BBC News Update

Syria has pledged a pullout timeline next week. I'll believe it when I see it.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has taken command of the Chinese military, completing the ceremonial transfer of power from Jiang Zemin.

Hamas has pledged to run in the July elections in "Palestine", and President Abbas has welcomed it. An elected thug isn't much better than an unelected one, but if it stops them from murdering innocent Israeli children, it could be a good thing.

Kyrgyzstan's having parliamentary elections.