'MOST WANTED': Beijing said that from a list of 21 wanted in connection with the Tibetan protests, two people had been arrested and another had turned himself in
The flagship newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party called yesterday for efforts to "resolutely crush" anti-government protests by Tibetans, while US presidential hopeful John McCain criticized Beijing's actions as "not acceptable."

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South Korea's top diplomat warned North Korea yesterday that time was running short for the nation to make progress in stalled negotiations over its nuclear programs, a news report said.

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EXPRESSION: The official said he planned to meet with bloggers to `better understand' them after an election heavily influenced by new, alternative media
Malaysia's new information minister has pledged not to impose curbs on bloggers, who have been accused by other government officials of spreading lies and undermining public stability.

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A Sri Lankan navy craft was destroyed in a blast off the island's north-eastern coast yesterday while searching out potential Tamil Tiger rebel activity, both sides said.

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STUDY IN CONTRAST: As protesters shouted below, Afghanistan's elite gathered to watch the season finale of the country's popular rendition of 'American Idol'
In a well-guarded hotel on top of a high hill, a lively audience of Afghans and US VIPs watched the season finale of Afghanistan's version of American Idol. Singers performed on a star-shaped stage while cutting-edge graphics flashed in the background.

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The US military yesterday took into custody a deserter in Japan wanted for questioning over the killing of a taxi driver, a report said.

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SNOOP: The incident recalled a 1992 case in which a political appointee was demoted for searching Bill Clinton's records when he was running against George H.W. Bush
The US presidential race took a bizarre turn when the State Department disclosed that workers had improperly rummaged through the passport files of all three candidates. Senator Barack Obama called for a congressional investigation.

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Facing driving wind and rain, Pope Benedict XVI opted out of carrying a cross symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ to conclude a traditional Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum.

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TRANSPARENT: Defense expert Francois Heisbourg said that air fleet modernization allowed France's nuclear weapons, many carried aboard submarines, to be reduced
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he would cut France's nuclear arsenal to fewer than 300 warheads, seeking to balance defense of the nation -- he mentioned the threat from Iran -- against budgetary and changed strategic considerations.

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A journalist with state-run Russian television has been found dead in a Moscow apartment with a belt around his neck and numerous stab wounds -- a grisly murder that reinforces Russia's image as one of the most dangerous countries for reporters.

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RIVAL FACTIONS: The fighting in Kut broke out when factions of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's Mehdi Army attacked a number of checkpoints in the city
Iraqi security forces battled Shiite gunmen south of Baghdad on Friday, raising tensions among rival factions of the country's majority religious community and straining a seven-month ceasefire proclaimed by the biggest Shiite militia.

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