NPR 2008-03-03（在线收听）

From NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Raum.

 A suicide bomber struck in northwestern Pakistan today, during a meeting called by tribal elders to discuss peace. At least 30 people were killed. It was the third such attack in as many days. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

 It was a devastating attack against the meeting convened to discuss the violence that's blighted northwest Pakistan for months, claiming hundreds of lives. Tribal leaders and local officials had gathered at an open air site near the town of Darra Adam Khel in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. The bomber caused chaos. TV footage showed body parts, torn clothing and the splintered remains of wooden furniture. The meeting, or jirga, was to discuss the security situation in the region, where the Taliban and other militants are increasingly active. In January, there were intense clashes between Pakistani troops and militants in the area. Suicide bombings have become a regular event. On Friday, at least 38 people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a police funeral in the province of Swat Valley. Philip Reeves, NPR News, New Delhi.

 Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today he has no intention of ending his offensive in the Gaza Strip. At least 54 Palestinians were killed yesterday in Israeli air and ground attacks. Olmert said Israel must protect its citizens from cross-border rockets. The UN Security Council issued a statement today condemning the Israeli operation and urged Israelis and Palestinians to stop all the violence immediately.

 Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is visiting Iraq, the first Iranian president to do so. He said that his trip is opening a new chapter in brotherly relations between the two countries.

 Russians are voting for a new president today. It's expected that the man chosen by Vladimir Putin will win. Opposition leaders are calling for a boycott, saying the vote has been rigged. NPR's Gregory Feifer reports from Moscow.

 Music from a loud speaker plays in a voting station inside a Moscow school where a trickle of voters are casting their ballots. M.U said she voted for first deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who's all but certain to win a landslide. "I'd like Putin's policies to be continued," She says, "Our country has only just begun to stabilize." Outside, sleet and snow may discourage some others from voting. Across Russia, voters are being enticed with free food and concerts even free haircuts. Opposition leaders have been barred from running in the election and are calling the vote a farce, amid widespread reports the authorities are forcing people to vote for Medvedev. Gregory Feifer, NPR News, Moscow.

 Two bombs exploded today near a police convoy in the Russian town near Chechnya. Authorities say two people were wounded.

 This is NPR News from Washington.

 Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will both be campaigning in Ohio today in advance of Tuesday's presidential primary. Primaries will also be held Tuesday in Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont. Obama has won the last 11 Democratic contests. On the Republican side, Senator John McCain has no campaign appearances scheduled today. His nearest rival, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be making stops in Texas.

 The Paris International Book Fair opens this month. Each year, organizers place the spotlight on one country. This year's choice is prompting some Arab nations to stay away. Frank Browning reports.

 The boycott began with France's former colony Lebanon, which decided not to attend the Salon du Livre or Book Fair because Israel was named this year's publishing guest of honor. Following the flap over Lebanon's decision which comes amidst criticism of France from the Hezbollah faction of the divided Lebanese government, other Arab nations quickly followed its suit. While the boycott is symbolic and has little effect on the French publishing industry, it is aimed at France's intensifying criticism of Iran, and the Iranian nuclear program, as well as France's support for the pro-Christian faction inside Lebanon. Those who may feel the boycott hardest, however, are Arab writers for whom France has long been a major publishing outlet in the west. For NPR News, I'm Frank Browning.

 The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially gets underway today in Willow Alaska, about 50 miles north of Anchorage. There are 96 teams taking part, a record. A ceremonial run was held yesterday in Anchorage to give fans a chance to see the dogs before the race.

 I'm Nora Raum, NPR News in Washington.