KANDAHAR, Afghanistan

Karzai’s half-brother killed, leaving no key ally in south

The powerful half-brother of President Hamid Karzai was gunned down in his heavily fortified home by a close associate Tuesday, setting off a power struggle in southern Afghanistan and raising doubts about stability in a critical area for the U.S.-led war effort.

The assassination of Ahmed Wali Karzai, a wheeler-dealer and the key to his half-brother’s power in the south, leaves the president without an ally to handle the tricky job of balancing the interests of the region’s tribal and political leaders, drug runners and insurgents.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, but officials immediately cast doubt that they were involved. If they were, it could undercut the president’s own effort to talk peace with insurgents as foreign forces begin their exit.

The gunman’s motive was unclear. He was identified as Sardar Mohammad, who had provided security for Wali Karzai and his family.

PARIS

Emissaries telling France Gadhafi ready to step down

France’s foreign minister said Tuesday that Paris has had contact with emissaries from Moammar Gadhafi who say the Libyan leader is “prepared to leave” power.

Although the contacts do not constitute proper negotiations, “We receive emissaries who are saying, ‘Gadhafi is prepared to leave. Let’s discuss it,’” Alain Juppe said, without identifying the envoys.

It was not immediately clear whether such an offer is credible or amounts to a potential breakthrough in the Libyan crisis.

Washington is also getting visitors who claim to be representatives of Gadhafi, “but the messages are contradictory, and we remain (eager to hear) a clear-cut message,” said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif.

Wife cut off mate’s penis, put it in disposal, police say

A woman was in custody Tuesday after authorities said she drugged her estranged husband, tied him to a bed, cut off his penis and put it through a garbage disposal.

Lt. Jeff Nightengale said Catherine Kieu Becker drugged a meal and served it to the victim, whose name was not released, shortly before the attack Monday night. The 51-year-old man felt sick, went to lie down and lost consciousness.

Becker, 48, then tied the victim’s arms and legs to the bed with rope, removed his clothes and attacked him with a 10-inch kitchen knife as he awoke, Nightengale said. “He was conscious when his penis was removed,” Nightengale said.

He said Becker called emergency services and indicated to arriving paramedics that the victim was in the next room. The victim underwent surgery and was in serious condition at a hospital.

Bail for Becker was set at $1 million after she was booked for investigation of aggravated mayhem, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon and other charges.

AUSTIN, Texas

Rep. Ron Paul won’t keep seat if presidential run fails

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul said Tuesday he will concentrate on running for president and will not seek re-election to Congress, ending a 24-year career as one of the more colorful members of the House of Representatives.

The 75-year-old Republican said he will serve out his term through December 2012, whether his presidential campaign is successful or not.

Paul said the growing support for his 2012 presidential bid convinced him he should not divide his energies. He won a straw poll at the Republican Leadership Conference held in New Orleans last month.