Morning Brief: Pakistan’s political crisis

Top Story FILE; FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images Top Pakistani politicians are meeting in Dubai today to hash out a last-minute deal on reinstating judges ousted by President Prevez Musharraf last fall. If the talks fail, the fragile coalition that won election in February could well collapse. So far, the new government’s chief accomplishment has been making ...

By , a former managing editor of Foreign Policy.
595262_080430_pakistan2.jpg
595262_080430_pakistan2.jpg

Top Story

Top Story

FILE; FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP/Getty Images

Top Pakistani politicians are meeting in Dubai today to hash out a last-minute deal on reinstating judges ousted by President Prevez Musharraf last fall. If the talks fail, the fragile coalition that won election in February could well collapse. So far, the new government’s chief accomplishment has been making U.S. officials extremely nervous.

Global Economy

U.S. President George W. Bush said he has no “magic wand” to stem high gas prices and pointed to congressional inaction on ANWR and refinery regulations. Democrats accused Bush of rehashing old ideas.

The Washington Post has a good series about the global food crisis. There’s a global fertilizer shortage now too, the New York Times reports.

Asia

Ten North Koreans were killed in the Israeli raid on a Syrian nuke plant, Japanese NHK TV reports.

Some Chinese exporters want to be paid in euros.

Ten foreign reporters in China say they have received anonymous death threats over their Tibet coverage.

Food inflation is bad news for Hindu gods.

Middle East and Africa

That extra U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf? Just a “reminder” to Iran, says Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

April has been the deadliest month for U.S. troops since Sept. 2007.

Mauritania says it has nabbed five al Qaeda members.

Europe

The EU is calling on Russia to show restraint toward Georgia, where tensions are heating up.

Americas

Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s plans to overhaul the ailing state oil company Pemex are meeting stiff resistance.

Colombian officials say they’ve killed a notorious drug lord.

2008 U.S. Elections

Barack Obama sharply denounced his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Despite his troubles with Wright, Obama is winning support on Capitol Hill.

Thomas Friedman slams the candidates for pandering on gas taxes.

John McCain debuted his healthcare proposals.

Today’s Agenda

The U.S. Federal Reserve will announce its decision on cutting interest rates.

The U.S. State Department releases the 2007 country reports on terrorism. Something to watch: Will North Korea still be on the list of state sponsors?

Irish PM Bertie Ahern will address the U.S. Congress.

The Olympic torch arrives in Hong Kong, with 100 days left before the Beijing Games. Local authorities planned ahead, deporting seven potential troublemakers.

Yesterday on Passport

Blake Hounshell is a former managing editor of Foreign Policy.

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