Topic: Diplomacy

Olmert to resign as Israeli prime minister

Ehud Olmert's announcement on Wednesday night to cede leadership in September could spur a party shake-up and a shakier peace process.

Kashmir border skirmishes raise India-Pakistan tensions

Pakistani forces allegedly shelled an Indian military post Wednesday, prompting renewed emphasis on peace talks.

Showdown over a Texas execution

The state plans to execute a Mexican national on Aug. 5, despite objections of the World Court.

World

Bombings may threaten India-Pakistan relations

Islamic militants claim to be targeting Indian cities to stoke communal tensions.

Palestinian hostilities flare in Gaza

Explosions and a Hamas-led crackdown on the rival Fatah Party has raised tensions to their highest levels since Hamas seized control of the Palestinian territory in 2007.

Former US official accuses Afghan government of stymying anti-opium efforts

Thomas Schweich charges that President Karzai is protecting drug traffickers within his power base, and says the US Defense Department and some NATO allies have also resisted antiopium efforts.

Leader's visit to help set U.S.-Pakistan priorities

Prime minister Gilani arrives at the White House Monday. Likely topics: counterterrorism and democratic stability.

Delay in U.S. arms sale to Taiwan stirs concerns

Taiwanese officials maintain the postponement is motivated by a US desire to secure China's cooperation in tackling North Korea and Iran.

In Sudan, stability or civil war?

The answer can be found in the dusty village of Abyei.

Obama and McCain diverge on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Obama likely to return US to role of 'honest broker.' McCain sees fighting Islamic extremists as paramount.

Islamic insurgents target foreign aid workers in Somalia

As the violence escalates, observers warn of famine and the worst humanitarian crisis on the African continent.

Obama and McCain diverge on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Obama likely to return US to role of 'honest broker.' McCain sees fighting Islamic extremists as paramount.

Hezbollah's formidable weapons arsenal under fresh scrutiny

Lebanon's new government is slated to review the militant Shiite party's weapons as part of a national defense strategy once it takes office. The prisoner swap with Israel has given Hezbollah new leverage.

U.S. shifts tack on Iran with decision to send envoy to nuclear talks

The US also hopes to establish a diplomatic presence in Tehran for the first time in 30 years, according to the Guardian newspaper.

World

For Darfur, a step toward justice?

Critics say The International Criminal Court's move Monday to indict Sudan's president for war crimes may hamper peace.

U.S. and Iraq near a 'bridge' deal on status of U.S. troops

By the end of July, they hope to finalize a deal that would map out the role and "time horizon" for US troops in the country.

Shebaa Farms: key to stability?

Claimed by Lebanon and occupied by Israel, it will get new attention as the two countries' last remaining major dispute if a Hezbollah-Israeli prisoner swap is successful.

U.S., Russia revert to cold-war rhetoric over missile-defense plan

Russia says that the proposed US defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, an initial agreement for which was inked this week, is targeting Russia, not rogue states.

World

Iran hints at nuclear talk progress, but world still wary of possible conflict

Optimistic comments from the Iranian foreign minister suggest that an accord with West may yet be reached.

Will the U.S. open an office in Iran?

Secretary Rice has floated the idea of an interests-section office – a step down from an embassy.

Could North Korea still make nukes?

Destruction of its nuclear cooling tower was important but largely symbolic.

Reality check on Middle East talks

Motivation is there, but peace will take time.