WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Despite some positive trends coming out of Iraq, the political development expected in the wake of the so-called surge is largely absent, a U.S. lawmaker said.

MALMO, Sweden, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. economic bailout is for the birds. Meanwhile, the United States continues to spend $16 billion per month -- $50,000 per minute -- in Iraq. I am an advocate for more troops and diplomacy. But public policy is ineffective when it is not financially efficient and sound. The savings would be better spent fostering public policy worldwide. Some suggestions.

BAGHDAD, July 2 (UPI) -- As U.S. leaders worry whether Iraq's military forces can hold the line once the Americans pull out, U.S. agents are reported to be clandestinely seeking a truce with Saddam Hussein's old cronies in the once-mighty Baath Party to head off a threat to stability.

TAZA, Iraq, June 21 (UPI) -- The death toll from a suicide truck bombing in Taza, Iraq, has reached 80, a police official said Sunday.

BAGHDAD, June 19 (UPI) -- There are political solutions to the outstanding issues in Iraq despite a modest rise in the level of sectarian violence, the U.S. envoy to Iraq said.

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- North Korea should return to the six-nation talks on its denuclearization, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State-designate Kurt Campbell said in Washington.

Iraqi national elections set for January; Maliki calls for PKK action; Iraqi narrative ongoing, Crocker says; Rumsfeld-era unit linked to Farah attacks; Afghan military may take lead in two years; Karzai brother survives assassination attempt

WASHINGTON, May 13 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama should have allowed the release of photos depicting abuse of terror detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan, a rights group said.

WASHINGTON, April 22 (UPI) -- Diplomacy veteran Christopher Hill has been confirmed as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq.