Top story: Confusion reigned in the Libyan capital of Tripoli after Muammar al-Qaddafi's son Saif al-Islam made a surprise visit to a hotel housing foreign journalists, and pro-Qaddafi military units remained in control of pockets of the city.
The disorder was so great that the International Organization for Migration delayed a mission to rescue hundreds of foreigners stranded in Tripoli. Its ship, which left from the eastern port of Benghazi, plans to remain at sea until it receives some guarantee of safety to dock in Tripoli.
Leaders of the Transitional National Council (TNC) claimed that the rebels had made progress to secure Tripoli, but it appears clear that large areas of the city still remain out of their control. The appearance of Saif al-Islam, who TNC chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil had confirmed was captured by the rebels, raised significant questions about the reliability of the rebels' pronouncements.
The rebels, however, continue to make important gains on the diplomatic front. Oman and Bahrain formally recognized the TNC as Libya's legitimate government on Aug. 23, following Egypt, which did the same on Aug. 22.
Obama administration urges Libyan rebels to quickly restore order: U.S. officials conferred with TNC representatives on plans to distribute humanitarian assistance throughout Tripoli and restore law and order in the capital.
Middle East
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The U.N. Human Rights Council ordered an investigation into human rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by the Syrian security services.
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A Yemeni politician died of wounds sustained in the same attack that injured President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
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The Turkish military said that it had killed up to 100 Kurdish rebels in a week of air and artillery strikes on their bases in northern Iraq.
Europe
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Spain's political leaders have agreed to establish a constitutional limit on public sector debt.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel traveled to Serbia to deliver a message that it must normalize relations with Kosovo in order to join the European Union.
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French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that he hoped NATO's mission in Libya ends "as soon as possible."
Africa
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At least 600 people have been killed and almost 1,000 injured in tribal clashes in South Sudan, according to the United Nations.
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A new report claimed that Sierra Leone could generate more than $100 million in annual revenues once oil production begins in the country.
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The workers who make South Africa's wine are subjected to poor conditions, according to a new report.
Asia
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Indian activist Anna Hazare said that he was willing to talk to government mediators about an anti-corruption bill.
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Seiji Maehara announced that he would run for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan, making him a contender to succeed Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
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The Pakistani city of Karachi ground to a halt because of a strike meant to protest weeks of violence, which has left hundreds dead.
Americas
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The president of the credit rating agency Standard & Poor's resigned.
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The prosecutor asked that the charges against French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn be dropped.
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Hurricane Irene intensified as it approached the Bahamas.
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images
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