US stands firm against arming Syrian rebels
The US is stepping up support for the Syrian rebels but, despite the failure of UN envoy Kofi Annan's mission, is sticking to its refusal to pour arms into a complex conflict.
Suit says Zynga copied 'Sims Social' game
US videogames giant Electronic Arts said Friday it had filed suit claiming Zynga's game "The Ville" illegally copied the life simulator "The Sims Social."
UN body sends first food aid to flood-hit N. Koreans
The World Food Programme has said it is sending a first shipment of emergency food aid to flood-hit areas of North Korea, where torrential rain has killed scores of people and inundated cropland.
South Africa marks 50 years of Mandela's arrest
South Africa will unveil its latest monument to Nelson Mandela on Saturday, a new statue along a rural highway to mark the spot where he was arrested 50 years ago for his struggle against white rule.
'This is war': Iran feels impact of sanctions
Iran is being hit by a "war" on its economy, according to officials facing tightened US sanctions and renewed Israeli threats of imminent military action over Tehran's nuclear activities.
Violence rages in Aleppo, Damascus: NGO
At least 13 people were killed across Syria on Saturday as fierce fighting raged in Aleppo and Damascus, the country's two biggest cities.
N. Korean leader's wife 'charming', says sushi chef
A Japanese sushi chef who served the late Kim Jong-Il and his family for 13 years said he recently met the new N. Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and his wife, whom he described as "pretty and charming".
PHOTO: Kazakh Ilyin wins men's under-94kg weightlifting gold at Olypmics
Kazakhstan's Ilya Ilyin set two new world records as he stormed to Olympic under-94kg men's weightlifting gold at the ExCel Arena on Saturday.
Heineken to buy maker of Tiger beer for $4.1 billion
Dutch brewer Heineken said Friday it has reached a deal to buy the Asian brewing group that makes Tiger beer for $4.1 billion, as it seeks to bolster its presence in the fast-growing region.
Commodity prices mostly fall on lack of stimulus measures
Global commodity markets mainly fell in subdued trade this week as investors expressed disappointment at the lack of central bank action to kick-start the struggling global economy.
US economy creates 163,000 jobs, helping Obama
The US economy created a solid 163,000 jobs in July, helping President Barack Obama dull Republican attacks despite a slight uptick in the jobless rate.
Olympics: Kazakhstan's Podobedova wins women's 75kg gold
Kazakhstan's Svetlana Podobedova lifted the total of 291kg. 4 Olympic gold medals is a record for Kazakhstan.
Blame game after Annan quits as Syria envoy
World powers traded blame on Friday after Kofi Annan quit as international peace envoy to Syria, complaining that his initiative to end the bloodshed there never received the support it deserved.
Jail for Hong Kongers after huge Australia cocaine bust
Two men from Hong Kong were on Friday handed lengthy jail terms in Australia after importing Aus$173 million (US$181 million) of cocaine hidden in lawnmowers.
Judge scolds Samsung, lets patent trial proceed
The judge in a massive smartphone patent dispute reprimanded Samsung Friday for releasing excluded evidence but denied a bid by Apple to order a verdict in the case.
Gays target US fast-food chain with 'kiss-in'
Gays and lesbians puckered up at "kiss-ins" outside Chick-fil-A outlets across the United States in protest over the fast-food chain's opposition to same-sex marriage.
Investigations of Shell's Nigeria spills a 'fiasco': Amnesty
Rights group Amnesty International said Friday investigations into Shell oil spills in Nigeria were a "fiasco," alleging the company repeatedly blamed sabotage in an effort to avoid responsibility.
World's oldest hippo dies at 62
Donna, believed to be the world's oldest hippo, has died at the age of 62 after living more than two decades beyond the massive mammal's usual life expectancy, zoo officials said.
PHOTO: Kazakhstan's Podobedova wins women's 75kg gold at Olympics
Kazakhstan's Svetlana Podobedova won the Olympic Games women's -75kg weightlifting gold medal on Friday with a total lift of 291kg.
China 'regrets' Syria envoy Annan's resignation
China expressed regret Friday over former UN chief Kofi Annan's resignation as international envoy for Syria and said it would continue to "work for a political resolution" to the conflict.
