Need to know: Tensions escalated sharply on the Korean peninsula, as South Korea said it will stop nearly all trade with North Korea, deny North Korean merchant ships use of South Korean sea lanes and ask the United Nations Security Council to punish the North for deliberately sinking a South Korean warship two months ago.

I promise not to turn this into a Hollywood gossip blog, but I can't let this one slide.

Need to know: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned that North Korea must face consequences for sinking a South Korean ship. Citing "overwhelming" evidence that North Korea sank the warship, Clinton warned the communist state of international repercussions. After discussions in Tokyo, Clinton planned to consult with counterparts in Beijing and Seoul on appropriate measures.

Need to know: What is going on in Thailand? Here are five points that will help you understand the unfolding situation.

Need to know: Thousands of red-shirted anti-government protesters converged in Thailand's capital Saturday, giving the government an ultimatum to dissolve Parliament or face mass marches on key spots in the city. Although protest leaders stressed they would not resort to violence in their quest to oust the government, many businesses closed down.

Need to know: Two suicide bombers killed at least 39 people in Lahore, Pakistan. The attacks occurred within seconds of each other and targeted military vehicles as they passed through a crowded area. Six of the dead were army personnel. About 95 people were wounded. There have been several attacks on Lahore in the past year. On Monday the Taliban destroyed a building used by intelligence services, killing 13.

After a tumultuous election day in Iraq that saw at least 34 people killed in dozens of explosions throughout the country, outside the country voting for Iraqis in Jordan concluded with little incident.

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban are beginning to put a serious dent in my social life. The weekend was a series of broken engagements, as one friend after another bowed to safety concerns and went into lockdown. A proposed gathering of journalists at the Gandemak, one of the most appealing bars in town, was cancelled when nobody showed up. Dinner on Friday had to be shelved when a security firm put its foot down and refused to let my friend, bureau chief for a major American news organization, leave the house.

Need to know: Turnout appears to be strong in Iraq's second elections Sunday, although bombs have killed at least 35 people. Two buildings were destroyed in Baghdad and dozens of mortars were fired across the city and elsewhere. The border with Iran was closed, thousands of troops were deployed, and vehicles were banned from roads.

Need to know: The U.S. is using a new strategy in its current offensive against the Taliban. Its troops will stay in the Marjah area to support Afghan police and government administration.