Mumbai attacks gunman Kasab executed
The sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks was executed on Wednesday, nearly four years after 166 people were killed in a three-day rampage through India's financial capital.
US 'alarmed' by security deterioration in DR Congo
The US State Department late Tuesday said that Washington is "gravely alarmed" by the speed at which security is deteriorating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Australia seizes $246 million of drugs from China
Australian police said Wednesday they had seized cocaine and methamphetamine worth Aus$237 million (US$246 million) shipped from China in a consignment of heavy machinery.
22 November 2012
Britain recognises Syria opposition as fighting rages
Britain formally recognised a newly-formed opposition bloc as the sole representative of the Syrian people on Tuesday, as UN head Ban Ki-moon said he feared Syria could become a "regional battleground."
22 November 2012
Mount Tongariro volcano erupts in New Zealand
A New Zealand volcano used as a backdrop to "The Lord of the Rings" films erupted on Wednesday, sending a column of ash two kilometres (1.2 miles) above the North Island.
22 November 2012
Naked protest as San Francisco bans nudity
San Francisco lawmakers voted Tuesday to outlaw most public nudity, despite protests in the famously free and easy California city -- including a naked demo outside City Hall.
Israel halts threatened Gaza invasion as truce talks build
Israel on Tuesday halted a threatened Gaza ground offensive to give Egyptian-led truce talks a chance as top diplomats flew in to boost efforts to end nearly a week of cross-border violence.
Israel mulls Gaza truce as toll tops 100
Israeli leaders Tuesday discussed an Egyptian plan for a truce with Gaza's ruling Hamas, reports said, before a mission by the UN chief to Jerusalem and as the toll from Israeli raids on Gaza rose over 100.
20 November 2012
Vandals steal ancient rock carvings in California
Vandals have stolen at least four ancient rock carvings, apparently using cement-cutting circular saws to slice them out of a valuable archeological site in California.
Gaza truce needs strong mediator, success for both sides
A ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza depends on each side's ability to claim victory and the credibility of the mediation, undermined by Israel launching strikes with a truce already in effect.