The world today - August 26

File photo / Thinkstock

Japanese PM quits

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has resigned, after months of criticism for his response to the massive March tsunami and the radiation crisis it triggered. The race to find successor - set to become the sixth Japanese prime minister in 5 years - remains wide open.

Libyan funds unfrozen

Libyan rebels secured a diplomatic victory when a United Nations security council committee agreed to unblock the $1.5 billion (NZ $1.8 billion) in Libyan funds that had been frozen since the start of the conflict.

Meanwhile, sporadic violence is still being reported in Tripoli, which is now largely under rebel control, although Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's whereabouts remains unknown.

Grenade attack

At least 50 people were killed after three grenades were thrown into a Mexican casino, with officials warning the death toll could rise even higher. Mexican President Felipe Calderon described the attack in the northern city of Monterrey as "an abhorrent act of terror and barbarism".

Authorities believe a drug cartel is responsible for the attack.

Hurricane fears

President Obama has declared emergencies in 6 US states ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irene, with mandatory evacuations ordered in several areas. The first hurricane of the Atlantic season is currently a category three storm, with winds of 115mph
(185km/h).

Although North Carolina is expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane, officials are considering whether to evacuate low-lying areas of Manhattan.

Wikileaks causing further mischief

WikiLeaks is releasing a further 100, 000 previously unpublished diplomatic cables, some of which are still classified. The announcement was made on WikiLeaks Twitter account, which is believed to be controlled by the site's controversial leader Julian Assange. Assange and his associates are believed to be "frustrated'' that the media has lost interest in publishing stories based on the material.

- HERALD ONLINE