* Iraqi Shias protest in holy city Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Shias have demonstrated in the holy city of Najaf, calling for US-led troops to leave Iraq.

* Russian General Says U.S. Continues Preparations for Iran Strike The release of the 15 British sailors and marines captured by Iran has robbed the U.S. of a pretext to attack Iran.

* Iran ‘enters new nuclear phase’ Iran has entered an “industrial stage” in its production of nuclear fuel, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said.

* Nasrallah vows Hezbollah will stay armed to offset Israel Hezbollah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, on Sunday vowed that Hezbollah will keep its weapons until a strong Lebanese army capable of defending the country against Israeli attacks is established.

* Pope: ‘Nothing Positive’ From Iraq In an Easter litany of the world’s suffering, Pope Benedict XVI lamented that “nothing positive” is happening in Iraq.

* China calls for change on Darfur Sudan’s key ally China has urged it to show greater flexibility in discussions over its war-torn Darfur region.

* Revolution, flashmobs, and brain chips. A grim vision of the future Information chips implanted in the brain. Electromagnetic pulse weapons. The middle classes becoming revolutionary, taking on the role of Marx’s proletariat.

* Quake lifts Solomons island out of the sea The seismic jolt that unleashed the deadly Solomons tsunami this week lifted an entire island metres out of the sea, destroying some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.

* Gas producers ‘to discuss cartel’ Ministers from major gas exporting countries are meeting in Doha, Qatar, amid speculation that they may be planning to set up a cartel.

* Five rival faiths share Easter in Jerusalem church Thousands of worshippers from five Christian faiths Sunday celebrated Easter at the traditional site of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection – Jerusalem’s contested Holy Sepulcher Church.