Morning Brief, Tuesday, April 15

Europe

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images

Silvio Berlusconi is back for a third term as Italy’s prime minister. He’ll have plenty of work to do.

Outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to become the leader of the ruling United Russia party.

Russian oil production has peaked, according to the head of Lukoil.

Middle East

A car bomb has killed more than 30 people in Baquba, Iraq.

Iran will “eliminate Israel from the scene of the universe” if Israel attacks, an Iranian general said.

Jimmy Carter has been denied entry to Gaza and given a cold shoulder by Israeli leaders. The former U.S. president plans to meet with Hamas leaders in Damascus.

Asia

Amnesty International gave China the “gold medal” for executions. Chinese leaders want CNN commentator Jack Cafferty to apologize for calling them “goons.”

Beijing unveiled its plans for a “green” Olympics. Time‘s Bill Powell was not impressed.

Japan faces an impending red bean crisis.

2008 U.S. Elections

Barack Obama says he’s not an elitist; John McCain and Hillary Clinton beg to differ.

Elsewhere

The Zimbabwean opposition’s call for a general strike doesn’t seem to be working. Few in Zimbabwe can give up a day’s pay.

Delta and Northwest announced a merger that would create the world’s largest airline.

The U.S. government will release $200 million in emergency food aid.

A backlash against biofuels?

Today’s Agenda

It’s tax day in the United States.

The pope has left for America, where he will meet with President Bush, the United Nations, and religious leaders of other faiths.

Mexico hosts the World Economic Forum on Latin America.

The European Foundation for Democracy through Partnership launches in Brussels.

Yesterday on Passport

• What We’re Reading
• Hounshell’s collateral damage
• Turkmen gas is on the way… maybe