Holbrooke: western Pakistan key to resolving Afghanistan war

The US special envoy told allies at the Brussels Forum that the Talibanization of the region was a top concern.

As US public sours on Afghanistan, Obama calls for 'exit strategy'

The president said the US cannot stay indefinitely.

Etc.

World

USA

Down on Motown

Not down on American drivers

A lesson from Charles Dickens

2,300 years later, 'Alexander-mania' grips Macedonia

Much to the anger of Greece, the ancient conqueror is making a big comeback in Macedonia – he's arriving just in time for Sunday's election.

Rio hopes small fixes will yield big drop in crime rate

The new mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has begun a zero-tolerance policy aimed at resuscitating one of the world's most crime-ridden cities.

Suicide case highlights stresses in Japan's Self-Defense Forces

Parents of a soldier say they pressed charges to prevent future abuses. The suicide rate has risen as the forces' role has expanded.

Gaza offensive: Israel confronts soldiers' testimony of excessive force

Israel's military prosecutor has launched a criminal investigation into the alleged deliberate killing of women, children, and elderly noncombatants.

Following the rockfall, Egyptian slum dwellers have little more than hope

A deadly rock slide last fall left many survivors unable to reclaim even the most meager of livelihoods.

Obama offers olive branch to Iran in new video

The president seeks 'new beginnings' with the Iranian people and leaders in a message marking the Iranian new year.

World

USA

Etc.

Hijab debate lifts veil on limits of Norway's tolerance

A Muslim woman's request to wear a hijab with her police uniform has sparked national controversy.

Latvia uses police to quash talk of economic collapse

EU leaders met in Brussels for a two-day summit on how to help struggling Eastern European economies, such as Latvia.

Meet the economic radical