Iran dumps U.S. dollars in oil transactions <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/30/content_8083804.htm" target="_blank">http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/30/content_8083804.htm</a> Three U.S. aircraft carrier battle groups are patrolling waters off southeast Taiwan. The task forces with the Kitty Hawk, Nimitz and Lincoln in the lead are believed to continue the patrol until May 20. Of course, it's rather unusual. But what for? <a href="http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan%20issues/2008/04/22/152983/What-are.htm" target="_blank">http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan%20issues/2008/04/22/152983/What-are.htm</a> Top Russian official goes to Iran to discuss security <a href="http://en.rian.ru/world/20080427/106013908.html" target="_blank">http://en.rian.ru/world/20080427/106013908.html</a> EU alarmed by Russian troop plans for Georgian conflict zone <a href="http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080430/106235968.html" target="_blank">http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080430/106235968.html</a> Georgia-Russia tensions ramped up <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7374546.stm" target="_blank">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7374546.stm</a> mad men at the helm!