Two decades after communist rule ended in Russia, dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin's ruling United Russia party is growing. Now, the Communist Party is trying to capitalize on the political ferment, especially among the young. But some say the party's Soviet-era leader is an impediment.

The surprise announcement that the U.S. and the Taliban could soon begin peace talks in Qatar may have increased the chances of a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. But some Afghans wonder whether such talks are about stabilizing Afghanistan — or just helping U.S. troops leave.

NBC News and al-Jazeera are reporting that police in Egypt say two American women and an Egyptian tour guide have been released by gunmen who kidnapped them earlier today near the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Many Egyptians are angry about authorities' failure to prevent a riot after a soccer game earlier this week. Meanwhile, gunmen in the Sinai peninsula are reportedly demanding ransom for two American women.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of retaliation if Israel tries to hit Iran's nuclear sites. His comments followed word that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there's a strong likelihood of such action by Israel this spring.

Police have apprehended a man accused of stealing five tons of ice from a glacier in Chile. The Guardian reports police nabbed him with the illicit ice in his refrigerated truck. They believe he planned to sell it as designer ice cubes to the trendy bars of Santiago.

Greece is trying to make a deal to slash the amount of money it owes bondholders. Hedge funds will take significant losses. But the International Monetary Fund also loaned Greece a lot of money, and it will be paid back in full. If the IMF isn't paid back, most countries will not lend Greece any more money.