October 21st Morning Readbook

SCENARIOS-Outcomes for the Afghan presidential run-off
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has agreed to face a second-round run-off to resolve Afghanistan's disputed presidential election which it is hoped will end weeks of political limbo and uncertainty for the war-riven country.


U.S. troops in Iraq have time on hands
Because of new rules that require Iraqi approval for all U.S. missions, and a general decline in violence nationwide, many of the 117,000 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq say they now have more idle time than at any previous point in the six-year war.


Bombs And Bribes Deployed
In Pakistan, the latest spate of suicide attacks by the Taliban has mobilized the senior Islamic clerics in Pakistan to condemn the practice (which kills a lot of innocents). Most Pakistanis are not keen to get their religious leadership from tribal warlords. In South Waziristan, troops have been warned to be on the watch for roadside bombs, which are expected to be used a lot by the local tribesmen.


Congress agrees on moving Guantanamo inmates
Congress took a step toward President Barack Obama's goal of closing Guantanamo Bay prison on Tuesday when it cleared a measure allowing foreign terrorism suspects held there to face prosecution in the United States.


Pakistani University Bombed, Offensive Rages


Al Jazeera Mobile Bulletin - 0535GMT - 21 Oct 09