Reuters: Robo-chop 25 March

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed security forces would battle Shi'ite militia in Basra "to the end" despite thousands of protesters marching to demand his resignation. Mehdi Army fighters loyal to cleric Moqtada al-Sadr remain in control of streets of Basra, Iraq's second biggest city and main oil hub, defying a three-day government offensive that has led to violence spreading across the south and Baghdad.

One year after the US "surge" that sent 30,000 reinforcements to pacify Iraq, Al-Qaeda's insurgent fighters have largely been driven out of their former strongholds in Baghdad. In Mosul, however, the group is still a powerful force. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has ordered a "decisive battle" to recapture the northern city. On the streets, however, the US military is facing a protracted struggle.

At Seattle University, US collegians and amateurs battle for the Black Belt, symbol of mastery in the ancient Japanese sport of Judo.

The designers of soccer-playing robots are hoping to take on their human counterparts in a man-versus-machine World Cup in 2050. The speedy little machines displayed their skills at the recent World Cup of Robosoccer in San Francisco. A voiced report.

It is the decisive battle against the Army of the Evil Spirits.” Takeru induces the enemy into a trap and push them into the fortress. Takeshi leaps in front of Takeru and a fierce battle of two swordsmen begins. Takeru falls in trance by the power of Susano-Oh’s soul who struggles to revive. When Minakata tries to stop this battle, Takeru’s sword pierces his chest. Takeshi gets enraged at the death of his follow soldier. Takeru comes to himself, but he now has to take on vengeful attack of Minakata’s father. He loses the will to fight. He prepares for death. But, then, Himiko opens her spiritual barrier and takes him out to her domain.

Admiral Chester, Nimitz flies to Okinawa to view the costly progress which the US 10th Army is making. Wounded Americans limp past the graves of their comrades. Tremendous artillery bombardments answer the barrages which the Japanese lay down in an unsuccessful effort to stop the Yanks. GIs creep forward under cover of bazooka fire and flame-throwing tanks. High explosive grenades destroy Japanese defence caves. The advance continues over ridges and across valleys until finally Naha the ruined capital of Okinawa is entered.

Excitement mounted among Harry Potter fans worldwide Friday as the clock ticked down to the release of the last instalment of his adventures. With only hours to go before the 2301 GMT publication of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in most of the world, queues built up outside bookstores, bracing for a record demand for the seventh and final adventure. Images and soundbites from a bookshop in Bethesda, Maryland.

Turkey on Tuesday threatened a military incursion in northern Iraq as part of stepped up measures against Kurdish rebel bases there following the deaths of 15 soldiers in weekend attacks. Ankara says the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, enjoys free movement in northern Iraq and obtains weapons and explosives there for cross-border attacks. It has also accused Iraqi Kurds of tolerating and even supporting the rebels. This AFPTV report comes from a camp in northern Iraq where fighters of the HPB, the armed wing of the PKK, train.

The latest celebrity news including O.J. Simpson back in court for a preliminary hearing. Plus, attorneys for Britney and K-Fed battle it out and Michael Jackson celebrates "Thriller." John Russell reports.