Iraqi leader takes charge in Mosul * BAGHDAD - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki took personal charge yesterday of a military operation to rout al Queda in Iraq in what the US has described as the terror group's last major stronghold, even as a tenuous cease-fire took hold over Baghdad's Sadr City slum.

Ahmadinejad says Israel doomed * TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday that Israel is dying and that its 60th anniversary celebrations are an attempt to prevent its "annihilation."

Bush says Israel cause for optimism * JERUSALEM - President Bush said yesterday that 60 years of Israel's existence is cause for optimism for democratic change throughout the Middle East.

"What happened here is possible everywhere," Bush said, opening a trip divided between ceremonial duties and a new push for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Brazil Environment Minister resigns * RIO DE JANEIRO - Renowned rain forest defender Marina Silva resigned as Brazil's environment minister on Tuesday, saying she lacked the necessary political support to protect the Amazon.

Aus praised for new refugee policy * CANBERRA - Australia's new government won praise from the United Nations and human rights groups yesterday for offering refugees permanent sanctuary rather than temporary visas.

Berlusconi wins first vote of confidence * ROME - The new right-wing government of Silvio Berlusconi, who is embarking on a third stint as Italy's prime minister, easily won a first vote of confidence in parliament yesterday.

Thousands attend Sudan rally * KHARTOUM - Thousands of people yesterday demonstrated in Khartoum at a government-organised "victory" rally to denounce Darfur rebels as agents of Israel after a daring and deadly attack on the capital.

Britain seeks summit on Myanmar * LONDON - Brown called yesterday for an emergency UN summit on the Myanmar cyclone disaster, as pressure increased for tougher global action over the reclusive state's foot-dragging on letting in aid.

World News Headlines Of The Last 48 Hours