KATHMANDU, Jan 21: Selection of candidates for the National Assembly election is turning out to be a herculean task for the major political parties, with hundreds of leaders lobbying for a place in the upper house of the bicameral legislature.  The National Assembly poll, which will elect 56 out of its 59 members, is taking place on February 7.

KATHMANDU, Dec 29: Even as President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated the much-disputed National Assembly election ordinance  Friday to clear the immediate hurdle to forming the new government, multiple legal riders are still complicating the process. Election officials and legal experts say it may take at least a month more to elect a new government  if everything goes as planned.

MOSCOW, June 17:  Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that new U.S. sanctions on Russia will damage ties between the two countries.

BAGHDAD, May 1: The U.S.-led coalition has come under increasing scrutiny by monitoring groups regarding civilian casualties in the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq, a turn that is worrying some in the country's political leadership who fear the destruction and loss of life could complicate hopes of reconciliation with the country's minority Sunnis.