At a glance

Breaking the truce: Pakistani militants have ended a truce with the government in the country’s northwest over the storming of an extremist mosque by security forces. At least 70 people have been killed in two days of suicide attacks.

Political concerns: The crisis has placed enormous stress on Pakistani leader Gen. Pervez Musharraf, sparking concerns he may cancel elections later this year.

Violent region: U.S. officials say the northwestern region of Pakistan along the Afghanistan border is a haven for al-Qaida fighters, along with homegrown militants and the Taliban.

Associated Press