Top Story: Michael Martin, the speaker of the British house of commons, has resigned after being criticized for his handling of the ongoing lawmaker expenses scandal. He is the highest-profile politician to resign so far.
The widening scandal began after the Daily Telegraph obtained a disk detailing expense reports by parliamentarians including tennis court repairs, second homes, and jacuzzis. The paper has been publishing new revelations daily for more than a week.
Martin had fought for years to prevent publication of the expenses. Parliament was due to publish them this summer but was beaten to it by the media. As a prominent member of the Labor Party, his conduct during the scandal was widely seen as a major embarrassment for Gordon Brown's already faltering government.
The London Times notes, "Most sensible MPs know that his departure will not bring the current political crisis to a close but many hope it marks the beginning of its end."
Under the radar: As China's government continues to defend its handling of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown amid questions raised in a new memoir by former premier Zhao Ziyang, the final prisoner jailed for "hooliganism" during the demonstrations has only now been released.
Asia
- Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa officially declared victory in a televised address and reached out to the country's Tamil community.
- India's reelected Congress Party formally selected Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to once again lead as their leader.
- The New York Times reports that former U.S. ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad may take a powerful unelected position within the Afghan government.
Europe
- U.S. and Russian diplomats began negotiations over a new nuclear arms reduction treaty.
- Vice President Joe Biden has begun a trip to the Balkans. He will stop in Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
- Italy arrested dozens of suspected members of the Camorra crime syndicate.
Africa
- The BBC reports that Ethiopian troops have reentered Somalia as Islamist rebels continue to advance.
- The World Bank has resumed aid to Zimbabwe for the first time since 2000 with a $22 million grant. Passport's Elizabeth Dickinson comments.
- Malawi is holding closely-fought presidential elections today.
Americas
- The Obama administration plans to unveil tough new fuel economy standards.
- Five people were arrested in anti-Semitic demonstrations that turned violent in Buenos Aires yesterday.
- FP's Laura Rozen has the scoop that former president Bill Clinton will be appointed UN special envoy to Haiti.
Middle East
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Barack Obama that he wishes to restart peace negotiations but stopped short of endorsing a Palestinian state.
- Two Lebanese men suspected of spying for Israel escaped to that country on Monday.
- Human Rights Watch condemned Abu Dhabi for the treatment of foreign construction workers.
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