Spurred by Japan, California mulls quake alert system
California has long been braced for the Big One, but now a proposed new early warning system seeks to give the US state's residents vital extra seconds before a major earthquake hits.
China media threatens N. Korea aid cut over atomic test
North Korea's sole major ally China will decrease aid to Pyongyang if it goes ahead with a planned nuclear test, state-run media said in an unusually frank warning on Friday.
US confronts new north Africa crisis
The United States was rocked Thursday by a new crisis spurred by Islamic militants amid a deadly hostage-taking in Algeria, prompting warnings to US interests in north Africa to boost security.
Anxiety mounts over deadly hostage raid in Algeria
Western governments voiced alarm over the fate of dozens of foreigners seized by Islamists at a gas plant in the Algerian desert after several hostages were killed in a dramatic rescue operation.
As Australia bushfires rage, warning of more heatwaves
Firefighters were battling scores of wildfires raging in Australia Saturday, as a government commission warned that climate change had raised the risk of scorching heatwaves becoming more frequent.
'Strong warning' to Assad over chemical arms: Clinton
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday issued a "strong warning" to the regime of Bashar al-Assad over the potential use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people.
Australia readies for first plain pack cigarettes
All cigarettes sold in Australia will be in identical, plain packages from Saturday in a world first after the government overcame legal challenges from the tobacco industry.
Afghan president warns on immunity for foreign troops
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has warned of possible problems ahead over the sensitive issue of immunity from prosecution for any American or NATO soldiers deployed in the country after 2014.
Iran warns against Syrian use of chemical weapons
Iran on Monday added its voice to warnings against Syria ever using chemical weapons in its increasingly large-scale war with anti-government insurgents.
Netanyahu and Abbas make rival UN pitches
The leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority both address the UN on Thursday, one seeking recognition for his state, the other warning of a dire threat to his.
Australia slams 'sick joke' cigarette packs
Australia slammed as a "sick joke" Wednesday new cigarette packs on sale as part of the national phase-in to plain packaging which play on drab branding and claim it's "what's on the inside that counts."
At 9/11 memorial, a plea to remember US troops at war
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Americans not to forget the troops who are fighting and dying in Afghanistan.
Philippines told to brace for more rains
Philippine authorities warned Monday an approaching storm could bring more heavy rain to the capital and surrounding areas that are still reeling from devastating floods that have left 92 dead.
US warns Syria against using chemical weapons
US President Barack Obama has warned Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad it would be a "tragic mistake" to unleash chemical weapons, after Damascus admits it has a stockpile and will use them if attacked.
Anger in China's capital as record rains kill at least 37
Beijing residents reacted angrily on Monday after the worst rains to hit the Chinese capital in more than 60 years left at least 37 people dead, with another seven still missing.
Epidemiologists warn about ticks wakeup in Almaty
State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision Department have warned Almaty city and Almaty oblast citizens about ixodic ticks wakeup.
Nazarbayev suggested to transfer Seismology Institute to MES
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested to transfer the Seismology Institute to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.