Latest News

Government bombards opposition strongholds in Damascus suburbs to fend off fierce rebel campaign to take the capital.

Syrian government forces have bombarded several rebel strongholds in the suburbs of Damascus to quell the fighters battling the regime of President Bashar al-Assad from reaching the capital.

Activists on Saturday said troops leveled their bombardment campaign on the districts of Hajar al-Aswad and Qaboun in southern Damascus while they continued to shell the suburbs of Daraya, Beit Hahm, Zibdeen, Maadamiya and Jisteen.

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Syria rebels' arms supplies and finances drying up despite western pledges.

Explosions rock Damascus neighborhoods.

Key source for Syrian death toll questions accuracy of recent UN-sponsored report.

Turkey: Military will keep fighting rebel Kurds.

Iraq's Sunnis protest by the thousands. Fugitive Saddam deputy lends support to Iraq Sunni protesters.

Sectarianism will prolong instability in Iraq: Saudi Arabia.

Poll: Spike in Palestinian support for military operations against Israel.

Yemeni tribesmen protest against drone strikes.

Office of Iraq's president says he's recovering from stroke.

UAE refuses to free detained Egyptians: reports.


Japan sends fighter jets after a second ever Chinese invasion of its airspace.

Pakistan violates ceasefire again.

Myanmar refugees fearful after fighting escalates.

Thousands flee wildfires in southern Australia.

UK court charges Nepali colonel with torture.

Friend of rape victim blasts Indian police.


Mali Islamist group 'suspends' ceasefire.

U.N. Security Council voices worry about Central African Republic rebels.

UN concerned over child soldier rise in CAR.

Central African rebels seize one more town.

Sudans hold summit to work out security issues.

Egypt's Mursi to meet IMF aide on $4.8 billion loan request: newspaper. Egypt fights to prop up ailing currency as anxiety grows.


Merkel highlights economy in German election year.

Italy's Monti unveils alliance, rules out minister role.

Ukraine leader cautious on Russian customs union plans.

Northern Irish fighting rages on as rioters branded "a disgrace".

Why do HIV cases keep rising in Russia?

Spain's King Juan Carlos admits 'hurt' at economic fate.

Obama warns debt ceiling fight could be 'catastrophic'. Obama says U.S. can't afford more showdowns over debt, deficits.

Puerto Rico to activate National Guard.

Hugo Chavez mentor says he doubts ailing president will rule Venezuela again.

U.S. workers making $30,000 will take a bigger hit on their pay than those earning $500,000 under new fiscal deal.

Canada meets key aboriginal demand amid blockades.

Quake measuring 7.5 strikes off Alaska. Tsunami warning canceled for Alaska, Canada.

Worst drought in decades hits Brazil's Northeast.

Brazilian crack addicts to be forcibly committed.

It's official: Obama wins presidency.


Renditions continue under Obama, despite due-process concerns.

Defense bill’s Guantanamo Bay provisions have human rights groups upset with Obama.

Intel chairman: Reports of civilian deaths from US drone strikes ‘wildly wrong’.

Killing the 'Good Taliban' (commentary).


Irish newspapers on defence over sharing links.

Is Twitter really worth £7BILLION? New valuation revealed amid claims firm will go public next year.

Google antitrust settlement reshapes patent disputes.

Central banks still hold all the cards.

WASHINGTON—U.S. officials said the Syrian military has fired at least four short-range Iranian-made ballistic missiles at rebel positions in recent days, raising alarms in Washington that the Assad regime may be turning to deadlier weapons to hold on to power.

The Syrian military fired a few of the Iranian-made missiles, known as Fateh-110s, late last month. Officials said the additional salvos fired this week at rebel targets near the city of Homs suggest that Tehran may be stepping up its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"It certainly shows more aggressive action by the Syrian regime, aided by the Iranians," a senior U.S. official said.

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Syrian warplanes bomb suburbs of the capital as troops and rebels fight across the country.

Israeli PM to ambassadors: Iran not yet crossed red line.

Saudi jets bolster US drone attacks on Yemen: report.

Iraq's al-Sadr visits church, site of 2010 attack.

Anti-government protests rage across Iraq.

Iran says talks with big powers to be held in January. EU says no date for Iran talks, hopes for next round soon.

Official: Turkish military to keep fighting rebels.

Turkish Kurd deputies meet jailed militant leader Ocalan: lawmaker.

Abbas's Fatah holds first mass Gaza rally in years.


"Nobody helped us for an hour:" Indian rape witness.

Japan sends envoy to soothe ties with South Korea.

South Korea says Japan must heal wounds of wartime excesses.

China shuts website of leading reformist magazine.

India gang rape: Delhi to appoint more policewomen.

Kim Jong-un's wife 'has given birth' in North Korea.

Malala Yousafzai leaves Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

US cool on Google's Eric Schmidt visiting North Korea. North Korea trip to be "private" mission: former U.S. diplomat Richardson.


Grenade kills two in world's biggest refugee camp in Kenya.

No S. Sudan oil exports until at least March.

DR Congo rebels threaten to ditch peace talks.

Sudanese leaders Bashir and Kiir to meet in Ethiopia. Sudan, South Sudan leaders to try to defuse tension at summit.

Different challenges in Central African Rep., Mali.

New child soldier fears in C. African Republic.

Islamist split in Egypt buoys radical wing.

Libyan police captain abducted in Benghazi.


Britain's top tabloid scolds Argentina over the Falklands.

Signs of hope for euro zone, but new worry for UK.

Radio Liberty loses its license in Moscow, and Russians raise voices in dismay.

Northern Irish police injured as flag row turns violent again.

Hungary top court voids election law in blow to Orban.

Greece probes officials in Swiss tax scandal.

Gerard Depardieu 'pleased' to become Russian citizen.

Brigitte Bardot threatens Russia move over sick elephants.


Mediocre job growth points to slow grind for U.S. economy.

Trillion dollar coins: The ultimate U.S. debt ceiling end-around?

Venezuelan government announces Chávez has 'severe' respiratory infection. Chavez still has "severe" respiratory problem.

Cuban group says political detentions rose dramatically in 2012.

Argentina renews dispute with Britain over Falklands.

The 113th Congress is the most diverse in U.S. history.

Bank Of Canada won’t discuss melting plastic bills, says national security behind silence.

US car sales rise 13.4% to hit five-year high.


Anwar al-Awlaki may have bought hijackers pre-9/11 tickets.

Did Awlaki really help the 9/11 hijackers?

Alleged Al Qaeda operative extradited to US, lands in New York City.

Bahawal Khan to succeed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir.


S&P 500 finishes at 5-year high on economic data.

BMW 39% December gain overtakes Mercedes for U.S. crown.

Swiss bank Wegelin to close after US tax evasion fine.

EU says its Google case not affected by U.S. ruling.

Virgin France to shut Paris flagship store, blaming insolvency.

(CNN) -- Lawmakers erupted in applause at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's inauguration six years ago. An orchestra played. Chavez beamed.

It's a different scene this year.

Chavez is scheduled to take the oath of office for a new six-year term in just a few days, but it's unclear whether he'll even be in the country. Chavez has been recovering from surgery in Cuba, where he is undergoing cancer treatment. Top aides describe the president's condition as "complicated" and "delicate."

Read more ....


Syrian warplanes bomb suburbs of the capital as troops and rebels fight across the country.

Saudi jets bolster US drone attacks on Yemen: report.

Anti-government protests rage across Iraq.

Iran says talks with big powers to be held in January. EU says no date for Iran talks, hopes for next round soon.

Official: Turkish military to keep fighting rebels.

Turkish Kurd deputies meet jailed militant leader Ocalan: lawmaker.

Abbas's Fatah holds first mass Gaza rally in years.


Japan sends envoy to soothe ties with South Korea.

South Korea says Japan must heal wounds of wartime excesses.

China shuts website of leading reformist magazine.

India gang rape: Delhi to appoint more policewomen.

Kim Jong-un's wife 'has given birth' in North Korea.

Malala Yousafzai leaves Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

US cool on Google's Eric Schmidt visiting North Korea. North Korea trip to be "private" mission: former U.S. diplomat Richardson.


DR Congo rebels threaten to ditch peace talks.

Sudanese leaders Bashir and Kiir to meet in Ethiopia. Sudan, South Sudan leaders to try to defuse tension at summit.

Different challenges in Central African Rep., Mali.

New child soldier fears in C. African Republic.

Islamist split in Egypt buoys radical wing.

Libyan police captain abducted in Benghazi.


Signs of hope for euro zone, but new worry for UK.

Radio Liberty loses its license in Moscow, and Russians raise voices in dismay.

Northern Irish police injured as flag row turns violent again.

Hungary top court voids election law in blow to Orban.

Greece probes officials in Swiss tax scandal.

Gerard Depardieu 'pleased' to become Russian citizen.


Venezuelan government announces Chávez has 'severe' respiratory infection. Chavez still has "severe" respiratory problem.

Cuban group says political detentions rose dramatically in 2012.

Argentina renews dispute with Britain over Falklands.

The 113th Congress is the most diverse in U.S. history.

Bank Of Canada won’t discuss melting plastic bills, says national security behind silence.

US car sales rise 13.4% to hit five-year high.


Alleged Al Qaeda operative extradited to US, lands in New York City.

Anwar al-Awlaki may have bought hijackers pre-9/11 tickets.

Bahawal Khan to succeed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir.


BMW 39% December gain overtakes Mercedes for U.S. crown.

Swiss bank Wegelin to close after US tax evasion fine.

EU says its Google case not affected by U.S. ruling.

Virgin France to shut Paris flagship store, blaming insolvency.

BEIRUT, Lebanon — An explosion at a gas station outside Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Wednesday turned a long line of cars waiting for rarely available fuel into a deadly inferno that killed at least 30 people sitting in their cars or on motorcycles, according to videos and reports from witnesses who blamed a government airstrike.

The violence came as the United Nations released a study showing that more than 60,000 people had been killed in Syria’s 22-month-old conflict, a number that is a third higher than estimates by antigovernment activist groups.

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Nusra Front reportedly leading Syrian rebels’ fight for key Damascus area.

Fighting rages for control of Syrian air base. Syria conflict: Fierce fighting near strategic airports.

Turkish villagers take in Syrian refugees that humanitarian groups don’t serve.

UN body: Around half-million Syrians now refugees.

Attacks in Iraq kill at least 32 pilgrims.

Protests engulf west Iraq as Anbar rises against Maliki.

Turkish government in talks with Kurdish rebel chief.

Iran moves Rafsanjani daughter to solitary confinement.

Israeli raid in West Bank triggers clashes with Palestinians.

Turkey arrests ex-military chief of staff.

Yemen's ex-president to seek treatment abroad before talks start.


UN warns Burma on airstrikes in Kachin.

U.S.: Time not right for Google executive's North Korea trip.

China warns Vietnam over South China Sea islands.

Myanmar says jets used against Kachin rebels.

India gang rape: Five suspects charged in Delhi. Indian rape accused charged; victim's father calls for hanging.

Taiwan undersea oil plans raise neighbors' eyebrows.

In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubt.

South: Drop in N. Korea defectors linked to tighter border security.

Video fuels rumor NKorean leader's wife gave birth.

Japan’s population falls by record in 2012 as births decrease.


Central African Republic president refuses to leave power, defying rebels. M23 rebels threaten to quit DR Congo talks over ceasefire.

Diplomats seek progress on Central African Republic crisis.

Central African Republic leader fires son after rebel threat. Central African Republic rebels agree to talks.

Presidents of Sudan, South Sudan to meet Friday.

Egypt panel implicates Mubarak, military in deaths.

Civilian armed groups fight crime, wreak havoc in Niger Delta.

Ivory Coast to investigate deadly stampede.

Mandela's recovery "on track" at home: South African government.


Russia's 2012 oil output hits post-Soviet high.

Putin orders change in election rules.

Spanish politician calls for inquiry into auto accident that killed Cuban dissident.

British government extradites al-Qaida suspect.

Three women killed after gunman's drunken rampage in Swiss village.

Putin gives tax exile Depardieu Russian citizenship.

Icelandic girl fights for right to her own name.


Fed may reduce efforts to stimulate US economy.

With Chavez ill and inauguration near, uncertainty reigns in Venezuela. Venezuela opposition seeks answers on Chavez.

Fiscal cliff: US urged to tackle budget deficit.

Argentina presses claim to Falkland Islands, accusing UK of colonialism. UK prime minister rebuffs Argentina over Falklands.

Gun checks soar 39 percent, set new record: FBI.

Mexico troops kill 12 in gun fight in Zacatecas state.

Mississippi River nears historic lows, shipping at risk.

Clinton discharged from hospital, doctors expect full recovery.


Defense bill’s Guantanamo Bay provisions have human rights groups upset with Obama.

US drone strike kills 5 'militants' in South Waziristan.

Pakistan militant Mullah Nazir 'killed in drone attack'. Pakistani officials: Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill 15, including a Taliban leader.

The top terror takedowns of 2012.

US drones killed 2,183 Jihadis, 487 civilians since 2004.

Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program.


World's 100 richest gained $241B last year.

FTC ends long Google probe with mild reprimand.

Geithner said to plan departure before debt ceiling deal.

Hollywood's record haul: why 2012 was a great year for movies.

Boeing soars past Airbus in deliveries.

Starbucks to open first Vietnam store next month.

Al Jazeera buys Al Gore's Current TV.

DOZENS of civilians were killed by a missile strike on a Damascus petrol station yesterday as the UN revealed that the death toll from the 22-month conflict had passed 60,000 -- far more than previously thought.

The attack by a MiG fighter on the petrol station in the eastern suburb of Meleiha was one of the bloodiest yet, causing an explosion and inferno that killed or wounded numerous drivers queuing for scarce fuel.

Opposition activists said that between 30 and 70 people were killed, and many more injured.

Meleiha is not a notorious rebel stronghold.

Read more ....


Syria conflict: Fierce fighting near strategic airports.

Protests engulf west Iraq as Anbar rises against Maliki.

Iran moves Rafsanjani daughter to solitary confinement.

Israeli raid in West Bank triggers clashes with Palestinians.
Turkey arrests ex-military chief of staff.

Yemen's ex-president to seek treatment abroad before talks start.


China warns Vietnam over South China Sea islands.

Myanmar says jets used against Kachin rebels.

India gang rape: Five suspects charged in Delhi. Indian rape accused charged; victim's father calls for hanging.

Taiwan undersea oil plans raise neighbors' eyebrows.

In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubt.

South: Drop in N. Korea defectors linked to tighter border security.

Video fuels rumor NKorean leader's wife gave birth.

Japan’s population falls by record in 2012 as births decrease.


Central African Republic leader fires son after rebel threat. Central African Republic rebels agree to talks.

Presidents of Sudan, South Sudan to meet Friday.

Egypt panel implicates Mubarak, military in deaths.

Civilian armed groups fight crime, wreak havoc in Niger Delta.

Ivory Coast to investigate deadly stampede.

Mandela's recovery "on track" at home: South African government.


Putin orders change in election rules.

Spanish politician calls for inquiry into auto accident that killed Cuban dissident.

British government extradites al-Qaida suspect.

Three women killed after gunman's drunken rampage in Swiss village.

Putin gives tax exile Depardieu Russian citizenship.

Icelandic girl fights for right to her own name.


Fiscal cliff: US urged to tackle budget deficit.

Argentina presses claim to Falkland Islands, accusing UK of colonialism. UK prime minister rebuffs Argentina over Falklands.

Gun checks soar 39 percent, set new record: FBI.

Mexico troops kill 12 in gun fight in Zacatecas state.

Venezuela opposition seeks answers on Chavez.

Mississippi River nears historic lows, shipping at risk.

Clinton discharged from hospital, doctors expect full recovery.


US drone strike kills 5 'militants' in South Waziristan.

Pakistan militant Mullah Nazir 'killed in drone attack'. Pakistani officials: Suspected U.S. drone strikes kill 15, including a Taliban leader.

The top terror takedowns of 2012.

US drones killed 2,183 Jihadis, 487 civilians since 2004.

Congress OKs bill to grow rewards for terrorism justice program.


Hollywood's record haul: why 2012 was a great year for movies.

Boeing soars past Airbus in deliveries.

Starbucks to open first Vietnam store next month.

Al Jazeera buys Al Gore's Current TV.

BEIRUT — The United Nations’ human rights chief said Wednesday that more than 60,000 people have been killed in the bloody conflict in Syria, a figure that far exceeds even estimates given by opposition groups after nearly two years of fighting.

“The number of casualties is much higher than we expected and is truly shocking,” U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Navanethem Pillay said, according to Reuters news service.

Read more ....


Syria unrest has killed 60,000, says UN.

Islamists join Syrian rebels in military airfield attack. Syria: 'Deadly air strike hits Damascus petrol station'. Fighting in Aleppo shuts down city's airport as Syria's vicious civil war shows no sign of slowing in 2013.

Any end in sight? Syrian conflict enters third calendar year.

Syrian refugees strain resources in Jordan.

Iraq is officially fighting in a 'low-level war' a year after US withdrawal.

Israeli-Palestinian clashes erupt in West Bank.

Israeli border fence halts migrant flood from Egypt.

Hamas could oust Abbas from W.Bank: Netanyahu.

Turkey’s leader vies for role of strongman.

Red Hot ‘Israeli’ Peppers: Lebanese army combat supermarket veg.


The secret ways of Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Gunmen kidnap seven Pakistani soldiers.

Satellite images show North Korea maintaining ability to detonate nuke device.

Myanmar admits to airstrikes against rebels. Video shows Burma military 'targeting Kachin rebels'.

India police to charge 5 with murder in brutal gang-rape, test 6th suspect to confirm age. Lawyers refuse to defend Delhi gang-rapists.

In New Year’s speech, North Korean leader pushes for unity, peace.

South Korea dismisses Kim Jong Un’s call for reduced tensions.

North Korean adoptions approved in US.

Funerals held for Pakistan charity workers in Swabi.


Mursi's Brotherhood may pay price for Egypt currency fall.

Many remained displaced in Kenya in 2012.

Nigerian army says 14 die in gun battle with Boko Haram.

Egyptian opposition to run for Parliament on one list.

Central African Republic rebels halt advance, agree to peace talks. Foreign troops to bolster Central African Republic.

Ten crushed to death, 120 injured at Angola church event.

Ivory Coast mourns after new year stampede in Abidjan.

Crisis-Hit Sudan opens bigger dam in conflict state.

South Sudan's oil production hasn't trickled down to basic services.

Africa's energy consumption growing fastest in world.

Egypt cracks down on satirists and media.


Greek debt crisis 'far from over'.

UK assumes presidency of G8 group.

Italy's Monti fires opening salvo of second-term campaign.

Adoption ban law comes into force in Russia.

France counts 1,193 cars torched on New Year's Eve.

Pope's new year address deplores rampant capitalism.


Argentina blasts Britain over islands and Antarctica.

Bigger fights loom after "fiscal cliff" deal.

Congress OKs cliff deal, signaling future fights. President vows not to negotiate on debt ceiling.

Canada native hunger strike sparks Quebec blockade.

Venezuela opposition: government not providing enough information about ailing Hugo Chavez

Venezuela's Chavez 'conscious' says VP Nicolas Maduro. Chavez ‘immense strength’ prompts Maduro’s return home.

Thirteen Colombian Farc rebels 'killed in air strike'.

Sales of armored cars soars 10% in Mexico as drug wars escalate.

Haiti travel warning issued by US after kidnappings, killings.


NY Times loses bid to uncover details on drone strikes.

Al-Qaeda, Israel’s Trojan horse in Middle East: Iranian MP

Ethiopia says breaks up Islamist militant cell.

Al Qaeda rises in Yemen's chaos.


Google's executive chairman plans North Korea trip: AP.

Intel is reportedly going to destroy the cable model by offering people the ability to subscribe to individual channels.

Snapchat withstands Facebook challenge.

Analysis: "Fiscal cliff" deal called a dud on deficit front.

Fiscal cliff deal: World markets celebrate certainty.

Congress approved a plan to end Washington’s long drama over the “fiscal cliff” late Tuesday after House Republicans surrendered to President Obama’s demand to let taxes rise on the nation’s richest households.

The House voted 257 to 167 to send the measure to Obama for his signature; the vote came less than 24 hours after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the legislation.

Read more ....


Islamists join Syrian rebels in military airfield attack. Syria: 'Deadly air strike hits Damascus petrol station'. Fighting in Aleppo shuts down city's airport as Syria's vicious civil war shows no sign of slowing in 2013.

Any end in sight? Syrian conflict enters third calendar year.

Iraq is officially fighting in a 'low-level war' a year after US withdrawal.

Israeli-Palestinian clashes erupt in West Bank.

Israeli border fence halts migrant flood from Egypt.

Hamas could oust Abbas from W.Bank: Netanyahu.

Turkey’s leader vies for role of strongman.

Red Hot ‘Israeli’ Peppers: Lebanese army combat supermarket veg.


Satellite images show North Korea maintaining ability to detonate nuke device.

Video shows Burma military 'targeting Kachin rebels'.

India police to charge 5 with murder in brutal gang-rape, test 6th suspect to confirm age. Lawyers refuse to defend Delhi gang-rapists.

In New Year’s speech, North Korean leader pushes for unity, peace.

South Korea dismisses Kim Jong Un’s call for reduced tensions.

North Korean adoptions approved in US.

Funerals held for Pakistan charity workers in Swabi.


Nigerian army says 14 die in gun battle with Boko Haram.

Egyptian opposition to run for Parliament on one list.

Central African Republic rebels halt advance, agree to peace talks. Foreign troops to bolster Central African Republic.

Ten crushed to death, 120 injured at Angola church event.

Ivory Coast mourns after new year stampede in Abidjan.

Crisis-Hit Sudan opens bigger dam in conflict state.

South Sudan's oil production hasn't trickled down to basic services.

Africa's energy consumption growing fastest in world.

Egypt cracks down on satirists and media.


Greek debt crisis 'far from over'.

UK assumes presidency of G8 group.

Italy's Monti fires opening salvo of second-term campaign.

Adoption ban law comes into force in Russia.

France counts 1,193 cars torched on New Year's Eve.

Pope's new year address deplores rampant capitalism.


Congress OKs cliff deal, signaling future fights. President vows not to negotiate on debt ceiling.

Thirteen Colombian Farc rebels 'killed in air strike'.

Venezuela's Chavez 'conscious' says VP Nicolas Maduro. Chavez ‘immense strength’ prompts Maduro’s return home.

Sales of armored cars soars 10% in Mexico as drug wars escalate.

Haiti travel warning issued by US after kidnappings, killings.


Al-Qaeda, Israel’s Trojan horse in Middle East: Iranian MP

Ethiopia says breaks up Islamist militant cell.

Al Qaeda rises in Yemen's chaos.


Snapchat withstands Facebook challenge.

Analysis: "Fiscal cliff" deal called a dud on deficit front.

Fiscal cliff deal: World markets celebrate certainty.

Resistance from House Republicans, including Majority Leader Eric Cantor, threw into doubt whether a last-minute compromise measure to pull the U.S. back from the so-called fiscal cliff could come to a vote Tuesday.

With just two days to spare, House Republicans were in a series of meetings to figure out how to respond to the Senate's 89-8 vote in the middle of the night to stave off a series of tax increases and steep spending cuts automatically taking effect in the new year.

Read more ....


Syria's 22-month war shows no signs of stopping in new year.

Syrian military mounts offensive in suburb of Damascus.

Syrian Minister: Government open to peace talks.

The growing toll of Syria's civil war: 46,068 deaths and counting.

Iran blasts Obama for Latin America law.

Iraq deaths down in 2012 but nation remains mired in 'low-level war'.

Report: Turkey, jailed Kurd leader discuss disarmament.

Turkey hits back at EU criticism over membership bid.

Saudi Arabia's riches conceal a growing problem of poverty.

Palestinians will outnumber Israeli Jews by 2020.

Israel's Jewish population passes 6 million mark.

American aid helps Lebanon replant its Cedar forests.


China to outstrip Europe car production.

Drug epidemic grips India’s Punjab state.

Kim Jong-un calls for better ties with South Korea. North Korean leader seeks end to confrontation with South.

ASEAN leader to push consensus on South China Sea disputes.

Philippines claims South China Sea islands.

Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace prospects.

Gunmen in Pakistan shoot dead seven aid workers near capital.

India mulls tougher anti-rape laws amid fresh protests.

North Korea cracks down on knowledge smugglers.

New York Times journalist expelled from China after paper published story exposing wealth of Prime Minister's family.

In Hong Kong, thousands protest China-backed leader.


Egypt prosecutors investigate popular TV comedian.

Kenya police official seeks improved security.

Rival Sudans signal border concessions before summit. South Sudan willing to withdraw army from Sudan border: president.

Sudan: Over one million people under attack from government, says report.

At least 61 crushed to death in Ivory Coast stampede. Ivory Coast new year stampede kills dozens in Abidjan. About 60 crushed to death in Ivory Coast stadium stampede.

Al Qaeda digs in to defend 'new country' in Mali.

CAR rebels reject AU call for talks. Central African rebels threaten capital despite unity offer in CAR.

UN slaps sanctions on DR Congo rebels.

Nigeria president compares unrest in nation to Syrian civil war and wonders about ‘end times’.


Spain: the pain of austerity deepens.

Irish dissidents blamed for cop car bomb.

Europe’s debt crisis: No relief on the horizon.

Merkel calls for German patience as Euro crisis ‘far from over’.

Hollande refuses to back down on French super-tax.

France struggles to tackle New Year car torching.

Happy New Year, London! Fantastic firework display on the banks of the Thames lights up the capital's skyline to welcome 2013 in UK.

Armed raiders wielding handguns raid Paris Apple store and flee with £1MILLION worth of i-gadgets.

Diplomat: Russia won't lower gas price for Ukraine unless it joins Customs Union.


House Republicans balk at "fiscal cliff" deal.

CBO says Senate's "fiscal cliff" bill adds $4 trillion to deficit.

US Senate passes 'fiscal cliff' deal to avoid tax rises. It's up to the House: fiscal cliff faces Republican-controlled territory.

Fiscal crisis is the new normal in Washington.

Fiscal cliff deal: $1 in spending cuts for every $41 in tax increases.

Geithner tells Congress U.S. reaches debt limit. 3 more fiscal cliffs loom.

Venezuelan cabinet attends mass for Chavez's recovery.

Clinton suffers clot behind right ear, full recovery seen.


Drone war spurs militants to deadly reprisals.

Al Qaeda offers $160,000 in gold to anyone who kills U.S. ambassador.

Al Qaeda has basically made its own country in Africa.

Report blames poor security, inadequate response in Benghazi attack.

Gitmo a lesson in U.S. pop culture for detainee.


Shell oil drill ship runs aground off Alaska coast.

Angry Birds, YouTube among top apps of 2012.

Insight: How Colombian drug traffickers used HSBC to launder money.

Three reasons for a financial crisis in 2013.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrians woke on New Year's Day to countrywide aerial bombardment, while President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebels fighting to topple him clashed on the outskirts of the capital.

Residents of Damascus entered the new year to the sound of artillery hitting southern and eastern districts that form a rebel-held crescent on the outskirts of the capital, the center of which is still firmly under government control.

Read more ....


Syria's 22-month war shows no signs of stopping in new year.

Syrian military mounts offensive in suburb of Damascus.

Syrian Minister: Government open to peace talks.

The growing toll of Syria's civil war: 46,068 deaths and counting.

Iraq deaths down in 2012 but nation remains mired in 'low-level war'.

Report: Turkey, jailed Kurd leader discuss disarmament.

Turkey hits back at EU criticism over membership bid.

Saudi Arabia's riches conceal a growing problem of poverty.

Israel's Jewish population passes 6 million mark.

American aid helps Lebanon replant its Cedar forests.


Kim Jong-un calls for better ties with South Korea. North Korean leader seeks end to confrontation with South.

ASEAN leader to push consensus on South China Sea disputes.

Top Afghan negotiator optimistic over peace prospects.

Gunmen in Pakistan shoot dead seven aid workers near capital.

India mulls tougher anti-rape laws amid fresh protests.

North Korea cracks down on knowledge smugglers.

New York Times journalist expelled from China after paper published story exposing wealth of Prime Minister's family.

In Hong Kong, thousands protest China-backed leader.


Ivory Coast new year stampede kills dozens in Abidjan. About 60 crushed to death in Ivory Coast stadium stampede.

Al Qaeda digs in to defend 'new country' in Mali.

CAR rebels reject AU call for talks. Central African rebels threaten capital despite unity offer in CAR.

UN slaps sanctions on DR Congo rebels.

South Sudan willing to withdraw army from Sudan border: president.

Sudan: Over one million people under attack from government, says report.

Nigeria president compares unrest in nation to Syrian civil war and wonders about ‘end times’.


Europe’s debt crisis: No relief on the horizon.

Merkel calls for German patience as Euro crisis ‘far from over’.

Hollande refuses to back down on French super-tax.

France struggles to tackle New Year car torching.

Happy New Year, London! Fantastic firework display on the banks of the Thames lights up the capital's skyline to welcome 2013 in UK.

Armed raiders wielding handguns raid Paris Apple store and flee with £1MILLION worth of i-gadgets.

Diplomat: Russia won't lower gas price for Ukraine unless it joins Customs Union.


US Senate passes 'fiscal cliff' deal to avoid tax rises. It's up to the House: fiscal cliff faces Republican-controlled territory.

Fiscal crisis is the new normal in Washington.

Fiscal cliff deal: $1 in spending cuts for every $41 in tax increases.

Geithner tells Congress U.S. reaches debt limit. 3 more fiscal cliffs loom.

Venezuelan cabinet attends mass for Chavez's recovery.

Clinton suffers clot behind right ear, full recovery seen.


Al Qaeda offers $160,000 in gold to anyone who kills U.S. ambassador.

Al Qaeda has basically made its own country in Africa.

Report blames poor security, inadequate response in Benghazi attack.

Gitmo a lesson in U.S. pop culture for detainee.


Angry Birds, YouTube among top apps of 2012.

Insight: How Colombian drug traffickers used HSBC to launder money.

Three reasons for a financial crisis in 2013.