In Brief

* HURRICANE – – Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged the US Gulf coast this week, has incited a storm of enthusiasm among Islamist bloggers who claim the destruction was sent by God to torment the American empire.

“Katrina, a soldier sent by God to fight on our side… the soldier Katrina joins us to fight against America,” said one Islamite web site.* BLAST – At least 23 paramilitary soldiers were killed in a powerful landmine blast triggered by suspected Maoist rebels in eastern India, a federal minister said.* NUCLEAR – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator said the clerical regime would not halt its nuclear drive despite fresh criticism of its activities and threats of being referred to the UN Security Council.* CHOLERA – A cholera outbreak in northeastern Nigeria has killed 30 people, officials said.Medical teams are working to prevent the bacterial infection of the intestine from spreading, the state government said in a statement.* ATTACKED – Three Afghan policemen guarding a convoy transporting goods to US bases have been killed after it came under fire from Taliban insurgents, officials said.* REFORM – US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton reported slow but steady progress on key UN reform issues being negotiated ahead of the world summit this month and vowed to remain flexible to reach a comprehensive deal.* WITHDRAWAL – The Israeli military said it would complete its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip by September 15, but threatened to strike the territory hard if the Jewish state came under threat.- Nampa-AFPthe soldier Katrina joins us to fight against America,” said one Islamite web site.* BLAST – At least 23 paramilitary soldiers were killed in a powerful landmine blast triggered by suspected Maoist rebels in eastern India, a federal minister said.* NUCLEAR – Iran’s top nuclear negotiator said the clerical regime would not halt its nuclear drive despite fresh criticism of its activities and threats of being referred to the UN Security Council.* CHOLERA – A cholera outbreak in northeastern Nigeria has killed 30 people, officials said.Medical teams are working to prevent the bacterial infection of the intestine from spreading, the state government said in a statement. * ATTACKED – Three Afghan policemen guarding a convoy transporting goods to US bases have been killed after it came under fire from Taliban insurgents, officials said.* REFORM – US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton reported slow but steady progress on key UN reform issues being negotiated ahead of the world summit this month and vowed to remain flexible to reach a comprehensive deal.* WITHDRAWAL – The Israeli military said it would complete its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip by September 15, but threatened to strike the territory hard if the Jewish state came under threat.- Nampa-AFP