New bin Laden tape...Petraeus: Al-Qaida still a threat...Iowa campaigning

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) There is a new tape from Osama bin Laden. In the online message, bin Laden warns Sunni Arabs in Iraq not to join in the fight against al-Qaida or to participate in any unity government. He calls the effort for a unity government a "scheme" against the establishment of an Islamic state.

BAGHDAD (AP) The top U.S. commander in Iraq says al-Qaida is still the greatest threat to Iraq despite a number of successes against the terror network in recent months. General David Petraeus says destroying the group is still a top concern for the U.S.

military and Iraq's biggest security challenge in 2008.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan says it doesn't need foreign help in its investigation into the death of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Officials have rejected assistance from Britain and calls for a U.N. inquiry. At least 44 people have died in widespread rioting there over three days.

ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) Mitt Romney has made a series of quick coffee-shop stops in the last days of campaigning before Thursday's Iowa caucuses. Romney is fighting to move past Mike Huckabee, who is leading in Iowa polls. Romney has unveiled ads against rivals Huckabee and John McCain.

CHICAGO (AP) Air travel is getting back to normal in the Midwest as a winter storm that left the region under snow moves east out to the Atlantic. Only two dozen flights have been canceled at Chicago's O'Hare airport, after hundreds were canceled yesterday because of the storm.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-29-07 1356CST | save this article / add to your favorites list