Obama to Republicans: raise taxes on rich or no deal US President Barack Obama warned Republicans Tuesday there would be no deal on averting a potentially disastrous fiscal crisis without them caving in to his demand to raise tax rates on the rich.
05 December 2012
Israel PM heads to Berlin as settlement row grows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due in Berlin on Wednesday for talks likely to focus on the growing crisis over settlement plans that could torpedo the viability of a Palestinian state.
05 December 2012
Hollywood sign unveiled after major makeover The refurbished Hollywood sign was presented in all its freshly painted glory Tuesday after its biggest makeover in 35 years, in time for 90th birthday celebrations next year.
05 December 2012
Thais pack Bangkok for king's birthday celebration Tens of thousands of Thais crowded central Bangkok on Wednesday for a rare address by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, as part of celebrations for his 85th birthday.
05 December 2012
N. Korea completes installing rocket: report North Korea has completed installing a long-range rocket on its launch pad, ahead of its planned launch this month in defiance of widespread international condemnation.
05 December 2012
NASA to send new rover to Mars in 2020 NASA plans to send a new rover to Mars in 2020 as it prepares for a manned mission to the Red Planet, the US space agency said Tuesday.
05 December 2012
HSBC to sell stake in China insurer Ping An for $9.4 bn Britain's HSBC said Wednesday it would sell its stake in China's second largest life insurer Ping An for $9.4 billion, as it looks to shift its focus back towards its traditional banking business.
05 December 2012
No-hoper steals S. Korean presidential debate A far-left candidate polling at around one percent in South Korea's presidential candidate stole the campaign's first TV debate with a scathing attack on conservative front-runner Park Geun-Hye.
05 December 2012
Japan eyes reduced emission cut target: official Japan may backpedal on its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, an official said Wednesday, dealing a further blow to already deadlocked global warming talks in Doha.
05 December 2012
US goes gaga over Britain's royal baby-to-be News that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Prince William and wife Kate, are having a baby lifted Americans' fascination with the British royal family to new heights on Tuesday.
05 December 2012
115 killed in Philippines typhoon The death toll from a powerful typhoon that struck the Philippines has risen to 115, as confirmation of more victims filtered in from isolated areas.
Greece launches bond buyback programme Greece's PDMA national debt agency said on Monday it had begun a voluntary buyback of the country's bonds at heavily discounted prices, a condition for receiving its latest instalment of EU-IMF bailout funds.
05 December 2012
India warns Maldives over airport deal rowIndia warned its neighbour the Maldives on Monday that it might freeze annual aid worth $25 million amid anger over an attempt to kick out the Indian firm managing the main airport in the country.