On an unannounced visit to Iraq, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said a new US-led security operation appeared to have gotten off to a good start in Baghdad but she called on Iraqi leaders to do more to end the sectarian divides behind the violence.

Iran is limiting uranium enrichment in a signal to the U.S. and its European allies that the Islamic Republic wants to avoid escalating the dispute over its nuclear program, two Western diplomats said.

The Hamas-dominated Palestinian Government has resigned after 11 turbulent months in power, clearing the way for a unity government intended to end deadly infighting and a Western boycott.