Pressure grows on Karzai to sign deal with U.S.

Many Afghans say Karzai is jeopardizing Afghanistan’s security by making new demands of Washington before agreeing to allow U.S. troops there beyond 2014.

In ‘bleeding’ Benghazi, a glimpse into Libya’s struggles

The fragile government appears unable to stop the killing and intimidation plaguing Libya’s second-largest city.

President Obama and Popcorn at the White House. (Melina Mara/Post)

Turkeys in the spotlight, not the oven

Two Minnesota turkeys, Popcorn and Caramel, win a presidential pardon in a goofy yet enduring pre-Thanksgiving tradition.

Forgoing the traditional college life for an apprenticeship and certain work

Forgoing the traditional college life for an apprenticeship and certain work

German firms identify workers in high school to train and hire. Could it work here on a large scale?

Indian beach destination’s easygoing culture shaken by ongoing drug war

Indian beach destination’s easygoing culture shaken by ongoing drug war

Nigerians are being blamed for much of the drug trafficking, mirroring a wider trend in India.

China’s move to establish air defense zone over East China Sea backfires

China’s move to establish air defense zone over East China Sea backfires

Instead of strengthening China’s position, the air defense zone has unsettled and united its neighbors.

A Thanksgiving tradition: Clogged pipes and a big plumbing bill

A Thanksgiving tradition: Clogged pipes and a big plumbing bill

Each year, cooks pour huge amounts of grease down drains, and plumbers prepare to cash in.

Metro’s Silver Line coming to Tysons, but don’t expect to park and ride

Metro’s Silver Line coming to Tysons, but don’t expect to park and ride

Parking garages do not fit Fairfax’s pedestrian-friendly vision, so there are none at the four new stations.

Editors’ Picks

The oddest images of 2013

PHOTOS | A traditional Hungarian guard dog and a monkey on a lion’s back are among the top picks.

‘Much Loved’ throughout the years

PHOTOS | Remember those stuffed animals you had as a kid? Some have lived long, well-worn lives.

Featured Photo Galleries

Photos of the day

Kensington Palace charity dinner, Dame Edna, Central African Republic, a “horse whisperer” and more.

Presidential turkey pardon

After an online vote, Popcorn the turkey wins a pardon from Obama, but competitor Caramel will also be spared.

Slushy holiday travel along the East Coast

A winter storm arrives just in time to make Thanksgiving holiday travel more challenging.

Prince Harry enters the deep freeze

The British prince is getting acclimated to the frozen environment for his trek to the South Pole.

NFL power rankings

Mark Maske assesses the league’s top teams.

Animal views

An animal chiropractor, pet rescue in the Philippines, Thailand’s monkey buffet and more.

Capitol Christmas Tree arrives in Washington

The 2013 tree is an 88-foot-tall Engelmann spruce from Colville National Forest in northeastern Washington state.

American Music Awards red carpet

Performers during the awards in Los Angeles include Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Miley Cyrus.

Politics

HealthCare.gov scrambles to build workaround

HealthCare.gov scrambles to build workaround

The mechanism would allow people who receive a government subsidy to enroll without calculating exact amount.

More Opinions

Obama vs. liberals

Obama vs. liberals

RIGHT TURN | President Obama is now a threat to liberalism.

Lifestyle

Turkeys in the spotlight, not the oven

Turkeys in the spotlight, not the oven

Two Minnesota turkeys, Popcorn and Caramel, win a presidential pardon in a goofy yet enduring pre-Thanksgiving tradition.

Arts

A ‘workplace comedy,’ plus a disaster and a little improv

A ‘workplace comedy,’ plus a disaster and a little improv

Director Doug Wilder talks about “Noises Off” at 1st Stage.

Local

Man on fire enters Ocean City church, sparking blaze that killed rector

Man on fire enters Ocean City church, sparking blaze that killed rector

Officials are trying to determine how the 56-year-old man caught fire and whether the blaze was accidental.

Sports

Caps’ slide reaches four games

Caps’ slide reaches four games

Washington squanders a two-goal lead and is whistled for 12 penalties en route to a 6-4 loss to the Senators.

Technology

How to succeed at reddit: A visual guide

How to succeed at reddit: A visual guide

THE SWITCH | The top 200 reddit posts of all time -- color-coded.

Business

More businesses are relying on pawn shops

More businesses are relying on pawn shops

WONKBLOG | When commercial credit is tight, hocking a watch isn’t the worst option in a pinch.

Real Estate

For Rent by Owner | Foreign service can generate potential tenants

For Rent by Owner | Foreign service can generate potential tenants

There are pros and cons to leasing out space to officers of non-governmental organizations.

Federal Government

Texas to process military benefits for gays

Texas to process military benefits for gays

FEDERAL EYE | The Defense Department will provide federal personnel, funding and equipment to enroll the spouses.

World

Islamist women get heavy prison terms for Egypt protests

Islamist women get heavy prison terms for Egypt protests

The ruling comes a day after police beat female activists as part of crackdown on secular demonstrations.

Discussions

The toy I loved most

The toy I loved most

Share the #muchloved childhood toys you still treasure.

Diversions