National
IRAN
Never in the modern history of relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia have both countries experienced this level of improper public display exploiting the annoyance both have of each other's policies. The harshest attack was published few days ago on al-Arabiya Web site (Saudi-owned) in which an unnamed Saudi official castigated the Syrian leadership and in particular Syrian Vice President Farouq al-Shara'a who, two days earlier, had his own cacophonous words berate the Saudis.
BAGHDAD (AP) — A roadside bomb killed a governor in southern Iraq yesterday, the second provincial boss assassinated in nine days and a likely prelude to an even more brutal contest among rival Shi'ite militias battling for control of some of Iraq's main oil regions.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — The leaders of Russia, China and Iran yesterday said Central Asia should be left alone to manage its stability and security — an apparent warning to the United States to avoid interfering in the strategic, resource-rich region.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — When the presidents of 10 countries gather today to map out their strategy for the security of Central Asia, there will be one major player conspicuously missing: the United States.
GHAZNI, Afghanistan (AP) Taliban leaders and South Korean officials negotiated by phone over the fate of 19 remaining hostages, but no new face-to-face talks had been planned, the International Committee of the Red Cross said today.
CAIRO (AP) — The United States is on a concerted campaign to discourage foreign energy companies from doing business in Iran. But analysts say Iran's investment woes are its own fault — it could dodge international pressure and attract more foreign money by simply offering better deals.
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