FP roundup 9/30

Americas
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates criticized the Pentagon for favoring large, expensive weapons systems over more flexible platforms.
Authorities in Tijuana, Mexico, have found 16 bodies in 24 hours in what looks like drug-related violence.
Brazil's Environment Ministry named the government the country's worst illegal logger of the Amazon rainforest.

Asia
In a rare message, Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar called on U.S. troops to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Pakistan named a new intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha. Dawn has more.
At least 168 people have died in a stampede at a Hindu temple in western India.
China's milk recall is affecting Western brands, such as Cadbury.

Middle East and Africa
Syria's foreign minister says he met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last week in New York in a sign of improving relations.
Israel must leave the West Bank, outgoing Israeli PM Ehud Olmert says. Haaretz: too little, too late.
Iraq moved to allow doctors to carry guns for protection.
U.S. warships have surrounded an armed-to-the-teeth freighter that was captured by Somali pirates. The pirates seem to be fighting each other.

Europe and the Caucasus
An MI6 camera containing surveillance information on al Qaeda members was lost and put up for sale on eBay.
The British economy grew by 0 (zero) percent in the second quarter.
Ireland moved to guarantee deposits at six banks.

Today's Agenda
Hedge funds are bracing for a wave of withdrawals today.
U.S. envoy Christopher Hill is visiting Seoul, where he hopes to breathe life into the nuclear talks with North Korea.
John McCain is in Iowa and Barack Obama is campaigning in Nevada. Neither Joe Biden nor Sarah Palin, who are preparing for Thursday's vice presidential debate, has any public events.