Vol. 5 Num 145 Sun. October 17, 2004       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives International   Assam slows drive against rebels after truce India's troubled northeastern state of Assam said yesterday it had scaled back operations against tribal separatists who had agreed to a ceasefire, pending New Delhi's own announcement of a truce.   Iran says 'no' to total cease of nuclear acts Iran will reject any European proposal for a complete cessation of its work on the nuclear fuel cycle, but is willing to consider further "confidence-building" measures and extending a suspension of uranium US asks Britain to deploy troops in more volatile parts of Iraq The United States has asked Britain for their thoughts on sending troops on a "particular operation", but this is a fairly frequent occurrence, a British military spokesman said yesterday.   2 US soldiers, 5 others killed in Afghanistan A bomb attack in southern Afghanistan killed two American soldiers and wounded three others, the US military said yesterday.   US Election 2004 Swing voters hold the key This US polls could be tightest race on record Political strategists determined early on that this year's White House race would come down to a block of uncommitted or "swing" voters in a smattering of US states.   Nepal govt sees positive signs in Maoist truce Nepal's government said yesterday the announcement of a nine-day ceasefire by Maoist rebels for an important Hindu festival was a "positive" omen for efforts to end the deadly insurgency wracking thenation.   Palestinians pick up pieces after Israeli offensive Palestinians picked over the rubble of more than two weeks of fighting in a refugee camp on Saturday after Israeli tanks quit northern Gaza to end a crushing offensive.   5 nations win UNSC seats The United Nations Friday elected five new members of the UN Security Council for two-year terms starting on January 1 -- Argentina, Denmark, Greece, Japan and Tanzania.   Military, families believe US sent too few troops into Iraq: Poll US military staff and their families believe the United States sent too few troops into Iraq and put too great a burden on inexperienced National Guard and reserve forces, even though they support George     Advertisement