Obama approval ratings down amid political flaps
President Barack Obama's approval ratings took a hit over the past month as he wrestled with controversies over the IRS, Benghazi and the secret seizure of journalists' phone records.
Venezuela threatens to end support for Colombia peace
Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Thursday denounced as "blackmail" a threat by Caracas to end support for Colombia's peace process with leftist rebels.
01 June 2013 10:00
US accuses Iran of surge in 'terrorism'
The United States on Thursday accused Iran of sponsoring "terrorism" at a level unseen in decades and said that the separate threat from Al-Qaeda has been significantly degraded.
Australian prime minister dodges another sandwich
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to dodge a flying sandwich for the second time this month Thursday when someone's salami lunch was flung at her during a school visit.
US demands Hezbollah withdraw from Syria
The United States demanded the immediate withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from Syria on Wednesday, saying their active role in combat there was an "extremely dangerous escalation."
Ray of light, dark clouds in Iran nuclear programme
An important recent development in Iran's nuclear programme, if it continues, might help to ease international fears that Tehran wants the bomb, but serious questions still remain.
Anger over N. Korean refugees repatriated from Laos
Human rights monitors and North Korean defector groups voiced anger and concern Thursday over the forced repatriation to Pyongyang of nine young refugees captured in Laos.
30 May 2013 11:01
UN call to financial arms for new war on poverty
Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent battling extreme poverty and disease since 2000 and now the United Nations is lining up a new war on the social distress still suffered by huge numbers around the world.