Shortly after Pakistan's new president made his first speech to the country's parliament, a massive explosion ripped through the capital's political district. The Sept. 20 truck bombing decimated the Marriott hotel, killing 54 people including three Americans and the Czech ambassador-a grim reminder of the growing volatility in a country that has been a key United States ally in the war on terror. "We are in the eye of the storm," Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said after his inauguration. "I consider that an opportunity."

Arab-Israeli conflict: changing guard

After decades of painfully slow negotiations and little progress, many analysts doubt that the latest efforts to reach an agreement by the end of this year will produce substance. Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. Middle East negotiator under Democratic and Republican administrations, says he has lowered his expectations: "Talk about Arab-Israeli peace is an illusion. We've never had it, we don't have it now, and we're unlikely to have it in any sort of time horizon I can envision."

Israeli prime ministers have a relatively short shelf life these days-one more realm of uncertainty for U.S. mediators in the latest round of peace talks-and an ample supply of conflict and mood swings between "hawks" and "doves" on the part of their electorate. But the candidate favored to become Israel's next prime minister offers a unique reputation for toughness and flexibility-one that could reverse the course of stagnation under tainted or inept politicians.

BODRUM and ISTANBUL, Turkey--It is 10:19 pm in the bustling resort town of Bodrum on the southwestern coast of Turkey, and the call to prayer sounds from a small mosque surrounded by several couture shops. Less than 10 men-summoned for the last of the five prayers said each day by devout Muslims-are praying inside its open doors, and those on the streets pay scant attention to the beckoning loudspeaker.

After being yanked from a bus just outside of her hometown in Algeria, 35-year-old Habiba Kouider was searched and questioned about her faith. When police found several Bibles and books about Christianity, they detained the Christian convert for 24 hours and brought her before a state prosecutor. The official gave her two options: Convert back to Islam or face charges.

Former New York Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown was puzzled by his sudden loss of strength. For several months during the spring and summer of 2004 he struggled to get out of bed and often took a nap at the ballpark before a game. Adding to his frustration, he had lost 15 pounds since the beginning of the season despite increasing his food intake.

Doctors eventually diagnosed Brown with intestinal parasites after learning that teammate Jason Giambi had similar symptoms and tested positive for the invaders. After medicine and rest, both players returned to the field.

Although President George Bush's five-day trip to the Middle East in May was largely devoted to celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, many observers noted that the clock is ticking. Six months have passed since the president and his 50-plus guests met in Annapolis and revived Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations that had been frozen for seven years. Less than eight months remain for this administration to turn the tide in a conflict that has plagued the region for decades.