China hits back at new US sanctions over Iran
Beijing reacted furiously Wednesday to new US sanctions imposed on a Chinese bank over transactions with Iran, urging Washington to revoke them and saying it would lodge an official protest.
Syria troops, rebels clash near Aleppo intelligence HQ: NGO
Syrian troops and rebels fought pitched battles near an intelligence headquarters in Aleppo on Tuesday as a military offensive in Syria's commercial capital raged into a fourth day.
Global travel industry gears up for Muslim tourist boom
An expected worldwide boom in Muslim tourism is reflected in the growing availability of amenities such as halal spas and airport prayer rooms.
Afghan construction way behind schedule: report
A new US government report has found major reconstruction projects in Afghanistan are so behind schedule they will not yield results before most combat troops leave.
Divorces on the rise again in Iraq
Divorces are on the rise in Iraq, official figures show, though the number of couples parting ways is still far lower than the latter years of Saddam Hussein's rule, and marriages much higher.
UN: 200,000 flee Aleppo as Syria battle rages
Around 200,000 civilians have fled fighting in Syria's most populous city Aleppo and many more were trapped, the UN said as a fierce government offensive against rebels entered a second day.
White House denies comparison of Syria to Libya
The United States said it was "very concerned" about a Syrian offensive in Aleppo, Syria, but rejected comparisons to Libya where NATO-led forces intervened last year to protect civilians.
World's largest 'Cherenkov' telecope launched in Namibia
The huge "Cherenkov" telescope, the size of two lawn tennis courts and the biggest of its kind, has started to capture cosmic rays from its base in Namibia.
Syria rebels ready for 'mother of all battles' in Aleppo
Rebel forces were bracing Friday for a decisive "mother of all" battles in Aleppo, as Washington warned the Syrian army could be preparing to carry out a massacre in the country's second city.
Foreigners join fight against 'apostate' Syria regime
In restive northwest Syria, the uprising has found an unlikely new partner in the struggle against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad: foreign Islamists who are joining the fight.
Egypt all-veiled TV aims to cover women's needs
A satellite channel run and hosted by fully-veiled presenters aims to break down the barriers for women in niqab who until the revolution were shunned by Egypt's lucrative television industry.
Mobile phones help bolster Uganda's fight against HIV
Stella Nayiga clutches her mobile phone as she describes the messages that she received punctually every morning and evening for over a year, reminding her to take her antiretroviral (ARV) drugs regularly.
Ghana president dies after illness, successor sworn in
Ghana President John Atta Mills died suddenly Tuesday, hours after being taken ill and months before he was to seek re-election in a country seen as a bastion of democracy in west Africa.
Syria rebels say chemical weapons moved to borders
Syrian rebels have accused strongman Bashar al-Assad of moving chemical weapons to the country's borders, after his beleaguered regime said it would use its stockpiles if attacked.
Young African women risk HIV infections from older men
Poverty drove single teenage mother Kate Mzungu to seek out a rich older man, who buys her food and pays for her housing in exchange for the pleasures of her young company.
US warns Syria against using chemical weapons
US President Barack Obama has warned Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad it would be a "tragic mistake" to unleash chemical weapons, after Damascus admits it has a stockpile and will use them if attacked.
111 killed in Iraq's deadliest day in two years
A wave of violence swept across Iraq Monday, with 111 killed on the country's deadliest day in two and a half years, after Al-Qaeda warned it would seek to retake territory and mount new attacks.
Iraq attacks kill 37 after Al-Qaeda warning
Violence in Baghdad and north of the capital killed at least 37 people on Monday, the country's bloodiest day in three weeks after Al-Qaeda's front group in Iraq warned it sought to retake territory.
Arab nations urge Assad to quit as fighting rages
Arab nations have called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to swiftly give up power as his troops launched a fresh assault on rebels in Damascus and the second city Aleppo.
