International passengers have been warned to expect long delays when customs officers go on strike tomorrow. They'll walk off the job for two hours at international airports. Sydney Airport will be affected on Thursday and Saturday. The industrial action is over a pay dispute. 

 

Women in Saudi Arabia are to be given the vote and will be allowed to run in municipal elections. King Abdullah says they'll also be able to be appointed to the consultative Shura Council. Activists who've been calling for greater rights for women have welcomed the changes. They'll take effect from next year. 

 

A series of bomb attacks in the Iraqi city of Karbala have killed at least nine people. A roadside bomb exploded at a passport office in the city centre. There were three other blasts after emergency workers arrived. Dozens of people were injured in the explosions.

 

Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh says he's still committed to handing over power peacefully. In his first televised speech since returning to Yemen after an assassination attempt, he said he was committed to handing over power to his deputy ahead of early elections. But observers say the speech offered little to demonstrators demanding his step-down immediately.