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British diplomat and journalist Rory Stewart walked across Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban, and later wrote about the experience in a memoir. Stewart talks about the motivation for the perilous journey across the warn-torn nation, and also about his stint as a provincial governor in post-invasion Iraq.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad opens a nuclear production plant in Iran, further complicating diplomatic attempts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. Experts are studying Iran's 20-page response to a U.N. proposal on the issue.

European nations agree to contribute enough new troops to reach about half the United Nations' goal of 15,000 international troops for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Some are expected to be on the ground within a week. France says it will send 2,000 soldiers; Italy has indicated it would provide up to 3,000.

European foreign ministers meet in Brussels in an attempt to clearly define Europe's role in a U.N. peacekeeping force for Lebanon. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's presence shows the importance the U.N. attaches to a strong European component for the force.

With a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah still in its fragile early stages -- Israel's foreign minister today called the situation "explosive" -- diplomats struggle to get a peacekeeping force in place. Despite a United Nations resolution, diplomats in Brussels still say they need a clearer mission mandate.

European officials meet in Brussels for talks on the composition of a peacekeeping mission to support a U.N.-negotiated cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon. Italy says it's ready to lead the 15,000-strong international force.

Iran's chief negotiator says Tehran is ready for what he calls "serious" talks about its nuclear program. It's unclear whether the government is willing to suspend uranium enrichment, a key demand from Western governments. Iran could face U.N. sanctions if it doesn't suspend its nuclear program by the end of this month.

Iran formally responds to a package of incentives that world powers hope will convince the Middle Eastern country to stop enriching uranium. While diplomats are studying the response, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, warned that the U.N. Security Council is ready to move toward sanctions if the Iranian response is not satisfactory.

Pakistan's cooperation in the war on terrorism, and the continuing presence of extremists in the country are once again in the spotlight after a foiled London bombing plot. President Pervez Musharraf is performing a balancing act: cooperating with the West while accommodating religious extremists.

U.N. diplomats had hoped several thousand French troops would join the new peacekeeping force in Lebanon. To their disappointment, President Jacques Chirac announces that France will add only 200 troops to its 200 peacekeepers who are already part of the U.N. force in Lebanon. Diplomats fear that France's decision will have a chilling effect on the effort to put a robust force in place.