Coalition forces fight Taliban

Afghan and coalition troops battled the Taliban as the largest offensive since the Taliban's fall prepares to launch on Thursday.

Operation Mountain Thrust will attempt to curb a resurgence in Taliban resistance, the first major escalation since the group was toppled in 2001.


A British soldier in southern Afghanistan on June 12, 2006. Reuters photo from Yahoo News.

Taliban attacks have been concentrated in the southern part of the country and consist of hit and run strikes in widely-alternating locations.

Many of the techniques used by the insurgents are similar to those employed by rebels fighting against the government in Iraq.

China, Russia refuse to endorse Iran sanctions statement

China and Russia have refused to join other major nations in a statement threatening sactions against Iran if it continues to enrich uranium.

A diplomat at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) talks said that the two nations did not want any reference "to sanctions or punitive actions."

In another blow to the U.S.-led effort against Iran's nuclear program, nations from the Non-Aligned Movement are preparing a statement for the IAEA affirming Iran's right to enrich uranium and opposing any military attack on nuclear facilities.

Iranian MP Kazem Jalali said in Tehran Tuesday that his country would not accept stopping uranium enrichment activities as a precondition to further talks on its nuclear program.

Royal celebration for Thai king

The world's royalty gathered together in an exceptional event to celebrate the diamond jubilee of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.


Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (center) and his royal guests pose for a family photo at Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok June 12, 2006. Reuters/Roayl Palace photo from Yahoo News.

Monarchs or royal representatives from 25 countries came to the reception at the Ananda Samakhon Throne Room in honor of the world's longest reigning monarch who ascended to power 60 years ago.

The highlight of the event was the ancient and world-renowned royal water parade down the Chao Phraya river from the palace to the Temple of Dawn.

The ancient ritual held every few years featured 52 lavishly-decorated boats including the Royal Barge.