The country, which had sought to show solidarity with Islamic groups and allow religious figures a greater role in public life, has reversed course.

The defense secretary seems to be trying to lower expectations for a coming review of war policy.

A car rigged with explosives rammed into a police station in northern Tajikistan, killing two people and wounding at least 25 others in an apparent suicide attack, Tajik police officials said.

The security contractor created dozens of shell companies or subsidiaries in part to obtain U.S. contracts after it was criticized for its conduct in Iraq, officials and investigators said.