Jan. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey’s main stock index dropped the most in seven weeks after the arrest of retired military officers yesterday raised concern of more political tensions between the government and army.

Twelve days into a war that Defense Minister Ehud Barak of Israel is leading against Hamas in Gaza, Barak's political fortunes are rising. But there is much irony in this political upheaval.

There is irony in the recent political fortunes of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who has been less eager to attack Hamas than other top officials.

A political veteran is adding his voice to Washington’s newest chorus of social conservatives. Bruce Craswell was chief of staff to King County Executive Ron Dunlap ran for Congress in 1998. She was a Republican state lawmaker who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1996.

Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., says he will not seek re-election in 2010. View Political News for the story.

The Gozo regional committee of the Nationalist Party has set up a political school to encourage active participation in politics, particularly by the young.

Swartzmiller Named Assistant Majority WhipBy JOSELYN KING Political Writer The Northern Panhandle will continue to be represented among the leadership of the state House of Delegates.

ISTANBUL, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Turkish shares fell sharply in line with global moves on Thursday and were pushed lower by concerns that political tensions were mounting between the government and military.