State Department: Direct Talks With North Korea by Year’s End

State Department: Direct Talks with North Korea by Year’s End | Unclear what impact meeting will have on six party talks

At Least 34 Killed in Pakistan Market Blast

At Least 34 Killed in Pakistan Market Blast | Third attack in two days in and around Peshawar

White House Insists No Decision Made on Afghanistan

White House Insists No Decision Made on Afghanistan | Officials claim escalation to start in January

Iraq’s Election Law Sidesteps Kirkuk Question

Iraq’s Election Law Sidesteps Kirkuk Question | Future battles over disputed city expected

Yemeni Rebels Claim Downing of Warplane as Strikes Continue

Yemeni Rebels Claim Downing of Warplane as Strikes Continue | Video released of captured Saudi soldier

Envoy: US to Give Iran ‘Space’ to Mull Uranium Deal

Envoy: US to Give Iran ‘Space’ to Mull Uranium Deal | US still expresses hope for ultimate approval

US ‘Hikers’ Face Espionage Charges in Iran

US ‘Hikers’ Face Espionage Charges in Iran | White House demands release of detainees

Fort Hood Shooting Renews Anti-Muslim Vitriol the World Over

Fort Hood Shooting Renews Anti-Muslim Vitriol the World Over | Aussie MP says Muslims shouldn’t be allowed to serve in military

Netanyahu Scrambles to Assure Obama He Is Serious About Peace Process

Netanyahu Scrambles to Assure Obama He Is Serious About Peace Process | Palestinians tear down section of refugee camp wall in act of defiance

Palestinians May Formally Abandon Peace Process

Palestinians May Formally Abandon Peace Process | Threat to dissolve PA aimed at pressing US