U.S. AND IRAQI FORCES CLASHED with Shiite militiamen, killing 30 in the southern city of Diwaniyah in a battle sparked by a raid on the home of a Mahdi Army leader, accused of killing Sunnis in spiraling sectarian violence. (Complete coverage) 9:54 a.m.

• Afghans will decide within a year whether to abandon the international community's efforts and instead support resurgent Taliban militants, NATO's top commander in the nation said. 10:02 a.m.

U.S. Casualties in Iraq Reach Two-Year High

Sharp rise in numbers of wounded troops grimly reflects the degree to which the United States has taken the lead in staving off a full-scale civil war.

• Bomb Kills 14 in City Bush Touted as Safe