No definitive estimate exists on the number of Iraqi civilians who have died from violence, largely because of the politically charged nature of the war.

Despite their deep economic ties, animosity between China and Japan periodically resurfaces over territorial, historical, and economic disputes.

Party caucuses, which date to the 1800s, have declined in importance but they could be decisive in choosing the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate.

The reliance on unmanned drones to target terror suspects in Pakistan has been quietly lauded by U.S. officials. But the covert program, which has so far gotten little public scrutiny, is facing moun…