ECN 11/21/07

Musharraf leaves for trip to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan releases thousands of jailed political activists
By LAURA KINGLos Angeles Times
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — In a signal he believes his grip on power is secure, President Pervez Musharraf flew Tuesday to Saudi Arabia for two days of meetings, his first absence from Pakistan since he imposed a state of emergency on Nov. 3.

EU-Turkey membership talks to move a step further in December
20.11.2007 - 17:26 CET
The EU is planning to open two new chapters of its accession negotiations package with Turkey in December, hoping the move will spur the reforms still needed in the country.
See more >

Gates halts cut in U.S. Army force in Europe
By THOM SHANKER
The U.S. defense secretary has decided to freeze plans for further reducing army forces in Europe, according to senior Pentagon and military officials.

Personally I think we should pull out a good portion of our troops. They have become targets and their presence is an enabler for a weak Europe. Some say it is a show of strength and influence to be able to keep troops in Europe while still engaging Iraq and Afghanistan.

Iraqis return home 'in thousands'
About 1,000 Iraqis a day return home after fleeing the country to escape violence, say Iraqi authorities

Chirac formally probed over scam
Ex-French President Jacques Chirac faces formal investigation over a fake jobs scheme, his lawyer says