One suspected case of SARS-like virus in France, one confirmed
French health authorities said one person was suspected of contracting a deadly new SARS-like virus after coming into contact with a man confirmed to be infected.
Bomb attack in Karachi wounds 12 as voting begins
A bomb blast targeting an election candidate wounded at least 12 people in Pakistan's commercial hub of Karachi as historic elections got underway on Saturday.
Strong Iran quake causes damage, injuries
A strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude hit southern Iran early on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said, with local media reporting of damaged villages and several injuries.
Israel seeking to 'sabotage' peace efforts: Palestinians
The chief Palestinian negotiator has accused the Israeli government of trying to "sabotage" US moves to rekindle peace talks by signing off on plans for nearly 300 new settler homes near Ramallah.
'Political, not military' solutions needed in Mideast: Hagel
The problems that plague the Middle East, including Iran's nuclear ambitions and Syria's civil war, require "political, not military" solutions.
Turkish Airlines reverses lipstick ban for stewardesses
Turkish Airlines has reversed a ban on air hostesses wearing brightly-coloured lipstick following accusations it was trying to Islamise the company under government influence.
Merkel in surprise visit to Afghanistan: spokesman
Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere have arrived in Afghanistan for a surprise visit.
Nigerian Islamists attack town, kill 55: army
Nigerian gunmen on Tuesday launched coordinated attacks on military barracks, a prison and police stations in the northeastern town of Bama, killing 55 people and springing 105 inmates.
Kurdish rebels to begin critical pullout from Turkey
Kurdish rebels are due to begin their much-anticipated withdrawal from Turkey into their stronghold in northern Iraq on Wednesday, a major step towards ending a decades-long conflict that has left tens of thousands dead.
Lebanon 'liberal' for Mideast, but gays still targeted
Lebanon has a reputation as the most liberal country in the conservative Middle East, but even a night on the town for gays can end in arrest and humiliating sexuality "tests".
Two dead, 23 wounded in Pakistan suicide attack: officials
Two people were killed and 23 others wounded Wednesday when a suicide bomber crashed his explosives-packed car into a barrier outside a police station in troubled northwest Pakistan.
DRC named worst place to be mother
The Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday displaced fellow African nation Niger to gain the unenviable distinction of being the worst place in the world to be a mother.
Syrian rebels used sarin gas: UN human rights investigator
Syrian rebels have made use of the deadly nerve agent sarin in their war-torn country's conflict.
SARS-like virus kills two more in Saudi: ministry
A new SARS-like virus has killed two more people in Saudi Arabia, taking the number of deaths from the coronavirus that the kingdom has announced to seven in one week.
Israel warplanes strike near Syria capital
Israeli raids early Sunday hit three military sites outside Damascus, the second such reported attack in 48 hours, prompting Syria's government to warn that the regional situation was now "more dangerous."
Britain mulling payouts for Kenyan Mau Mau victims: report
Britain is negotiating to compensate thousands of Kenyans who claim they were severely mistreated by their colonial rulers during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising.
Libya adopts law barring Kadhafi-era officials
Libya's General National Congress, under pressure from militiamen, on Sunday voted through a controversial law to exclude former regime officials from public posts in a move that could see the premier removed from office.
UN chief urges restraint after Israeli air strikes in Syria
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed Sunday for restraint to avoid an escalation in Syria's civil war, expressing "grave concern" over Israeli air raids.
'Massacre' feared as Syria war comes to port city
Syrian troops Friday bombarded Sunni areas of the Mediterranean city of Banias, a monitoring group said, warning of a new "massacre".
Australia halts cattle exports to Egypt
Australian cattle exporters said they had suspended live shipments to Egypt Saturday after abattoir footage shot by animal rights activists showed "horrific" mistreatment of cows.
