US to maintain 35,000 troops in Gulf region: Hagel
The United States is committed to maintaining a 35,000-strong force in the Gulf region regardless of a nuclear deal with Iran, Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel said Saturday in Bahrain.
Dalai Lama says will miss 'dear friend' Mandela
The Dalai Lama said Friday he would miss his "dear friend" Nelson Mandela, who he hailed as "a man of courage, principle and unquestionable integrity" in a letter sent to the South African icon's family.
Obama: Mandela bent history towards justice
America's first black president Barack Obama Thursday mourned Nelson Mandela as a "profoundly good" man who "took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice."
Egypt's first gay film, a sad affair that irks censors
Director Hany Fawzy's "Family Secrets," Egypt's first film about homosexuality, has hit a sensitive nerve with censors in this Muslim country where the topic is taboo.
Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela dies aged 95
Nelson Mandela, the icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and a colossus of 20th century politics, died late Thursday aged 95, prompting mass mourning and a global celebration of his astonishing life.
Scientists discover vast undersea freshwater reserves
Australian researchers said Thursday they had established the existence of vast freshwater reserves trapped beneath the ocean floor which could sustain future generations as current sources dwindle.
Qantas to cut 1,000 jobs, says challenges "immense"
Australian carrier Qantas announced the axing of 1,000 jobs and warned of "immense" challenges ahead in a shock profit downgrade Thursday, flagging a half-year loss of up to Aus$300 million (US$271 million).
Dead, wounded in Sanaa suicide car bombing: Yemen security
A suicide car bombing at the defence ministry in the heart of Sanaa left dead and wounded on Thursday.
Morocco Islamists under fire over women abuse bill
A long-awaited law to combat violence against women is currently under study in Morocco, but the Islamist-led government has had to revise its proposals after sharp criticism from rights groups.
Hezbollah says one of its leaders killed near Beirut
Hezbollah on Wednesday said one of its leaders had been assassinated near Beirut and accused Israel, the Lebanese Shiite movement's arch-foe, of being behind the killing.
White House steps up bid to thwart new Iran sanctions
The White House warned Congress Tuesday that passing new sanctions on Iran -- even with a delayed launch date -- would give Tehran an excuse to undermine an interim nuclear deal.
$1mn Picasso yours for just $135
Still stumped for a Christmas present? Then what about an exquisite $1 million Picasso for the living room, yours for just $135 at an online charity raffle.
OPEC to sit tight over oil output on supply strains
OPEC is set to stick to its oil output limit at a meeting here on Wednesday, even as Iraq and Iran eye higher crude exports amid slashed Libyan production.
France to allow armed guards on ships to ward off pirates: PM
France will authorise the deployment of armed guards on ships as part of anti-piracy measures, a move long sought by shipping companies, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said in an interview published Tuesday.
Nazarbayev postpones his visit to South Africa
Kazakhstan President Nursulan Nazarbayev has postponed his official visit to the Republic of South Africa.
Oxfam launches '12 Days of Giving' for Syria refugees
International aid agency Oxfam on Tuesday launched a "12 Days of Giving" appeal to help destitute Syrian refugee families in Jordan and Lebanon survive the region's harsh winter months.
Missing Mozambican plane likely crashed: police
A Mozambican Airlines plane that went missing with 34 people on board likely crashed over inhospitable bush in northeastern Namibia, police said early Saturday as they searched for the jet.
Suspected French cannibal served in Afghanistan: army
A suspected cannibal who killed a 90-year-old man in southern France apparently to eat his heart and tongue was a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, an army source said on Monday.
African elephant survival tops agenda at Botswana talks
African ministers and experts meet next week in Botswana to chart ways to stamp out a spike in elephant killings fuelled by a growing demand for ivory in Asia.
US drone strike kills two in NW Pakistan
A US drone strike targeting a militant compound killed at least two suspected insurgents in a restive Pakistani tribal region near the Afghan border on Friday, officials said.
