Afghan policewoman shoots dead foreign adviser
A female Afghan police officer on Monday shot dead a foreign civilian adviser in Kabul police headquarters, officials said, in the first "insider" attack to be carried out by a woman.
US lobby issues point-blank 'no' on gun control
The most powerful gun lobby in the United States stood firm Monday against any additional restraints on firearms and ammunition sales -- despite a national outcry in the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre.
Revealed: secrets of ancient Chinese medicinal herb
Scientist in the United States on Sunday offered a molecular-level explanation for how a Chinese herbal medicine used for more than 2,000 years tackles fever and eases malaria.
Japan's new China envoy urges stronger economic ties
Japan's new envoy to China urged stronger economic ties with Beijing in an interview broadcast Monday, after the incoming premier pledged to mend bilateral ties strained by a bitter territorial row.
2012 an 'extraordinary year' for Britain: PM
Prime Minister David Cameron said 2012 has been an "extraordinary year" for Britain in which the country "showed the world what we're made of" with the London Games and Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee.
Christmas misery in Haiti camp, three years after quake
While people around the world celebrate the arrival of Christmas, residents of a refugee camp in Haiti say hunger and want will mark the holiday, like every other day of the year.
Egypt opposition to appeal vote passing new constitution
Egypt's opposition said on Sunday it will appeal a referendum seen as voting in a new constitution backed by ruling Islamists, and vowed to keep up a struggle that has spawned weeks of protests and instability.
Chile volcano alert raised
Chile issued a top-level red alert Sunday for its Copahue volcano, in the south on the Andean border with Argentina, as it rumbled to register a greater potential threat.
Indian PM appeals for calm, vows to protect women
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged calm and vowed to protect women as police on Monday struggled to quell increasing outrage over sex crimes following the gang-rape of a student.
Italy election campaign kicks off as Monti quits
Italy's election campaign kicked off in earnest on Saturday after Prime Minister Mario Monti's resignation opened the way for a contest dominated by a raging debate over austerity in the recession-hit country.
Kazakhstan to work out recommendations for UN
The first meeting of the Coordination Council for national consultations on UN agenda in global development after 2015 was held in Astana.
Obama asked to retaliate over Russia adoption ban
Tens of thousands of petitioners are calling for US President Barack Obama to escalate the diplomatic feud that led Moscow to propose a law barring Americans from adopting Russian children.
Belize PM says debt deal reached with creditors
Belize has reached a deal in principle with creditors to restructure about half of its unpaid debt after "long and arduous" talks, allowing the country to avoid default.
Russia denounces West's 'dangerous' stance on Syria
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday denounced the West's "dangerous" stance in support of Syrian rebels seeking to unseat President Bashar al-Assad.
More than 20,000 missing under Calderon: report
More than 20,000 people have disappeared in Mexico over the past six years of a brutal crackdown on drugs during the government of former president Felipe Calderon.
Shock and sadness as Irish minister found dead
The Irish political world was in shock Saturday after a member of Prime Minister Enda Kenny's government was found dead in circumstances that police said were not suspicious.
British PM under fire over 'pleb' spat
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron was under fire Saturday from friends of a minister who quit over claims he called police officers 'plebs', saying the PM left Andrew Mitchell 'swinging in the wind'.
Judge clears BP's $7.8 bn settlement in US oil spill
British oil giant BP won US court approval Friday of a $7.8 billion settlement with people and businesses who lost money and property due to the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Egyptians vote on controversial draft charter
Egyptians voted on Saturday in the final round of a referendum on a new constitution championed by President Mohamed Morsi and his Islamist allies against fierce protests from the secular-leaning opposition.
Court puts Californian gay conversion ban on hold
A US court put on hold Friday a new Californian law banning a form of therapy designed to change the sexual orientation of minors, pending a further appeal.
