KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Taliban militants beheaded seven policemen Friday after overrunning their checkpoints in southern Afghanistan, officials said, while in a separate clash, an Australian soldier and three civilians were killed.

Lebanon’s outgoing President Emile Lahoud asked the army to take control of the country’s security on Friday, after rival leaders failed to agree on his successor, creating a vacuum in the presidency from midnight.

Lebanon’s parliament failed on Friday to grasp its last chance to elect a head of state before pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud leaves office at midnight, creating a vacuum that many fear could lead to violence.