- Pakistan Truce: Baitullah Mehsud, a top Taliban commander in Pakistan has issued an order [1] to his followers to stop all attacks in the country. Mehsud is the man the Pakistani authorities say ordered the killing of Benazir Bhutto. The cease fire order was issued via leaflet, which said anyone found violating the order would be publicly punished, saying "no arguments will be accepted. It's a firm order." Pakistan's newly elected government stated it will deal with Islamic militancy through discussion and cooperation. Baitullah Mehsud's stronghold is in South Waziristan, an area that has seen many of the heaviest fighting between militants and the security forces in recent years.
- Sam's Club Rice: Retail chain Sam's Club is limiting the sale [2] of rice during a dramatic increase in the global price of rice. The store is limiting customers to four 20-lb. bags of jasmine, basmati and long-grain white rice. The restriction will mainly affect businesses that buy rice in bulk, but the company said "a typical Sam's Club Business Member does not buy more than 80 pounds of rice in one visit," adding, "we currently have plenty of rice for Sam's Club members."
- 90 Dead in Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, Tamil rebels and government troops fought an intense battle [3] in northern Sri Lanka yesterday resulting in 52 guerrillas and 38 soldiers left dead. It was one of the deadliest clashes between the military and the rebels so far this year. Because each side consistently inflates casualty figures for the opposition and minimizes its own losses, the number is impossible to verify. The Tamil Tiger rebels have been fighting since 1983 to create an independent homeland for Tamils, who have been oppressed for decades by governments controlled by the majority Sinhalese. More than 70,000 people have been killed in the violence.
