Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday that Iran’s controversial nuclear program is “a major issue for the entire world” and called for stronger sanctions against Tehran.

Pakistan opposition parties believe the bombing attack against the homecoming parade of former premier Benazir Bhutto scuffles the opposition ahead of the upcoming general elections, scheduled for next January and only serves the interest of President Pervez Musharraf.

US forces hope to hand over half of Baghdad to Iraqi security control by the end of 2008, after violence in Iraq dropped to its lowest level since January 2006, the number two US general in Iraq has said.