>><!--top1-->Pakistan<!--top1End--> - <!--top1Content-->According to information released today, U.S. President Bush gave orders in July allowing U.S. special forces to execute ground assaults in Pakistan without obtaining permission from Pakistan's government. This development clearly highlights the ongoing mistrust by the U.S. of Pakistan's military and intelligence services. It is unclear upon what legal grounds the U.S. can pursue such a policy.<!--top1ContentEnd-->

>><!--top2-->North Korea<!--top2End--> - <!--top2Content-->After days of speculation about the health of Kim Jong-il following his absence from North Korea's 60th birthday party parade, intelligence services from the U.S. and South Korea have reported that the leader suffered a stroke in mid-August. His death is not believed to be imminent. It is unclear which of his four children, if any, is next in the line of succession.<!--top2ContentEnd-->

>><!--top3-->Bolivia<!--top3End--> - <!--top3Content-->Evo Morales has expelled the U.S. ambassador, Philip Goldberg, after claiming that he was trying to break up the country. The U.S., apparently not informed of the decision in advance, called the claims "baseless." In the last few weeks, groups seeking greater autonomy from the central government have rioted in Bolivia's eastern provinces.<!--top3ContentEnd-->

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• Russia - Russia Warns Poland on U.S. Missile Shield
• U.S. - Iraq Seeks Fighter Jets as Gates Sees 'Endgame'
• U.S. - In Wake of Storm Damage, Calls to Ease Cuba Embargo
• Russia - S. Ossetia Sends Russia Mixed Signals
• Russia - Georgian Police Officer Killed Near Russian Checkpoint
• Russia - Russia may use wealth fund to support markets
• Russia - Congress attacks stance on Georgia
• China - Real Estate Woes Spread to China
• China - Chinese inflation falls sharply
• China - China landslide death toll continues to rise
• Korea - N Korea 'builds new missile site'
• Pakistan - Bush Said to Give Orders Allowing Raids in Pakistan
• Pakistan - Pakistan backs army chief over US rebuke
• Israel - Israel 'annexes' West Bank areas
• Japan - Japan 'ends Iraq supply mission'
• Japan - Aso takes clear lead in race to head LDP
• Iraq - No victory in Iraq says Petraeus
• Thailand - Thai Ruling Party Re-nominates Samak
• Cyprus - Cyprus rivals meet in peace talks
• Bangladesh - Former Bangladeshi PM is released
• Haiti - Meager Living of Haitians Is Wiped Out by Storms
• Haiti - Hurricanes in Cuba and Haiti
• Chad - World Bank pulls out of pioneering oil deal with Chad
• Venezuela - Venezuela's Oil Company Sent Secret Cash, Lawyer Testifies
• Congo - Rare okapi captured on camera in DR Congo's Virunga National Park
• Nigeria - Doubts over Niger Delta ministry
• Mali - Release of Mali soldiers welcomed
• Canada - Canada Afghan mission 'ends 2011'
• Indonesia - West 'makes terror fight harder'
• Afghan - Tapes Offer a Look Beneath the Surface of bin Laden and Al Qaeda
• Lebanon - Unity Called for After Lebanon Blast
• Nepal - Nepal to Deport Illegal Tibetan Exiles
• Iran - Earthquake Shakes Southern Iran
• Spain - Germany, UK and Spain face recession
• http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article4727562.ece#ci...

">Somalia - Somalia's economy is being ravaged by a weak government