AP - Japan’s economy slid into a recession for the first time since 2001, the government said Monday, as companies sharply cut back on spending in the third quarter amid the unfolding global financial crisis.

Source:Japan slides into recession, 1st time since 2001
(AP)

AFP - A violent storm ripped through picturesque tourist hubs in eastern Australia, leaving one person dead and causing damage comparable to that wrought by a cyclone, officials said Monday.

Source:Violent storm leaves trail of debris in Australia
(AFP)

AP - Iraq’s Cabinet overwhelmingly approved a security pact with the United States on Sunday, ending prolonged negotiations to allow American forces to remain for three more years in the country they first occupied in 2003.

Source:Iraq's government approves security pact with US
(AP)

AP - The Chinese government says 18 people have died after a bus overturned in Tibet.

Source:18 people died after a bus overturned in Tibet
(AP)

AP - Tibetan exile leaders opened weeklong discussions Monday over the direction of their movement to win autonomy from China, after the Dalai Lama, the region’s exiled spiritual leader, expressed frustration over years of fruitless talks with Beijing.

Source:Meeting of Tibetan exiles to discuss future opens
(AP)

AFP - Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Monday that Europe had shown “total contempt” for his country by arresting one of his key aides suspected of involvement in the death of a former ruler.

Source:Arrest showed Europe's 'contempt' for Rwanda: Kagame
(AFP)

AP - Security forces escorted container trucks and oil tankers through the Khyber Pass on Monday after Pakistan reopened the route critical to transporting supplies to NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Source:US supply trucks resume travel in Pakistan pass
(AP)

AP - Asian stock markets were narrowly mixed Monday as confirmation Japan had slipped into recession emphasized the gloomy outlook for the world economy.

Source:Asian stocks mixed as Japan slips into recession
(AP)

The Christian Science Monitor - “What then is this American? This new man?”

Source:For Europe, Obama revives positive image of America's unique identity
(The Christian Science Monitor)

AP - A June truce between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers comes up for renewal next month and it looks like both sides are trying to dictate more favorable terms.

Source:Analysis: Hamas, Israel trying to rewrite truce
(AP)