In Brief

U.S. declares Iraq security pact final

BAGHDAD: The U.S. responded yesterday to Iraqi proposals for changes in the draft security pact that would keep American troops here for three more years, saying it now considers the text final and it is up to Iraq's government to push the process to approval. U.S. and Iraqi officials would not release details of Washington's response, which was contained in a letter from President Bush to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. But a senior Iraqi official familiar with the negotiations said Washington accepted some proposals and rejected others, presumably an Iraqi demand for expanded legal authority over American troops and Defense Department contractors. The official would not elaborate and spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. Iraqi lawmakers have said the demanded changes are essential to winning parliament's approval before the Dec. 31 deadline, when the U.N. mandate for the U.S.-led coalition expires. Without an agreement or a new mandate, the U.S. would have to suspend all military operations in Iraq.

$300 million gift to Univ. of Chicago

CHICAGO: An alumnus has given the University of Chicago one of the largest college donations ever: $300 million. Dean Edward Snyder said yesterday that the unrestricted gift to the business school from David G. Booth and his family is "historic." Booth is the chairman and CEO of the asset management firm Dimensional Fund Advisors. He earned his master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1971. Officials say the school will be renamed the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in his family's honor.

At least 19 die in Pakistan attacks

KHAR, Pakistan: Two suicide bombers attacked pro-government tribesmen and security forces yesterday in Pakistan's volatile northwest, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens, officials said. The separate attacks came in a region where the Pakistani military has clashed for months with Islamic insurgents allied with Taliban and al-Qaida militants who are involved in attacks on American and NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan.

Algerians challenge 7-year detention