All Latest News Wires
- Ukraine: Protesters gather in mass, but talks with EU falter
About 200,000 anti-government protesters turned out in Kiev's Independence Square Sunday. But a top EU official says talks with the Ukrainian government have been placed 'on hold,' and Ukraine's president is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday.
- South Africa says a final goodbye to Mandela
Nelson Mandela was buried Sunday, in a private burial attended by the Mandela family. The burial and the funeral were held in Qunu, a rural village in eastern South Africa where Mandela spent his childhood.
- Egypt to vote on new constitution mid-January
Egyptians will vote on a new constitution in a popular referendum Jan. 14 and 15. Changes to the constitution deepen the autonomy of the military, restrict religious political parties, and offer more human rights.
- Dennis Rodman to host surprise birthday B-ball game for North Korea leader
Dennis Rodman goes to North Korea next week to start coaching the national basketball team. But Dennis Rodman also has a birthday surprise planned: former NBA players will play for Kim Jong-un. Who will play for the Dear Leader?
- Pope faces criticism for crackdown on traditional order
Traditionalists say Pope Francis is imposing 'unjust discrimination' against the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, a religious order that celebrates the old Latin Mass.
- At least 3 killed in Kenya minibus attack
An explosive device went off in a minivan killing at least three people in Nairobi Saturday, in what appears to be the city's first terrorist attack since the Westgate Mall attack in September.
- Social Democrats join grand coalition, Germany's political limbo nears end
On Saturday, Germany's Social Democrats voted to approve a 'grand coalition' encompassing both left and right under Chancellor Angela Merkel. Parliament will re-elect Merkel on Tuesday.
- Kiev officials under investigation for crackdowns on protesters
Four top Kiev city officials are being investigated by the Ukrainian government, following the brutal police raid on pro-EU protesters Nov. 30. Protesters are demanding Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych's resignation and new elections.
- North Korea: Execution breaks key link with China
The execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song Thaek likely has Chinese officials dusting off contingency plans. Mr. Jang was a key supporter of China-backed reforms aimed at reviving North Korea's economy.
- Rare snowstorm blankets Middle East
From Syria and Lebanon, to Egypt and Jerusalem, snowfall and cold temperatures have complicated fighting, humanitarian efforts, and daily life this week.
- Iran sends second monkey to space
As part of an ambitious program to send an astronaut to space, Iran successfully sent a monkey into space for the second time. After reaching a height of 72 miles, the rocket and monkey returned safely to Earth.
- Tokyo: 5.5 earthquake rattles Japan
Tokyo 5.5 earthquake: A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan Saturday, rattling windows in Tokyo but causing no serious damage.
- Desmond Tutu says he wasn't invited to Mandela's funeral
Archbishop Desmond Tutu said he did not receive an invitation or accreditation for Nelson Mandela's funeral. Tutu said he will not attend the service for his friend and fellow anti-apartheid hero.
- South Korea fighter jets to be sold to Iraq for $1.1 billion
South Korea fighter jets: The agreement to buy the T-50IQ aircraft was inked on Thursday during a ceremony held in Baghdad, the government said in a statement.
- Argentine slum honors 'Blue Virgin,' remembers pope
A 10-hour procession celebrates the 'Blue Virgin,' more formally known as Paraguay’s 'Lady of Caacupe.' Last year, the Mass was led by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now the pope.
- North Korea executes leader's uncle and former mentor, Jang Song-thaek
North Korea announced the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle and former mentor, Jang Song-thaek, calling him a traitor.
- Hunt is on for Mandela memorial mystery signer
A man with an official security pass gesticulated in a non-sensical fashion as dignitaries spoke to the crowd at Nelson Mandela's memorial service on Tuesday. As a result of the fake interpreter, the world's deaf and hearing impaired were excluded from the event.
- Sign language interpreter at Mandela memorial was 'fake,' official says
The interpreter was just one of several problems that cropped up at Tuesday's memorial for the former South African president and apartheid opponent.
- Why India's Supreme Court won't decriminalize homosexuality
India's Supreme Court on Wednesday dealt a blow to gay rights by striking down a 2009 lower court decision to decriminalize homosexuality. The Court said only the legislature could a colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality.
- Uruguay: The first nation to completely legalize marijuana
Uruguay's move to allow citizens to buy, sell, and grow marijuana is being followed closely in Latin America where legalization is being increasingly seen by regional leaders as a way to end the violence spawned by the cocaine trade.