Karzai courts controversy by changing date for Afghan vote

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai issued a decree on Saturday that sets an earlier date for the country’s presidential election, a move that could spark a constitutional crisis. The decree counters a decision by Afghanistan’s election commission to hold the election August 20.

Share

Jailed Zimbabwe activist misses swear-in

One of Zimbabwe’s top opposition politicians remained in police custody Thursday as his fellow deputy ministers were being sworn in to join the new unity government led by President Robert Mugabe. Deputy Agriculture Minister-designate Roy Bennett has been in prison on charges of terrorism, banditry and sabotage since last week .

Share

Talking to Iran: What Are Washington’s Options?

President Obama says he’ll talk to Iran if Tehran “unclenches its fist”; President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran is open to negotiations but only on a basis of “fairness and mutual respect.” Both men’s coded conditionals are a reminder that after three decades of mutual hostility, talking won’t be easy. TIME tapped a number of Iran experts for perspective on some of the key questions facing U.S.-Iran diplomacy

Share