The changing dynamics in Iraq have posed a challenge for Barack Obama, who said Thursday that he might ?refine? his policies but later held a second news conference to clarify his first statement.
The Colombian military duped FARC guerrillas in a raid that freed 15 hostages, an action that some analysts suggested might help push the rebels to negotiate for peace.
For Michael E. O?Neill, who helped steer recent Supreme Court nominations through the confirmation process, there are signs that his nomination might be a difficult one as well.
AP - The White House said Thursday that dangerous detainees at Guantanamo Bay could end up walking Main Street U.S.A. as a result of last month's Supreme Court ruling about detainees' legal rights. Federal appeals courts, however, have indicated they have no intention of letting that happen.
AP - Democrat Barack Obama struggled Thursday to explain how his upcoming trip to Iraq might refine, but not basically alter, his promise to quickly remove U.S. combat troops from the war.
AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Thursday that a shake-up in the leadership of his campaign was part of a "natural evolution" as the organization becomes more national in scope.
The woman known as "Sister Green" to her fellow church members was remembered Thursday as a "beautiful person" with "a good heart." But a friend said Esmin Green was struggling with personal issues before she was taken to King County Hospital in Brooklyn. There she collapsed and died on the floor, seemingly ignored by hospital staff.
The agents posed as guerrillas to infiltrate the rebel camp. Months later, they had enough power to order 15 hostages marched through the jungle to rendezvous with a helicopter, ostensibly to meet international figures. They spoke in code with the pilot and persuaded the real rebels to hand over their guns. Only then did an agent reveal his daring mission.
The uncle of a 12-year-old Vermont girl whose body was found yesterday faces kidnapping charges, a prosecutor says. Brooke Bennett's uncle, who could face the death penalty if convicted even without more charges, was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting another child who told police she was recruited into a sex ring, court papers say.