US forces to punish Syria, not push regime change
US forces readied to strike Syria on Tuesday, as the West insisted its goal was not regime change but to punish the Assad government for unleashing chemical warfare on civilians.
Mumbai gang-rape suspects were feared in their slum home
As Mumbai reels over the gang-rape of a young photographer in the heart of the city last week, angry neighbours of the arrested suspects describe a gang of jobless youths known for petty theft and drinking.
27 August 2013
Christian valley sends SOS to Syrian army
In Wadi al-Nassara, a valley in western Syria dotted with Christian hamlets, residents have hung white silk ribbons to mourn war victims and pray the army will defeat its jihadist foes.
US threatens Syria over 'obscene' chemical strike
Washington warned Syria it would face action over the "moral obscenity" of a gruesome chemical weapons attack, as UN inspectors braved sniper fire to gather evidence about the incident.
27 August 2013
Thirteen dead in Mexico mudslides: authorities
Mudslides crashed through several homes in eastern Mexico on Monday, killing at least 13 people after a tropical storm pelted the state of Veracruz with heavy rains.
N. Korea tried to export gas masks to Syria: media
North Korea tried to export gas masks to Syria but they were seized in Turkey along with arms and ammunition, as the US threatened action over an alleged chemical weapons attack.
US 'alarmed' by eastern DR Congo violence
The United States on Sunday condemned rebel attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, hailing the world body's efforts to protect the population.
26 August 2013
Syria OKs UN chemical probe, US eyes military action
UN experts are to start investigating a suspected Syrian chemical attack Monday as a sceptical Washington weighing military action and coordinating with allies said Syria's acceptance of the probe came too late.