The flare-up in Iraq's sparsely populated, desert northwestern region marks a troubling turn for a country that sits on the edge of sectarian conflict.

WSJ: Clashes at Iraq Sunni Protest Kill 38

In the northwestern region of Kashmir, locals drink kahwa (green chai), which can be prepared almonds and sugar, as well as local spices such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

BBC: The world in six cups

Hendley: We created a partnership with Zakat (a U.S.-based Muslim charity), and right now we're actively working in two camps in the northwestern region, near border areas between Syria and Turkey.

CNN: Former bartender turns wine into water

"Exorcism is a way of life" in this northwestern region, he explained in an iReport that documents the daily purification rituals conducted by local faith healers at the Balaji temple.

CNN: Seeking comfort from faith healers in India

Acting on intelligence information, Sultan said the soldiers began a routine search operation in the South Waziristan region -- a culturally conservative tribal area in Pakistan's semi-autonomous northwestern border region.

CNN: Fierce battle in al Qaeda hunt

According to Agence France Presse, LVMH has joined forces with state-owned company Ningxia Nongken to plant a 163-acre vineyard in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in northwestern China.

FORBES: LVMH's Big Asia Push: Now They'll Make Moet In China

On Wednesday, authorities found McMillian's body near a levee between Sherard and Rena Lara, two unincorporated communities about 15 minutes away from Clarksdale in northwestern Mississippi's Delta region.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

In the North Waziristan tribal region, another northwestern district bordering Afghanistan, a roadside bomb attack on a convoy killed two soldiers and wounded three, said two Pakistani intelligence officials.

NPR: 8 Pakistani Soldiers And Police Killed In Violence

Pakistan's inability to enforce its laws in the border region with Afghanistan has allowed extremists to threaten dominance in northwestern Pakistan.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Radio-Free Swat Valley