NATO backs Taliban talks: Sign of a shift in Afghanistan war?

Health-care reform: US judge allows Florida's challenge to Obama

Saying opponents of President Obama's health care reform law 'have most definitely stated a plausible claim,' a federal judge in Florida allows the key elements of the lawsuit to proceed.

Chile mine rescue spurred unprecedented global coordination

Mining and engineering experts were welcomed from around the world to assist in the Chile mine rescue.

• Chile mine rescue a PR coup for Chile – and President Piñera
• Five things Chile miners will have to tackle next

Linking teachers and student test scores gains some momentum

The use of student test scores in teacher evaluations has been controversial in some places, but a number of school districts are going ahead with the idea.

On Israel's doorstep, Ahmadinejad hurls taunts across the Lebanese border

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today visited two south Lebanon towns that previously saw clashes between the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and Israel.

• Centuries-old ties anchor Ahmadinejad tour of south Lebanon

What Pakistan wants: US aid

Flow of US aid and presence of its troops serve Pakistan's long-range aim of thwarting its archenemy, India.

Are the Taliban really ready for peace talks in Afghanistan?

Despite the Afghan government’s declaration that the Taliban is ready for official peace talks, Taliban statements have indicated otherwise, underscoring the difficulty of dealing with a multifaceted insurgency.

Democratic leader says GOP campaign cash threatens Watergate reforms

Democratic National Committee chair Tim Kaine criticized the GOP for relying on anonymous donations. The source of funds for campaign ads should be disclosed, Kaine said.

• Democratic chairman 'not wild' about Joe Manchin for Senate ad

Commonwealth Games closing ceremony includes a game of tag – and lots of security

The closing ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games began Thursday in spectacular fashion at the Indian capital's Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

Top North Korea defector Hwang Jang-yop eulogized as a hero in South Korea

Hwang Jang-yop, the highest-ranking North Korean defector, was eulogized as a hero by South Korean conservatives Thursday after his passing on Sunday.

China applauds Chile mine rescue, avoids awkward safety comparisons

China's state-controlled media rejoiced in the Chile mine rescue while avoiding the fact that 2,631 Chinese miners died last year, according to official figures.

Iraqi police say they're not all the US claims them to be

While US troops have touted the progress made by Iraqi police in the past few years, the units themselves face daunting hurdles – including a 'trust gap' between them and residents.

Stock market going up. Sign of better times ahead?

Since March 2009, the Standard & Poor's average has rebounded 76 percent, and the stock market could be getting ready for more gains in the months ahead.

Falcon Lake 'pirate' murder: Is beheading 'message to the Americans'?

The beheading of a Mexican detective investigating the shooting of American David Hartley on Falcon Lake raises the stakes for both the US and Mexico. The Hartley probe appeared to be narrowing to two alleged members of the Zeta cartel.