SEOUL, South Korea – North and South Korea agreed today to launch cross-border rail service on Dec. 11 for the first time in more than half a century, the latest sign of improving relations between the two sides.

Associated Press

Palestinian president talks tough on Hamas

RAMALLAH, West Bank – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah called yesterday for the overthrow of Gaza's Hamas rulers after the Islamic group's deadly crackdown on his loyalists in June.

Abbas stopped short of urging an uprising, but he appeared to be trying to capitalize on growing discontent with Hamas in the coastal strip. Provoking the tough talk was Hamas' firing on a Fatah rally in Gaza City on Monday, killing eight civilians and wounding dozens.

Associated Press

Britain: Cleric can be extradited to U.S.

LONDON – Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri can be extradited to the United States to face trial on charges of supporting terrorism, including trying to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon, a British court ruled yesterday.

Associated Press

Philippines has deal with separatist group

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Philippine government reached an agreement yesterday with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front separatist group on carving out boundaries for a Muslim homeland in the conflict-ridden south, officials said. The two sides still have to craft the exact text of the agreement and sign the deal, likely in January, officials said.

Associated Press

Taliban kill man who was teaching English

KABUL, Afghanistan – Taliban insurgents killed a man teaching English courses in Paktia province in eastern Afghanistan, sparking a clash that left two suspected militants and two policemen dead, an official said yesterday.

Associated Press