US, Taliban to start talks on ending Afghan war
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- The Taliban and the U.S. said Tuesday they will hold talks on finding a political solution to ending nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan, as the international coalition formally handed over control of the country's security to the Afghan army and police....

AP EXCLUSIVE: US war games send signal to Assad
ZARQA, Jordan (AP) -- Under the watchful eye of stern-faced American advisers, hundreds of U.S.-trained Jordanian commandos fanned across this dusty desert plain, holding war games that could eventually form the basis of an assault in Syria....

Cuban dissident: Repression forced family to flee
MIAMI (AP) -- One of several Cuban dissidents recently allowed to visit Europe and the U.S. after Cuba changed its travel laws said Tuesday she decided to seek refuge in Miami after facing continued repression on the island....

Syrian pound tumbles on US plans to arm rebels
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) -- Many exchange shops closed in Damascus on Tuesday, fearing more chaos a day after the Syrian currency plunged to a new record low, reflecting growing fears in the capital following a U.S. decision to arm rebel groups fighting to topple President Bashar Assad's regime....

A look at US-Taliban relations
Word that the Taliban and U.S. will hold formal talks to find a political solution to end nearly 12 years of war in Afghanistan comes after years of failed efforts at peace talks. A look at the evolution of U.S. relations with the Taliban:...

Fears of violence as Egypt nears June 30 protests
CAIRO (AP) -- Massive nationwide protests that Egypt's opposition plans for June 30 are taking on a dangerous edge....

Turkey's `standing man' launches new protest wave
ISTANBUL (AP) -- After weeks of sometimes violent confrontation with police, protesters in Turkey have found what could be a more potent form of resistance: standing still....

G-8 seeks unity on Syrian peace talks, tax evasion
ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (AP) -- President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other G-8 leaders attempted to speak with one voice Tuesday on seeking a negotiated Syrian peace settlement - yet couldn't publicly agree on whether this means President Bashar Assad must go....

Star-studded party for Israeli president's 90th
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israeli and global leaders, local celebrities and Hollywood superstars celebrated under one roof Tuesday to honor Israeli President Shimon Peres for his upcoming 90th birthday, reflecting world respect for one of the country's peace pioneers....

The ins and outs of G-8 summit promises
ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (AP) -- Group of Eight summit participants are powerful people: the leaders of the U.S., Russia, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Canada and Japan, plus top officials from the European Union. But they only make promises....