A large explosion has rocked the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, destroying a building and setting four U-S military vehicles ablaze. Today's blast caused casualties, but no deaths have been confirmed. It was not immediately known what set off the explosion.
Hong Kong's leader is urging citizens to be calm and rational in their response to China's ruling today(Monday) against direct elections in the territory. Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa spoke to reporters after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing refused to allow direction of Hong Kong's next chief executive in 2007 and the legislative in 2008.
Gangs of Christians and Muslims clashed again today in Indonesia's eastern Maluku islands. The latest outbreak of religious violence has killed at least 14 people.