Fighting Terrorism

PANAMA CITY (AFP) – Eighteen nations on Friday wrapped up nearly two weeks of military exercises to defend the Panama Canal from mock terrorist attacks and other threats, the US Southern Command chief said.

Sponsored by the United States, Panama and Chile -- the three top users of the canal -- the exercises began annually in 2002 and are key in safeguarding global and regional shipping lanes, General Douglas Fraser told a press conference.

In Panamax 2010 the host country sought UN...

By LARA JAKES, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD – Iraq's prime minister put his nation on its highest level of alert for terror attacks, warning of plots to sow fear and chaos as the U.S. combat mission in the country formally ends on Tuesday.

The Iraqi security forces who will be left in charge have been hammered by bomb attacks, prompting fears of a new insurgent offensive and criticism of the government's preparedness to protect its people. Still, President Barack Obama left no doubt...