U.S. Marines launch key operation in south Afghanistan - SORKHDOZ, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Thousands of U.S. Marines stormed deep into Taliban territory in an Afghan valley on Thursday, marking the start of a major new effort by the Obama administration to regain the initiative in the war.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:48:49 -0400

Interim Honduras government says open to early election - TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - An interim government set up after a military coup in Honduras said on Thursday it would be open to bringing forward a November general election to resolve a crisis over the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:33:01 -0400

U.N.'s Ban to urge Myanmar leader to free prisoners - SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has a rare meeting with Myanmar's top general on Friday where he will urge the secretive leader to free all political prisoners and ensure next year's elections are credible.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:54:40 -0400

Iran hardliners urge legal action against Mousavi - TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian hardliners pressed on Thursday for legal action against moderate leaders accused of inciting post-election turmoil that has dimmed Western hopes of engaging Tehran on its disputed nuclear program.

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:16:15 -0400

U.S. declares Iraq-based group foreign terrorist organization - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Thursday said it has declared Kata'ib Hizballah a foreign terrorist organization, saying the group is linked to Lebanon's Hezbollah and has posed a threat to stability in Iraq.