The Taliban in Afghanistan issues a new code of conduct aimed at centralizing control of the mujahideen under the leadership of Mullah Omar and winning the battle for the hearts and minds of the local population by limiting civilian casualties.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Middle East envoy George Mitchell visit the Middle East this week in an attempt to revive the peace process there. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak tells Gates that “no option should be removed from the table” regarding Israel’s response to Iran’s nuclear program, while Barak and Mitchell near an agreement on West Bank settlement activity.

North Korea says it is open to engaging in bilateral talks with the U.S. regarding its nuclear weapons program, but is not interested in reviving the six-party talks that included China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea.

As many as 100 people are killed in three attacks by Islamic militants in Nigeria, following yesterday’s clashes between militants and the police which killed dozens.