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Although we will never be as concise as Steven Colbert, UN Dispatch will begin today offering a quick morning briefing on world events. Enjoy.

>>Israeli PM Olmert ratchets down expectations as Israeli and Palestinian negotiators begin to meet on "core issues," including "borders, the fate of the Palestinian refugees of the 1948 war and their descendants, and the status of Jerusalem, the eastern part of which the Palestinians demand as the capital of any state." Meanwhile, the "Battle of the Bedtimes" continues. President Bush, nearing the end of his visit to the Middle East, met with King Abdullah in Riyadh in an effort to enlist the Saudi government's help in supporting the Middle East peace process and keeping pressure on Iran.

>>Although kids are back in school, analysts suggest that the fighting might be far from over in Kenya, as members of parliament elected in last month's disputed election are now taking their new seats. Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrives tomorrow to try to east tensions, but some are not being all that inviting.

>>In the wake of yesterday's devastating parliamentary loss, Taiwan's pro-independence movement suffered another setback, as Malawi, one of a dwindling number of nations that had recognized Taiwan (Do you know how many others do? Scroll down and subtract one) , cut diplomatic ties. Looks like Nauru might be in line for a little more attention.

>>The rumor mill is abuzz that President Sarkozy and Carla Bruni may have already tied the knot. Before you judge ... let the NY Times do it for you.

Quote of the Day:

"We have decided to switch from Taiwan to mainland China after careful consideration on the benefits that we will be getting from mainland China"
-Malawian Foreign Affairs Minister Joyce Banda being particularly blunt.

Yesterday in UN Dispatch

• Kenya Update

The Rest of the Story

• Olympic athletes shun Beijing to prepare in Japan - Guardian
• Industry warns on crop fuel targets - FT
• Brussels - EU states tussle over emission promises - FT
• India urges China to act on trade surplus - FT
• Bomb in Pakistan Market Kills 10 and Wounds 45 - NY Times
• Aid workers flee Darfur amid bombing - Guardian
• Rice visits Iraq for Maliki talks - Guardian
• Nigeria takes on big tobacco - Guardian
• Spain gets March election as Zapatero struggles to stay in office - Times
• Squandered oil bonanza may bring down Iranian President - Times
• Mugabe faces rival inside party - BBC
• UN atomic watchdog chief wraps up visit to Iran - UN News Centre

Posted by Matthew Cordell at 7:30 AM