IRAQ: Iraqi police say a suicide car bombing outside a Shi'ite shrine has killed at least 12 people and wounded nearly 40 others. Police say the attack early today (Thursday) was apparently aimed at Iranian pilgrims traveling in two vehicles. They say the bomber drove his car between the pilgrims' vehicles and detonated explosives near the Maytham al-Tamar shrine (in Kufa) on the outskirts of the Shi'ite holy city of Najaf, south Baghdad.
Israel-Palestinians: Israeli forces have taken over three former Jewish settlements in the northern Gaza Strip, effectively creating a buffer zone aimed at preventing Palestinian militants from firing rockets at Israeli cities and towns. Israeli tanks and troops moved into the area near the town of Beit Lahiya early this (Thursday) morning.
India-Muslims-Unrest: Indian officials say four people have been killed in clashes between police and Muslim protesters in the western town of Bhiwandi. Authorities say police opened fire Wednesday on stone-throwing rioters who were protesting plans to build a police station next to a mosque.
World Cup: France has defeated Portugal, 1-0 , to reach the World Cup football (soccer) final in Germany and will play Italy for the championship. Zinedine Zidane scored the game's only goal Wednesday in Munich when he converted a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho was called for the penalty after knocking French striker Thierry Henry to the ground.
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