Missing Musharraf
Writing in Foreign Policy magazine, Sameer Lalwani argues that western governments should not jettison Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf for his would-be "democratic" usurpers. The track-record of civilian rule in Pakistan - especially that of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif - should offer little encouragement for those in Washington whose patience with Pakistan's current leadership is wearing thin.
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Sign up for toD's daily security briefings by clicking hereKanishk Tharoor sees more cynicism than promise in Bhutto's bid to return to power in Pakistan.
While in Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials, US deputy secretary of state John D. Negroponte offered his backing for the Musharraf government, reaffirming Washington's "robust" support for Pakistan and a commitment to preserving the country's sovereignty and stability.
John Edward's CITO
Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has suggested setting up a global Counterterrorism Intelligence Treaty Organisation in order to improve coordination between government waging the "war against terrorism." American policy-makers and hawkish critics have long been sceptical of the ability of existing international bodies to facilitate sufficient coordination in combating terrorism.
Israeli base hit
Two Palestinian-fired rockets hit the Israeli military base of Zikim, north of the Gaza Strip, injuring 50 soldiers. Ten of the soldiers are thought to be in grave condition.
US officials confirmed that Israel has struck against targets in Syria, but would not confirm what those targets were. Syria has protested against what it describes as a serious violation of its sovereignty.
Macedonia shoot-out
A Macedonian police commander was slain and two other police officers injured in a shoot-out with Albanian gunmen near the northern border with Kosovo. One ethnic Albanian was killed, while another was wounded and later detained in Kosovo. The wounded gunman is allegedly Zaim Halili, the nephew of an Albanian guerrilla jailed in Macedonia.
Bamiyan revisited
Islamist militants in the restive northwest of Pakistan attempted to destroy a 40m tall carving of the Buddha in the remote district of Swat. The attack mirrored the destruction six years ago of the looming Buddhist statues at Bamiyan in Afghanistan, which the Taliban considered an affront to Islam. The historic region of Gandhara - a cradle of Buddhism two thousand years ago - straddles modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
UK arms expo shame
BCB International, a British-based firm, and Famous Glory Holding, a Chinese company, were kicked out of the ongoing UK arms expo in London last night after it was discovered that they were attempting to promote leg irons for use on and off the battlefield. Organisers of the expo have been trying to improve the fair's image as it comes under increasing criticism and attack for allowing a forum where countries with checkered human rights records can shop for equipment used in torture and violent repression.
Vacuum kaboom
According to the New York Times, "Russia has tested the world's most powerful vacuum bomb, an explosive device unleashing a destructive shock wave with the power of a nuclear weapon".
Mexico leftists strike
The Popular Revolutionary Army, a Mexican leftist guerrilla group, has claimed responsibility for bombings on oil and gas pipelines in the state of Veracruz on Monday. The group is seeking the release of members disappeared in Oaxaca in May.
Follow the Turks?
Le Monde Diplomatique suggests that Islamist parties in Morocco are tempted to follow the path of their counterparts in Turkey, where "moderate Islamists" have successfully come to power without weakening the democratic system in place.
Inside a Taliban camp
Evan Kohlman takes a look inside a Taliban training camp north of Kabul. Click through to see the video.
Afghan officials are urging European and US troops to move their bases away from civilian areas. Attacks trained against the bases often hit nearby civilians.
Detained in Austria
Austrian authorities have detained three men in connection with an Islamist internet video that threatens attacks against German and Austrian targets. German officials recently headed off an allegedly major terrorist attack, as central Europe grows increasingly under threat.
The liberation of Somalia?
Opposition Somali parties gathered in nearby Eritrea to announce the formation of an alliance of groups committed to the "liberation" of Somalia from the Ethiopian-backed transitional federal government.
