WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- As U.S. consumers bemoan the imminent appearance of $4 a gallon gas, factors largely beyond Washington's control are now driving prices. A perfect storm of tapped-out capacity, lack of significant new developments coming online, speculation, inclement weather and terrorism, however, have combined to cause the record high prices, which are unlikely to fall anytime soon.

BAGHDAD, Feb. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. and Iraqi officials met in Baghdad to outline the ongoing commitment to create a market economy in Iraq in a dialogue on economic cooperation.

TOKYO, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Japan Wednesday indicated the G7 finance ministers are unlikely to agree on a joint effort to address the U.S. sub-prime mortgage crisis.

NEW DELHI, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- India says it has not yet decided whether to respond to Pakistan's invitation for talks on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.