The U.S. government doesn't pay ransoms, but it did send U.S. troops, acting on a tip from an Iraqi, to rescue Hallums after 311 days of captivity.

FORBES: Kidnap Inc.

"We've played a lot of basketball in the last month, and I don't think anyone's played better against us than Australia did in that first half, " U.S. coach Geno Auriemma said.

WSJ: Menu

Syria did so because it recognizes Annan only as a U.N. representative and doesn't want to engage the Arab League.

CNN: 'Audacious steps' needed in Syria, Arab diplomats say

While Norway didn't support the war in Iraq, it did sent special forces and fighter planes to Afghanistan as part of the U.S.-led war against terrorism.

CNN: Al-Jazeera airs purported al Qaeda message

However, did you know that despite being U.S. citizens, the people of Puerto Rico can't vote for the U.S. president?

CNN: Commentary: Sotomayor as American as mango pie