BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq’s once formidable Mehdi Army appears to be bowing to orders to lay down arms, but it is yet unclear if Shi’ite fighters are preparing another offensive with Iranian help, a U.S. intelligence official said.

PARIS/MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia and European powers took a step back from confrontation over Georgia on Friday, with Moscow urging the EU not to rush into punitive action and France saying now was not the time for sanctions.

MOSCOW (Reuters) – A keen sense the West cheated Moscow out of promised warmer ties after the Cold War explains why Russia, recovered from post-Soviet collapse, has refused to be cowed over Georgia and demanded its views be heard.