BAGHDAD (Reuters) — The United States told Iraq’s leaders in stern language on Wednesday they must act swiftly to halt a surge in attacks by both Sunnis and Shiites that the United Nations said risks pitching the nation into civil war.

GENEVA (Reuters) — The scale of killing and maiming of civilians in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territory points to possible war crimes, the United Nations human rights chief said on Wednesday.

GAZA (Reuters) — Israeli troops killed 12 Palestinians in clashes in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank on Wednesday, medics said, including four fighters and two civilians as tanks pushed into a central Gaza refugee camp.

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is trying to hold off international pressure for an immediate halt to the Israeli assault in southern Lebanon, apparently to allow Israel a short window to do as much damage as possible.

ISRAELI AIR STRIKES on Lebanon killed 61 civilians and a Hizbollah fighter on Wednesday, the deadliest toll of the eight-day-old war, as thousands of villagers fled north and more foreigners were evacuated.

BAQOUBA — An Iraqi army commander tells his men that he might forgive them if they were to place a bomb outside his door but never if they succumbed to the sectarian divisions ripping the country apart.

DUBAI (AP) — Governments of three Gulf states have pledged a total of $90 million (72 million euros) in immediate aid to Lebanon to help it deal with the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s air strikes.

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) — Kuwait’s parliament Monday passed a key election reform bill which slashes the number of polling constituencies in line with a key opposition demand aimed at curbing corruption.

PARIS (AFP) — Foreign capitals rushed to evacuate frightened nationals from the escalating Lebanese conflict Monday, as Israel indicated it may provide windows in its campaign of aerial bombardment to facilitate safe passage.

KHARTOUM (Reuters) — Sharp differences emerged on Monday between Sudan and the international community over the purpose of an upcoming conference at which world powers are set to push for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur.