Israel to Release 2nd Group of Longserving Palestinian Prisoners

Israel has approved the release of a second group of long-serving Palestinian prisoners, as part of a deal that restarted peace talks between the two sides.

In a vote Sunday, an Israeli ministerial committee authorized the release of 26 Palestinians who have served between 19 and 28 years in jail, many for killing Israelis. All were jailed for violence committed before Israel signed a 1993 interim peace deal with the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to free 104 long-held Palestinian prisoners in four stages as peace talks proceed.

At Least 50 Killed in Iraq Blasts

CAIRO — Reports from Iraq say about 50 people were killed and dozens wounded when at least 10 bomb blasts rocked the capital, Baghdad, and other parts of the country.

Iraqi government helicopters hovered low in the skies of Baghdad while a thick trail of black smoke etched the horizon after the blasts.

One of the deadliest attacks hit a bus terminal with service to the town of Baquba.  Witnesses said several explosions sent people running for cover and spread shrapnel in all directions.  

Passengers were fleeing the station in panic in different directions, said a shopkeeper in the area. He said terrorists deliberately targeted places where people congregate. Only innocent people are hurt by such attacks, he added.

Five Killed in Blasts in India

A series of bomb explosions has killed at least five people and wounded more than 80 in eastern India.

The chief minister of Bihar state says at least some of the bombs appeared to be attacks on a rally for an opposition candidate for prime minister.

Officials: 18 Killed in Afghanistan Roadside Blast

A roadside bomb blast hit a bus in eastern Afghanistan Sunday, killing 18 civilians, most of them women.

Afghan officials said the blast occurred in the Andar district of Ghazni province as the bus was going from one village to another just before dusk.

Fourteen women, three men and a child were reported killed. Five other women were were wounded.