severe failure in exercising judgment, responsibility, and prudence."
It also says Olmert rushed to war without an adequate plan. Defense Minister Amir Peretz
and former army chief Dan Halutz are also criticized

Nation
Pakistani body to promote nuclear non-proliferation objective IRNA 30 Apr 2007
-- Pakistan has set up a body in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the objective of
nuclear non-proliferation, the Foreign Office spokesperson said on Monday.
Al-Qaeda behind suicide attack, says Pakistani minister IRNA 30 Apr 2007 -- Pakistan's
interior minister, who escaped in a suicide bomb attack at the weekend, said on Monday
that al-Qaeda has links with the attack.
20 killed in suicide blast in Pakistan interior minister's public meeting IRNA 30 Apr 2007 -At least 20 people were killed and scores others injured in a suicide bomb blast in the
public meeting of Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao near the northern city of
Peshawar on Saturday, officials said.
Germany in talks with Pakistan over sale of three submarines: daily IRNA 21 Apr
2007 -- A German defense consortium is involved in talks with the Pakistani navy over
the construction of three conventional submarines, the Berlin-based Neues Deutschland
cited Friday a confidential document of the German Finance Ministry.
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 confidencebuilding 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 alQaeda 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 years
follows 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 countr.
Three Are Sentenced to Death for Role in Anfal Campaign (June 24): Three Iraqi
army officials, including Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein who was known as
"Chemical Ali, are convicted for carrying out the murder of about 50,000 Kurds in 1988
what 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 government 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 crossborder transportation
NATO Admits Civilians Killed In Pakistan Strikes RIA Novosti 24 Jun 2007 -- NATOled 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 kiilled.
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.
Briisth 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 Shiite 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 alQaida 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 (Jully 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 RamosHorta 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.