AP - Pakistan launched a much-awaited ground offensive in the al-Qaida and Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan early Saturday, officials told The Associated Press, the toughest test yet in the nuclear-armed U.S. ally's struggle against militants aiming to topple the state.

AP - The Obama administration plans to roll out a new policy toward Sudan with an eye toward engaging the government in Khartoum but also warning that continued violence in Darfur will result in penalties, U.S. officials said Friday.

AP - A couple who frantically told a 911 dispatcher their 6-year-old son had floated off in an inflatable balloon remain in the spotlight, but now it's for a series of bizarre TV interviews about the escapade, a previous 911 call and efforts to land a reality TV show gig.