Syria Moves to Curb Influence of Muslim Conservatives
By KAREEM FAHIM
Bryan Denton for The New York Times
A veiled woman walked through Damascus’s Old City. This summer, more than 1,000 teachers who wear the niqab were transferred to administrative duties.
The country, which had sought to show solidarity with Islamic groups and allow religious figures a greater role in public life, has reversed course.
U.N. Raises Concerns as Global Food Prices Jump
By NEIL MacFARQUHAR
Food riots in poor countries prompted United Nations officials to call for a careful watch on prices, which climbed 5 percent globally in August, mostly because of the rising cost of wheat.
Blackwater Won Contracts Through a Web of Companies
By JAMES RISEN and MARK MAZZETTI
The security contractor created dozens of shell companies or subsidiaries in part to obtain U.S. contracts after it was criticized for its conduct in Iraq, officials and investigators said.
- Times Topic: Blackwater Worldwide
Italian Cities Plan to Shut Roma Camps
By ELISABETTA POVOLEDO
Dozens of Italian cities have been pursuing policies to expel the Roma, dismantling camps and evicting residents.
7.1 Earthquake Hits New Zealand
By REUTERS
A major earthquake hit west of Christchurch early Saturday morning, causing no immediate reports of casualties but widespread damage, authorities said.
Photos: Earthquake Rattles ChristchurchMilitary Memo
Defense Secretary Offers Cautious Views on Wars
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Robert M. Gates seems to be trying to lower expectations for a coming review of war policy.
H.I.V. Prevention Gel Hits Snag: Money
By CELIA W. DUGGER
Donors have not yet committed enough money for even one of the two studies needed to confirm a promising South African trial of a vaginal microbicide and get the product into women’s hands.
Pessimism Permeates Mideast Media on Talks
By ETHAN BRONNER
Many Palestinian and Israeli commentators described this week’s talks in Washington as mere political theater.
Suicide Bomber Kills 53 at Shiite Protest
By SALMAN MASOOD
The explosion, two days after another attack, killed at least 40 people, as militants intensify their campaign to destabilize the Pakistani government.
Video From The Lede BlogU.S. Withholds Millions in Mexico Antidrug Aid
By ELISABETH MALKIN and RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
The decision was based on concerns that the country was not doing enough to protect its people from abuses by the police and the military.
Turkey May Let U.S. Equipment Pass
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
The country had refused in 2003 to let American troops pass through its borders on the way to Iraq.
Six Convicted of Sexual Crimes at Portuguese Children’s Home
By RAPHAEL MINDER
The six-year trial involved charges of rape and abuse of 32 children and of running a pedophile ring at a state-run home for needy children in Lisbon.
Attack in Tajikistan Highlights Fears of Militancy
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
A car rigged with explosives rammed into a police station in northern Tajikistan, killing two people and wounding at least 25 others in an apparent suicide attack, Tajik police officials said.
