Top story: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Mikhail Fradkov, the head of Russia's foreign intelligence services, arrived in Syria for talks with President Bashar al-Assad about the growing turmoil in his country.
Russia, which vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution over the weekend meant to lay out a path for a democratic transition in Syria, has reportedly been preparing its own initiative to end the violence. No details of the Russian proposal have been made public.
"Every leader of every country must be aware of his share of responsibility. You are aware of yours," Lavrov was quoted as telling Assad as the talks began. "It is in our interests for Arab peoples to live in peace and agreement."
Meanwhile, the Syrian government's crackdown continued in the city of Homs. Local activists reported that dozens of people were killed in Homs on Monday, as government security forces once again shelled the city.
Palestinian unity deal moves forward: Fatah and Hamas announced that they would form an interim government, with President Mahmoud Abbas as its head, which will prepare for new elections.
Middle East
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President Barack Obama issued an executive order that tightened sanctions on Iran's banking sector.
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Iraqi ministers belonging to the Iraqiya bloc ended their boycott of the Cabinet on Tuesday.
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Iran detained several people who allegedly had ties to BBC's Persian-language station.
Europe
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A vice president of the European Commission told a Dutch newspaper that Greece's exit from the euro zone would not mark the end of the currency.
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Britain's attorney general said he was "very concerned" that radical Islamic cleric Abu Qatada had been released on bail, and that his government would still work to deport him to Jordan.
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Italy took emergency measures to conserve gas supplies in the face of shortages.
Asia
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The president of the Maldives resigned after weeks of popular protests.
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China reiterated on Tuesday that it would "resolutely crack down" on any unrest in Tibet.
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Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi campaigned outside her home town for the upcoming elections.
Africa
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Former Liberian warlord George Boley will be deported from the United States.
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The humanitarian organization Doctors of the World pulled out of northern Mali due to recent fighting between Tuareg groups and the military.
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Chinese workers that had been abducted by Sudanese rebels were freed.
Americas
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President Barack Obama's election campaign will return $200,000 given to him by a Mexico casino magnate who is wanted on drug and fraud charges.
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Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said that two of the country's most-wanted paramilitary leaders had been captured in Venezuela.
- Brazilian police clashed with police officers, who are striking for better pay.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images
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