Here in the United States, a California-born man has become the first American charged with treason since the Second World War. Adam Gadahn, a fugitive believed to be in Pakistan, was charged over his appearance in five al-Qaeda videos over the last two years.

• Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty: “Mr. Gadahn is being added to the FBI most wanted terrorist list and a reward is being issued for any information leading to his arrest.”

Gadahn’s charges carry a maximum sentence of the death penalty. Justice Department officials are denying accusations the case has been timed to deflect attention from the Mark Foley scandal ahead of the November elections.