Morning Brief, June 26, 2006

Iraq

PM Maliki announces a national reconciliation plan, but it produces as many questions as answers. Four Russian diplomats seized in early June may be dead, although the Russian FM still holds out hope. The Pentagon says there will be no troop reductions in western Iraq. Violence notwithstanding, Iraqis are going to class. Democrats wonder why they're not allowed to discuss withdrawal timetables but top generals are.

Afghanistan

The Taleban death toll mounts as Afghan and allied troops press a summer offensive. But do body counts matter? WaPo's Pamela Constable reports that Afghans and others are critical of Karzai's government. Meanwhile, in the Pakistani badlands, tribal forces announce a cease-fire with the government; a U.S. general sees it as a sign of progress.  

Mexican Presidential Race

Down to the wire, Calderon makes a last push against López Obrador. The rhetoric was hot at a campaign rally:

Our adversaries represent an alternative of hate and slander. They want to cheat Mexicans with lies that they will magically increase their wages,'' said Calderon.

Israel Kidnapping

Israeli PM Olmert vows to recover a soldier snatched by Hamas. "This is a crisis," said an Israeli spokesman as Israel's much maligned defense minister tries to weather it. Conflicting reports emerge about the soldier's whereabouts. 

Elsewhere 

Buffett and Gates join forces to create a philanthropic juggernaut. The rhetoric escalates in Seoul as the missile crisis lingers. A senior general is killed in Sri Lanka. Peace talks in northern Uganda? East Timor's embattled PM finally calls it quits.