Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced official beginning of new security plan Wednesday

Officials say delay caused by dispute concerning power-sharing deal Fatah, Hamas signed last week in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Spanish authorities believe al-Qaida was behind attack, which destroyed four packed commuter trains in Madrid's main station on March 11, 2004

Nuclear weapons deal reached this week in Beijing has provided momentum for North Korea, South Korea to resume high-level contacts

Debate comes before new report is to be issued on Iran's compliance with UN resolutions on its nuclear program

Leaders discuss increasing violence in Afghanistan during London talks

More than 30 African heads of state are in Cannes, France, for biennial summit aimed at strengthening France's relations with Africa

In Senegal, homosexuality is considered a moral crime punishable by up to five years in prison and $3,000 fine

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke tells Senate committee that, while US economic growth is moderating, inflationary pressures have receded

Same stone tools are used by chimps today, raising possibility that humans and apes derive from common ancestor