Even before they cast symbolic votes against the Iraq war, newly empowered congressional Democrats are clamoring for a chance to limit and eventually end US involvement in a conflict that has killed more than 3,000 troops.

The Palestinians have begun a diplomatic blitz aimed at persuading reticent leaders in the US and Europe to accept their new power-sharing deal and lift painful economic sanctions.

European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels are to step up pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme. The 27 ministers have pledged to strictly implement United Nations sanctions against Teheran, something that was already basically agreed upon in January.