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Tuesday

Obituaries

Former South African President Botha Dead at 90

P.W. Botha, who served as South Africa's last hard-line white president, has died at 90. Nicknamed "The Big Crocodile" for his belligerence and temper, Botha was the face of racist South Africa at the height of its anti-apartheid struggle.

Former South African President Botha Dead at 90

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U.S. Troop Fatalities in Iraq

October 31: Deadly Month Is Finally Over in Iraq

More than 100 members of the U.S. forces in Iraq were killed in October, making it the deadliest month for U.S. forces there since January 2005. Sectarian violence raged throughout the monthlong Ramadan, despite a beefed-up U.S. presence. This month, Vice President Cheney and others have objected to media coverage of the casualties.

October 31: Deadly Month Is Finally Over in Iraq

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Iraqi Security Collapses in Shiite Area; Troops Return

Hoping to stem the tide of sectarian violence, U.S. troops return to Saab al-Bur, a small Shiite town in a largely Sunni region. Last month, U.S. troops handed control of the area to Iraqi security forces. Within days, Saab al-Bur was engulfed in warfare and 90 percent of the residents fled.

Iraqi Security Collapses in Shiite Area; Troops Return

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Pakistanis Protest Attack on Muslim Academy

Thousands of Pakistani tribesmen protest an attack on a Muslim religious academy in Pakistan's Bajur district in Khar, where about 80 people were killed. The Pakistani military describes the attack as a strike on an al-Qaida hideout. Robert Siegel talks with David Montero, correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.

Pakistanis Protest Attack on Muslim Academy

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India's Plan to Kill Muslim Heightens Tension

India plans to hang Kashmiri Muslim Mohammed Afzal, who was convicted of indirect involvement in the attack on India's parliament in 2001 in a trial that was riddled with shortcomings. Much hinges on India's president, a Muslim, who is handling a plea for clemency.

India's Plan to Kill Muslim Heightens Tension

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North Korea Comes Back to the Table

North Korea agrees to return to suspended six-party talks, which could resume as soon as next month. A former ambassador to South Korea talks about the announcement and how it could affect U.S. policy and United Nations sanctions.

North Korea Comes Back to the Table

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North Korea's Nuclear Push

North Korea Agrees to Rejoin Nuclear Talks

North Korea will return to six-nation talks on nuclear disarmament, according to Chinese diplomats. The diplomatic breakthrough comes three weeks after North Korea conducted its first known atomic test.

North Korea Agrees to Rejoin Nuclear Talks

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An Month of Eventful Iraq News

More than 100 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq in October, making it the deadliest month of the war since Jan. 2005. It was also a month of significant political developments related to the War back in Washington.

An Month of Eventful Iraq News

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U.S. Troop Fatalities in Iraq

Drive for Security in Baghdad Fails to Bring Peace

Four months ago the U.S. decided that securing Baghdad was the key to securing Iraq. U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a massive effort to bring order and security to the capital. But the push to tame Baghdad hasn't succeeded. Violence continues across the city, with U.S. and Iraqi deaths growing.

Drive for Security in Baghdad Fails to Bring Peace

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Monday

National

Sounds of Old Cumbria, at a Phone Near You

A telephone helpline that plays callers the sounds of vacation in Cumbria (in the north of England) launched last week. It includes the sound of Lake Windermere lapping against a jetty, and the crisp crunch of leaves on a country walk. Robert Siegel and Melissa Block take a listen.

Sounds of Old Cumbria, at a Phone Near You

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Oaxaca Subdued, But Not for Long

Mexican government forces have cleared striking teachers out of the colonial city of Oaxaca, where protesters are planning new marches. Federal forces stormed Oaxaca over the weekend, ending a five-month occupation. But leftist supporters roamed the streets with sticks and gasoline bombs.

Oaxaca Subdued, But Not for Long

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U.S. Troop Fatalities in Iraq

In Iraq, October Death Toll Hits 101 for U.S. Forces

The U.S. military has announced the death of its 101st service member to die in Iraq this month. The number is the highest monthly death toll since January 2005. The grim milestone came as violence returned to Baghdad after a lull that followed the end of Ramadan.

In Iraq, October Death Toll Hits 101 for U.S. Forces

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Thousands of U.S.-Bought Weapons Lost in Iraq

The U.S. military can't account for thousands of weapons purchased to arm about 325,000 Iraqi security forces by December, according to a new report. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said last week that the U.S. military would beef up Iraqi forces' training. But the new data reveals weaknesses in the arming of Iraqi security forces.

Thousands of U.S.-Bought Weapons Lost in Iraq

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