Royal Navy – HMS Illustrious and escorts passed through the Suez Canal Monday.

• Associated Press:
  British aircraft carrier to meet other Royal Navy ships now in Persian Gulf waters

US Navy – The USS Essex amphibious ready group has sailed from Japan.

• Sunday Times: SAS troops clash with Taliban unit deep inside Afghanistan

Background – The US will use former Soviet bases in the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

• Daily Telegraph: Americans tighten the noose

Background – Is Iraq the true target?

• Stratfor: U.S. May Be Refocusing on Iraq