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Teacher convicted for insulting Islam

A Sudanese court convicted a British teacher Thursday of insulting Islam for letting her students name a teddy bear Muhammad and sentenced her to 15 days in prison, avoiding a heavier punishment of 40 lashes. The teacher wept in court, insisting she never meant to offend.

Musharraf Pledges to End Emergency Rule

Pervez Musharraf, newly sworn in as a civilian president and minus his trademark general's uniform, promised Thursday to lift the state of emergency by Dec. 16 and restore Pakistan's constitution ahead of parliamentary elections.

Teacher Convicted in Teddy Bear Case

U.S. Over-Counted Iraqi Volunteer Guards

The American military discovered there are fewer Iraqi civilians serving as volunteer guards in their home areas than it had thought, saying accounting mistakes had inflated the number by thousands.

NZealand Questions Top Cyber Suspect

Police questioned the suspected teenage kingpin of an international cyber crime network accused of infiltrating 1.3 million computers and skimming millions of dollars from victims' bank accounts, officials said.

In Iraq, U.S. shifts its tone on Iran

Officials have backed off the accusations of arms smuggling and agreed to talk. It could be each side needs the other.

Briton in Islam Insult Case Leaves Sudan

A British teacher jailed for insulting Islam after allowing her students to name a teddy bear Muhammad flew home Monday following a pardon by the president of Sudan, a British Embassy spokesman said.

Suicide Bomber Kills 4 in Afghanistan

A suicide bomber blew himself up next to a police patrol in southwestern Afghanistan on Monday, killing four people including two policemen, an official said.

Gates Makes Third Trip to Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday began his third trip to Afghanistan since becoming the Pentagon chief a year ago, visiting the country at a time when Afghans are becoming increasingly critical of US military efforts in the country.

Israel Releases 429 Palestinian Captives

Tearful friends and relatives, some cheering or waving flags, welcomed 429 Palestinian prisoners after their early release by Israel on Monday in a gesture meant to strengthen moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.