Whether and how to negotiate peace with the Taliban has become the one issue no candidate in the Afghan presidential election can avoid taking a stand on.

A Russian ship freed the Arctic Sea’s 15 crewmembers, arresting eight hijackers without firing a shot, Russia’s defense minister said on Tuesday.

Brazil is seeking to reduce its cooperation with foreign oil companies to more directly control extraction.

Gen. Ray Odierno said that releasing members of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, which is believed responsible for attacks that have killed Americans, is a step toward reconciliation.

The State Department is turning to radio and cellphones in a counterpropaganda effort against the Taliban.

A fire at a wedding tent killed at least 41 women and children and injured 76 others, the authorities said.

A shootout at a mosque in Rafah between Hamas security men and a group called the Warriors of God ended Saturday with 22 dead.

A struggle for land, resources and control along a northern strip is threatening hopes of unity among Iraq’s disparate factions.

Mir Hussein Moussavi said in a statement on his Web site that the new network would promote democracy and adherence to the law.

Senator Jim Webb’s office said he secured the release of John Yettaw, who was sentenced to prison in Myanmar.