BANGKOK (Reuters) – Viktor Bout, the Russian alleged “Merchant of Death” of the clandestine arms trade arrested in a U.S. sting operation in Thailand, will stand trial in Bangkok before extradition is considered, police said on Friday.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi police said on Friday 68 people were killed in coordinated bombings blamed on al Qaeda in a packed shopping area in central Baghdad on Thursday, making it the deadliest attack in the Iraqi capital for nine months.

TEHRAN (FNA)- A large number of Tehrani citizens on Friday staged rallies to voice strong protest at insults to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in certain European press, and meantime condemn Israel’s continued brutalities against Palestinians.