DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The lifting of crippling international sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear program and the flurry of diplomacy that led to the release of Americans held by Tehran suggests a new era could be dawning. But anyone hoping for rapid change is likely to be disappointed. President …

GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AP) – Mohammed Saad, a Syrian activist, was imprisoned by the Islamic State group, hung by his arms and beaten regularly. Then one day, his jailors quickly pulled him and other prisoners down and hid them in a bathroom. The reason? A senior Muslim cleric was visiting to …

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) – In the wake of a weekend attack that left up to 32 dead, security was beefed up across Burkina Faso’s capital Monday as businesses and banks reopened. The West African nation also announced a joint effort with Mali in the fight against jihadi elements in …

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Representatives from four countries gathered in Kabul on Monday called on the Taliban to resume peace talks with the Afghan government. Senior officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States met for most of the day at the Presidential Palace amid tight security, a week …

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korea has launched an estimated 1 million propaganda leaflets by balloon into South Korea amid increased tension between the rivals following the North’s recent nuclear test, Seoul officials said Monday. A Cold War-style standoff has flared since North Korea’s claim on Jan. 6 that …

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Counting every raindrop or measuring every gust of wind is impossible, but New York is getting closer with a uniquely extensive statewide system of automated weather stations that should paint a dramatically clearer picture of developing storms. Described as the new “gold standard” of automated systems, …