BAGHDAD Concern over upcoming elections and widening tensions among Iraq's religious and ethnic groups appear behind the U.S. military's recommendation to put the brakes on withdrawing more American troops from Iraq despite improvements in security. ... (Today)

VIENNA, Austria -- The United States gained key international backing yesterday for a bitterly contested plan to sell peaceful nuclear technology to India -- a South Asia powerhouse that has tested atomic weapons but has refused to sign global nonproliferation accords. ... (Today)

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The election of the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to the presidency marked an emotional moment yesterday for the slain leader's supporters, but many Pakistanis wondered whether Asif Ali Zardari successfully could tackle the country's problems. ... (Today)

COROICO, Bolivia -- Benito Cocarico admits that some of the coca leaves he grows to sell as tea and a traditional pick-me-up are channeled off into the broad stream of the global cocaine trade. ... (Today)

The Iraqi government is considering a multimillion-dollar purchase of Lockheed Martin F-16s as it moves toward strengthening its military and rebuilding its anemic air force to prepare for an eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces. ... (Today)