All Latest News Wires
- Gay marriage and adoption bill passes in French Assembly
Polls show most French support legalizing gay marriage, though that backing softens when questions about the adoption and conception of children come into play. The bill now goes to the Senate.
- Tunisian prime minister expects new government this week
Tunisia's prime minister proposed forming a cabinet of apolitical technocrats to take Tunisia to elections, but did not consult his own Ennahda party or its secular coalition partners.
- Rebels capture air base as Assad's forces come under pressure
Fighting in the nearly two-year-old Syrian conflict has intensified in the three weeks since the political leadership of the opposition offered to negotiate a departure for Assad.
- What will a retired Pope Benedict do?
Pope Benedict's brother says he won't move back to Germany: "You don't transplant an old tree," said Monsignor Georg Ratzinger. He says Pope Benedict will stay in Rome but won't have any writing published.
- Egyptians mark second anniversary of Mubarak's ouster with protests
Egyptians blocked transportation and staged demonstrations in protest of President Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, who they feel has fallen short.
- Report: Unity government imminent in Tunisia
The head of Tunisia's leading Islamist party told the AP that a new unity government would soon be announced in hopes of ending a political crisis caused by the assassination of an opposition figure.
- Afzal Guru execution prompts clashes, leaving three more dead in Kashmir
Despite a curfew, clashes broke out in India-controlled Kashmir as locals protested against what they consider the wrongful conviction of Mohammed Afzal Guru in an attack on India's Parliament in 2001.
- Syrian opposition leader extends talks offer to Assad regime
The Syrian National Coalition leader yesterday nailed down details of his offer of talks, first proposed last month. The UN called the offer 'the most promising thing we've heard on Syria recently.'
- Largest crocodile dies, but Philippines town plans to keep tourism alive
Largest crocodile dies: The world's largest crocodile, Lolong, was 20 feet 3 inches long and weighed 1 ton. The town of Buanway will preserve the world's largest saltwater crocodile in a museum to keep the tourists coming.
- Pope Benedict XVI announces he's stepping down
The Pontiff said he's physically unable to carry out duties as head of the Roman Catholic church and will resign by the end of February.
- 10 killed in stampede during India's holy Hindu festival, Kumbh Mela
At least ten people were killed in a stampede at an Indian train station in a town where million were gathering for Kumbh Mela, a holy Hindu bathing festival. 30 million devotees are expected to bath during the festival.
- Outgoing general predicts an Afghanistan liberated from foreign intrigue
The remarks from Gen. John Allen came at a change-of-command ceremony. American Gen. Joseph Dunford now leads NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
- Kashmir protests turn deadly after hanging in New Delhi
The execution of Mohammed Afzal Guru has agitated Indian-controlled Kashmir. He was convicted for involvement in an attack on India's Parliament; many Kashmiris think he was innocent.
- In Mali, two suicide bombings could indicate new wave of violence
Two suicide bombings, in nearly the same spot at a checkpoint outside of Gao, could indicate another wave of violence from Islamic militants in Mali. French and Malian troops had found industrial-strength explosives in the city earlier in the week.
- Egypt blocks YouTube for a month, following 'Innocence of Muslims'
An Egyptian judge ordered the government to block YouTube for 30 days for carrying the 14-minute trailer to 'Innocence of Muslims,' the controversial film that sparked massive protests in the Middle East last September.
- Tunisian government pushes supports to rally
In response to hundreds of thousands of anti-government protesters angered by the assassination of a prominent opposition leader, the ruling party in Tunisia called on supports to stage their own pro-government demonstration.
- Chinese welcome Year of the Snake in style
Across the country, the Chinese New Year was welcomed with celebrations through the night. Firecrackers, traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits, were set off in the streets of Beijing.
- Japan scrambles jets, claiming Russian airspace invasion
Japan said two Russian fighter jets briefly entered Japan's airspace near disputed islands, prompting Japan to scramble combat fighter jets in response. Russia denied the charge.
- Budget showdown? Forget D.C., Brussels girds for bruising battle
Europe's heads of state are set to meet in Brussels during the next two days to determine a new EU budget, with richer nations pushing for budget cuts that poorer countries oppose.
- Police Seize $54m in Italy bank probe
Italian news agencies say Siena prosecutors ordered the seizures Wednesday.