Iraq and Russia, step forward to claim your prize! Colombia, don't be shy -- you slaughter lots of journos too! :(

From the BBC:

Clashes between tribesmen and foreign militants near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan have left at least 15 people dead, security officials say.

Shooting went on all day near the town of Wana in the troubled tribal area of South Waziristan, the officials said.

Fighting appears to have broken out after a failed attempt on the life of a local elder. Twelve of the dead were reported to be Uzbeks.

Tensions over foreigners are high after peace deals with Pakistan's government.

Foreign militants are accused of taking part in raids over the border in Afghanistan. Under the controversial agreements, they must leave the tribal region or end attacks.

From the BBC:

The Taleban say they have kidnapped an Italian journalist and two Afghan nationals in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.

A source close to a regional Taleban commander told the BBC that the three men were seized after entering an area of Helmand without permission.

He accused them of spying and said they were being detained at a Taleban base.

The Italian, who the Taleban initially said was British, is reportedly working for Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.

The Guardian defied pressure from the authorities and published a story on the Blair government's money-for-peerages scandal, while the Beeb battled in the courts.

Nothing like the potential fall of a plutocrat to bring out the media hordes. And the judge is warning them to behave -- especially those Canuck ones.