Morning Brief, Tuesday, April 8

Middle East

Washington is preparing for Iraq testimony from Gen. David Petraeus and Amb. Ryan Crocker.

Moqtada al-Sadr said he would disband his Mahdi Army if Shi'ite religious leaders asked him to.

Iran took a major step toward a working nuclear program.

A UN investigator is under fire for comparing Israel's actions in the West Bank to the Nazis.

2008 U.S. Elections

All three candidates are looking to make an impression at today's Iraq hearings.

Hillary Clinton urged President Bush to boycott the Beijing Olympics.

New polling data show Hillary Clinton with a six point lead in Pennsylvania.

Asia

China has no plans to cancel the Oympic torch relay, whatever the IOC says.

Asian inflation is raising consumer good prices around the world.

Nine military officers were jailed for a coup attempt in the Philippines.

Europe

Vladimir Putin is preparing for his new life as prime minister.

Spain is reporting two deaths from mad cow disease.

Hate crimes are on the rise in Russia.

Elsewhere

Zimbabwe's embattled opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai appealed for help to South Africa's Jacob Zuma.

Kenya's political compromise may be coming undone.

New York state rejected a proposed congestion pricing plan for Manhattan.

Today's Agenda 

• Gen. David Petraeus and Amb. Ryan Crocker testify before the senate armed services and foreign relations committees.
• Egypt holds municipal elections
• The first India-Africa Forum kicks off in New Delhi

Yesterday on Passport

• No war crimes conviction for KLA commander
  
• Has Israel been buying Iranian oil
• Food riot watch: Egypt protests spook government