Reuters - A leading human rights group called on
Friday for an independent investigation into the death of a
Reuters cameraman and other civilians in Gaza this week, saying
Israeli forces may have targeted the media.
AP - As of Friday, April 18, 2008, at least 4,037 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes eight military civilians. At least 3,295 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
AP - Followers of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr denounced the American military's construction of a concrete wall through their Sadr City stronghold in Baghdad, the scene of renewed clashes Friday between his militiamen and U.S. and Iraqi troops.
AP - Israel announced plans Friday to build 100 more homes in two West Bank settlements, one deep inside the territory sought by the Palestinians for their future state.
Time.com - Shi'ite militia continue to put pressure on Iraqi forces and seek to expand desertions by government troops
AP - Former President Carter defied U.S. and Israeli warnings and met Friday with the exiled leader of Hamas and his deputy, two men the U.S. government has labeled terrorists and Israel accuses of masterminding attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians.
Reuters - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter set
out plans for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel at a meeting
with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal on Friday.
AP - Lebanon's state-run news agency says a military court has postponed the trial of an alleged al-Qaida loyalist accused of plotting to attack New York City train tunnels.
AFP - Former US president Jimmy Carter on Friday asked Hamas to end its rocket fire against Israel at a controversial meeting in the Syrian capital with exiled leader Khaled Meshaal, the group said.
AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian counterpart Mahmud Abbas on Friday discussed plans for a Middle East peace conference, as Moscow seeks a greater diplomatic role in the region.