1. Reports of Saudi hosted talks between Afghan government and Taliban. Officials deny any 'peace talks' - report that attendees were invited for Iftar rather than negotiations.

2. Pakistan announces intent to deport all Afghan refugees from Bajour region. AP reports government "alleging many of them have links to militant groups."

3. China cancels visits and postpones contracts in protest of Pentagon go-ahead on Taiwan arms sale.

4. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert meets with Russian President Medvedev in Moscow. Expected to discuss Russian arms sales to Iran and Syria, as well as trafficking to Lebanon.

AFGHANISTAN
Saudis reportedly host talks with Taliban, Afghan gov - USAToday
Saudi meeting of Afghans 'was not peace talks' - Scotsman
US defense chief rejects defeatism in Afghanistan - AFP

BELARUS
U.S. to lure Belarus out of Russia's shadow - Washington Times

CHINA
China cancels visit over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan - LA Times
China Cancels, Postpones Military Contacts with US Over Taiwan Arms Sale Approval - VOA

INDIA
Toll of violence in Assam rises - BBC

INDONESIA
Islamic Group Gains Power in Indonesia - NYTimes

IRAN
Iran, Egypt normalizing relations says FM official - Tehran Times

IRAQ
Iraqis Unite to Restore Minority Representation Law - NYTimes

ISRAEL
Israel's Olmert brings security concerns to Russia - AP

NORTH KOREA
US, North Korea seek compromise in nuclear deadlock - AP

PAKISTAN
Pakistan to deport all Afghans from tribal region - AP
Pakistan leader's India comments irk establishment - AFP
20 in Pakistan Die in Bombing - WaPo
Pakistan Debt Protection Cost Soars as Reserves Fall - WSJ

SOMALIA
Mortar rounds hit market in Somalia, 17 killed - AP

SUDAN
Nigerian peacekeeper killed in ambush in Darfur - Reuters

THAILAND
Police, Protesters Clash Outside Thai Parliament - WSJ

TURKEY
Turkey hits PKK targets in Iraq on Tuesday - IHT

UNITED STATES
Dangerous move for NORAD? Closing Cheyenne Mountain Risk Security - Washington Times

ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe's MDC Wants International Help to End Talks Impasse - Bloomberg