Top story: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, speaking after his arrival in Kabul, promised that the United States would continue to support Afghanistan beyond the 2014 deadline for returning responsibility for security back to Afghan forces. "If the Afghan people want it, we won't leave in 2014," Biden said.
The United States is negotiating a long-term strategic agreement with the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, which will set the terms of the two countries' relationship after 2014. It is still undetermined whether the agreement would allow for U.S. troops to remain on the ground in the country. NATO, which includes the United States, has also pledged economic and security assistance that extends beyond 2014.
Biden toured a training facility for Afghan soldiers and had lunch with Karzai on the day after his arrival. Biden, speaking alongside Karzai, also touted the progress of the U.S.-led war effort in Afghanistan. "We've largely arrested the Taliban momentum here in some very important areas," he said.
Biden traveled to Pakistan on Wednesday, where he will meet separately with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Kayani. His discussions are expected to focus on the growing signs of instability within Pakistan's government coalition.
Tunisian minister sacked: The Tunisian government announced the firing of the country's interior minister in a bid to regain control over a situation that has resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people.
Asia
- A diplomatic hotline connecting North and South Korea was reactivated.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Tokyo, where he is expected to discuss the threat posed by North Korea.
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A political ally of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has been chosen as the new governor of Punjab.
Middle East
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Lebanon's government is on the verge of collapse over tensions related to the investigation into the assassination of a former prime minister.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran can only be forced to stop its nuclear program if a "credible military option" remains on the table.
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Egyptian officials denied that there was a religious motive to the murder of a Coptic man by a policeman.
Europe
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Portugal received lower rates for its long-term debt in a bond auction, soothing fears of a debt crisis in the eurozone.
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A British MP pleaded guilty to improperly claiming approximately $22,000 in expenses.
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Russia remains undecided whether to accept Iran's offer to tour its nuclear sites, according to a senior Russian diplomat.
Americas
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31 people have been killed in the Mexican resort town of Acapulco in the past four days in drug-related violence.
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A year after Haiti's earthquake, much reconstruction work remains unfinished.
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A presidential commission called for the creation of a watchdog group to monitor safety practices of offshore drilling operations.
Africa
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Security forces belonging to Ivory Coast strongman Llaurent Gbagbo are raiding opposition areas.
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Southern Sudan's referendum has met the 60 percent threshold for validating its results, according to the region's ruling party.
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A U.S. official said that Sudan could be taken off the terrorism list by July if it respects the results of the south's referendum.
S. Sabawoon - Pool/Getty Images
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