Daily News Digest

The latest news on Pakistan, the Election, the Philippines, Georgia-Russia, Israel-Palestine, the Olympics, Off-shore Drilling, and select Editorials.

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Pakistan. Pakistan's Musharraf to resign "Impeachment charges were to be soon levelled against the president in parliament." Pakistan's Musharraf steps down "Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is resigning after nine years in power, amid impeachment charges based on claims he violated the constitution." Musharraf says he is resigning "Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said he is resigning Monday to avoid an impeachment battle that would harm the nation's interests." Pakistan celebrates as Musharraf quits "Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf quits to avoid impeachment charges, nearly nine years after he took power in a coup."

Election. McCain improves standing among evangelical voters "Obama impressed people with his ease talking the language of faith, no small feat for a Democrat. But McCain may have shored up support from this critical group." Barack Obama, John McCain discuss faith, issues at Saddleback Church forum "Pastor Rick Warren conducts back-to-back hourlong interviews with the candidates, and some stark differences emerge." For Convention, Obama's Image Is All-American "Democrats face a number of imperatives at their convention, none trickier than making more voters comfortable with Barack Obama's background."

Georgia-Russia. Russia 'begins Georgia withdrawal' "Russian general says Moscow has begun pull out of troops from conflict zone." Russia 'starts Georgia pull-out' "Russia says it has begun to pull troops out of Georgia, but it is unclear if Moscow will fully abide by a withdrawal deal." Russia, Georgia in propaganda war "Here's one for you: A Russian newspaper claimed Vice President Dick Cheney helped engineer the war in Georgia as a way to keep Barack Obama from getting elected. Behind the war on the ground, a war of spin rages between Georgian and Russian authorities." Moscow says troop withdrawal under way "Russian general says said troops were pulling back to South Ossetia - the breakaway Georgian region at the heart of the fighting." Russians Remain Despite Pledge "Troops control in Gori, even as officials say that a withdrawal from Georgia had begun."

The Philippines. Rebels in deadly Philippine rampage "Muslim separatist group blames renegade forces for attacks on southern townships."

Israel-Palestine. Israel agrees to free two killers "Two Palestinians jailed for taking part in the killing of Israelis are among 200 prisoners to be freed by Israel." Israel approves release of 200 Palestinian prisoners as goodwill gesture "Israel's Cabinet on Sunday approved the release of some 200 Palestinian prisoners as a goodwill gesture to the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas." Israeli cabinet approves release of 200 Palestinian prisoners "Gesture of support for Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of new trip by U.S. Secretary of State."

The Olympics. Race heartbreak "Chinese fans distraught over exit of star Liu Xiang." Chinese star Liu shocks a nation by leaving track with injury "The accusations started flying as soon as star Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang limped off the track of the National Stadium here Monday and dropped out of the Olympic Games. Many Chinese had considered Liu the photogenic poster boy of what's so far been a stellar Summer Games for Chinese athletes." Olympic hero's withdrawal stuns China "Tears flow as country's most famous Olympian, hurdler Liu Xiang, quits race with an injury." Olympics' fringe sports have their fans "Many sports unfamiliar to Americans -- such as single-handed dinghy racing, air-rifle shooting and women's weightlifting -- are getting their moments in the sun." Talk of Beijing: Halfway through the Games "The highs and lows, stars and surprises and the smaller, spirit of the Games moments." A Country Feels a Hurdler's Pain "National mourning began in China after Liu Xiang pulled out of the 100-meter hurdle event due to an injury."

Off-shore Drilling. Congress to vote on drilling "Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will take up energy legislation that includes partially lifting the ban on offshore drilling."

Counterintelligence. Counterintelligence Unit To Take Offensive "Defense Intelligence Agency is given authority to carry out covert offensive operations at home and abroad against known or suspected foreign intelligence officers."

Editorial. Israel's decision to free Palestinian prisoners puts Hamas in dire straits "Although Palestinians view the move as an Israeli attempt to goad Hamas, it will still boost Abbas' popularity." Showdown at Saddleback "John McCain outperformed Barack Obama at Saddleback Church, where they expressed their different worldviews."