AP - Iraq's presidential council rejected a draft law paving the way for U.S.-backed provincial elections, returning it to parliament for reworking, an official said Wednesday.

AP - The next White House will most likely inherit the difficult negotiations over the long-term status of American military forces in Iraq as disputes linger over setting timelines for expected troop withdrawals, U.S. officials say.

AFP - Iraq's three-member Presidency Council on Wednesday rejected a provincial election bill a day after it was adopted in parliament, making it all but certain that polls due in October will be delayed.

AP - It will be left to the next administration to decide on any sizable troop increase for Afghanistan, the Pentagon spokesman said Wednesday.

AP - Obama defends plans for direct talks with Iran; McCain campaign says Obama is backtracking ... McCain credits Bush lifting of drilling ban on offshore oil for drop in oil and gas prices ... Economy top issue, but energy concerns grow most as Iraq worries dip in AP-Ipsos poll ... People Magazine: Obama girls offer irreverence, boundless energy

AFP - Four US soldiers have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the deaths of several detainees in Iraq in early 2007, the US Army said Wednesday.

AFP - The White House on Wednesday urged Iraq to hold provincial elections by the end of the year after Iraqi President Jalal Talabani rejected a law setting up the vote.

AFP - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki expressed confidence Wednesday that German companies would decide "in the coming days" to head back to his country, after meeting more than 100 business leaders here.

AFP - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Afghanistan might end up being tougher to subdue than Iraq, days after visiting both war zones.

AFP - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has rejected a provincial election law just a day after it was adopted by parliament, a move that is almost certain to mean a delay in municipal polls due in October.