All Latest News Wires
- Putin: 'No justification' for Volgograd attacks on civilians
On Wednesday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Volgograd where dozens were killed in two bombings earlier this week. Putin has ordered increased security ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, which begin in February.
- North Korea: A New Year of strength?
After the execution of an uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month, Kim said his country is poised for a strong 2014. He referred to his late uncle, Jang Song Thaek, as 'factionalist filth" without referring to him by name in his annual New Year's Day address.
- Dubai dazzles with New Year 2014 fireworks display
Dubai, which already boasts the world tallest skyscraper, celebrated the New Year with a 1/2 hour-long fireworks display. Organizers aimed to make it the world's largest.
- Following Russian bombings, organizers look ahead to 'safe and secure games'
Russian President Valdimir Putin called for tighter security following two attacks in two days in Volgograd. The attacks came as the country is preparing for the Sochi Winter Olympics. No one claimed immediate responsibility for either act of violence.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Peace restored following attacks, reports government
An attack at three public locations on Monday in Kinshasa left 40 assailants dead. They presented themselves as supporters of Paul Joseph Mukungubila, an opponent of President Joseph Kabila. Later in the day, fighting also took place near the Zambian border.
- Central African Republic: Troops struggle to contain violence
Ongoing violence in the Central African Republic has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands this month. The violence appears to stem from a political dispute over control of the country's resources.
- S. Sudan's White Army advance appears stalled after clashes
So-called 'White Army' rebels — youths from South Sudan's Nuer tribe — are said to have disbanded after clashes with government forces.
- In visit to Saudi Arabia, Hollande highlights defense and energy
French President Francois Hollande arrived for a visit to Saudi Arabia Sunday, with an entourage of high profile defense and energy executives. The two countries share similar foreign policy goals, and could strike a deal over nuclear energy.
- Global retirement crisis: What it means from Tokyo to Paris
Even before the Great Recession, workers worldwide faced a looming global retirement crisis. As retirement benefits are slashed and traditional pension plans eliminated, the post-WWII generation will face lower standards of living.
- Antarctica: Cracking ice raises hopes aboard ice-bound ship
Ice began cracking, a positive sign as an Australian ice-breaking vessel approached the Akademik Shokalskiy, a Russian ship that has been stranded in Antarctica since Dec. 24.
- Aleppo: Barrel bombs kill 25 Saturday, hundreds in recent weeks
An air strike by the Syrian army killed at least 25 people at a vegetable market in Aleppo Saturday. Hundreds have been killed by improvised 'barrel bombs' in recent weeks, including scores of women and children.
- Israel to release some Palestinian prisoners, build 1,400 new West Bank homes
US officials say Israel plans to release about two dozen Palestinian prisoners on Dec. 30, the third group to be freed since peace talks resumed. Israeli officials also say 1,400 new homes will be added settlements in the West Bank.
- Third icebreaker in route to rescue stranded Antarctic research team
An Australian icebreaker is expected to arrive Sunday, to rescue a Russian research ship in Antarctica. Two icebreakers were forced to turn back while attempting to rescue the ship, which has been stuck in heavy ice since Christmas Eve.
- Iraq: Prominent Sunni lawmaker arrested on terrorism charges
Iraqi troops have detained Ahmed al-Alwani, a prominent organizer of Sunni protests against Iraq's Shiite-led government. Al-Alwani faces charges of terrorism and inciting violence.
- Libyan government releases 4 American military personnel detained Friday
Four Americans, who appeared to have been checking potential evacuation routes for US diplomats in Tripoli, were detained on Friday and held for several hours.
- South Sudan: 'White Army' marches toward contested state capital
South Sudan's former Vice President Riek Machar rejected Friday's agreement end to hostilities. On Saturday, 25,000 young men known as the 'White Army,' from the same tribe as Machar, marched toward Bor.
- One protester killed as Cairo police clash with striking students
For weeks students at Al-Azhar, Egypt's main Islamic university, have been protesting against the ousting of President Mohammed Morsi. On Saturday, riot police moved into the campus, spraying tear gas.
- One protester killed in Thailand as political crisis deepens
Thailand's political turmoil took another turn Saturday, as demonstrators seeking to oust the prime minster blocked candidates from registering from upcoming elections. An activist was killed when gunmen opened fire on guards in a protest camp.
- 26 killed in fire on Bangalore-Nanded train in southern India
At least 26 passengers were killed Saturday, unable to escape a fire that broke out in two cars on an express train traveling through the western state of Maharashtra in India.
- South Sudan government agrees to end hostilities
South Sudan's government has agreed to end hostilities, say regional leaders, raising hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to cease the violence that has displaced more than 120,000 people.