The rescue operation to free him, approved at the highest levels of the British government, is being criticized in both Kabul and London amid reports that the captives were close to being freed through negotiations.

VOA: standard.2009.09.10

Anti-war activists told them that the war was not being fought to save the Union, but to free Negro slaves.

VOA: special.2009.10.29

Earlier this month Syria and Turkey signed what is being described as an historic agreement, which allows visa-free travel between the two countries.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27

"And we're seeing very strong growth in subscriptions and subscription revenues." FT's online readers can currently access up to 10 free stories per month before being prompted to subscribe.

VOA: standard.2009.12.05

"We are trying to encourage Burma to conduct the kind of internal dialogue with all of the stakeholders including Aung San Suu Kyi that could lead to there being fair,free and credible elections next year,".

VOA: standard.2009.11.12