Security concerns in the North Caucasus traditionally peak in the summer. Warm weather and green leaves on trees help the Caucasian rebels intensify their attacks on Russian army units and local police forces.

CAIRO (Reuters) – The Egyptian ambassador in Washington said the last three weeks had not been pleasant because of disagreements between Egypt and the United States over elections, human rights and other issues.

CAIRO, June 15 (Reuters) – Egypt backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday in the conflict between his Fatah movement and the Islamist group Hamas, saying all Palestinians should rally behind him as leader.