World briefs 5/4/04

Sharon says he will modify his Gaza plan

JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Monday he will come up with an alternative withdrawal plan after his proposal to pull out of the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank was resoundingly rejected by members of his Likud Party. Israeli officials suggested the original plan -- which had U.S. backing and was popular with Israelis -- would be slightly scaled down and the new version would not be put to a Likud vote.

France targets radical imams for deportation

They have lived largely unnoticed for years, isolated from the French mainstream by language and religion. Now these imams, accused of preaching a radical brand of Islam, are being tracked, investigated and in some cases expelled. France has expelled at least two imams, or prayer leaders, since January, calling them a public danger. It is threatening to expel two more, and a fifth is under arrest. France isn't alone in its get-tough policy. Italy and Britain have kept tabs on imams and Britain is now trying to deport a high-profile cleric, Abu Hamza al-Masri, accusing him of advising and supporting terrorist groups, including al-Qaida. Spain, where 191 people died in the March 11 railroad bombings, is considering a law empowering authorities to monitor imams.

U.S. military urges Pakistan to crush militants

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan questioned Pakistan's commitment to fighting Taliban and al-Qaida militants along the border, saying Monday that appeasing extremists will only put off an inevitable battle. Lt. Gen. David Barno also voiced caution about the prospects of catching al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. On Saturday, the Pakistani government pushed back by one week an April 30 deadline for foreign militants to surrender. Despite a threat of renewed military action, none have taken up the amnesty offer.

-- From wire reports