BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities imposed vehicle bans in two mostly Christian towns and are increasing security around churches in Baghdad after attacks targeted the Christian minority.

The measures follow a series of bombings in or near churches that killed at least four people Sunday. One attack happened as worshippers were leaving Mass in eastern Baghdad.

Fearing car bombs, authorities today imposed vehicle bans in the towns of Tilkaif and Hamdaniyah, predominantly Christian towns near the northern city of Mosul.

Iraq's Christians have often been targeted by Islamic extremists, and many have fled the country despite an overall drop in violence in the past two years.

TOKYO — Japan's struggling prime minister decided today to dissolve parliament and hold national elections next month, following a crushing defeat for his party in a Tokyo municipal election seen as a barometer of voter sentiment.With the opposition surging in popularity, it appeared increasingly likely it could take power after 50 years of almost exclusive rule by Prime Minister Taro Aso's Liberal Democratic Party.Aso told leaders of his party he would likely dissolve the powerful lower house of the legislature next week, with a general election to be held on Aug. 30, according to a party spokesman.The emboldened opposition, led by the rising Democratic Party of Japan, added to his headaches today by submitting to parliament a no-confidence motion, said party spokesman Toshiaki Oikawa. The motion was expected to have little real effect other than to embarrass the administration and delay discussions on pending bills.

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer, a news report said today, days after fresh images of him looking gaunt spurred speculation his health was worsening following a reported stroke last year.Kim, 67, was diagnosed with the cancer around the time he was felled by the stroke last summer, Seoul's YTN television reported, citing unidentified intelligence officials in South Korea and China.The report cited the officials saying the disease is "threatening" Kim's life.Pancreatic cancer is usually only discovered in its final stage, and considering Kim's age, he is expected to live no more than five years, the report said.