Several villages and swathes of forest have been destroyed, but officials say they are now on top of the situation.

BBC: Russia mobilises 240,000 to fight deadly wildfires

Press Secretary Scott McClellan denied that the air strike and the report were all part of a PR push to demonstrate that the administration is on top of the situation.

NPR: White House Updates National Security Strategy

Mr Berlusconi has also been excluded from a top-level meeting of French, German and British leaders on the situation in Afghanistan, ahead of the Ghent summit.

BBC: Italy stumbles on world stage

On Monday, Morsi met with members of the top judicial body, the Supreme Judicial Council, in an attempt to contain the situation.

NPR: Egypt's Opposing Parties Argue Over Judiciary