Iraqi Parliament at impasse over forming new government

Iraq's new Parliament deadlocked less than two hours into its first session on Tuesday when minority Sunnis and Kurds walked out, dashing hopes for the quick formation of a new government that could hold the country together in the face of a Sunni Islamist insurgency.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

$45m brings home a Bacon

Artist's triptych of lover star of the show at packed London auction house

Chinese woman's triumph on Qomolangma recognized

Nepal has recognized a Chinese mountaineer who reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma this season, a tourism ministry official said on Tuesday, despite controversy over her use of a helicopter during the ascent.

Report: NSA has virtual blank check

193 countries listed as 'valid' targets of interest for US intelligence agency

Turkey opposes Kurdish split from Iraq

The Turkish government said on Monday that it was against Iraq's Kurdistan region splitting away from Baghdad, after Sunni militants seized a vast swathe of territory in Turkey's conflict-torn neighbor.

Pakistan begins ground offensive against Taliban

Pakistan's military launched a ground assault in the North Waziristan tribal area on Monday, beginning a new phase in its offensive against Taliban militants after nearly half a million civilians fled the fighting.

France hopeful for India defence deals

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Monday he expected progress on a $12 billion deal to sell fighter jets to India, setting his hopes on changes promised by the newly installed government.

National outrage over lawmaker's 'rape' threat

An Indian lawmaker faced calls to quit on Tuesday after he was captured on video threatening the rape of his political rivals' relatives.

Israel finds missing teens' bodies

Jerusalem vows to make Hamas pay, hits Gaza targets with airstrikes

Israel's account of kidnapping challenged

While Israel has blamed Hamas for the deaths of three Israeli teens, it has so far not produced any evidence to back up its claims. Hamas has not accepted responsibility for the teens' disappearance and dismissed the Israeli allegations as "stupid".

Ukraine launches attacks on rebels

Ukrainian government forces launched airstrikes and artillery assaults on separatist rebels in the country's eastern regions on Tuesday, a military spokesman said, after President Petro Poroshenko announced he would not renew a cease-fire.