MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian soldiers rode into battle against Georgia perched on top of their armored personnel carriers, not out of bravado but because a flaw in their armor can make it more dangerous to travel inside.

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – Russia intends to keep 500 troops in a security zone surrounding Georgia’s breakaway South Ossetia region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for twin suicide blasts outside Pakistan’s main defense industry complex on Thursday which killed about 40 people.

KABUL (Reuters), Aug 21 – Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Thursday Britain would put more resources into training the Afghan army and pledged an extra $120 million for development in the country which has seen a surge in Taliban violence this year.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Space Organization chief Reza Taghipour Wednesday said Iran will send its first astronaut to space within the following decade.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran and Belarus have good prospects for developing their relations, a senior official in Minsk said.

TEHRAN (FNA)- A strategic expert has debunked apprehensions in politico-diplomatic circles that Washington could pressurize New Delhi into weakening ties with Iran.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran said on Wednesday that talks on its nuclear drive with top UN atomic watchdog official Olli Heinonen were “positive” and would continue.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Oil rose to $116 a barrel on Thursday, climbing for a third straight session, as Washington’s missile shield deal with Poland angered Russia, adding to international tension.

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran is ready to help Belarus advance its peaceful nuclear program.