Topic: U.S. Department of State

Iraq: No haven for ancient world's landmarks

At Nimrud, decay is accelerating for 3,000 years of history.

Drug violence in Mexico presents threat at US backdoor

At least 35 people were killed in 24 hours in the worst spate of bloodshed yet this year.

Is Iran prepared to undo 30 years of anti-Americanism?

As Obama spells out aims to engage with Iran, the Islamic Republic debates whether to step away from decades of hatred for the 'Great Satan.'

Pakistan releases nuclear scientist AQ Khan from house arrest

The scientist confessed in 2004 to selling Pakistan's nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya, and North Korea.

Air base flap reflects tension over US presence in Central Asia

But Pentagon officials say Kyrgyzstan's move to close a supply route won't impede operations in Afghanistan.

Kyrgyzstan parliament delays vote on US base closing

US State Department officials said the US could offer to pay the Kyrgyz government more for the base.

Shuttled home: Journalists' hope of US-Iran game dashed by denied visas

Iraqi vote expected to bolster Maliki

Early returns from Saturday's provincial polls suggest that the Shiite prime minister's Dawa Party will be the big winner.

Mitchell gets earful from Mideast

The din of Gaza followed Obama's Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, as he conducted a listening tour. Arab leaders wonder why their peace plan remains untouched.

Palestinian and Israeli exchanges shake Gaza cease-fire

A roadside bomb hits Israeli forces, and Israel responds with airstrike.

Three Cups of Tea

With Obama, what change for Mideast?

On Thursday he named George Mitchell as a special envoy, and he has already signaled that the US will reengage the region.

Confirmation hearings foreshadow future flash points between Obama, Congress

Most of the president-elect’s picks seem poised for easy votes – with a few exceptions.

Gaza: Israel under fire for alleged white phosphorus use

On Tuesday, the Israeli army denied using white phosphorus munitions. A Norwegian doctor claims Israel is using Gaza as a 'test laboratory for new weapons,' including Dense Inert Metal Explosives, or DIME.

USA

Opinion: An inside story of how the US magnified Palestinian suffering

The covert push to empower Fatah failed. And isolating Hamas just made things worse. But it's not too late to change course.

As war winds down, will Iraq's progress hold steady?

Violence has plummeted and US forces are pulling back, but the year ahead will test the staying power of gains throughout the country.

Piracy raises pressure for new international tack on Somalia

The world is not willing to allow this strategic nation to remain ungoverned. Can a coordinated effort create a stable government?

US opens world's largest foreign mission in Iraq

The $592 million, 104-acre compound that was dedicated in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone on Monday is meant to symbolize a long-term commitment to Iraq.

Opinion: Public diplomacy begins with you

To revive America's image in the world, we all must be citizen diplomats.

Opinion: India: Let Kashmir go

Resolving the disputed territory would benefit all.

Promoting peace in Afghanistan – with a lighter touch

A provincial reconstruction team's visit to a remote area underscores the challenges of winning hearts and minds.

World

Azerbaijan threatens to muzzle independent radio

Foreign licenses, such as the BBC's, could be yanked as Baku tilts away from the West.

Bush pushes Persian Gulf nuclear agreement

But critics say the US should go slowly on a deal that would help a crucial trading partner for Iran.