Palin picked as McCain running-mate Alaska governor nominated as Republican vice-presidential candidate. US election diary: Iron lady Video: Alaska's 'Iron Lady' Profile: Sarah Palin Profile: John McCain Video: Obama's White House vision Obama accepts Democratic nomination US Election Beat: Convention diary

Georgia breaks ties with Moscow Move follows declaration by Russia that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are independent.

Thai rioters attack police station Hundreds of riot police fire teargas to quell 2,000-strong crowd.

Karadzic shuns war crimes pleas	New Orleans braces for hurricane	Morocco dismantles 'terrorist cell'
India declares 'national calamity'	Thousands flee Japan floods	Russia accuses G7 of 'bias'

AROUND THE WORLD NOW Africa Armed Somali group frees UN worker Sudan hijackers surrender in Libya Americas New Orleans braces for hurricane Mexico court upholds abortion law Asia-Pacific Malaysia blocks controversial blog Oxygen tank 'caused Qantas hole' CENTRAL/S. ASIA Religious riots hit Indian state Police killed in Pakistan blast Europe Blaze sweeps Ukraine military base Russian warships sent to Abkhazia Middle East Ex-marine acquitted in Iraq deaths Lebanese helicopter brought down

Sport World champions face battle  Programmes Murder at Sea Critical eye on Israel's military