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The new interim Iraqi Prime Minister announces the formation of a new security force to try to curb ongoing insurgent violence. But he did so as Islamic militants began attacking non-Islamic businesses such as liquor stores in the capital, a sign the struggle has become one for the very soul of the city. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Sri Lanka's hard-line prime minister has been elected in a tight presidential race. The vote was seen as a referendum to push for the island's faltering peace process and rescue the tsunami-hit economy.

When Margi Scharff felt stomach pain in India, she assumed it was "Delhi Belly," an ailment often afflicting visitors. The 51-year-old artist, based in Los Angeles, was instead told she has advanced ovarian cancer.

Two U.S. Marine fighter jets have disappeared while flying in Iraq. The body of one pilot has been found. The U.S. military says there is no immediate evidence that hostile fire contributed. Meanwhile, violence broke out near the Syrian border, and Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari's struggles continue as he tries to complete a cabinet.

President Biden said he received a "commitment" from Israel and Egypt to allow aid into Gaza in the coming days, as the White House unveiled a request for billions in assistance to Israel.

Iraq swears in a new government led by Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, but five Cabinet posts remain open, as well as two deputy prime minister jobs. Among the unfilled posts are minister of defense, minister of oil and minister of human rights.

NPR's Liane Hansen speaks with NPR's Philip Reeves in Baghdad about fighting between insurgents and American troops and the spate of kidnappings of foreign nationals in Iraq.

In Sri Lanka, government forces say they've won crucial victories, allowing them to cut off the rebel Tamil Tigers' supply line and secure terrain used to shell a naval base. But for 40,000 Tamil refugees displaced by civil war and a tsunami, the question is when — and how — they'll be able to return home.

Iraq's interim government seeks to stem the rampant lawlessness that has plagued Baghdad since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than a year ago. A raid that began Monday night has netted more than 500 suspected criminals. But that may not be enough to stop the wave of kidnappings for ransom that have swept the capital. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

Nepalese police open fire on thousands of pro-democracy protesters marching toward the capital of Katmandu in defiance of a government-imposed curfew, killing at least three and wounding dozens, witnesses and hospital officials report.