All Latest News Wires
Swedish ambassador visits 85-year-old US vet held in North KoreaThe Obama administration has called for the release of Merrill Newman, an 85-year-old Korean War veteran detained in October while leaving North Korea. The Swedish ambassador, allowed to visit Newman, reports he is in good health.
4 killed in skirmishes between police, Thai protestersShots were fired in Bangkok Sunday, as police resorted to force for the first time since anti-government protests began in earnest a week ago. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was forced to evacuate a police complex.
Bound for Mars, India's unmanned spacecraft exits Earth's orbitAn Indian spacecraft that blasted off Nov. 5 has left Earth's orbit and is on track to reach Mars by September 2014, a 485 million-mile trip and a first for India
China claims victory over 'negative energy' on the InternetThe Chinese government says it has cleaned up rumors and and libelous information on the Internet. Observers argue the government crackdown has lead to self-censorhip and curtailed speech.
Egypt: Constitutional committee begins voting on changesOn Saturday, a 50-member committee began voting on changes and additions to Egypt's constitution. The voting comes on the heels of a controversial law banning unreported protests, which is seen as restricting the right to demonstrate.
- US airlines warned to stay out of China's new air defense zone
The US and Japan are defying China by sending sending military aircraft into China's new air defense zone over the East China Sea. But the US recommends commercial airlines comply with China's warning to stay out.
- New French prostitution law: $2,000 fine for 'johns'
France moves to pass a new law that penalizes the clients of prostitutes, not the prostitutes. If passed, it would give France some of the toughest laws on prostitution in Europe, similar to that of Sweden.
- 33 dead in plane crash on Namibia-Angola border
A Mozambique Airlines plane crashed in a Namibian national park near the border with Angola Saturday, killing 27 passengers and six crew members.
FBI warns about Americans joining Islamic fighters in SyriaBy one estimate, two dozen Americans may be fighting with Al Qaeda-linked groups against the Syrian government. FBI officials worry they may become radicalized and carry out attacks in the US.
Pakistan PM vows commitment to peace with Taliban in AfghanistanPakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said a recently released Taliban leader may help jumpstart talks with an Afghan peace council. Afghanistan has pushed for help with the Taliban from Pakistan, where many of the Taliban's leaders are thought to be based.
Thai anti-government protests turn violentProtesters attacked supporters of the Thai government Saturday, at a stadium where a pro-government rally was being held. Bangkok has seen dramatic protests against the current prime minister this week.
US offers to destroy some Syrian chemical weapons offshoreA US naval vessel is undergoing modifications to enable Syrian chemical weapons to be destroyed at an offshore facility. Nearly 800 tons of chemicals must be removed from Syria by Feb. 5, and later destroyed.
- Glasgow helicopter crashes into pub: Courage amid tragedy
A police helicopter crashed onto a crowded Glasgow, Scotland, pub Friday night, killing one and injuring 32. People formed a human chain to help pass the injured people out of the pub.
North Korea airs 'confession' by 85-year-old American detaineeA US veteran of the Korean War, Merrill Newman, 85, has been detained by North Korea since late October. North Korean state media released a video showing Newman allegedly apologizing for past and recent crimes against the country.
Could Afghanistan collapse after next year?President Hamid Karzai has so far declined to sign a pact that would keep US troops in Afghanistan after 2104. Analysts in both the US and Afghanistan say that, in doing so, the embattled leader is taking a great risk with his country's security.
China says it scrambled fighters to eye US, Japanese flights in its new defense zoneLess than a week after declaring a maritime defense zone extending between China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, China has sent fighter planes to investigate foreign military flights in the new zone.
Implementation of Iran nuclear deal could begin next monthThe interim deal reached last week sets out a six-month time period for Iran to curb its nuclear program and the international community to provide sanctions relief.
- Syrian refugee children are becoming the family breadwinners
According to a new UN report, nearly one in two Syrian refugee families living outside a camp rely entirely or partly on income generated by a child.
North Korea probably restarting nuclear reactor, says IAEAActivity at a nuclear reactor in North Korea suggests the reactor is restarting, says the IAEA. And a satellite image from Aug. 31 showed white steam rising from a building that houses the reactor's steam turbines and electric generators.
Berlusconi pledges to lead Italian politics from the outside: How?While Italy's Senate voted to remove former prime minister and convicted tax evader Silvio Berlusconi from its ranks, he vowed to lead from the sidelines. Berlusconi owns the country's largest private broadcaster.
