Suicide Bomber Kills 31 in Pakistan, India and Pakistan Agree to New Talks

A suicide bomber, reportedly a teenager dressed in a school uniform, blew himself up at an army facility in the northwestern region of Pakistan. The bomber was apparently able to slip past multiple checkpoints in the secured compound and blew himself up near where morning exercises were taking place.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. In recent days, the army had ramped up an offensive against militants in the area, which is close to the border with Afghanistan and a flashpoint for Taliban attacks targeting the military and civilians alike. The use of teens has become an increasing concern as attacks have increased.

The Taliban spokesman told Agence France-Presse that they were targeting “those who protect the Americans.”

India, Pakistan Agree to New Peace Talks

The two longtime rivals agreed to a new round of talks, which had been stalled since the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. India pinned the attacks on Pakistani militants. The attackers were part of a group trying to gain control of the portion of the contentious Kashmir region that is controlled by India.

Foreign secretaries from both countries met on Sunday, paving the way for future negotiations over economic and military issues, including a tense border. Both countries are armed with nuclear weapons.

Lawyers March in Baghdad, Protest Corruption

A group of lawyers took to the streets in Iraq’s capital, denouncing corruption, unemployment and the use of “secret prisons” where inmates are denied access to legal representation.

Similar demonstrators were also seen in the cities of Kut and Karbala.

The lack of basic services was also raised; water, electricity, sewage and other infrastructure have been sorely lacking throughout much of the country.

Natural Gas Explosion Levels Pa. Homes

One person is dead and others missing after a natural gas explosion in Allentown, Pa., flattened several homes late Wednesday night.

It was not yet known if the cause of the explosion was external or began inside one of the homes. Sixteen nearby houses were affected by the blast. A nearby senior center was also evacuated.