Syria eyes an edge amid Russia-U.S. rift

Damascus is seeking an arms deal with Moscow, a move that would bolster its position in the Middle East.

Sri Lanka advances on rebel base

While the military is making gains on the Tamil Tigers, it could become mired in guerrilla attacks.

Russia's case on Georgia territories: Like Kosovo or not?

Tuesday, after invoking Kosovo to recognize two separatist republics, Russia changed its tack.

In Congo, a new twist on 'blood diamonds'

Warring militias are stealing cows to perpetuate a conflict sparked by spillover from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Pirates help fund Somali warlords

Gunmen hijacked four ship within 48 hours last week. Cash retrieved from ransoms is paying for weapons and salaries of fighters on both sides of Somalia's conflict.

Malaysia's top opposition figure makes a comeback

Anwar Ibrahim retook his parliament seat Tuesday. His goal: topple the government.

A summer camp for political dissenters in Israel

At Alternative Camp, draft dodgers and declared conscientious objectors hope to develop a new generation of young Israelis who refuse to fight.

Power struggle rages in Pakistan

Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari – the two leaders of the ruling coalition that split Monday – will battle for influence in next week's presidential election.

Russia maintains pressure with recognition of Georgian territories

Medvedev approved the move a day after parliament voted unanimously in favor of it.

Reporters on the Job

Petrodollars fail to help ordinary Iraqis

Residents complain that the Iraqi government is focusing on cosmetic changes while the US Army funds reconstruction initiatives.

Basra gains revive talk of British exit

The British role in the southern Iraqi oil city, once lorded over by Mahdi Army militiamen and criminal gangs, may end in early 2009 if new security gains take hold.

Township youths tackle South Africa's 'white sport': rugby

In the black Johannesburg township of Diepsloot, one volunteer coach is teaching children the basics of rugby.

North Korea threatens to renew nuclear program

Washington wants to verify that disarmament is underway, but Pyongyang says that further inspections would undermine its sovereignty.

Russia's gains in Georgia may leave it more isolated

In the coming weeks, the West will be shaping a long-term response to what many see as Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's bid to change the post-cold-war world.

Reporters on the Job

Bush struggles with legacy on Mideast peace

Ms. Rice concludes a one-day trip to the region Monday. Her 22 visits have netted little progress.

Behind checkpoints, a look at Russian actions in Georgia

Our correspondent describes a tour led by Kremlin press attaché SashaMechevsky through Russian-controlled villages and the South Ossetian capitalof Tskhinvali.

Reporters on the Job

Sudanese forces amass again at Darfur camp after deadly raid

Dozens died in the Kalma refugee settlement Monday when government forces attacked, claiming to search for smuggled weapons.

Pakistan bans Taliban outfit amidst military campaign

More than 300,000 people have fled their homes as fighting worsens between security forces and militants.

Sudanese: 'What Arab-African rift?'

In Sudan's Arab north, Arabs marry, go to school, and work side by side with Africans from Darfur. The divide portrayed in the West means little to people here.

Why Georgia is not start of 'Cold War II'

Despite tensions over missile deals and NATO expansion, the West's ties with Russia are far more nuanced than in Soviet days.

Amid Russia-Georgia standoff, iconic photo of 1968 Soviet invasion

Ladislav Bielik's iconic image of a Slovak baring his chest to the barrel of a Soviet tank is part of a commemorative exhibit 40 years ago to the day.

Yemen confronts plight of child brides

Widespread poverty and deep-rooted tradition keep young girls at risk for early marriage.

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