Morning Brief, Friday, September 14

Middle East

White House photo

Speaking from the Oval Office, U.S. President George W. Bush called for moderate troop reductions in Iraq, labeling the new approach a "return on success." But the precise number of soldiers and Marines to be withdrawn remains uncertain.

Sunni Arab leaders in Anbar province vowed to continue the fight against al Qaeda after the killing of Abu Risha, who headed the Anbar Salvation Council and was a key U.S. ally. 

Iran's supreme leaders wants to put Bush on trial because of Iraq.

Asia

Yasuo Fukuda, a dovish, veteran Japanese politician, emerged to challenge Tara Aso for the premiership.

Battling rising inflation, China raised interest rates yet again.

Another earthquake struck Sumatra, Indonesia. 

Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed his naval commander.

Foot-and-mouth disease is back in Britain.

The British pound sank to a 14-month low against the euro. 

Elsewhere

Somali insurgents attacked police in northeast Mogadishu. 

Today's Agenda

• U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon hosts the African Union to discuss the U.N.'s millennium development goals for Africa.
• Tony Snow steps down as White House press secretary.

Yesterday on Passport

• Obama may be the next JFK. But which JFK?
• Bin Laden outpolls Musharraf in Pakistan
• Abe's resignation triggers manga boom