Top Story: Opening a two-day meeting with nearly 200 Chinese officials in Washington yesterday, President Barack Obama declared that "the pursuit of power among nations must no longer be seen as a zero-sum game." The talks -- aimed at reaching bilateral agreement on economic, environmental, and security issues -- are widely seen as a recognition of China's increasingly vital role in world affairs.
The U.S. sought to reassure China that it would soon return to surer economic footing and discussed China's desire for a reformed international monetary system. The Obama administration also intends to remain focused on the U.S.-China trade gap.
While the divisions of economic policy are stark, there may be more room for agreement on security issues, where China has been increasingly amenable to pressuring North Korea on its nuclear program.
Number of the day: More than 3,000 donkeys have been mobilized to deliver ballots for Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election.
Middle East
- U.S. envoy George Mitchell is meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today to discuss the ongoing dispute over Israel's West Bank settlements.
- Iranian opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi is calling for new street protests this week.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Iraq for a tour of U.S. facilities.
Asia
- The Afghan government says it has reached a ceasefire with the local Taliban commander in a small part of Northern Afghanistan.
- Under pressure from China, Nepal is increasingly cracking down on Tibetan refugee groups.
- A verdict is expected in the Aung San Suu Kyi case on Friday.
Americas
- The Honduran Congress is considering an Amnesty proposal aimed at ending the country's political crisis.
- El Salvador has closed schools nationwide for a week in an effort to combat swine flu.
- Mexico has announced a new program to try drug users in special courts aimed at rehabilitation.
Africa
- A curfew has been imposed in Northern Nigeria after days of violence by Islamist rebels.
- South Africa's municipal workers' strike has turned violent in parts of the country.
- The EU has announced a plan to train Somali security forces to fight piracy.
Europe
- EU foreign ministers are fast-tracking Iceland's application for membership.
- Eight suspected militants were killed by Russian security forces in Dagestan.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury said the Anglican Church may have to accept a "two-track model" to address a growing schism over homosexuality.
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