This week in the news:

In IRAQ
- Iraqi government workers kidnapped in Bagdad. Taken from the Ministry of Higher Education by Shiite gunmen disguised as Iraqi police. Reports vary regarding number taken and number released - as well as whether any have been tortured and killed - depending upon whether source of info is Shiite or Sunni-loyal. By all accounts, several are still missing.
- Civilian convoy attacked in southern Iraq by militia disquised as Iraqi police. Convoy security guards taken hostage, including four Americans and one Austrian. Earlier reports in the week that one was dead and two released have since been recanted. As of Nov 19, all five are still missing. One Iran-based militant group has claimed to have them, offering no proof.
- Iraqi police issue warrant for arrest of major Sunni religious leader Nov 17, who from his hiding place in Jordan, calls the warrant "illegal". Sunni leaders angered by the warrant.
- Many incidents of Sunni and Shiite-instigated violence inflicted on civilians in several cities, resulting in a week of multiple civilian deaths. Sharp increase in sniper attacks on Coalition troops.
- Shiite government leader and his wife assassinated in Baghdad in their car, Nov 18.
- Iraq's Deputy Health Minister kidnapped from his home in Baghdad Sunday Nov 19, by armed gunmen in several vehicles. He is Shiite and a member of the Prime Minister's party.
- Strife in new Iraqi government: Sunni criticism of the Shiite-heavy government reaches a high when there is a general perception that Shiite government officials did not take proper immediate action when Shiite gunmen kidnapped government workers from Health Ministry, and issued reports to the press downplaying the total number of hostages and their treatment. Government announces formal talks amongst member separatists to take place next week, in hopes of soothing anger on both sides.

In EUROPE
- Dutch government likely to pass ban on face-covering veils in all public places, which will be the strictest ban in Europe to date. Although the ban will affect a small part of the already small Muslim population in the Netherlands, Muslim leaders have already voiced their anger.
- British universities take controversial measures to prevent activities of militant Muslim students on campuses.
- French troops threaten to shoot down Israeli reconnaissance planes over Lebanon. Israelis claim that the French troops - who accuse the planes of "buzzing" them, and generally violating Lebanese airspace - misunderstand the mission of the planes, which must continue their flights to ensure that Hezbollah isn't rearming itself with weapons smuggled from Syria. France, which has sent more troops to the region, leads the U.N. forces in Lebanon.
- The Pope prepares for his long-anticipated visit to Turkey, preparing for what may turn into a war of words between faiths and cultures.

In LEBANON
- The conflict between Lebanon and Israel enters its 7th week, with no solution in sight. For a timeline, visit the BBC's day by day account.

In U.S.
Democrats jostle for power in the legislature as both parties begin to study ways to resolve the U.S. involvement in Iraq. With Republicans calling for more troops and Democrats urging withdrawal, we have yet to see whether they can all grow up, get serious, and get down to the business of moving us forward. Troops continue to express confidence in the President's vision and in the necessity of their presence there, even amidst increasing insurgent violence.