(Al Jazeera English News Headlines: October 18, 2010) Strikes over pension reform have turned violent in France, where blockades are also causing major fuel shortages. Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is seeking political support in a trip to Iran. Indonesian soldiers face claims of torture after an assault on villages was caught on videotape. The northern Philippines have been struck by a major typhoon. The UN warns that the earth's biodiversity is at risk due to pollution and destruction of habitat. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev bestowed top state honors upon the Russian spies deported from the U.S. in July.

(Al Jazeera English News Headlines: October 18, 2010) Strikes over pension reform have turned violent in France, where blockades are also causing major fuel shortages. Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is seeking political support in a trip to Iran. Indonesian soldiers face claims of torture after an assault on villages was caught on videotape. The northern Philippines have been struck by a major typhoon. The UN warns that the earth's biodiversity is at risk due to pollution and destruction of habitat. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev bestowed top state honors upon the Russian spies deported from the U.S. in July.