EU to sanction Iran, Syria, help Mali reconquer its north
Europe's foreign ministers will sharply ramp up the pressure on Iran and Syria at talks Monday, while taking a "big step" in Africa by agreeing to assist Mali reconquer its north from rebels and Islamist extremists.
Australia defends refugee policy after boat surge
Canberra insisted on Monday that a new deterrent policy of locking up refugees on remote Pacific islands was working despite a weekend surge in arrivals and self-harm attempts among detainees.
15 October 2012 11:03
US berates Russia for aiding Syrian regime
The US has denounced Russia's policy of aiding the Syrian regime as "morally bankrupt," as tensions between Damascus and Ankara escalate over cargo seized from a Syrian passenger plane.
Canada bars US extremist pastor Terry Jones
Notorious US pastor Terry Jones said Thursday he has been barred from entering Canada after an anti-Islam video he backs triggered violent protests across the Muslim world.
13 October 2012 14:51
Sarkozy resurfaces at New York bank conference
Five months after losing re-election, an unshaven French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy appeared Thursday at a New York banking conference and reportedly said he looked forward to a "new life."
13 October 2012 14:12
Iran still 'good way away' from nuclear weapon: Biden
Iran is still "a good way away" from acquiring a nuclear weapon, US Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday, insisting the United States would stop Tehran before it was too late.
VP pick Ryan bows to Romney line on abortion
US vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan stood by his pro-life credentials Thursday but said a White House led by Mitt Romney would not try to ban rape victims from seeking abortions.
13 October 2012 10:20
Syria, Turkey trade accusations over jet's cargo
The war of words between Syria and Turkey escalated on Thursday when Ankara said it had found military supplies on a passenger plane it intercepted en route between Moscow and Damascus.
12 October 2012 18:52
US military prepares new rules for cyber war:Panetta
The United States faces a growing threat of a "cyber-Pearl Harbor" and has drafted new rules for the military that would enable it to move aggressively against digital attacks.
12 October 2012 18:08
Cuba frees dissident who sparked hunger strike
Cuba has released Jorge Vazquez Chaviano, a dissident whose case sparked a hunger strike by 30 protesters last month, though he remains under "many restrictions," he told AFP.
Troubled DR Congo hosts struggling Francophonie summit
Leaders from the 75-nation Francophonie were to begin their biennial summit Friday in DR Congo, a country that encapsulates Africa's many woes but also its growing stake in a body searching for a raison d'etre.
