India Bolsters Border Forces, Musharraf Says Pakistan Ready for Any Challenge
Three Indians were killed on Tuesday in cross-border firing in disputed Kashmir as India bolstered its frontier defenses with jets and armor, while warships prowled the country's maritime borders, as Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said the army was fully prepared to face all challenges.

Vatican Leads Assault on Israel Over Bethlehem Ban on Arafat
The Vatican on Monday led criticism of Israel's ban on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat attending Christmas services in Bethlehem and pushed for the Jewish state to reverse its decision.

Israel Faces International Backlash for Barring Arafat
Israel braced for a huge international backlash Tuesday after it barred Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat from attending Christmas Mass in Bethlehem, news agencies reported.

Pakistan Freezes Assets of Two Islamic Groups as Indo-Pak Tensions Rise
Pakistan Monday froze the bank accounts of two groups allegedly linked with terrorism, including Umma Tameer-e-Nau (UTN) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), while allegations of spying, kidnapping and torture added more heat to simmering India-Pakistan ties, news agencies reported Monday.

• Karzai Vows to Rid Afghanistan of Terrorism, Welcomes U.S. Troops
• Identity of Would-Be Plane Bomber Remains Unclear
• Warnings of Expanded U.S. Campaign Against Iraq
• W. D. Mohammed Tells Muslim Youth to Spread Truth About Islam
• U.S. Gives Israel Green Light for India Arms Deal
• Iran Condemns U.S. Advisor Terrorism Accusations
• Indian Police Claim "Al-Qaeda Cell" Bust in Kashmir
• Somali Factions and Transitional Government Sign Peace Pact
• Ouster Call for Bangladesh Top Muslim Cleric Over Anti-U.S. Comments
• Karadzic Party Set to Vote on Suspending War Crimes Suspects
• Arafat Under "Humiliating" Ultimatum for Christmas Mass, Vatican Criticizes
• Karzai Names Dostum Afghan Deputy Defense Minister