Storm To Lift Heatwave's Siege Of Moscow -- ABC News (Australia)
Russia's record-breaking heatwave is set to come to a dramatic end with a severe storm now heading for the capital, Moscow.
The storm has already battered the city of St Petersberg, where trees were brought down by hurricane-force winds and heavy rain.
It is hoped the rain will bring down the temperature in Moscow, which has been sweltering in 40 degree Celsius heat for more than a month.
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MIDDLE EAST
Israel rejects 'preconditions' for direct peace talks.
Reports indicate growing Iranian fuel crisis despite official denials.
Iraq weighs new post to help form government.
Iran will build uranium enrichment centers, nuclear chief says.
Bahrain arrests Shiite clerics on security fears.
Settlement freeze biggest obstacle to direct talks.
In Israel, commerce amid conflict.
ASIA
Afghan gov't: 4 months to disband security firms.
Pakistan's ISI: Militants, not India, are the greatest threat to national security.
Pakistan warned of 'second wave of deaths'.UN warning that 3.5 million children at risk in Pakistan floods.
Military deaths pass 2,000 as Afghan war review looms.
U.S., S. Korea launch joint military exercises amid threats from N. Korea. N.Korea warns of 'severest punishment' over war games.
India prime minister appeals to Kashmir protesters.
India - Pakistan relations: Dialogue is the only option: Manmohan.
Death toll from NW China mudslide rises to 1,254; 490 still missing.
AFRICA
In ANC bill, South African media see threat to press freedom.
South African opposition parties to merge.
Kenya referendum: How groups came together to prevent violence.
Half of Niger's population hungry.
World diamond trading group bans Zimbabwe stones.
Nigerian ex-military ruler declares election bid.
EUROPE
France urged to repay Haiti billions paid for its independence.
Denmark starts to trim its admired safety net.
Russia's Medvedev asks tycoons for wildfire help.
Russian wildfires shrink as cold front advances.
Doctors treating Lockerbie bomber claim he was not consulted over his release.
Eurozone inflation hits 20-month high.
AMERICAS
Federal panel puts same-sex marriage on hold as appeal of Prop. 8 ruling goes forward.
In Colombia plane crash, pilot skill praised for minimal injury.
Obama redefines what he meant when he supported mosque at Ground Zero. Hamas leader: Ground zero mosque must be built.
Mexico TV station Televisa hit by blasts.
Harvard University fund sells all Israel holdings.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Communists: 'Jackal' should return to Venezuela.
Tamil migrants: 'We are not terrorists'.
Al Qaeda advises Shabaab to keep low profile on links, attack US interests.
Local Al-Qaeda leader surrenders in Yemen.
Al-Qaida leader says Turkey kills Muslims.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
China overtakes Japan as world's second-biggest economy.
China favors Euro over dollar as Bernanke alters path.
What the double-dip recession will look like.
Japan GDP figures show sharp slowing of economic growth.