Germany, France Pledge to avoid war against Iraq

 Jacques Chirac has said France and Germany are united in their opposition to war against Iraq. The French President said the two countries believe everything possible must be done to avoid military action.

U.S.-led attack on Iraq planned for February: Russian media
Russia's Interfax news agency says the U.S. has decided to proceed with a military campaign in Iraq that would begin in mid-February.
 

Another Gas Pipeline Explodes at Sui in Pakistan
A second fire erupted Wednesday along a Pakistani gas pipeline complex as police searched for feuding tribesmen blamed for a rocket attack that caused an earlier breach that disrupted gas supplies to industry, officials said.