Taliban Leader In Southern Afghanistan Reported Killed

December 23, 2006 -- The U.S military says it has killed a top Taliban commander in Afghanistan, in what it is calling a major victory.

Iran: UN Security Council Expected To Vote On Sanctions Against Tehran
December 23, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The UN Security Council is to vote today on a resolution imposing sanctions on Tehran for its nuclear program. The resolution demands Tehran end all uranium-enrichment work -- which can produce fuel for nuclear power plants and bombs -- and halt research and development that can make or deliver atomic weapons.

Turkmenistan: Change Of Leadership Presents Many Dangers
December 22, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The change in leadership that will follow the death of President Saparmurat Niyazov offers Turkmenistan many opportunities, but also brings with it many dangers -- including struggles for succession, potential foreign-policy shifts, and whether the new leadership will be accepted by the public.