All Latest News Wires
- Kim Jong Un: Uncle's execution offers rare look into Hermit Kingdom
Kim Jong Un executed his uncle, considered North Korea's No. 2 official. The move by the young leader Kim Jong Un puts on rare display the internal dissent in the leadership ranks of North Korea.
- Clashes in China's restive Xinjiang kill at least 16
Fourteen people and two policemen were killed during a riot, according to government officials, in the latest unrest in the region.
- US boosts naval security aid to Southeast Asia. Taking aim at China?
US Secretary of State John Kerry pledged $32.5 in maritime aid to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations during his first official visit to Vietnam.
- Poinsettia shakedown: Italian mafia makes shop owners offer they can't refuse
Four alleged mobsters in Naples were arrested Monday for forcing shop owners to buy Christmas poinsettias at 100 times the wholesale price. The funds were allegedly for jailed Camorra mafia
- Chile's Bachelet wins big, but mandate less clearcut
Bachelet's landslide victory is dampened by historically low turnout and doubts she can overcome a slowing economy and congressional opposition.
- Government air raid kills at least 37 in Aleppo
Syrian air force jets dropped barrel bombs, packed with explosives in a rebel-controlled part of Aleppo Sunday, killing at least 37 people, many children.
- Kim Jong Un's aunt retains her position following uncle's execution
Kim Kyong Hui, the aunt of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, seems to have retained her political standing following her husband's execution for allegedly trying to overthrow the government. Kyong Hui, the sister of Kim Jong Il, helped groom Jong Un to lead the country.
- Japanese diplomat stationed in Yemen stabbed in failed kidnapping
Japanese officials say a diplomat was stabbed, though not injured seriously when he fought back during a failed kidnapping attempt near the Japanese embassy in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, Sunday.
- 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.