Iraq parliament grinds to halt as MPs make for Mecca (AFP)

The Iraqi parliament in Baghdad. Large-scale absenteeism and a pilgrimage to Mecca by at least 70 MPs has brought work at Iraq's parliament to a halt, despite a heavy agenda that includes key national reconciliation laws.(AFP/Pool/File/Ceerwan Aziz)

AFP - Large-scale absenteeism and a pilgrimage to Mecca by at least 70 MPs has brought work at Iraq's parliament to a halt, despite a heavy agenda that includes key national reconciliation laws.

British PM demands immediate release of Iraq hostages (AFP)

U.N. envoy urges Iraq to join anti-torture treaty (Reuters)

AP photographer gets first hearing (AP)

Roadside bomb kills senior policeman in Iraq (AFP)

Army leaders push to shorten Iraq tours (AP)