Iran to stop producing centrifuges Gholamreza Aghazadeh, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, said that Iran would "voluntarily" suspend its centrifuge work starting April 9.
Afghan militia captures northern city General Abdul Rashid Dostum stormed into Maymana, the provincial capital of Faryab, and forced the governor to flee.
Sudan, Rebels Sign Cease-Fire The Sudanese government and rebels in the western Darfur region have signed a cease-fire to allow humanitarian agencies access to the area, where thousands have died. More than 860,000 Sudanese have fled their homes in the impoverished region since two main rebel groups took up arms in February 2003 against the government, fighting for some power and wealth. The rebels and refugees accuse the government of bombing and attacking civilians. The government denies the allegations.
Afghan soldiers retake Maymana The Afghan government restored the city to their control without resistance, but Governor Enayatullah Enayat remains in hiding afraid for his life. There were no reports of casualties.
Iran to build a nuclear reactor Iran will start building a nuclear reactor in June. The planned 40-megawatt reactor could produce enough plutonium for a nuclear weapon each year. The Iranians say they need it to produce radioisotopes for medical research.
Bouteflika elected in Algeria President Abdelaziz Bouteflika won a landslide re-election with 83% of the vote. Despite what many foreign observers called one of the cleanest elections ever in the Arab world, few people expect any changes in Algeria -- a country with 25% unemployment. Back in 1992 the military canceled elections in which an Islamic party was expected to win; a move that sparked a decade of violence in which 120,000 civilians were killed.
Advanced copies of Bob Woodward's book, "Plan of Attack" released Among the book's most headline grabbing claims are that President Bush ordered an Iraq war plan in November 2001 in the middle of the Afghanistan war and that Powell repeatedly warned the President against invading Iraq, saying "You break it, you own it". He also says that Dick Cheney was the major proponent of the war, calling him a "powerful, steamrolling force." Woodward claims Cheney and Powell are not on speaking terms.
US Army retention rate is down The Army fell about 1,000 short of meeting its goal of keeping 25,786 soldiers, and they announce 20,000 troops will remain in Iraq for another 90 days.
King of Jordan snubs Bush Amid growing anger in the Arab World in the wake of Bush's support of Sharon, King Abdullah flew home early after cancelling his meeting with the president, saying he would reschedule for sometime in May.
Italy Seizes 8,000 Kalashnikovs Headed to U.S. The weapons were found aboard a ship arriving from Romania that pulled into the southern Italian port of Gioia Tauro on its way to the United States. According to travel documents, the arms are being delivered to a large U.S. company headquartered in Georgia.
US removes some sanctions from Libya Most commercial business, investment and trade with Libya is now possible without penalties but controls on exports of dual-use goods to Libya remain, in accordance with the State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Libya immediately began loading it's first shipment of oil to the US in many years. In February the US dropped its 23-year-old travel ban.
British Diplomats attack Blair 52 former and current British diplomats have signed a letter to Tony Blair criticising his Middle East policy, saying it is time for the prime minister to start influencing America's "doomed" policy in the Middle East or stop backing it.
Afghanistan negotiating with Taliban Afghan President Hamid Karzai is negotiating with former Taliban in an attempt to bring the still violent country to its first elections since the invasion.
Syrian Security Units Clash with Terrorists A battle in the diplomatic section of Damascus erupted between syrian police and some armed rebels attempting to blow up a bomb. Several cars were blown up and several people killed.
Thailand security kills 108 Muslims In the southern region of Pattani the authorities were tipped off about a raid on police stations by a group of young Muslims, and lied in wait with overwhelming firepower. The battle left many Muslims furious at the number of innocent civilians killed by the troops in response to the threat.
Bush and Cheney meet with 911 commission President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney met behind closed doors with the panel investigating the 911 attacks. No recordings have been made, most of the discussion is classified. It's not entirely clear why the President insisted that Cheney be with him.
