Obama's Afghanistan War Is Different

So far, so good in the first major offensive of President Barack Obama's war in Afghanistan. For the past four days, 4,000 U.S. Marines and 650 Afghan soldiers have been fighting their way into the southern reaches of Afghanistan's Helmand River Valley, hoping to clear out insurgents there.

Child Rituals Rising In Nigeria

Nigeria – Child abduction for ritual killings is on the rise in the Nigerian city of Kano, say officials and advocacy groups who blame the trend on greed for political power and quick wealth in this northern commercial center.

UK Spy Chief's Family Details Posted On Facebook

LONDON – Photos and family details about the newly appointed head of Britain's international spy agency have been removed from a social networking Web site.

NFL Quarterback Steve McNair Killed: U.S. SPORTS

U.S. SPORTS - Steve McNair, who led the famous Tennessee Titans' drive that came a yard short of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman also shot dead in a downtown condominium.

U.S. Soldier Boyd, Who Fought In Pink Boxers Home

U.S. - The soldier Zachary Boyd, who was photographed fighting the Taliban in his pink boxer shorts said Saturday he was glad to be back home in Texas after his yearlong deployment to Afghanistan — especially for the Fourth of July.

Sarah Palin Uses Web For Political Message

U.S. - Sarah Palin didn't wait long to give some hint of what her political life might look like after she leaves office at the end of the month. After staying out of the public eye for most of Saturday, a day after abruptly announcing she would soon give up her job as governor, Palin indicated on a social networking site that she would take on a larger, national role, citing a "higher calling" to unite the country along conservative lines.

Michael Jackson Adviser Dr. Tohme Takes Center Stage

Dr. Tohme Tohme vividly remembers the first time he met with Michael Jackson to discuss the pop star's finances. It's not the money talk that stays with him now, but his enchantment at entering Jackson's world of love.

Obama's Trip To Reshape United States Image

Determined to change the way the world views the United States, Barack Obama is onto his next foreign mission: rebuilding relations with Russia, proving to global leaders that America is serious about climate change, and outlining his vision for Africa, his father's birthplace.

Vatican Runs Deficit Amid Economic Crisis

The Vatican said Saturday it ran a deficit in 2008 as its finances and donations from across the world were hit by the global economic crisis. The Vatican posted a budget deficit for a second straight year, though the figures improved strongly from 2007. The Holy See's 2008 deficit was around euro0.9 million ($1.28 million), compared with a loss of euro9.06 million a year earlier.

Chronology Of North Korea's Missile Program

Developments in North Korea's missile program:

Jackson Kids Face Trauma With His Death

No matter how unusual their lives may have been so far, Michael Jackson's children now face a universal trauma felt by all kids who suddenly lose a parent. How the three young Jacksons fare is up to the remaining adults in their lives and whether they can create a sense of stability and security for the grieving youngsters, mental health experts say.

Gordon Brown Considers Myanmar Sanctions

U.K. - Gordon Brown raised the prospect Saturday of further sanctions against Myanmar following UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's fruitless visit to the military regime.