US military deaths, suicide bombings and opium production hit record highs in 2007. Taliban militants killed more than 925 Afghan police. But US officials insist things are looking up.

BAGHDAD – The death toll in a suicide bombing on the northern outskirts of Baghdad on Monday reached 11, including five children and six neighborhood patrol volunteers, an Interior Ministry source said.

ISMAILIA, Egypt – Stranded Palestinian haj pilgrims protesting at Egypt’s refusal to allow them to return to Gaza through a Hamas-controlled crossing, smashed furniture and windows at a shelter on Monday, a security source said.