Taiwan's military fires an 8 inch Howitzer canon during an exercise Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, on the island of Kinmen, just over a mile off the coast of China. The exercise comes just days before a visit from Chen Yunlin, the most senior level Chinese envoy to visit the island since the 1949 civil war with the mainland. Chen is the chairman of China's ARATS, Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait.
Taking Control
Members of the Iraqi army take part in a transfer ceremony held in Kut city, 100 miles southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The U.S. military handed over security responsibilities for the southern province of Wasit to Iraqi authorities, signaling the growing capabilities of Iraq's fledgling security forces. Wasit province is the 13th of Iraq's 18 provinces to return to full government control.
Pakistan Quake
Pakistani villagers are seen near their houses damaged by the earthquake in Ziarat, about 81 miles, south of Quetta, Pakistan, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck before dawn Wednesday in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 150 people, injuring scores more and leaving an estimated 15,000 homeless.
Wipeout
Riders fall on a dusty road during the 6th stage of the 22nd Tour du Faso cycling race between Laye and Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The Tour du Faso is the major cycling meeting on the riding calendar on the African continent.
Big Pane
Employee Enrico Kunert handles flat glass panels in the solar glass factory Glasmanufaktur, of glass manufacturer Brandenburg GmbH in Tschernitz, south of Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The company, which used to produce TV glass at the factory for Korea's Samsung, is trying to make a comeback as a supplier for the solar energy industry.
October Surprise
A cow grazes in a snow-covered pasture in East Montpelier, Vt., on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. More snow and wind is in the forecast for Vermont Wednesday as a storm works its way through the northern part of the state.
Turkey Day
The Ottoman era Mecidiye mosque and the Bosporus Bridge are illuminated in Istanbul, Turkey, late Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, during a celebration to mark the 85th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
Fantastic Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard is sprayed with champagne during celebrations in the team's locker room after Game 5 of the baseball World Series in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to win the series.