SNAPSHOTS

Liberals boycott picking Egypt constitution panel: Egypt’s march to democracy hit another obstacle Tuesday when liberals boycotted a parliament session called to name members of a panel to draw up a new constitution, complaining that Islamists are trying to dominate the process. A new constitution is key to Egypt’s turbulent transition to democratic rule after decades of authoritarian regimes.

Chavez launches reelection bid: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez officially launched his re-election bid Monday, registering his candidacy amid a throng of supporters in Caracas. The event was one of the largest rallies since Chavez, 57, announced he was battling cancer almost a year ago.

Jamaican agents seize cocaine hidden inside Xbox: Jamaican authorities have seized 24 pounds of cocaine concealed inside the shell of an Xbox. The cocaine was discovered at Kingston’s airport after customs officers scanned and searched a Guyanese traveler’s bag. Officials said the man acknowledged he was paid $5 million to transport the drugs.

Emirates panel takes swipe at ‘immodest’ outfits: The main public advisory body in the United Arab Emirates says it will push for stronger measures to discourage revealing clothing worn by tourists and others in the Gulf’s most socially liberal country. Some members of the Federal National Council have urged for airport fliers and other publicity campaigns to encourage less flesh-showing in public.