An intra-Shiite power struggle is underway as cleric Muqtada al-Sadr attempts to maintain control over his militia (the Jaysh al-Mahdi, JAM) and transform it into a legitimate political movement.

The recent establishment and operation of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) signals the militarization of U.S. foreign policy in Africa.  

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid a visit to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank, providing support to the latter in his ongoing confrontation with rival Hamas, while also acknowledging the end of the Bush administration’s peace initiative.