North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA gave further information on the charges against Current TV journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, saying the journalists confessed to illegally entering North Korea to film “an anti-DPRK smear campaign over its human rights issue.”

Prodded by the largest protest in Tehran since the Iranian revolution of 1979, Iran’s top clerics mull a recount of last Friday’s presidential election, but stop short of agreeing to a new vote.

The campaign for Afghan president begins today. Incumbent Hamid Karzai faces dwindling popularity and a challenge from 40 disparate candidates, but is still considered the top contender.

Tens of thousands march in Niger to protest President Mamadou Tandja’s plans to hold a referendum that would allow him to run for a third term.

Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi agrees to take three Guantanamo detainees.

Pakistan’s military prepares for battle against Baitullah Mehsud in South Waziristan.