All Latest News Wires
- Sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar bridged India and the West
Labeled 'the godfather of world music' by Beatle George Harrison, Ravi Shankar helped millions of Westerners — classical, jazz, and rock lovers — discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music.
- Why Amsterdam is banning marijuana use in schools
The Dutch are getting tough on smoking pot: On Jan. 1, weed-smoking will be banned from schools and playgrounds in Amsterdam. Marijuana usage rates are lower in the Netherlands than in France, Britain, or the United States.
- Opposition pushes 'no' vote on Egyptian referendum as 'unity' talks postponed
Egypt's Army postponed 'unity' talks moments after the opposition coalition agreed to meet. The talks had raised hopes of an end to street protests and deadly violence.
- Nurse left suicide note, Aussie radio sets up $525,000 fund
Nurse left suicide note: Jacintha Saldanha, a hospital nurse, left a suicide note, report British media. Will the note clear the Australian DJs of responsibility for her death or reinforce public opinion?
- Syrian opposition receives U.S. recognition
In an effort to isolate the Assad regime, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the Syrian opposition coalition is now inclusive enough to warrant formal recognition as being representative of the Syrian people. This status could qualify the group for further U.S. assistance moving forward.
- Defiant North Korean rocket launch gives Kim Jong-un a boost
One year into his role as North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un made a statement by launching a rocket on Wednesday. Experts suggest the launch was intended to honor the current leader's father who died last year.
- North Korea ignores international opposition, launches rocket
Despite U.N. sanctions and international warnings, North Korea launched a long-range rocket on Wednesday. Most analysts agree the move was intended to bolster national support for Kim Jong-un.
- Jihadist-backed Syrian rebels seize military base
The base's capture comes just days after the US blacklisted the Jabhat al-Nusra militia, members of whom were involved in the operation, as a terrorist organization.
- Syrian chemical weapons threat not escalating, says Panetta
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said that intelligence on Syria's alleged chemical-weapon activity has 'leveled off,' with no indications of new 'aggressive steps' toward deployment.
- Mali's ex-rocket-scientist prime minister forced to quit by army
Cheikh Modibo Diarra's forced resignation at the hands of the military complicates African efforts to challenge Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists that hold the country's north.
- The ship 'The Simpsons' bought: Anti-whaling activists add vessel to fleet
The anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, has built a fleet of four ships to rival Japan's whaling fleet. The latest addition was purchased from the Japanese government by the producer of 'The Simpsons' for $2 million.
- Police attacked as protests intensify in Northern Ireland
On Monday loyalists, angered over the removal of the British flag from Belfast City Hall, protested, throwing rocks, fireworks, and in one case a homemade bomb, at police.
- North Korea extends window, plans for rocket launch
Faced with technical problems, North Korea extended the window during which they plan to launch a long-ranch rocket. It will be the country's second attempt to launch a rocket this year.
- 7.1-magnitude quake reported off Indonesia, but no tsunami
The 7.1 earthquake, south of Indonesia, did not create a tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said it was not issuing a warning because the quake was too deep to trigger one in the Indian Ocean.
- Romanian government sweeps parliamentary elections, but power struggle not over
Political feuding between Romania's top leaders could harm its reputation as a functioning democracy and deter foreign investment.
- Italian Prime Minister Monti's surprise resignation shakes investors
Analysts fear Prime Minister Monti's unexpected resignation could spark a new round of Italian political turmoil and slow efforts to shape up the eurozone's third largest economy.
- Egypt's opposition: Morsi is risking 'violent confrontation'
President Mohamed Morsi rescinded a decree that gave himself sweeping powers, but has not budged on a Dec. 15 date for a constitutional referendum that opponents want delayed.
- Netanyahu and Hamas leader both vow no compromise
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal's vow to take Israel 'inch-by-inch' justifies Israel's renewed pledge to settle the West Bank, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday.
- Who is Nicolas Maduro, possible successor to Hugo Chávez?
With his health declining, Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez has urged his supporters to vote for his vice president if he becomes too ill to remain in office.
- Tsunami warning lifted after 7.3 earthquake shakes Japan
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook Japan's northeastern coast, triggering a small tsunami and causing buildings to sway as far away as Tokyo. Japan officials report no fatalities from the earthquake or small tsunami.