Ali Abu Shish / Reuters
A woman walks among graves of members Shi'ite milita Mahdi Army at a cemetery in Najaf.

Waiting for a Shi'ite Civil War

The surge has tamped down sectarian violence, but armed Shi'ite factions are using the calm to maneuver for advantage in the south

Blogs

The Middle East Blog

The Debate Inside Iran

Rummaging through files for a story on Iran today, I came across some important remarks a month ago by Hasan Rowhani, a leading Iranian politician and former chief nuclear negotiator, that shed some light on the growing U.S.-Iran confrontation.

The China Blog

Death of a Triad Boss

Widespread media coverage in the weeks since Chen's death has given the public a glimpse into Taiwan's underworld and served as a reminder of the Bamboo Union's strength.

Photos

Standoff in Pakistan

Protesters take to the streets in Islamabad as security forces block a rally called by opposition leader Benazir Bhutto

Specials

The 10 Most Polluted Places on Earth

The Blacksmith Institute, a New York-based environment group, makes its annual pick of the most contaminated cities

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Aerospace: Air Apparent

With big plans and deep pockets, Dubai Aerospace aims to be the next major player in aeronautics

QUOTES OF THE DAY

Open quoteThese people are supposed to be providing health care service for the poor and they're ripping off the system to line their pockets. Close quote

  • Sen. NORM COLEMAN (R-Minn)
  • on the more than 30,000 Medicaid providers who owe $1 billion in back taxes and still receive federal payments for their services