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NATO resists push for Russia penalties

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana at a working lunch at the Hilton Hotel in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday. NATO cannot maintain its usual working relationship with Russia as long as Russian troops remain in strength in Georgia, the alliance's foreign ministers agreed at an emergency meeting.NATO pulled its punches against Russia on Tuesday, suspending formal contacts as punishment for the Georgia invasion but bucking U.S. pressure for more severe penalties.



World Blog: Hangover to follow China's party?

Violence flares after Musharraf resigns

Shiite Muslims carry the body of a relative killed in a suicide bombing outside the emergency gate of a hospital in Pakistan's volatile northwest.Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition met Tuesday to discuss who should succeed Pervez Musharraf as president, while a bombing outside a hospital and clashes with militants killed dozens.



Mexico church assailed for maligning miniskirt
The Roman Catholic Church warned women that if they wear skimpy clothing, they could provoke sexual violence. But the warning provoked outrage from women's rights advocates.
Typhoon Nuri dumps rains in Philippines
A powerful typhoon packing winds of 87 mph battered the northern Philippines with heavy rains Wednesday, closing schools and putting authorities on alert for flash floods and landslides.
Polish Cabinet approves U.S. missile deal
Poland's government gave formal approval to a missile defense deal with the U.S. on Tuesday before a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the deputy prime minister said.
Zambia's president dead at 59

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa's death on Tuesday leaves a power vaccum in the African country.Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa died in a French hospital Tuesday at 59, nearly two months after he was hospitalized for a stroke, the country's vice president said.



A glimpse into ancient China



Dead man stands throughout 3-day wake

The body of Angel Pantoja Medina, left, stands leaning against a wall during his wake at his mother's home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday.A Puerto Rican man has been granted his wish to remain standing — even in death.



Report: Iran to build more nuke plants
Iran is preparing to build more nuclear power plants, Iran's official news agency said on Tuesday.
Priest back in Brazil after U.S. sex claim
A priest has gone to his native Brazil after being accused of sexual assault of a minor in the U.S., church officials said.
German dogs to sniff our rare species
Two dogs have been assigned to the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, to sniff out animals and, plants, or  remains of them. They are part of an effort to stop the illegal but lucrative trade in rare species.