Car bombs leave 20 dead in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq A succession of three car bomb attacks in central Baghdad killed at least 20 people today and wounded 51, police said.

A suicide car bomber detonated his vehicle outside the al-Nahda bus station in central Baghdad, Police Capt. Nabil Abdul-Qader said, and a second car exploded inside the station parking lot. A third car bomb driven by a suicide attacker exploded near the al-Kindi Hospital as the wounded were arriving for treatment.

Abdul-Qader said at least 20 people had been killed and 51 wounded, including four policemen.

Iraq delay unhelpful, Rumsfeld says

Asuncion, Paraguay Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday that Iraq’s decision to put off completion of its constitution does not help the fight against insurgents, but he expressed confidence the delay would be short.

Like President Bush, Rumsfeld did not characterize the delay as a setback, even though Iraqis remained stuck on major issues such as Kurdish demands for self-determination and the role of Islam in the new government.

“What you’re seeing is the Iraqi people for the first time wrestling with very tough fundamental issues that are important to them, that are important to their regions, that are important for their futures, that reflect the history of the country,” Rumsfeld said. “They’ve been proceeding in a very orderly, peaceful way. I find it admirable.”

Speaking to reporters as he traveled to Latin America, Rumsfeld said he had “every confidence” that Iraqis would vote on a new constitution on Oct. 15 as planned.

Still, he said, “I wish that the constitution were completed rather than delayed.”

British police test plan for e-mail terror alerts

London British police said Tuesday they were testing a system to send news of terror alerts to commuters by cell phone and e-mail.

Metropolitan Police said Londoners would be able to sign up to receive cell phone text message, e-mail or voice message updates on terror alerts, major incidents or station closures, as well as updates on police investigations into the July 7 and July 21 bomb attacks on London’s transit system.

Israel will consult U.S. on China arms sales

Washington Israel has agreed to consult with the U.S. government before selling any weapons to China or other nations under an understanding announced Tuesday.

“There are no winners, there are no losers,” said Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon. “This is a win-win situation. Both parties win strategically.”

However, he also said Israel would not do anything to hurt its good relationship with the United States.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the U.S. government will not have a veto power over any possible arms sales, but it will be informed and have a chance to express its opinion.

Russian court reverses ban on radical party

Moscow

Russia’s Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision banning the National Bolshevik Party, handing a rare victory Tuesday to the radical youth organization known for flamboyant acts of political protest.

Police have increasingly targeted the party in what is widely seen as a Kremlin-directed campaign against an irreverent opposition group, and activists said Tuesday’s decision was a breakthrough.

“There is hope for this country’s future,” said the party’s leader, Eduard Limonov.

Limonov said the high court judges did not provide an explanation for their decision, but said a statement would be issued later.

A spokeswoman for Prosecutor General’s Office said it would appeal the decision, which overturns a June ruling by a Moscow court. Prosecutors had argued the group violated registration procedures and was involved in extremist activities.